Robata Hikari @ Duo Galleria

Robata Hikari, opened July 2025 at DUO Galleria Bugis, is the new sister concept to the well-regarded Izakaya Hikari. It brings to life the centuries-old Japanese tradition of robatayaki, grilling over open binchotan charcoal flame.

Robata Hikari

What stands out is the open-grill counter: diners get a front-row view of the cooking, while fresh seafood and meats are displayed on ice. The signature theatrical “paddle service” where the chef presents the grilled dishes directly to your table on a long wooden paddle, adding flair and a sense of ceremony to every meal.

Open-grill Counter 

Elegant, interactive, and rooted in tradition, Robata Hikari offers more than just food; it delivers a full Japanese grilling experience.

Man At Work

We kicked off the meal with refreshing ume and yuzu drinks while waiting for the rest of the dishes to arrive. 

Yuzu Soda

The light sweetness and citrusy tang were the perfect way to awaken our taste buds and set the tone for the feast ahead.

Ume Drink

Appetizer 前菜

Kicking off with the appetizers, we tried their Mochi Tofu, a cream cheese tofu that was delightfully wobbly, with a subtle mochi-like texture that made each bite both silky and gently chewy. Drizzled with a light sweet sauce, it was simple yet surprisingly addictive, setting a comforting tone for the rest of the meal.

Mochi Tofu もち豆腐 - $7.90

We also had the Honey Yuzu Tomato, another addictive appetiser. The skinless tomato was coated in a sweet yuzu-infused honey glaze, delivering a refreshing balance of tangy citrus and gentle sweetness that really awakened our taste buds.

Honey Yuzu Tomato はちみつ柚子トマ - $5.90

To start on a refreshing note, we had the Cucumber with Sesame Sauce. Thinly sliced and delightfully crisp, the cooling crunch paired beautifully with the nutty sesame dressing, a light and invigorating opener to the meal.

Goma Kyuri (Cucumber with Sesame Sauce) ごまきゅうり - $5.90

Sashimi 刺身

We had the Sashimi Moriawase, featuring seven varieties delicately arranged on an ice bed. Each slice was fresh and beautifully presented: Salmon, Hotate (scallop), Mekajiki (Swordfish), Tsubugai (Sea Whelk), Ama Ebi (Sweet Shrimp), Maguro (Tuna) and hamachi (Yellowtail) offering a clean, sweet and ocean-fresh bite with every piece.

Sashimi Moriwase 盛り合わせ (7 Kinds) - $55

Agemono 揚げ物

Fish Cracker with Salmon Roe was a delight,  the crisp, crackling bite paired beautifully with the popping bursts of briny salmon roe.

Ikura Cracker イクラのせクラッカー - $8.90

We also had the French Fries with Mentaiko Sauce, an indulgent treat, generously coated in creamy, umami-rich mentaiko that made every bite irresistible.

Mentaiko French Fries 明太子フライドポテト - $10.90

Kushiyaki 串焼き

Next up, we tried two popular picks from the kushiyaki section, Buta Bara (pork belly) and Tebasaki (chicken wings), both grilled to smoky, caramelised perfection.

Buta Bara 豚バラ (Pork Belly) & Tebasaki 手羽先 (Chicken Wings) - $3.90 Each

Robatayaki 炉端焼き

We also had the Shishito (Japanese green pepper) from the robatayaki menu, glazed with a sweet sauce and topped with fluttering bonito flakes.

Shishito (Japanese Green Pepper) 獅子唐 - $7.90

The sweet corn arrived glossy and lightly charred, releasing a buttery fragrance with every bite.

Sweet Corn スイートコーン - $6.90

The sweet potato was soft and lightly caramelised, topped with creamy mayonnaise for a rich, comforting bite.

Sweet Potato

The Grilled Tiger Prawn was perfectly charred over the open flame, bringing out a beautiful smoky aroma. Each bite was firm, plump and juicy, with its natural sweetness shining through. Lightly seasoned, it allowed the freshness of the prawn to take centre stage, making it a simple yet satisfying standout from the grill section.

Grilled Tiger Prawn 大海老 - $6.90 Each

It was my first time trying the Hamachi Collar, and to my surprise, there was a generous amount of meat to enjoy. Grilled to perfection, the flesh was tender, juicy and naturally rich in flavour, especially around the collar where it’s at its most succulent. The slightly charred skin added a smoky edge, making this an unexpectedly satisfying dish that I would happily order again.

Hamichi Kama (Yellowtail Collar) ハマチカマ - $18.90

Cooked Food 調理食品

Even just hearing the word natto made me feel a little uncomfortable, but we decided to give this ingredient another try. Surprisingly, the flavour wasn’t as overpowering or pungent as expected. However, the sticky, stringy texture, especially when mixed with the udon, still wasn’t quite to my liking.

Nato Udon (Dry) 納豆うどん - $10.90

We tried the Hiyashi Chuka, a chilled Chinese-style noodle dish served dry. It came with a colourful mix of egg, ham, cucumber, crab meat and cherry tomatoes, and tasted best when paired with a hint of mustard sauce for a light, tangy kick.

Hiyashi Chuka (Chinese Chilled Noodle) 冷やし中華 (Dry) - $12.90

Dining at Robata Hikari was a delightful experience, made especially memorable by the traditional paddle service presented right before our eyes at the counter.

Robata Hikari @ Duo Galleria
Location: 7 Fraser St, #01-48/49/50 Duo Galleria, Singapore 189356
Website

kozen Sushi

 It’s quite interesting to discover that within walking distance from City Square at Farrer Park, there’s a row of shophouses where Kozen Sushi is tucked away in a quiet little corner of Singapore, serving authentic Japanese cuisine.

Kozen is all about the experience. They have created a welcoming space for celebrations and everyday meals alike, and even for first-time sushi explorers, turning simple moments into unforgettable ones. From omakase and comforting donburi bowls to their delightful surprise sushi cakes, there’s always something special to look forward to.

Kozen Sushi Bar & Restaurant

As I stepped into Kozen, the vibe instantly shifted. The restaurant was immersed in Japanese culture, with traditional-style paintings lining both sides of the space and a sleek bar counter at the end, backed by shelves neatly filled with bottles of sake.

Kozen's Interior

What truly captured my attention, however, was the ceiling, covered in overlapping, paper-thin wooden umbrellas in dreamy shades of red, pink and cream, creating a striking and almost whimsical canopy above the dining area.

Umbrella

We were served their Chawanmushi of the day, and it came as a pleasant surprise. If you enjoy little unexpected delights, this would definitely be one for you.

Chawanmushi

There is no doubt that their chawanmushi is soft, wobbly and delicious. The experience was taken to another level with the addition of rich, creamy uni aka sea urchin and fragrant sakura ebi, adding both depth of flavour and a touch of indulgence to every spoonful.

Uni & Sakura Ebi

Guess what, the next chawanmushi came topped with sweet crab meat and striking orange roe.

Guess what is this

Personally, I preferred this combination over the uni and sakura ebi. It was lighter in seafood aroma and paired beautifully with the silky, custard-like texture of the chawanmushi, making it even more enjoyable.

Oiishi Ne

A luxurious don showcasing tuna, salmon, scallops, crispy tempura unagi and foie gras, transformed into a comforting porridge halfway through.

Kozen Don

For an izakaya-style dining experience, yakitori is not to be missed. We were served five assorted skewers, including Buta Asparagus, Tori Momo, Shiitake, and Bara Pork, each one lightly charred and packed with savoury goodness.

5 Kinds Yakitori 5 种烤串 - $20

The Hamburg Don was pure eggy-licious indulgence. Fluffy rice was blanketed under silky, runny eggs, topped with a juicy, perfectly seared patty, finished with a luscious egg yolk and delicate saffron threads.

Hamburg Don 汉堡排丼 - $23.90

It was an assorted selection of aged sushi made with premium seafood. The unique ageing technique enhanced the depth of flavour in each piece, making it a truly gourmet and memorable experience.

Tokujou Nigiri

Kozen Sushi delivers a refined Japanese dining experience with beautifully curated dishes, fresh premium ingredients and attentive service. From the aged sushi selection to comforting donburi and yakitori, every bite shows care and craftsmanship. With its cosy ambience and consistently good service, it’s a place I’d gladly return to and confidently recommend to friends and family.

Our Orders

kozen Sushi
Location: 22 Flanders Square, Singapore 209306
Nearest Station: Farrer Park (NE8)
Website

Du Du Yue Cai 嘟嘟粤菜

The striking romantic pink signboard and matching pink menu have been making waves on social media. Du Du Yue Cai, located in Eunos, now occupies the former space of Hae! Claypot @ Eunos (Prawn & Lala). Interestingly, it’s still helmed by the same owner, just with a refreshed direction. As the hotpot/steamboat trend slowly cools off, they have pivoted to serving comforting Cantonese cuisine instead

Du Du Cantonese Cuisine

Enjoy Guangzhou’s Top 26 award-winning authentic Cantonese cuisine. Savour three years’ worth of celebrated flavours, crafted with the heartbeat of home including Singapore’s first Crispy Orh Luak. 

They are also encouraging diners to join their membership programme, where you can enjoy exclusive perks from birthday rewards to member-only prices and more.

Membership Perks

Since it’s highly raved about, we ordered their Singapore’s 1st Crispy Orh Luak. Served in a pan, it came with generous oysters layered over an ultra-thin, crispy egg base.

Singapore 1st Crispy Orh Luak 新加坡首创酥脆蚝煎 - $19.80 / $23.80

The pairing of the crispy egg base with the soft, plump oysters created a delightful contrast in texture. The dish’s presentation was lifted with a sprinkle of chopped spring onions, adding a pop of colour.

Du Du's Recommendation

The dishes were served in rustic earthen claypots. We tried the beef strips with Japanese sauce, and the flavours were spot on, a fragrant mix of chilli, spring onions, onions, and garlic. Each piece of meat was well coated and thoroughly infused with its savoury marinade.

Beef Strips with Japanese Sauce 日式牛肋条 - $21.80 / $24.80

Another highly raved item is the Baked Yellow Croaker Fish with Lantern Chilli. The preparation with lantern chilli gave it a wonderful depth of flavour, and we thoroughly enjoyed the tender, delicate flesh of the fish.

Baked Yellow Croaker Fish with Lantern Chilli 灯笼椒焗黄花鱼 - $33.80 / $39.90

Pork Collagen Soup with Lotus Roots & Peanuts sounded close to heart, reminiscent of comforting dishes from mum’s kitchen. While the ingredients were ample, the flavour fell short for me as the soup tasted rather bland.

Pork Collagen Soup with Lotus Roots & Peanuts 胶原花生莲藕汤 - $20.90 / $24.90

The Creamy Salted Egg Corn came as a pleasant surprise. The glistening coating on each kernel immediately caught my eye, and the flavour turned out to be incredibly addictive. The golden-yellow corn was cut into smaller sections along the stem, making it easy to enjoy while soaking up all that rich, savoury salted egg goodness.

Creamy Salted Egg Corn 奶油咸蛋皇玉米 - $9.60 / $10.90

The Pork Trotter Vinegar was genuinely satisfying. Its sweet and tangy gravy paired perfectly with a bowl of rice, making it incredibly comforting. The pork trotters were braised and simmered until tender, soaking up all the rich flavours. A hearty dish that not only warms the soul but also gives you a good dose of collagen.

Pork Trotter Vinegar 猪脚醋 - $13.80 / $16.80

With the selection of dishes we picked from the menu, it felt like a fresh and interesting way to enjoy zi char together. Gathering around these claypot and Cantonese dishes made the experience even more special, especially when shared with friends and family.

Our Order

The dishes were served impressively fast, arriving one by one in quick succession. Just as we were settling in and enjoying our dinner, the staff surprised us with a small glass of chilled green bean soup for each of us, a thoughtful and refreshing touch to end the meal.

Dessert

Du Du Yue Cai 嘟嘟粤菜
Location: 29 Eunos Ave 6, Singapore 409619

Ms Durian

While many eateries add festive menu items and decorations, be sure to visit Ms Durian and discover their special offers this season!

Ms Durian at Kelantan Road, Singapore

Night Scene Outside Ms. Durian

The Atmosphere at Night

Have you ever seen a three-metre-tall durian Christmas tree? When we were there, the decoration was still a work in progress, but I can only imagine how beautifully it stands now, fully adorned with festive ornaments and lights. It’s definitely one of the most unique and eye-catching holiday displays you will see this season.

3 Metre Tall Durian Xmas Tree

I'm Sitting Under the Durian Tree

Just outside the café, within its compound, you’ll notice a small cemented hut where fresh durians are cut open right on the spot. It’s a no-frills setup, but one that ensures you get to enjoy the fruit at its freshest, creaminess and aroma at their peak.

Let's Have Durian

Their skilled staff even took the time to do a short demonstration, guiding us through the basics of choosing a good durian and showing us the proper way to cut it open. It was both informative and fascinating, especially for those who want to learn how to pick and enjoy the fruit like a pro.

Freshly Served

Of course, we could enjoy durians either with gloves or bare hands. There’s a designated hand-washing area with a sign that reads “Jin Pen Xi Shou” (金盆洗手). It’s supposed to reference the Chinese saying but has been playfully tweaked to “Jin Pen Xi Chi Liu Lian de Shou”, which brought a few laughs from everyone around.

Wash Basin with a quirky phrase

We kicked things off with some refreshing ice water and coconut juice!

Coconut Drink

Celebrate Christmas with the Luxurious King of Fruits!

A must-try for every durian lover, this set combines the rich, velvety flavors of premium durian with elegant touches, creating unforgettable moments of indulgence.

Durian Platter Set Includes:

• Approx. 6kg of deshelled Old Tree Mao Shan Wang Durian
• 9 MSW Durian Cake Shots
• 5 types of premium seasonal fruits

Complimentary Set:

• 6 Ms Durian Gloves
• 6 Ms Durian Wet Wipes
• Stainless steel fork set

Special Pre-Order Bonus:

Order by 18th Dec 2025 and receive a 22cm Durian Kanafa absolutely free!

Durian Party Platter

The nine Durian Cake Shots were simply irresistible, rich, creamy, and bursting with the unmistakable aroma of premium durian. Pairing them with seasonal fruits such as blueberries, green grapes, cherry tomatoes, strawberries, and rock melon added a refreshing contrast, balancing the decadence with light, juicy sweetness for a perfectly rounded indulgence.

9 MSW Durian Cake Shots

Enjoy nasi lemak in a different way with the King of Nasi Lemak,  a platter made for sharing. Fragrant coconut rice, lined with a banana leaf and crowned with three golden durian pods, is served alongside crispy fried batang fish, a sunny-side-up egg, juicy fried chicken wing, crunchy peanuts, anchovies, and refreshing cucumber slices for the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

King of Durian Nasi Lemak - $46

If you’re keen to try their wings, there are three crowd-pleasing flavours to choose from: Hot Honey Wings, Tom Yam Wings, and Sambal Lime Wings. Each flavour comes in a portion of six pieces at $17 per plate. For those who want to sample everything, the Wings Trio Platter features 12 pieces of house-marinated wings, combining all three bold flavours in one delicious plate, perfect for sharing and satisfying every craving at once.

Wings Trio Platter - $32

The pairing of Mao Shan Wang durian with crisp kadaifi pastry, creamy cheese and nutty pistachio created a luxurious, multi-layered bite. As indulgent as it was delicious, it easily filled me up.

Durian Kanafa (10cm)

Grabbing a log cake for the holidays? Place your order before 15th December 2025 to enjoy an exclusive 15% discount on the MSW Durian Log Cake. This indulgent creation features a rich and creamy Mao Shan Wang durian core paired beautifully with a soft, velvety chocolate sponge, offering a truly luxurious experience for durian lovers. The exterior is finished with elegant Valrhona chocolate thins, adding both texture and a refined touch to every bite. Available in sizes ranging from Mini to 20cm, the log cakes will be on sale from 22nd November 2025 to 4th January 2026, perfect for festive gifting or a decadent treat for yourself.

MSW Durian Log Cake (10cm)

I absolutely love the amount of effort Ms Durian puts into its branding, marketing and presentation, even the packaging tells a story. Designed to resemble a classic paper bag, their disposable cooler bag is both practical and aesthetically pleasing, blending functionality with style. It looks so presentable that you could hand it over as a gift straight away, no extra wrapping needed. This thoughtful touch makes enjoying durian feel modern, polished and a little more “atas,” elevating the entire experience beyond just the fruit itself.

Cooler Bag for the MSW Durian Log Cake

Before you leave, don’t forget to write a message on the postcard provided by Ms Durian, your recipient will receive it next year, during the 2026 Christmas season. It’s such a thoughtful and nostalgic idea, and it instantly reminded me of the Christmas village in Finland, where we did something similar. A simple card, yet filled with anticipation, memories and a little touch of festive magic.

Post a Card Out

Ms Durian
Location: 11 Kelantan Road Singapore 208604
Nearest Station: Jalan Besar (DT22)
Website