Treasures of Tanjong Pagar

The 𝗗𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗶 ($26), stuffed with generous portions of soft shell crab and crispy crab stick, was excellent as well.

The 𝗪𝗮𝗴𝘆𝘂 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗸 𝗦𝗲𝘁 ($38) was sublime as well. Amazingly tender and juicy, pairing it with the crunchy fried garlic was the epitome of enjoyment.

Both sets came with sashimi, salad and Chawanmushi. I was highly impressed with the sweet and briny clam miso soup, which same with the sushi set.

Sushi lovers, check out Mitsu Sushi Bar. The stunningly scrumptious lunch and dinner sets are an absolute steal!

The 𝗔𝗯𝘂𝗿𝗶 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝗵𝗶 𝗦𝗲𝘁 ($38) is a must order. The seven pieces of torched sushi were mind-blowingly magnificent:

🍣Tuna w spicy sauce
🍣Flounder w simei sauce (sweet sour)
🍣Salmon w wasabi
🍣Amberjack w salted egg
🍣Saba w black pepper
🍣Scallop w truffle sauce
🍣Tamago

We also tried the 𝗕𝗲𝗲𝗳 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝘄 ($19). While the beef chunks were tender, the gravy could’ve had bolder flavours. Thumbs up for the creamy mashed potatoes as I could detect real potatoes inside.

I felt the Beef Stew was a bit of a hit and miss, but the Fish & Chips is definitely a must try!

Lad & Dad’s 𝗙𝗶𝘀𝗵 & 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀 has often been hailed as one of the best in Singapore. It comes in two sizes, 150g ($19) and 300g ($29).

The beer battered haddock was firm and flakey. Encased in a shatteringly crispy batter, it was sensational. The tartar sauce enhanced its flavour, while the thick cut fries were excellent complements. I didn’t fancy the mushy peas, though.

Bidding farewell to the iconic Keong Saik Bakery at 33 Keong Saik Road. As part of its moving out promo, it was giving away free pastries for six consecutive weeks (a different one each week) to the first 30 customers everyday. I managed to get the 𝗕𝘂𝗿𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗖𝗿𝘂𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗻, whose crispy, flakey exterior and sweet, creamy filling were divine.

We also tried the 𝗦’𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗕𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗻𝗶𝗲 ($12) was decidedly decadent. The crumbly texture was delightful, though it was too sweet.

There are about a dozen ice-cream flavours available. The scoop of refreshing 𝗗𝘂𝗹𝗰𝗲𝘆 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲 (comes with the brownie) alleviated the brownie’s sweetness somewhat.

Allpress Espresso from New Zealand has opened a pop-up cafe at Duxton Road. From 9 to 14 May they are also offering 1-for-1 espresso-based coffees.

The 𝗜𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗟𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗙𝗹𝗮𝘁 𝗪𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲 ($6) was aromatic and robust, while the 𝗙𝗹𝗮𝘁 𝗪𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲 ($6) was very smooth.

One of the number of new cafes opening in the Tanjong Pagar area in the past month or so is FiftyFive Coffee Bar. Its opening hours are, amusingly, 9.55 am to 5.55 pm.

The specials are what caught my attention. Pipagao is a viscous, black cough syrup that I took as a child. Here, it is used to concoct the 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘄𝗯𝗲𝗿𝗿𝘆 𝗣𝗶𝗽𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗼 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲 ($8.50). Unfortunately the Pipagao’s minty flavour was too strong and I could hardly detect the strawberry milk or espresso.

The 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗸𝗮 𝗛𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝗼 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲 ($7.50) fared better. Initially I only tasted the sweet scent of the honey, but as I drank further, the savoury profile of the miso milk shone through. The combination was very palatable.

Perhaps I’ll stick to a normal coffee; the Pipagao drink isn’t my cup of tea… or cough syrup.

We also tried the 𝗛𝗼𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗕𝘂𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 ($11.90). Succulent scallops were served sizzling in a hot plate. Floating in a heavenly wafu sauce, the scallops were superb.

The service rendered by Simon was also impeccable. Polite, articulate, highly knowledgeable in Yayoi’s offerings and extremely attentive to customers’ needs, he made the dining experience an absolute joy.

The 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗶𝘂𝗺 𝗭𝗲𝗻 ($30.90) had five items intricately arranged on a tiered wooden platform. The pork katsu, salt-grilled mackerel, chicken dumplings and salmon sashimi were good, but the captivatingly crispy prawn katsu stood out.

Yayoi, a stalwart of Japanese casual dining, has recently revamped its menu after a decade in Singapore.

The 𝗛𝗼𝗯𝗮 𝗬𝗮𝗸𝗶 𝗭𝗲𝗻 (base price $24.80) came highly recommended. Customise it by choosing the type of meat (we picked the 𝗣𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗸, + $4). Grill the protein, resting in miso paste on a magnolia leaf, for 30 seconds per side. The leaf imparted a subtle fragrance to the tender pork, while the magnificent miso paste made it more delectable.

The accompanying tempura prawns, salmon sashimi and salad all tasted great. The 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗵𝗮𝗻 (+ $2.90), rice fried in a fish stock, was very fluffy with an intoxicating aroma. The complimentary 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘄𝗯𝗲𝗿𝗿𝘆 𝗖𝗮𝗸𝗲 provided a sweet ending.