Hifumi Japanese Restaurant

Hifumi Japanese Restaurant is a casual Japanese restaurant that gives you the most out of your dollar with its combination of main meal plus free flow of sides. If you like variety, but unable to eat too much, this is a perfect Japanese restaurant located at Marina Square to check out.

One of our favorite main dishes is the sukiyaki hot pot with beef. With a free flow sides of steam egg, sweet potato fries, tamago, and cooked vegetables, it is no wonder that Hifumi is usually quite packed especially over the weekends.

Hifumi Japanese Restaurant
Marina Square
Unit 02-106A/106B
Tel: 6337 4721
Nearest MRT: Esplanade

Curious Palette Cafe

Curious Palette initially caught my attention not just by the name of the cafe, but the fact that it had an Australian laid back vibe that I enjoy very much. Not overly industrial in design, more clean cut, natural design concept is certainly more enjoyable for a cup of coffee and a meal.

I liked Curious Palette so much that I have been to this place 3 times during brunch and dinner and brought different groups of friends, all enjoying the location, the ambiance, and the food. I enjoyed the meals as it was crafted differently from most cafes. The beef cheek stew was a favorite without being overpoweringly strong. The sweet potato fries and spam fries was also delicious, and one is just not enough. The Ricotta pancake was on the dry side, even though the presentation was Instagram friendly.

Certainly a cafe to return time again, especially during lazy afternoons, where you can sip a coffee and read a book.

Curious Palette
64 Prinsep Street
Singapore 188667
Tel: 6238 1068
Nearest MRT: Dhoby Ghaut

Koo Kee Yong Tofu

With Chinatown just a ten minute walk from the office called for a quite a number of trips either to Chinatown Point or to Chinatown Food Street. I particular like what they have done to close of the street and convert it to a sheltered Food Street. Though I doubt the authenticity of the food served, and if it was really good, this one little shop Koo Kee that sellings Yong Tofu stood out for me.

Especially after an almost non-sheltered walk to Chinatown, being able to enjoy some air-con is a welcome relief. Koo Kee, though with a small shop front was definitely very inviting as it looked so clean. I found out from a colleague that the brand has been around for very long time and yes, it was a must to try out how good the food is. 

I use to enjoy Yong Tofu, but after tasting how fresh it can be when you buy from the markets, I was put off by Yong Tofu stalls in the food courts. How fresh the Yong Tofu is, is determined by the freshness of the tofu. With Koo Kee, you can be almost certain that they made the Yong Tofu themselves, which is served with their speciality noodles topped with mince pork, which in itself is fantastic, the noodles being springy and al dente. Another dish we had was the steamed mince pork. Though I was not a lover of this dish, I thought for what it is worth, it was definitely very well prepared and executed, a kind of meal that you would want to return home to. 

I liked Koo Kee so much that I returned for another round within the week. I do hope to see more of such branches across the island, authentic good food, simple menu, traditions that you hope that would last for generations to come.

Koo Kee Restaurant 

21 Smith Street

Singapore 058935

Opening Hours: 

Mon-Thur 10:30am - 10:30pm

Fri-Sun 10am - 11pm

MRT: Chinatown

Putien Chinese Restaurant

Before Putien, most of us Singaporeans would turn to Crystal Jade, Imperial Treasure, or Din Tai Fung for a hearty meal of Chinese cuisine. However, now that Putien offers fine and reasonably priced dishes that places itself in the same rank as the above-mentioned restaurants, it is my to-go choice when going Chinese. I have been to the Putien outlets at Marina Square, Parkway Parade, and Raffles City Shopping Centre, and I must say I prefer the one at Raffles City Shopping Centre the most, with the upbeat decor and comfortable, and relatively private conversations you can have without having to shout over another.  

There are several usual dishes which I would have when dining at Putien. The ultimate highlight for me would be the Putien Lor Mee, which is a broth with noodles and seafood. Coming a close second is the Fried Heng Hwa Bee Hoon, which has been hoon so fine and delicious that you will definitely ask for seconds.

Other favorites are Stir Fried Yam that's fried crispy sweet on the outside and soft and most on the inside. Another dish I would also usually have would be the Homemade Bean Curd, such a simple and common dish, but with tofu fried and silken that you would definitely be thrilled at how it just slides and melts in your mouth.

I think Putien as a winning formula of hearty and relatively healthy food that keep you coming back for more. I hope it is here to stay and with more outlets in time to come.

Putien
Raffles City Shopping Centre #02-18
Tel: +65-6336 2184

Parkway Parade #02-13
Tel: +65-6345 6358

Marine Square #02-205
Tel: +65-6336 4068

Manna Korean Restaurant

Manna Korean Restaurant at Telok Ayer Street first started in Singapore before the Korean wave, tried and tested, it maintains its position as one of the finer Korean restaurants in Singapore.

I particularly like the warm wood open concept setting at Manna, with private rooms available for corporate dining. This is so much different from some of the recent Korean restaurants that I have been that have either bee dimly lit or look completely utilitarian (passing off as sleek).

When the Korean starters came, we knew we were in for a treat, with the juiciness of the bean sprouts to the black beans (though a tad hard). 

We ordered the pork casserole, which is basically spicy soup with tofu, leek, cabbage, and pork. Initially when the dish came, I was doubtful that it would taste nice as it all watery with a sprinkling of chili powder. However I was mistaken, as the dish needed to be boiled for a while, tasting even better towards the end of the meal. A definite hearty meal that could be the alternative to the usual kimchi soup.

Another dish we ordered was the Korean chive pancake. This is probably one of the better ones I have eaten, arriving to us nice and crispy on the outside, and slightly chewing on the inside. With a generous serving of chives, as it should be, it made having the pancake quite a healthy affair. 

All in all we only had 2 dishes, which ore than sufficiently fed the four of us. A definite hearty meal that I am happy to repeat again in the future.

Manna Korean Restaurant
101 Telok Ayer Street
Telephone: +65-6227 7425
MRT: Telok Ayer MRT

Opening Hours: 11am-2.30pm,5.30pm-10.30pm

Symmetry cafe with a retro vibe

When I was given a list of cafes to try, I chose Symmetry because of the close proximity to Bugis Junction. Located about a 10 minute walk away from Bugis MRT, journeying to Symmetry is like taking a step back into historic Singapore lined with shop houses and quaint eateries. And it has almost become a norm in Singapore to go for brunch on a Saturday, so be sure to book if you are.

Because Symmetry cafe is so tiny, they allow only a 2 hour slot before you are asked to leave (which we were not informed right at the start). Given there were 9 of us, and the $300+ bill we rang up, I thought they would have at least given us the free flow of time. The other peeve I had was their automated reminder call that kept buzzing me, which initially was a delight, after that became a tad annoying. I asked a friend what did she most remember from Symmetry, and all she said was Truffle Fries and the bill, which on receiving the bill, it was indeed right. The cost of a breakfast meal is around $20+ onwards, same as what you would have paid for a proper lunch/dinner elsewhere with no time restriction.

However, I must say that some of the food items on the menu was pretty interesting. I have made it a point to always try something I cannot or will not cook at home, and this time, it was Seafood Frittata, which is a lovely pan fried egg omelette with salmon and prawns, topped with a generous serving of smoked salmon and avocado. I also tried their waffles and coffee which to me was fairly decent. I must say I like the food here very much, they are generous with their ingredients, which is why the hefty price tag. Symmetry cafe though tiny, gives a retro upbeat vibe, so don't expect to have a cozy conversation here, and especially over the weekends.

Would I come back, likely not, given the influx of cafes, I am more inclined to make my rounds before coming back to Symmetry. But of course, every cafe, including this is definitely worth a visit that you won't regret, as food is reasonably good, and worth the calories.

Symmetry
9 Jalan Kubor #01-01 Singapore 199206
Tel: +65 6291 9901
Email: info@symmetry.com.sg
MRT: Bugis MRT

Opening Hours:
Mon 10.30am - 9pm
Tues-Thurs 10.30am - 11pm
Fri 10.30am - 12am
Sat 9am - 12am
Sun 9am - 7pm

6oz Espresso Bar

Before I started working at Cecil Street, a friend who loves her coffee made mention of 6oz Espresso Bar located at Tokyo Marine building, 20 McCallum Street.

It was not until months later that I got to sample their cappuccino and latte, and I must say its a perfect blend of coffee with no acidic or bitter aftertaste. And it was another few more months later that I started trying out their sandwiches, at the encouragement of a colleague. Their sandwiches are a little pricey for me starting from around $7, especially when you can have a meal at the nearby Amoy Street Food Centre at $4. However, with Amoy Street Food Centre being closed for renovations recently, many of us have no choice but to sample new foods.

I must say I have tried 3 different sandwiches since at the 6oz Espresso Bar, and loving it just because their breads are unique and crusty, with a generous topping of fresh ingredients ranging from Cajun Chicken, Smoked Duck, and Tuna. They have a lunch special of sandwich + coffee at $11, of which has become the average price for Lunch Specials around Raffles Place/ Tanjong Pagar area. As it is located right under Tokyo Marine building, its tiny, alfresco seating is somewhat cozy, and a respite from the bustling crowds at Raffles Place.

6oz Espress Bar
Tokyo Marine Centre
20 McCallum Street
Tel: +65 6509 6602
MRT: Telok Ayer MRT

Opening Hours: 7.30am - 6pm (Mon-Fri)

Cheapest Japanese buffet in Singapore

Chiso Zanmai at The Central is probably the cheapest Japanese buffet you can find in Singapore. For $20 you can get yourself an endless supply of Japanese food, how cool is that. Of course the only expensive item is probably the sashimi - of which the only item available is salmon. What's unique is the inclusion of hot pot shabu shabu as well as the Japanese oden consisting of different types of fish cake boiled in broth. I would say having a meal here is definitely a hearty one, though you are not going to get expensive food items, you will still be rather happy with all the homely food available. I would certainly also come back to this place with its large open concept great for big groups dining together, and the reasonable pricing makes this restaurant definitely very appealing for a return visit. 

Chiso Zanmai

The Central

6 Eu Tong Sen Street, #02-17

Tel: +65 6221 3177

MRT: Clark Quay

Uncle Sams Claypots probably the best claypot rice in Singapore

There is no place that does claypot chicken rice quite like Uncle Sams Claypots. It still maintains its standard despite creeping pricing through the years. Everyone at Raffles Place knows Uncle Sams, and even after so many years, it continues to draw a full house during the lunch hour. What impressed me most is their staff, though not the youngest you would expect in the service industry, they are so efficient and carry a cheery smile when you come in. It's rare to see such staff and hats off for great management.

The claypot chicken rice remains moist and flavorful with salty fish bites. Scrap off the rice along the claypot for burnt rice, just like what you would enjoy in clapot rice. Request for sambal chilli for the extra kick that complete the meal.

Uncle Sams Claypots is a perfect place to bring an overseas guest or someone who does not frequent Raffles Place to taste authentic local food, it's almost iconic and definitely not found elsewhere in Singapore.

Uncle Sams Claypots
Afro-Asia Building
63 Robinson Road, #01-01
Tel: +65 6221 3098
MRT: Tanjong Pagar

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 3pm

Tiong Bahru Bakery - modern bakery cafe with an old school name

When Tiong Bahru Bakery first opened in Singapore, it gave me an impression of old school cakes, bakery and decor. Who were to know Tiong Bahru Bakery is just a name, and what was on the menu was completely not old school - serving instead coffee, pastries and interesting looking buns. In fact I think cafes like Drips Bakery Cafe and My Awesome Cafe have done a better job of a old school nostalgia mood and food. You do have to give credit to Tiong Bahru Bakery for being a trendsetter, helping to boost the cafe scene and setting a new standard of how a bakery cafe should be like in Singapore.

My friends rave about the croissant, but to me, I thought it was just normal, perhaps because I am not really a fan of croissant. I have tried the famed black Squid Ink salmon burger, which though an interesting black bun concept, it is just a good old salmon sandwich. Coffee was okay and of good standard. Would I deliberately make my way here for food - unlikely so unless I am in the area and there is nothing new to try. I hope Tiong Bahru Bakery will do a revamp and create a new menu that epitomizes Tiong Bahru - cozy, quaint, old school.

Tiong Bahru Bakery
56 Eng Hoon Street #01-70
Sun-Thur 8am-8pm
Fri-Sat 8am-10pm

Tiong Bahru Bakery
Raffles City Shopping Centre
252 North Bridge Road #B1-11
Mon-Sun 8am-10pm

Nam Nam Noodle Bar - Vietnamese goodness in a bite

Nam Nam Noodle Bar is a Vietnamese bistro that suddenly popped up in Singapore and have become increasingly popular that queues during peak meal times is not unusual. I have been to both Raffles City and Wheelock Place outlets and conclude that I prefer the one at Wheelock due to seating arrangement, where it as not as cramped at the one at Raffles City.

It was a Sunday afternoon, an unplanned meet up where we decided on a tiny meal between lunch and dinner. A bowl of hot soup was the request and the only thing I could think about was Nam Nam Noodle Bar. Indeed it was a great choice as there was no queue at the odd 4pm hour. 

I also decided on a mid-afternoon snack which was a side order of beef balls and pork balls. Who said you have to eat something sweet in the afternoon? This is one brilliant snack, one to be repeated soon. I like both beef balls and pork balls, with the beef being more meaty and chewy, and the pork being more smooth and oily in texture. Mix it with an interesting combination of sauces and you are in for a nice delicious treat in the afternoon.

Nam Nam Noodle Bar is not the first Vietnamese bistro to have opened in Singapore, yet it is the one that has created queues. Maybe it is because of the location, the coziness of the dark wood furnishings, or that it is perhaps the tastiest Vietnamese casual meal you can have outside of Vietnam. Though a little more expensive than the average food court price, it is still worth every bite. You are also in for a healthy meal, be it a Vietnamese sandwich or a bowl of beef noodles. 

Nam Nam Noodle Bar

Raffles City Shopping Centre #B1-46

MRT: City Hall

Wheelock Place #B2-02

MRT: Orchard

Suntec City #B1-131

MRT: Promenade

Opening Hours: 10am - 9.30pm

(closed) The Cathay Restaurant comforting dim sum nibbles

Before Tim Ho Wan made an appearance in Singapore, The Cathay Restaurant would be my to go place for reasonably good and decently priced dim sum. My favorite Tim Sum items at The Cathay Restaurant are - siew mai, XO carrot cake, salted egg yolk bun, and egg tart.

I like the way the restaurant is designed with its comfort and space that despite it being full house, it is not noisy. It allows you to have dim sum in relative comfort, a perfect way to spend brunch on a Saturday or Sunday. The spaciousness is great for the kids as well, so they don't get all squirmy being cooped up in a tiny space. 

The Cathay Restaurant is a great place for business lunches and dinners with the tables being spaced relatively far apart. I have also tried dinner here at The Cathay Restaurant and thought it to be quite good as well. 

I think I would still come back here time and again, just because it is not crazy noisy or crowded like what you would experience at Tim Ho Wan or Din Tai Fung, especially on days you just want to kick back and have a leisurely and peaceful meal.

The restaurant has since closed.

The Cathay Restaurant
The Cathay
2 Handy Road #02-01
Singapore 229233
Tel: 6732 7888
Email: reservations@thecathayrestaurant.com.sg
MRT: Dhoby Ghaut

Weekdays and Saturdays
11.30am - 3.00pm, 6.00pm - 11.00pm
Sundays
10.00am - 5.00pm, 6.00pm - 11.00pm