Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives

Craving that ultra-crispy, spice-marinated fried duck you had in Indonesia? You don’t need a plane ticket—just head to Bebek Goreng Pak Ndut! Their secret spice marinade and expert frying technique create the perfect balance of crunchy skin and tender, juicy meat.

But that’s not all—they also serve Ayam Penyet, Ayam Bakar, and must-try sides like Sambal Kangkong and Tahu Telur, making this a go-to spot for authentic Indonesian flavors.

For Valentine’s Day dinner, we kept it casual at Pete’s Place, and honestly, that’s the kind of dining experience we enjoy these days—good, honest cooking done right.

We started with the Calamari Fritti, and it was one of the best we’ve had in a while. Lightly battered and fried to tender perfection, the squid was paired with pickled zucchini, which added a refreshing contrast to the crispy goodness.

For mains, we had the Linguine Vongole, where the clams could have been plumper, but the white wine reduction was beautifully balanced—sweet, savoury, and full of umami. The Diavola Pizza was everything you’d expect—meaty, cheesy, with a chewy, satisfying crust that fills you up fast.

But the star of the night? Pete’s Tiramisu. Served tableside from a tray, the savoiardi biscuits soaked up the espresso and white amaretto, making each bite moist, decadent, and just the right amount of boozy, while the mascarpone added a creamy, luxurious finish.

Definitely a spot worth adding to the list for comforting, well-executed Italian fare.

If there’s one dish that truly stole the show at VUE, it was the Grilled Maine Lobster and their signature Wild Forest Mushroom Risotto.

The lobster was grilled to tender perfection, its natural sweetness elevated by a rich fermented carrot butter sauce—an unexpected yet delightful pairing that added depth and umami. Buttery, flavorful, and melt-in-your-mouth good.

Then there’s the risotto—creamy, earthy, and intensely aromatic. Each spoonful was a luxurious blend of wild mushrooms and perfectly cooked rice, comforting yet indulgent, making it the ultimate pairing with the lobster.

With the stunning rooftop view of the Singapore skyline, these dishes alone make a visit to VUE worth it.

Il Clay Supper Club introduces a unique dual-concept dining experience—serving authentic Neapolitan pizzas by day before transforming into a Mediterranean-inspired supper club by night.

Crafted with a meticulous 48-hour proofing process, the pizzas are baked in a dome-shaped gas oven, ensuring a light, airy crust with the perfect chew. New to the menu is the petite four-slice option, perfect for sharing (or not!). A must-try is the 6 Cheese & Honey, where six premium Italian cheeses melt into a rich, indulgent blend, finished with a drizzle of truffle honey. If you haven’t tried the cheese-and-honey combo on pizza, this is your sign—it’s so good, you won’t even miss the meat or seafood.

By night, Il Clay shifts gears, offering dishes like the Blackened Striploin Steak, featuring premium New Zealand Black Angus and served with a bold red wine sauce, infused with bone marrow, carrots, onion, leek, and celery for deep, complex flavors.

The rivalry over who has the best nasi lemak never seems to end, and honestly, I’m not complaining. As brands strive to outdo each other, we, the consumers, get to enjoy consistently good food.

When it comes to the Chinese-style nasi lemak, this might be controversial, but Ponggol Nasi Lemak is easily one of my favourites. Their perfectly fried anchovies and peanuts may seem like just a side, but when done well, they complete the nasi lemak experience.

Did you know they have an outlet right in the heart of the city at Capitol Piazza? Now you know where you can satisfy your cravings when in City Hall!

Tucked away in Funan Mall, Mingle Bistro is a cozy spot serving up creative Italian-Asian fusion dishes.

For starters, the Sea Salt & Szechuan Spice Crispy Squid packs a punch with its bold, fiery seasoning, while the signature Currywurst Fries—inspired by the iconic Berlin street snack—features skin-on fries coated in homemade curry spice, topped with spicy pork chorizo, and drizzled with yogurt and curry ketchup. This one definitely brings the heat!

Among their interesting mains, the White Wine & Chicken Collagen Broth Pasta stood out with its essence of danggui, making it both flavorful and nourishing. Lately, I’ve been craving dishes with that perfect sweet-spicy balance, so the Nduja & Hot Honey Pizza was a no-brainer. Mingle’s hot stone pizzas are aged for over 24 hours and freshly made to order, resulting in a light, airy dough that pairs beautifully with the spicy nduja and hot honey drizzle.

If you’re looking for something unique yet comforting, Mingle Bistro is worth a visit!

With more Chinese ethnic cuisine concepts popping up in Singapore, one of the newest additions is Miss Tang’s Rice Noodle, bringing an authentic taste of Yunnan to diners.

The signature Imperial Scholar Crossing Bridge Rice Noodles (Guo Qiao Mi Xian) is served with a steaming hot broth, where you mix in a variety of ingredients and rice noodles for a hearty, flavorful bowl. With over 14 types of rice noodles on the menu, prices start at a wallet-friendly $7.90.

For extra indulgence, add on some fried skewers—from chicken mid-joint wings to crispy potato slices and chicken feet.

To celebrate their opening, enjoy a promotion of unlimited free-flow mixian and soup with every bowl ordered. A perfect chance to slurp up all the goodness!

Dining at VUE is more than just a meal—it’s an experience elevated by binchotan-grilled specialties and stunning rooftop views of the Singapore skyline. We had the privilege of indulging in the 5-course Winter Tasting Menu, and every dish was a standout.

For the cold appetizer, I couldn’t resist the Kumamoto A5 Black Wagyu Beef Tartare (+$10 top-up), hand-cut and mixed with egg yolk gel, yuzu, and a hint of chili oil—absolute perfection. My dining partner went for the Summer Heirloom Tomatoes, beautifully paired with smoked burrata and a refreshing tomato gazpacho poured tableside.

The Grilled Maine Lobster (+$20 top-up) came highly recommended, and it did not disappoint. Cooked to a tender bite, the fermented carrot butter sauce added an unexpected richness that complemented the seafood so well. But if there’s one dish you must order at VUE, it’s their signature risotto. The Wild Forest Mushroom Risotto was luxuriously creamy and earthy—each spoonful a burst of flavor.

For the main, I went back to my favorite—Kumamoto A5 Wagyu Beef, perfectly grilled and paired with a red wine reduction for a touch of sweetness and acidity. Ending on a sweet note, we indulged in the Caramel Banana with gingerbread sponge, the Mont Blanc with chestnut ice cream, and were pleasantly surprised with a serving of Shizuoka Musk Melon from the chef.

A spectacular meal with an equally breathtaking view—VUE is definitely one for the books.

We began our meal with the Creamy Pumpkin Soup, which was comforting and felt like a warm embrace on a cold night. The addition of truffle pesto and Piemonte hazelnuts introduced earthy flavors and a satisfying crunch. The Yellowfin Tuna Tartare, mixed with pickled cucumber to balance its richness, rested on a bed of avocado purée.

A highlight of the evening was the Strozzapreti Pasta. This long, twisted pasta shape pairs well with rich sauces, holding the flavors within its hollow center. Cooked with jumbo crab, tomato, and mascarpone, it was absolutely delicious—we wiped the plate clean.

For meat lovers, the Charcoal Grilled Wagyu Beef Hanging Tender Tagliata with Truffle Mash is not to be missed. The beef was cooked to perfect doneness, offering an addictive bite, and the truffle-infused mash complemented it beautifully.

We concluded our meal with the Amò Tiramisù, which had a mild liqueur finish, and the Pannacotta accompanied by a unique blood orange caramel.

Before Indonesian cuisine became widely available in Singapore, Tambuah Mas was our go-to spot for an authentic and satisfying meal. Returning for a meal here brought back so many fond memories, especially with their signature Tahu Telur—a towering beancurd fried in egg batter, drizzled with a homemade mildly spicy kicap manis. The sweet-savoury combination makes this a must-order dish, perfect for sharing due to its generous portion.

Another classic not to miss is the Gado Gado, a refreshing mix of blanched vegetables, tofu, and emping crackers, tied together with a rich homemade peanut dressing. For a hearty main, the Nasi Campur with Ikan Belado stood out with its fiery red chilli topping, though the spice level was surprisingly manageable. A meal at Tambuah Mas is always a comforting treat, bringing authentic Indonesian flavors to the table.

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!