Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives

After all the indulgent CNY feasting, we were craving something different and stumbled upon Masala Tandoor for dinner. Is it just me, or does the East Coast/Marine Parade area have a surprising number of Indian restaurants? With barely any social media buzz, we relied on Google Reviews to decide, and it turned out to be a great find.

We started with the Amritsari Fish, boneless nuggets battered with a medley of spices, before moving on to sharing plates of Aloo Gobi and Butter Chicken, paired with Chicken Dum Biryani and Chicken Tikka Biryani. And of course, no Indian meal is complete without freshly baked Garlic Naan, perfect for mopping up all that rich, flavorful gravy.

From the famed Michelin-starred Chef Chen Kentaro of Shisen Hanten comes Chen’s Kitchen, a casual family-dining concept blending Japanese techniques with rich Szechuan flavours.

The spotlight is on mapo tofu, available in four unique variations: Black, featuring A5 Kagoshima wagyu chuck rib; White, made with prawns and scallops; Jade, a plant-based option with minced meat; and Red, a classic with savoury minced pork and fermented broad bean paste. Pair these with rice for the ultimate comfort food experience.

The tze char menu showcases innovative takes on traditional dishes like the XXL Szechwan La Zi Ji, featuring crispy karaage, and the Poached Fish Fillet in Golden Broth, made with Japanese pumpkin for a creamy, slightly spicy twist.

For carb lovers, the Szechwan Spiced Chahan with Sakura Shrimp is a must-try, and from now till 2 February, diners can enjoy unlimited servings with any order of meat, seafood, or mapo tofu. Don’t miss this bold new dining spot!

Bashu Sichuan Cuisine, my go-to spot in Bedok, has opened a new outlet at Plaza Singapura! Though the menu is slightly condensed to focus on quick stir-fries for faster service, the food remains consistently excellent.

Our favorites, like the mapo tofu, spicy popcorn chicken, and fried cabbage, are just as satisfying—perfect for a quick and flavorful Sichuan fix in town.

For date nights or laid-back evenings, Baia offers stunning panoramic views of the city skyline and Marina Bay, paired with expertly crafted cocktails by Proof & Co. For those avoiding alcohol, 0% proof cocktails ensure everyone feels included.

The food menu complements the drinks, featuring highlights like Hokkaido scallops, charcuterie, and cheese. For heartier options, indulge in their selection of pizzas and charcoal-grilled dishes. A perfect spot to unwind with great food, drinks, and views.

One Prawn & Co has opened its doors at New Bahru, Singapore’s newest lifestyle hotspot, bringing a Modern Asian seafood grill concept. The lunch menu features a curated selection of bites, snacks, and mains.

We kicked off with Thai Caramelised Spiced Nuts, infused with subtle tom yum flavors, followed by the delightful Prawn Toast and smoky Burnt Ends (smoked beef brisket). The salted egg fish skin, a national favorite, kept us munching throughout.

For mains, the Holy Haddock! Burger had potential but was let down by a dry bun. The standout dish was the Prawn Broth Ramen, inspired by their popular prawn noodle from Zhup Zhup. The broth is now thickened to a ramen-like consistency, served with crispy pork belly, smoked beef brisket, or a jumbo tiger prawn. Perfect for a hearty meal!

Duo Galleria’s new wine bar and bistro offers a unique pairing of Asian wines with inventive modern Asian cuisine.

The menu features familiar flavors reimagined, such as Pig’s Tail and Grilled Sumi Ika, the latter stuffed with glutinous rice and paired with a kecap salsa sauce. A standout dish is the Assam Grilled Pork Ribs, tender and fall-off-the-bone, glazed with a tangy assam kecap manis. Its side of beancurd cleverly pays homage to classic rojak.

Perfect for wine enthusiasts seeking bold Asian flavors with their glass of red or white.

After months of renovation, Shisen Hanten by Chen Kentaro reopens with refreshed interiors, captivating artwork, and an updated menu, cementing its place as Singapore’s top destination for Chūka Szechwan Ryori cuisine.

Menu highlights include the Steamed Kinmedai with Szechwan suan la sauce and Japanese yuba, alongside the seasonal Monkfish Liver Xiao Long Bao, a modern dim sum delight. The iconic mapo tofu is now available in its classic version or upgraded with wagyu beef tendon, both paired with premium Hokkaido rice.

Don’t miss the Foie Gras Chawanmushi with crab roe sauce or the Szechwan-style Stir-fried Hokkaido Mangalica Pork with aromatic Japanese garlic shoots—perfect with bowls of fluffy rice to complete the flavorful experience.

Award-winning Chef Sean Connolly debuts his bold bar and grill concept at QT Singapore, spotlighting premium ingredients and flame-grilled perfection.

My choice of main is the Scotch Fillet, a 350g O’Conner black angus from Victoria, Australia, best enjoyed medium-rare with a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance its natural beefiness. Complement your steak with generous sides like crispy Duck Fat Potatoes, indulgent Honeycomb Mac and Cheese, or smoky Charred Broccolini.

Kick off your meal with the tableside-prepared Steak Tartare, dressed in a tangy sauce that elevates this classic starter. Finish on a high note with irresistible desserts like warm, buttery Madeleines or the refreshing Strawberry Romanoff, served with brandy yogurt gelato and fresh strawberries.

SHAO brings a refreshing take on Teochew classics, and their Signature BBQ Roe Crab is a must-try. Freshly delivered crabs are steamed and grilled to perfection, locking in natural flavors and ensuring every bite is packed with rich crab roe.

Designed for sharing, the communal-style dishes make it perfect for group dining. Highlights include the Pan-Fried Shrimp Pancake, a kid-friendly favorite, and the comforting Teochew Beef Ball Soup with its distinct garlicky aroma. Pair a bowl of rice with flavorful dishes like the Grilled Pork Jowl and Stir-Fried Qinglong Cai for a satisfying meal.

Celebrate the Lunar New Year with Carlton Hotel Singapore’s Wah Lok Cantonese Restaurant, offering over eight set menus and an array of à la carte options for your festive gatherings.

Kick off your meal with their signature Soon De Yu Sheng, featuring thick cuts of Hamachi and a tangy-savoury dressing, perfect as a refreshing palate opener. Indulge in highlights like the Braised Bird’s Nest in Carrot Soup and the Steamed Soon Hock with Tangerine Peel, which adds a zesty twist to complement the fresh flavors of the fish. The Smoked Tea Chicken is a showstopper with its aromatic fragrance and tender meat, a feast for the senses.

For a luxurious takeaway, the Opulent Treasure Pot is packed with delicacies, including abalone and braised pork belly, perfect for an indulgent reunion meal at home. Make your celebrations memorable with Wah Lok’s exceptional festive offerings!

Ring in the Lunar New Year with Man Fu Yuan’s exquisite festive creations. Stealing the spotlight is the 60-inch Blazing Snake Fortune Yu Sheng, shaped into the Chinese character “福” (fortune) and adorned with premium seafood like abalone, rock lobster, and salmon sashimi for an auspicious start.

Other must-tries include the indulgent Braised Spinach Seafood Bisque with Fish Maw, the flavorful Salt-Baked Chicken in Dong Jiang Style, and luxurious set menu options such as Braised South African 6-Head Abalone and Braised Rock Lobster with Golden Crispy Rice.

Complete the celebration with takeaway delights like the Baked Purple Sweet Potato Nian Gao Tart and Prosperity Pineapple Balls, perfect for sharing or gifting. Celebrate reunions in style with Man Fu Yuan’s festive offerings!

Nestled in the iconic Victoria Theatre & Concert Hall, Brasserie Astoria’s newly revamped menu takes brasserie classics and elevates them with bold flavors and creative flair.

Start with the Seafood Pepperonata, a hearty stew featuring seared Hokkaido scallops, Argentinian red prawns, and galangal aioli—a delightful prelude to the mains. Many will love the Seared Cabbage, paired with sweet onion purée and a fermented mushroom gastrique for a bold and unexpected flavor.

For mains, the Astoria Fried Chicken is a standout, marinated in buttermilk and spices before being deep-fried to crispy perfection. Served with mac and cheese, house pickles, and a signature hot sauce, it’s a comforting yet sophisticated dish. Seafood lovers, don’t miss the Seared Cod Fish, perfectly paired with a flavorful fermented fennel sauce.

End on a sweet note with the Peach Tea Soft Serve, topped with wild strawberry compote and almonds, or the decadent Glazed Pecan Tart served with coffee ice cream.

Fancy a drink? Explore their Aurora Borealis bar concept, available Thursday to Sunday evenings, where inventive cocktails meet a multisensory experience.

Brasserie Astoria is truly where tradition meets creativity—every bite and sip is a journey to remember!