Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives

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!

Attention, spice enthusiasts! TORIJIN has turned up the heat with their new Spicy Paitan Ramen. At its heart lies the velvety, umami-packed paitan broth, meticulously crafted from locally sourced mature hens with high bone density. Simmered alongside sweet root vegetables, kombu, and mushrooms, the broth is reduced to perfection, delivering a rich, creamy texture. Served with a housemade spicy paste on the side, every slurp is a fiery burst of flavor that’s sure to thrill your taste buds.

If you’re craving more spicy bites, their Spicy Marinated Tori Karaage and Spicy Boiled Tori Gyoza make excellent accompaniments.

Not a fan of heat? No worries! TORIJIN also serves comforting classics like the fragrant Tori Shoyu Ramen and the zesty Shio Yuzu Ramen, perfect for those who prefer a gentler flavor profile.

So, are you ready to take on the spice or stick to the classics? Either way, TORIJIN’s menu promises a bowl to remember!

As the festive season draws near, Shangri-La Singapore is setting the stage for a memorable holiday with a delectable array of Christmas goodies across their F&B outlets. Available for both dine-in and takeaway, their collection includes everything from elegant roasts to handcrafted pastries, perfect for adding that festive flair to any gathering. Whether you’re planning a cozy family celebration or a larger holiday party, Shangri-La’s treats are designed to make your festivities extra special.

Plus, with their seasonal decor and warm ambiance, dining at Shangri-La Singapore brings the magic of Christmas to life. It’s the perfect way to gather, indulge, and enjoy the festive cheer!

Revolver’s all-new flame-kissed à la carte menu is sure to excite those craving bold, vibrant flavors. Kick things off with small plates like their signature Fresh Delhi Paneer, Burrata Tartlets, or Charred Fennel to awaken your palate. For mains, share a few hearty choices like the Hamachi Collar, Whole Baby Chicken, or Spice-Rubbed Cauliflower—each dish brings a unique twist that’s made to be savored.

Their flatbread lineup now features seven toppings, from chickpeas to butter chicken and Mysore pulled lamb, making it hard to choose just one. And for dessert, interesting pairings like Dark Chocolate with Chilli Mousse offer a rich and satisfying finish to your meal.

If you’re working in the CBD, check out the lunch specials at The Salted Plum! My favorite Burnt Chili Chicken now comes as a rice bowl with an onsen egg for added indulgence. And if you’re a fan of lu rou, their Braised Pork Rice is a must-try. Perfect for a satisfying midday treat. End your meal with the red tea jelly too!

A surge of Nanyang-themed restaurants and cafes has been popping up across the island, and I’m thrilled to share that two have recently opened in Tampines! One of them, Nan Yang Dao, opened just over a week ago and is quickly expanding throughout Singapore. I’ve visited their now-closed Serangoon outlet a few times, and their menu features a fantastic variety of dishes for any meal occasion.

My mum tried the signature Penang Fried Kway Teow, and it was cooked to perfection with a lovely wok hei. Pro tip: ask the kitchen staff to add a bit more chili during the frying for that extra kick! I went for the Dry Curry Mee, which, although I didn’t manage to snap a photo since the staff initially got my order wrong, was truly comforting and flavorful. We also took home some Puff Pastry Egg Tarts for a delightful tea-time treat!

Just a short hop from its original spot, Big Fish Small Fish has reopened at Century Square with a fresh new look! This casual dining spot offers a variety of tasty dishes, and I usually go for their battered dory sandwich, served on a brioche bun with sides of crisps and salad. This time, I added a sunny-side-up egg for that extra indulgence. The wifey opted for the signature battered dory with shiitake mushroom aglio olio. Both were as satisfying as ever!

Your favorite Thai spot from Golden Mile Complex has a new home and name at Aperia Mall: Im-Em Thai Kitchen. While the look may be new, the food remains just as flavorful! If it’s your first visit, start with the must-try classics like Tom Yum Seafood, Garlic Pork, Minced Meat Omelette, Shrimp Cake, and Steamed Fish. Authentic Thai flavors in every bite, just like before!

Singapore’s obsession with Hainanese food has sparked the rise of various Hainanese café concepts across the island. Leading the charge is The Hainan Story, which just opened a new outlet at bustling Tampines Mall. While I’m a fan of their gula melaka kaya butter toast and curry rice, their modern Hainanese western fare is worth a try too! The standout? Hae Bee Hiam Spaghetti with an onsen egg and grilled chicken chop. The spicy hae bee hiam adds a delicious umami kick that you won’t want to miss!

For a limited time, Paradise Dynasty is offering three new dishes, including the Chongqing Beef with Sour Broth—a spicy-tangy broth filled with enoki mushrooms, celtuce, and tender beef slices. It’s perfect for sharing with friends and pairs wonderfully with a bowl of rice. And of course, you can’t visit Paradise Dynasty without trying their famous xiao long bao—they’re called the “Legend of Xiao Long Bao” for a reason! Don’t miss out!

Raffles Courtyard’s final regional hawker showcase of the year features Gudeng, a slow-cooked young jackfruit stew from Bandung, Indonesia. From 2 to 8 October, Mr. Jeffrey Hie will be serving this specialty. The mildly sweet Gudeng, simmered for hours with over 25 spices, is served with jasmine rice, boiled egg, beef skin puffs, tofu, and a braised-then-fried chicken that takes 2 days to prepare. A true Javanese delicacy you won’t want to miss!

1. Kaya Butter Toast: Crispy toasted bread with cold butter slabs and a generous spread of homemade kaya—worth the trip alone!

2. Hokkien Mee: Bursting with wok hei, this slurp-worthy, wetter version of Hokkien mee is a quick crowd-pleaser.

3. Braised Bee Hoon: A new favorite, packed with flavors and perfectly paired with fried egg and luncheon meat.