Sláinte by Oliver

Looking for something a little different in Orchard? I recently discovered Sláinte, a restaurant tucked away in Paragon that brings together charcoal-grilled dishes and a rare whisky collection under one roof. 

Sláinte at Paragon Shopping Centre

Sláinte’s stylish bar counter

From hearty grilled meats and seafood to creative sides and comforting flavours, the restaurant offers a dining experience that feels relaxed yet refined. With its day-to-night concept, Sláinte is a refreshing alternative to the usual Orchard dining options, making it a spot worth checking out for those looking to try something new.

Sláinte menu at the table

We started with two refreshing drinks. The Lemon Lime Bitters combines fresh lime juice, fresh lemon juice, bitters and Sprite, while the Berry Smash blends blueberry and strawberry purées with fresh lemon juice, mint, lime and Sprite for a fruity, refreshing sip.

Lemon Lime Bitters & Berry Smash - $12 each

The Yuzu Kosho Pasta was a comforting yet indulgent plate, loaded with tiger prawns, calamari and scallops. The pasta was cooked al dente, with yuzu kosho and lemon zest adding a bright citrusy kick that complemented the seafood beautifully.

Yuzu Kosho - $29

A close-up of the Yuzu Kosho Pasta, showcasing its springy al dente texture and light, savoury coating. Each bite was brightened by the subtle citrusy notes of yuzu kosho and lemon zest.

A closer look at the al dente Yuzu Kosho Pasta

From the “Garden” section of the menu, the Umami Charred Cabbage was certainly an interesting dish. 

Umami Charred Cabbage - $16

The cabbage was charcoal grilled and marinated, then paired with soy-cured egg, crispy seaweed and grilled strawberries, bringing together smoky, savoury and slightly sweet flavours in an unexpected combination.

Close up of Umami Charred Cabbage

For the Applewood Charcoal Grill, we went for the Ayam Bakar, which requires around 25 minutes of preparation. The whole spatchcock chicken was marinated for 18 hours before being charcoal grilled, giving it a lovely smoky depth while keeping the meat tender and juicy.

Ayam Bakar

Close up of Ayam Bakar

This was one of my favourites of the meal. The rich gravy added another layer of flavour without overpowering the chicken, and it came with a chilli sauce reminiscent of chicken rice chilli, which was a great pairing.

Ayam Bakar with Gravy and Salad

We ended the meal on a nostalgic note with the Ember Roasted Marshmallow, where we got to roast our own marshmallows over a mini charcoal stove at the table.

Ember Roasted Marshmallow

The toasted marshmallow was dipped into rich chocolate ganache served in a tart shell, then finished with a coating of crushed pistachios for a lovely nutty crunch and added texture.

Marshmallow roasting over a charcoal stove

Marshmallow with Chocolate and Pistachio

Overall, Sláinte was an enjoyable dining experience, especially for its charcoal-grilled dishes and creative flavours. The Ayam Bakar was a personal favourite, while the Yuzu Kosho Pasta and Ember Roasted Marshmallow were memorable highlights that rounded off the meal nicely.

Sláinte by Oliver 
Location: Paragon Shopping Centre, 290 Orchard Rd, #04-09, Singapore 238859
Website

Ultimate Midas Meal

 We visited this restaurant at Paragon for a casual dining experience. Although it is positioned as a casual dining concept, the grand entrance gives it a much more upscale impression. As we walked in, I couldn't resist making a little joke about the restaurant's abbreviation, UMM. If only they added an "H" at the end, it would become UMMH, which perfectly matches my blog name, UMakeMeHungry!

UMM (Ultimate Midas Meal) Grand Entrance at Paragon Singapore

Beyond its memorable abbreviation, UMM carries a meaningful philosophy behind its name. Ultimate represents cherishing every meal, appreciating every bite, and being grateful for the moments shared around the table. Midas reflects the belief that the journey to good health begins with carefully selected ingredients, with every dish showcasing culinary expertise and thoughtful preparation. Meal embraces the wisdom of eating with the seasons, following nature's rhythm, finding depth in simplicity, and returning to authentic flavours. Together, these values shape the dining experience that UMM hopes to deliver to every guest.

UMM Paragon Dining Interior

While waiting for our mains to arrive, we were served a complimentary plate of glazed walnuts. They were delightfully crunchy with a light caramelised sweetness and a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds. Before we knew it, we were completely hooked, reaching for one after another while eagerly anticipating the rest of our meal.

Complimentary Glazed Walnuts at UMM

Before the courses began, each of us was served a small cup of fibre drink as a refreshing start to the meal. We then kicked things off with the Supreme Chicken Soup. Slow simmered to achieve a collagen rich broth, the soup was served with tender slices of chicken. Light yet flavourful, it was wonderfully comforting and made an excellent opening course.

Supreme Chicken Soup

Some of us opted for the Lentil, Chickpeas & Black Bean Soup, a wholesome blend packed with hearty legumes. Before enjoying it, we were each given a single use dropper filled with extra virgin olive oil, allowing us to finish the soup with a few fragrant drops. The olive oil elevated the soup beautifully, adding a silky richness and enhancing its earthy flavours. Smooth, nourishing, and satisfying, it was a comforting bowl that tasted as healthy as it looked.

Lentil, Chickpeas Blackbean Soup

The Bang Bang Mushrooms Salad was a refreshing and flavourful appetiser that pleasantly surprised us. A medley of mushrooms was tossed together with crunchy purple cabbage, carrots, and fresh coriander, all coated in a creamy Bang Bang dressing with a hint of nuttiness.

Bang Bang Mushrooms Salad

Finished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds, every bite offered a satisfying contrast of crisp vegetables and tender mushrooms. It was light, refreshing, and a great way to whet our appetites before the mains arrived.

Bang Bang Mushrooms Salad Served

The Grilled Kampung Chicken is a simple dish that lets the quality of the chicken shine. Chopped into generous pieces and served in a pool of fragrant golden ginger oil, the kampung chicken boasts tender, firm meat with a natural sweetness. The silky skin carries a subtle smokiness from the grilling process while remaining pleasantly juicy.

Grilled Kampung Chicken

The accompanying onions ginger sauce adds another layer of flavour, bringing together the aromatic sharpness of fresh ginger and the sweetness of softened onions. Dip each piece into the vibrant green chilli sauce for a spicy kick that perfectly complements the rich ginger oil. This comforting combination makes for a satisfying meal that's all about appreciating fresh, well-prepared chicken.

Juicy Grilled Kampung Chicken Close Up

This humble-looking seafood dish turned out to be one of the most addictive dishes on the table. A generous mix of fresh prawns and fish slices is lightly stir-fried, allowing the natural sweetness of the seafood to shine. The addition of kai lan stems provides a refreshing crunch, while the crispy dried shrimps add a savoury umami punch and irresistible aroma to every bite.

Stir-fried prawns, Shrimp Cake, and Dried Shrimps with Kai Lan

The combination of tender seafood, crunchy vegetables and fragrant dried shrimps creates a delightful contrast of textures. Every mouthful is packed with flavour, making it a dish that's hard to stop eating and pairs perfectly with a bowl of steamed rice.

Stir-fried prawns, Shrimp Cake, and Dried Shrimps with Kai Lan

For a lighter option, the Sautéed Duo Flower Vegetables with Green Chilli offers a refreshing balance to the richer dishes on the table. Featuring a combination of cauliflower and broccolini, the vegetables are cooked just enough to retain their crisp texture and natural sweetness. The addition of green chilli lends a gentle heat without overpowering the freshness of the vegetables.

Sautéed Duo Flower Vegetables And Green Chili

Thinly sliced carrots are used as a garnish, adding a vibrant pop of colour that enhances the dish's presentation. Lightly seasoned and packed with wholesome goodness, this simple stir-fry is a healthy and satisfying accompaniment that pairs well with the restaurant's hearty mains.

Close Up of Sautéed Duo Flower Vegetables with Green Chilli

The Salt & Pepper Chilean Seabass Balls feature flaky Chilean seabass coated in a light, crispy batter that's wonderfully addictive. Tossed with fragrant garlic, spring onions and dried chillies, every bite delivers a satisfying crunch with a subtle savoury kick. We especially loved how thin and crispy the batter was, allowing the natural sweetness of the fish to shine.

Salt & Pepper Chilean Seabass Balls

This comforting claypot of Steamed Japanese Pearl Rice is topped with sweet roasted Japanese pumpkin and fermented green chilli for a unique flavour combination. 

Steamed Japanese Pearl Rice with Roasted Japanese Pumpkin and Fermented Green Chili

The fluffy pearl rice absorbs the savoury juices, while the pumpkin adds natural sweetness and the green chilli provides a subtle tangy kick.

Japanese Pearl Rice with Roasted Pumpkin and Green Chilli

We wrapped up the meal with a beautifully presented trio of desserts, each offering its own unique flavours and textures. 

Trio of Desserts to End the Meal

This elegant dessert combines a silky smooth soya milk panna cotta with a rich scoop of black sesame ice cream. Finished with buttery crumble and a delicate crisp tuile, it offers a delightful balance of creamy, nutty and crunchy textures.

Soya Milk Pana Cotta With Black Sesame Ice Cream

A simple yet refreshing finish to the meal, this Single Scoop Homemade Ice Cream is smooth, creamy and not overly sweet. Served with a delicate heart-shaped tuile, it's a light dessert that cleanses the palate beautifully.

Single Scoop Homemade Ice Cream

The Rose & Raspberry Fish Scales Jelly is a light and refreshing dessert with delicate floral notes and fruity sweetness. Garnished with fresh raspberries, edible rose petals and a touch of gold leaf, it makes for an elegant finish to the meal.

Rose & Raspberry Fish Scales Jelly

Overall, this thoughtfully curated dining experience showcased how wholesome ingredients can be transformed into refined and flavourful creations. From the appetisers to the mains and beautifully crafted desserts, every course reflected attention to detail and balance. If you are looking for a modern Chinese dining experience with creative presentation and quality ingredients, this tasting menu is well worth trying.

Ultimate Midas Meal
Location: Paragon, 290 Orchard Road #04-10/11/12 Singapore S238859

Seoul Noodle Shop

While South Korean cuisine often brings to mind crispy fried chicken and sizzling Korean barbecue, there's another side of Korean comfort food that deserves just as much attentio, hearty, soul-warming noodle soups. We recently visited Seoul Noodle Shop at Northpoint City, Yishun, where handcrafted noodles are paired with rich, slow-simmered broths for a comforting meal that's perfect any time of the day. From the chewy knife-cut noodles to the deeply flavourful soups, this is a spot worth checking out if you are craving an authentic taste of Korea beyond the usual favourites.

Seoul Noodle Shop

Pairing our food with refreshing Green Apple, Yuzu & Pineapple Ade made the meal even more enjoyable. Each sparkling drink was crisp, fruity, and wonderfully refreshing, making them the perfect companions to every bite.

Green Apple, Yuzu & Pineapple Ade

Apart from the usual Kimchi, Seafood, and Potato Pancakes, we also tried the Morning Glory, Pancake. This unique combination featured fresh morning glory, juicy shrimp, and mixed vegetables bound together in a crispy Korean-style pancake. Lightly crisp on the outside and soft within, it was topped with toasted sesame seeds and paired with a savoury dipping sauce that complemented every bite.

Morning Glory Shrimp Pancake - $15.50

Half Chicken Noodles - $18.50

The Half Chicken Noodles is one of the best choices on their knife cut noodle menu. Served with a generous half chicken, chewy handmade knife-cut noodles in a rich chicken broth, and topped with Korean chives, sliced leeks, and egg strips, it is both comforting and satisfying. 

Half Chicken Knife Cut Noodles Set with Tender Chicken

The chicken was wonderfully tender, while the broth was rich, flavourful, and perfect for slurping. Complete with rice, kimchi, pickled radish, and seasoned salt on the side, this is a hearty meal that's well worth ordering.

Half Chicken Knife Cut Noodles in Chicken Broth

The Assorted Tofu Stew Set is a comforting bowl packed with silky soft tofu, prawns, clams, beef, and vegetables simmered in a rich, spicy Korean broth. Served bubbling hot, every spoonful is loaded with flavour, while the accompanying rice, kimchi, and side dishes complete the satisfying meal. 

Assorted Tofu Stew Set - $18.90

If you enjoy hearty Korean stews with a good mix of seafood and meat, this is a great choice.

Assorted Soft Tofu Stew Close-up

Every main dish is served as a complete set with steamed rice and a selection of classic Korean side dishes, including kimchi and pickled radish.

Complete Korean Meal Set with Side Dishes

For our third set, we went with the Crispy Fried Korean Mackerel. The whole mackerel was freshly fried until golden brown with a crisp exterior while remaining moist and flaky inside. Served with steamed rice, kimchi, pickled radish, bean sprouts, rolled omelette, dipping sauce, and a comforting bowl of traditional Korean rice punch, it made for a simple yet satisfying Korean meal.

Crispy Fried Korean Mackerel - $18.90

Whether you are craving comforting knife cut noodles, hearty Korean stews, crispy pancakes, or perfectly fried fish, this restaurant delivers satisfying Korean flavours in generous set meals. Each main comes complete with rice and classic Korean side dishes, making it a wholesome and value-for-money dining experience. Don't forget to pair your meal with their refreshing Green Apple, Yuzu, or Pineapple Ade for an extra refreshing touch. If you're looking for authentic Korean comfort food in Singapore, this spot is well worth adding to your list.

Seoul Noodle Shop
Location: Northpoint City 930 Yishun Ave 2, #02-139/140 South Wing, Singapore 769098

Si Chuan Dou Hua Restaurant - Beach Road

Stepping into Si Chuan Dou Hua Restaurant at PARKROYAL on Beach Road for the very first time, I couldn't help but feel excited about what was to come. The elegant entrance and welcoming ambience immediately set the tone for a relaxing weekend lunch. It was the perfect opportunity to catch up with friends over a leisurely meal while looking forward to sampling the restaurant's signature Sichuan and Cantonese dishes. With great company and an enticing menu ahead, expectations were definitely high for this first dining experience.

Entrance of Si Chuan Dou Hua at Beach Road

We were ushered into one of the restaurant's private dining rooms, offering a peaceful retreat from the bustling main dining area. Once the door was closed, it effectively blocked out the surrounding noise, creating a quiet and comfortable setting for our meal. The intimate space allowed us to relax, enjoy meaningful conversations, and spend quality time catching up with friends without any distractions.

Private Dining Room at Si Chuan Dou Hua Restaurant

Nutritious Millet with Fish Maw - $32

The Vapour Steamed Quail Soup with Matsutake Mushrooms was another comforting highlight of the meal. The broth had a wonderfully earthy aroma from the prized matsutake mushrooms, while the quail was tender after being gently steamed. Light yet flavourful, the soup was nourishing without being overly rich, making it a crowd-pleaser that earned approving nods from everyone around the table.

Vapour-steamed Quail Soup with Matsutake Mushrooms - $20

One dish that never fails to impress on a Chinese banquet table is the Mini Buddha Jumps Over the Wall. This luxurious double-boiled soup is packed with premium ingredients, and its rich aroma is enough to whet the appetite before the first sip. Our serving featured a tender abalone, along with other nourishing ingredients that had been slow-cooked to extract their natural sweetness into the broth. Every spoonful was comforting, flavourful, and a wonderful way to begin the meal.

Mini Buddha Jump Over The Wall - $68

The Sichuan Hot and Sour Soup with Crab Meat was a delightful appetiser that awakened our taste buds right from the first spoonful. The soup struck a well-balanced combination of tanginess and gentle spiciness, complemented by the sweetness of the crab meat. Thick, comforting, and packed with flavour, it left us craving another bowl and proved to be an excellent start to the meal.

Sichuan Hot and Sour Soup with Crab Meat - $14

The Soups

The Stir Fried Lobster with Bean Curd in Spicy Sauce was one of the standout dishes of the evening. Generous chunks of sweet, succulent lobster were paired with silky bean curd, which absorbed the rich, savoury spicy sauce beautifully. Despite its bold appearance, the heat was well balanced and complemented the natural sweetness of the seafood rather than overpowering it. The combination of premium lobster, soft tofu, and flavourful sauce made this a nutritious and satisfying dish that kept everyone reaching for more.

Stir-Fried Lobster with Bean Curd in Spicy Sauce - $20 per 100g (Local Lobster)

The Grilled New Zealand Lamb Ribs with Cumin turned out to be one of the biggest surprises of the evening. The lamb was wonderfully tender, with none of the gamey flavour that some people associate with lamb. Lightly seasoned with fragrant cumin and aromatic spices, each bite was juicy, flavourful, and easy to enjoy. The meat came off the bone effortlessly, making it a crowd favourite that was gentle on our jaws yet packed with robust flavours.

Grilled New Zealand Lamb Ribs with Cumin - $48 (Small)

The Barbecue Pork with Honey Sauce was an instant crowd favourite. Each slice had a beautiful caramelised glaze with just the right balance of sweetness and smoky char. The pork was tender and juicy, while the lightly charred edges added an irresistible depth of flavour. It was one of those dishes that had everyone reaching for "just one more piece" until the plate was almost empty.

Barbecue Pork with Honey Sauce - $22 (Small)

The Pacific Garoupa was thoughtfully presented, with the fish expertly deboned and cut into bite sized pieces for easy enjoyment. This allowed everyone to savour the tender, flaky flesh without having to worry about navigating around bones. Cooked in a vibrant spicy sauce with tofu, mushrooms, and aromatic herbs, the garoupa remained moist and naturally sweet, while the sauce added just the right amount of heat and tang. It was a well-executed dish that combined convenience with excellent flavour.

Pacific Garoupa - $40 per 100g

The Braised Pork Belly with Homemade Brown Sauce was a hearty and indulgent dish that showcased the restaurant's mastery of slow braising. The cube of pork belly was beautifully layered with alternating lean meat and fat, resulting in a melt-in-the-mouth texture that absorbed the rich, savoury homemade brown sauce perfectly. While some may find the pork slightly softer than usual, I thought the texture was just right. Paired with a tender abalone and crisp broccoli, the dish struck a lovely balance of richness and freshness, making it both comforting and satisfying.

Braised Six Head Mushroom & Pork Belly in Homemade Brown Sauce 

The star of the evening was undoubtedly the Roasted Peking Duck. As the whole duck was wheeled to our room, everyone naturally gathered around to watch the chef in action. With remarkable precision and skill, he meticulously carved the beautifully roasted duck, expertly slicing off the crisp, golden brown skin before portioning the succulent meat. The live tableside carving added a touch of theatre to the dining experience, making the dish even more memorable before we eagerly tucked in.

Roasted Beijing Duck - $88

Once the Roasted Peking Duck had been expertly carved, the restaurant thoughtfully wrapped each portion for us, sparing us the hassle of assembling the pancakes ourselves. Every wrap came neatly packed with crispy duck skin, tender duck meat, and the accompanying condiments, making each bite perfectly balanced. The crisp skin, succulent meat, and soft pancake came together beautifully, allowing us to savour this classic delicacy without getting our hands messy.

Roasted Peking Duck Wraps

The remaining Roasted Peking Duck was beautifully carved and served as a second course, allowing us to fully appreciate the succulent duck meat. Without the pancake wraps, the natural flavours of the duck shone through even more. The meat was tender and juicy, while the roasted skin retained a light crispness that complemented every bite. It was a simple yet satisfying way to enjoy the rest of the duck, proving that every part of this signature dish was worth savouring.

Roasted Peking Duck Carved Meat

My first visit to Si Chuan Dou Hua Restaurant at PARKROYAL on Beach Road was an enjoyable one. The elegant ambience, comfortable private dining room, and attentive service provided the perfect setting for a weekend catch-up with friends. From the nourishing soups and premium seafood to the expertly carved Peking Duck, every dish was thoughtfully prepared and beautifully presented. If you're looking for a refined Chinese dining experience for family gatherings or special occasions, Si Chuan Dou Hua Restaurant is well worth a visit.

Si Chuan Dou Hua Restaurant - Beach Road
Location: Park Royal on Beach Road, 7500 Beach Rd, Singapore 199591
Website