Being the first overseas outlet in Singapore that just opened a few weeks back, I was definitely curious about what Honbo had to offer apart from their colour-coordinating decor and the prominent juke box.
Of course, the HONBO 1.5 (S$23.00) did not disappoint at all as a gourmet burger, with three pieces of thin (they called it crispy) beef patties layering two seductively melted cheese, some pickles, onion and house sauce. The bun held pretty well despite its softness, and those crispy patties were still packed with sufficient juice that we probably would not find in fast food joints. They had the “less meat” versions, but why settle for less when you could have this already? Interestingly, some drops of their special Hot Sauce introduced the acidity that was much needed to mallow the greasiness of the burger, which was helpful at the second half of the game.
And I sure did enjoy those Tater Tots (S$4.90) with the Garlic Chili dip (S$2.00), which had a punch of spices and smoky flavours as well.
The Lamb Kut Teh (S$32.00) was a modern twist of our locally-familiar Bak Kut Teh. This lamb version, however, might also remind others of Sup Kambing, just that this was on the peppery side.
The Kongsee was also going for a communal dining concept with sharing plate dishes, and this was one of them. But if the table had anyone who was selective towards lamb, likely due to fear of gaminess, then those who didn’t mind would be able to have this dish all to themselves.
And if a little char on the protein would appeal to you, they had also torched the protein before plating them atop the soup, so the meat would have both touches of crisp and juiciness altogether.
Owing to my first knowledge of MoonGlow Cafe & Winebar at ArtBox Singapore 2023, I decided to check out their business at Stanley Street.
Being an enclave that sells many less seen Australian labels of wine and spirits, I realised that I was intrigued with the array of bottles on their display shelves.
The owner shared that they were ending a promotion of S$5.00 for a Neat Spirits Mulberry Gin & Tonic, and from the following week onwards at S$8.00 per glass. I enjoyed this as though someone had spiked my Ribena, but who would not like a fruity mix that did not taste like artificial chemicals?
Honestly, though the environment was quiet for a weekend evening, I thought this place stood out as one that carried a different range of alcohol, and they did taste awesome as well.
Though the Signature Pork Knuckle (S$42.00) seemed like the perfect item to redeem as a Burpple Beyond 1-for-1 deal, it was probably more enjoyable as a sharing dish because of its richness.
Just imagine a perfectly-roasted hind-leg pork knuckle that packed both crispy crackling and tender meat that was complete with a good serving of sauerkraut, potato salad and a beer gravy by the side…… aren’t you feeling hungry already?
Just be prepared, as of most meat dishes, there would be quite some chewing to do.
#BurppleEatup
#BurppleBeyond
Better known as the Pork Knuckle Burger, this S$21.00 comprised a juicy cut of roasted pork knuckle skin-on and sandwiched by a malt bun. With the crispy pork crackling, it was a beautiful contrast to the juicy pork meat, and all that made sense with the malt bun because the latter was definitely dry (and a tad dense too).
It also came with a portion of fries with seasoning. And their beer, though not included, should not be made optional.
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#BurppleBeyond
As the name suggested, the Rosti Benedict (S$20.00) resembled an Eggs Benedict, but with a replacement of the English muffins (or some places used toast) to a considerably thick piece of pan-fried shredded potatoes.
For someone who was self-proclaimed to be particular about potato dishes, I was quite impressed by the crispiness of the rosti’s exterior, because it did not turn soggy after cooled down. Though the sauce might seemed to have split a little, I would say that this brunch item, which would be available during weekends only, would still win the hearts of potato lovers.
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#BurppleBeyond
And so when I was told that Fang Patisserie would refresh their cake menu periodically, one of the flavours that I wish they would not change would be Summer (S$8.50).
As with their other cakes with tropical fruit elements that were nice, this one was much pleasing with a light yogurt mousse filling and a pineapple curd and compote centre. The flavour kind of resembled a yogurt drink, but most importantly I would be very willing to have another bite from start to end.
#BurppleEatup
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I thought I made quite a large amount of spending at their booth at the Artbox Singapore 2023 media preview event, because their alcoholic range was much enjoyable, with gin and wine from Australia.
The NEAT spirits range was quite exclusive as I had not come across this brand until this event. Though they would also have other gin flavours redeemable with Burpple Beyond, I still went for the Mulberry Gin & Tonic (S$14.00) because of the strong notes of berries it entailed. So much for the impression of having an alcoholic version of Ribena, methinks.
And for those who would also enjoy a tease of flavours, their Bakkwa Whisky shot (S$18.00) would really surprise you as if they somewhat liquefied the sliced pork.
The low-calorie gelato from Goodlato was quite amazing considering that the creaminess was reduced for a healthier dessert, but it also turned out that the gelato was still relatively a good treat.
Among the many flavours that were available, I was most impressed with their Ube gelato (S$5.70), as I was able to identify the slight graininess coming from the root vegetable most likely. It was inevitable that the frozen dessert would melt quicker because of the lack of cream, but on the whole the gelato still held well until the last bite.
At an additional S$1.00, the store also offered ice cream cones instead of the usual paper cups. But I must comment that the Ube flavour probably did not go as nicely with wafer cones as compared to their Caramel Butter Crumble. Whichever the case, I would still come back for their Ube gelato when I would appear at the vicinity.
#BurppleEatup
#BurppleBeyond
The Black Cold Brew (S$5.50) was poured directly from a re-purposed milk carton into a cup of ice. While the beans used by Yeast Side did not yield astringent coffee, I was quite glad that the ice cubes did not further dilute the drink, if not I might be drinking coffee water already.
Many might question why a circular croissant or “croll”, or in Yeast Side’s case — swirl — would cost S$10.00 per piece.
In my opinion, the Vanilla Pistachio Swirl was just very nicely executed, with a “ thousand layer” buttery croissant pastry in the shape of a wheel, and with pistachio vanilla custard filling inside and some fancy rose petals on the surface. Just all that nutty goodness and the texture from the exterior made my tea break feel so upscale.
Over at their pastry section, Tanamera Coffee launched their Chinese New Year cakes and bakes to usher in the Year of the Rabbit.
The Orange Chocolate Tart (S$6.80) had a layer of milk chocolate filling, orange custard and dark chocolate ganache contained in a cookie tart shell. Perhaps it might be the orange essence in the custard that created a bitter and slightly unpleasant aftertaste to the dessert.
The Salted Egg & Chicken Floss Scone (S$4.80) might just be a very bold item that was savoury with salted egg fragrance and topped with chicken floss. I’d guess with the savoury ingredients and dry texture of the scone, naturally it should be paired with something creamy to make it delicious.
Probably the best creation was the Pineapple Crumble Cake (S$5.80), which was like a deconstructed pineapple tart incorporated into a layered sponge cake. The pineapple jam was, thankfully, not too sweet, so hopefully the calories of this was not too much as well.
