小燕子番茄火锅 XiaoYanZi Tomato Hot Pot @ Clementi

Hot pot lovers are probably no strangers to Yan's Tomato Hotpot. Known for its signature tomato soup base, which is freshly simmered daily, the soup is made using premium Dutch tomato varieties alongside fresh tomatoes sourced from Cameron Highlands for a rich, naturally sweet flavour. The brand also serves hand-beaten prawn paste made without any added thickeners. Yan's Tomato Hotpot prides itself on using high-quality ingredients while offering an approachable and affordable hotpot experience that's perfect for everyday dining.

Displaying of Tomatoes at the Entrance

We were truly spoilt for choice at the DIY Sauce Bar, which offers a wide selection of sauces, condiments, herbs, and spices to customise your perfect dipping sauce. Fresh fruits are also included for a refreshing palate cleanser. If you're unsure what to mix, simply follow Yan's Signature Sauce Guide displayed above the counter, where recommended sauce combinations are provided for different flavour profiles.

Yan's Tomato Hotpot DIY Sauce Bar

We went for the signature Tomato Soup Base, made with premium Dutch tomato varieties and fresh Cameron Highlands tomatoes, paired with the nourishing Yunann Wild Mushroom Soup Base. The tomato broth was naturally sweet with a rich, tangy flavour, while the mushroom broth offered a light yet earthy taste that balanced the meal perfectly.

Our Soup Bases

One of the recommendations, the Sweet Potato Taro Balls, was a pleasant surprise. Each golden ball was crispy on the outside, giving way to a soft, chewy centre with the natural sweetness of sweet potato and taro. It's a simple yet satisfying side that's worth adding to your order.

Sweet Potato Taro Balls

The Boneless Fish Slices impressed us with both their presentation and quality. Beautifully arranged and completely boneless, they gave us confidence that the seafood was fresh. The fish remained tender, silky, and flaky after cooking, making it a great choice for the hotpot.

Fish Slices

The Spanish Chestnut Pork Belly immediately caught our attention with its beautiful presentation. It's no surprise this is one of Yan's Tomato Hotpot's sales champions and a table staple. Sourced from chestnut-fed pork, the meat has a subtle natural nutty aroma and a good balance of lean meat and fat. After just 30 seconds of cooking, it remained incredibly tender, juicy, and flavourful.

Spanish Chestnut Pork Belly

The Angus Grain-Fed Beef is a must-order for beef lovers. Grain-fed for a richer, milky aroma, the thinly sliced beef cooks in just 30 seconds, remaining tender, juicy, and beautifully marbled. It pairs exceptionally well with Yan's signature tomato soup, allowing the natural sweetness of the broth to complement the beef's rich flavour.

Angus Grain-Fed Beef

Don't miss the Pumpkin, one of the must-order vegetables at Yan's Tomato Hotpot. Naturally sweet and tender, the pumpkin becomes soft and creamy after simmering, soaking up the rich tomato broth beautifully.

Pumpkin

It's a simple ingredient that adds a comforting touch to every hotpot meal.

Pumpkin

A mixed vegetable platter is always one of our go-to orders during hotpot. It's our way of balancing out the meal while enjoying all the meats and seafood. This colourful platter comes with a generous selection of fresh vegetables, including baby corn, leafy greens, cabbage, purple sweet potato, and more, making it a wholesome addition to the feast.

Mixed Vegetables Platter

Something that immediately caught our attention was the Dragon Fruit Shrimp Paste. Its vibrant purple colour, naturally derived from dragon fruit, made it stand out from the usual shrimp paste. Beyond its eye-catching presentation, the hand-beaten shrimp paste was springy, bouncy, and packed with fresh shrimp flavour, making it as delicious as it was Instagram-worthy.

Dragonfruit Shrimp paste

We also tried the Bean Curd Skin, a hotpot classic that never disappoints. It quickly absorbed the rich tomato broth, becoming soft, silky, and full of flavour while still retaining a slight bite. It's a simple ingredient that pairs wonderfully with both the tomato and mushroom soup bases.

Beancurd Skin

Here's a look at our hotpot feast! We ordered a generous spread featuring Yan's signature tomato and mushroom soup bases, premium meats, fresh seafood, hand-beaten shrimp paste, vegetables, bean curd skin, and other hotpot favourites. Every ingredient was fresh, beautifully presented, and made for a hearty and satisfying dinner.

Our Orders

End your hotpot meal on a sweet note with the complimentary free-flow desserts. During our visit, we enjoyed a selection of desserts, including grass jelly, red bean soup, and soy pudding. Guests can also help themselves to the free-flow soft serve ice cream, making it the perfect refreshing finish to a satisfying meal.

Desserts

Overall, Yan's Tomato Hotpot impressed us with its commitment to quality ingredients, from its signature tomato soup made with Dutch tomato varieties and Cameron Highlands tomatoes to its hand-beaten shrimp paste and premium meats. Coupled with the DIY sauce bar, complimentary desserts, and warm hospitality, it's an excellent choice whether you're planning a casual family dinner, gathering with friends, or simply craving a comforting hotpot experience. We will definitely be back to explore more of the menu.

小燕子番茄火锅 XiaoYanZi Tomato Hot Pot @ Clementi
Location:  321 Clementi Ave 3, #02-10, Singapore 129905
Website

Yum Cha Chinatown

 In celebration of Singapore's 61st Birthday, Yum Cha is introducing a special National Day Limited Time Menu, available from 1 July to 30 September 2026. Inspired by familiar local flavours and reimagined with Yum Cha's signature dim sum touch, these seasonal creations offer a unique way to celebrate the nation's birthday.

Yum Cha

 Whether you're a long-time fan of Yum Cha or simply looking for something different to enjoy with family and friends, this limited-time menu is one you won't want to miss before it's gone.

Yum Cha Chinatown

Singapore's favourite local flavours take centre stage at Yum Cha this National Day season with a specially curated menu inspired by some of the nation's most iconic dishes. From Bak Kut Teh, Chilli Crab and Laksa to Satay and Nanyang Kaya, each creation transforms familiar hawker favourites into inventive dim sum and restaurant-style dishes. Available for a limited time from 1 July to 30 September 2026, the menu offers a fun and nostalgic dining experience, complemented by a meaningful charity initiative that celebrates the true spirit of giving back this National Day.

National Day 2026 Specials 

The Nanyang Kaya Layer Cake was a delightful surprise. Layered with kaya, sweet potato, corn and red beans, it offered a pleasant mix of textures and natural sweetness without being overly rich, making it a satisfying way to end the meal.

Nanyang Kaya Layer Cake 南洋咖椰千层糕

These adorable Chilli Crab Buns were almost too cute to eat. Beneath the crispy golden exterior was a soft, fluffy bun filled with the rich, sweet and mildly spicy flavours of Singapore's iconic chilli crab, making them both fun and delicious.

Chilli Crab Bao 脆皮辣椒蚧包

The Assam Cod Fish Steak featured a lightly pan-seared cod fillet that was tender and flaky. Paired with a tangy assam sauce, it struck a nice balance of sweet, sour and mildly spicy flavours, while the fresh cucumber and pineapple added a refreshing crunch.

Assam Cod Fish Steak 亚参鳕鱼

A true taste of Singapore, the Satay with Fried Rice paired fragrant satay-seasoned fried rice with tender, flavourful satay skewers. Served alongside bite-sized ketupat cubes, this dish brought together the familiar flavours of a classic satay feast in one satisfying plate.

Satay Fried Rice 沙爹炒饭

One of the highlights from Yum Cha's National Day Specials was the Bak Kut Teh Xiao Long Bao (肉骨茶小笼包). Although this seasonal favourite has appeared on their National Day menu over the years, it was my very first time trying it. Instead of the usual white wrapper, this xiao long bao comes in a distinctive brown skin to resemble the herbal Bak Kut Teh broth. Bite into it and you will be greeted by a rich, peppery soup filling that replaces the traditional pork broth, delivering the familiar warmth and robust flavours of a comforting bowl of Bak Kut Teh in a single dumpling. It is a creative local twist that perfectly captures the essence of one of Singapore's most beloved dishes.

BKT Xiao Long Bao 肉骨茶小笼包

The Pork Prata Pancake puts a local spin on a classic Chinese pancake. Wrapped in a flaky, crispy prata-like pastry, the savoury pork filling makes it a satisfying snack that combines familiar Singaporean flavours with dim sum.

Pork Prata Pancake

The Otak Siew Mai is one of Yum Cha's signature dim sum items that's available all year round. Filled with fragrant otak, it delivers a pleasant spicy kick while the texture is softer and more delicate than a traditional siew mai, making it one of my personal favourites.

Otak Siew Mai 乌打烧卖

The Laksa Crispy Rice Roll was an interesting fusion creation. The crispy rice roll soaked up the rich, aromatic laksa gravy beautifully while still retaining a light crunch, delivering the familiar flavours of Singapore's beloved laksa with an enjoyable contrast in texture.

Laksa Crispy Rice Flour Roll

Beyond the food, Yum Cha is also giving back through a meaningful Five Stones Charity Initiative. Priced at $10 per set, every dollar from the sale goes to the Children's Aid Society to support children, youths and families in need. There's also a Five Stones Challenge, where participants stand a chance to win a $20 Yum Cha dine in voucher by putting their five stones skills to the test. It's a nostalgic keepsake that lets you relive a classic Singaporean childhood game while supporting a worthy cause.

5 Stones

Yum Cha Chinatown
Location: 20 Trengganu Street (Off Temple Street) #02-01 Singapore 058479
Website

Tora Tora Tora Japanese Restaurant Singapore

 A visit to Tora Tora Tora Japanese Restaurant in Singapore was a refreshing change from the usual dining experience. Instead of being located in a shopping mall or neighbourhood, this well-established Japanese restaurant is tucked away within an industrial estate and, surprisingly, sits on the rooftop of a building. The unique setting instantly piqued my curiosity, making the journey feel like discovering a hidden gem. Away from the usual crowds, the peaceful atmosphere added a special touch to the dining experience, making it one that felt both relaxing and memorable.

Tora Tora Tora Japanese Restaurant Singapore

Stepping inside, the restaurant offers a spacious and welcoming ambience with plenty of comfortable seating. The open kitchen lets diners catch a glimpse of the chefs in action, adding to the lively dining experience while showcasing the care that goes into preparing each dish.

Tora Tora Tora Japanese Restaurant Interior

The Truffle Edamame was a pleasant surprise. Lightly seasoned with fragrant truffle oil, the Japanese soybeans took on an earthy aroma that paired wonderfully with their natural sweetness. It was my first time enjoying edamame this way, and I have to say, it really works! A simple yet addictive starter that's perfect for sharing.

Truffle Edamame - $9 

We also tried the Tontoro, better known as Kurobuta Pork Jowl, and it certainly didn't disappoint. Grilled to perfection, each slice was tender, juicy, and packed with smoky flavours. The rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture paired beautifully with the savoury dipping sauce, making it a simple yet delicious dish that's perfect for sharing.

Tontoro - $28

We also ordered the 10-piece Sashimi Platter, featuring five slices each of Salmon and Hamachi. Before we even took our first bite, the presentation had already won us over. Beautifully arranged on a wooden raft over a bowl of ice, the sashimi was complemented with cucumber, leaves, shredded daikon, and colourful garnishes, making it a true feast for the eyes. Best of all, the sashimi was thickly sliced, incredibly fresh, and buttery, allowing the natural sweetness of the fish to shine through.

Salmon & Hamachi Sashimi  - $16  &$17 (5pcs Each)

The Salmon Ikura Mentaiko Maki is a must-try for salmon lovers. Filled with crab stick and crisp mizuna, each roll is topped with lightly torched salmon, creamy mentai mayo, and a generous sprinkle of salmon roe for bursts of briny flavour. The combination of smoky, creamy, and savoury notes creates a delicious harmony in every bite. Available in both 4-piece and 8-piece portions.

Salmon Ikura Mentaiko Maki - $14.50 (4 pcs)

The Sushi Mori (12 Pieces) offered an excellent variety of premium sushi, featuring salmon, tai, hamachi, kanpachi, hotate, and kajiki. Each piece was generously topped with thick, fresh slices of seafood over perfectly seasoned sushi rice. Every bite highlighted the natural sweetness and delicate flavours of the fish, making this assorted platter a satisfying choice for anyone who enjoys quality sushi.

Sushi Mori (Raw  Aburi)  - $38

The Hotate Truffle Carpaccio was surprisingly impressive. The fresh, sweet scallops were delicately sliced and dressed with fragrant truffle oil, creating an aromatic combination that elevated the natural sweetness of the seafood. Every bite was light, silky, and full of umami, making this an elegant appetiser that truffle lovers shouldn't miss.

Hotate Truffle Carpaccio - $28

The Seafood Fried Rice was a hearty and flavourful dish, generously packed with succulent prawns, tender scallops, and fish, all stir-fried with fragrant Japanese rice. Topped with a sprinkle of egg roe, it added a delightful pop of texture and flavour. The standout was the plump, juicy prawn, while the aromatic fried rice tied everything together, making this a satisfying dish on its own.

Seafood Fried Rice - $26

Yukke Sashimi Cold Ramen was a pleasant surprise, as it was my first time enjoying ramen served in such a unique way. The chilled, fine ramen noodles were paired with fresh hotate, sakura shrimps, vibrant fish roes, and shredded nori, all coated in a savoury yukke-style sauce. Every bite was refreshing, packed with umami, and beautifully balanced with the sweetness of the seafood. It was incredibly addictive, leaving me wanting more with every mouthful. Definitely a must-try if you're looking for something light yet full of flavour.

Yukke Sashimi Cold Ramen - $26

Overall, it was a great dining experience. The food was fresh, delicious, and well-executed. I would gladly return for another meal and wouldn't hesitate to recommend this place to my family and friends.

Japanese Sushi and Seafood Feast

Tora Tora Tora Japanese Restaurant Singapore
Location: Oxley BizHub 2, 62 Ubi Rd 1, #11-19, Singapore 408734
Website

Wonderful BapSang

If you are craving comforting Korean cuisine made with fresh, wholesome ingredients, Wonderful Bapsang is well worth a visit. Known for preparing its tofu fresh in-house every day, this Korean eatery serves hearty set meals featuring silky homemade tofu, flavourful soups, grilled fish, and an array of refillable banchan. During our visit, we enjoyed a satisfying meal that showcased the restaurant's commitment to quality, freshness, and authentic Korean home-style cooking. Here's what we tried.

Wonderful Bapsang

We ordered the Assorted Pancake, a platter featuring a delightful variety of Korean pancakes. It includes Kimchi Pancake, Homemade Tofu Pancake, Edible Flower Pancake, Potato Pancake, and Mixed Seafood Pancake, each offering its own unique flavour and texture.

Served fresh and crispy, every pancake had a beautifully golden exterior while remaining soft inside. The accompanying soy dipping sauce added a light savoury touch without overpowering the natural flavours. This platter is perfect for sharing and lets you sample several of Korea's beloved pancake varieties in one order.

Assorted Pancake - $26.50

Upon seeing the Crispy Fried Korean Mackerel, I was immediately excited by the generously sized slab of fish. Freshly fried to a beautiful golden brown, it looked incredibly appetising with its crispy skin and meaty flesh. The set meal comes complete with the restaurant's standard selection of banchan and a comforting bowl of seaweed soup. 

Crispy Fried Korean Mackeral - $23.50

The banchan includes spicy kimchi, creamy sweet corn, vinegared black fungus, and braised tofu, offering a nice variety of flavours to complement the main dish. Together, they make for a simple yet satisfying Korean meal.

Korean Mackeral

One of their highlights is their freshly made tofu, prepared in-house daily to ensure the best quality and freshness. Naturally rich in protein, the silky smooth tofu is both wholesome and nourishing, making it a great choice for a healthy and satisfying meal. 

Original Tofu Stew Set - $22.90

The set also comes with the restaurant's standard selection of refillable banchan, including kimchi, creamy sweet corn, vinegared black fungus, and braised tofu. Simply ask the staff for a refill if you'd like to enjoy more of these delicious side dishes.

Tofu Stew

Served sizzling hot in a traditional stone bowl, the Stir-Fried Pork Hot Stone Plate Bibimbap was beautifully presented with colourful mixed vegetables, marinated stir-fried pork, seaweed, mushrooms, kimchi, cucumber, carrots, spinach, and a sunny-side-up egg arranged neatly over fragrant rice.

Stir-Fried Pork Hot Stone Plate Bibimbap - $21.90

Mix everything together with the gochujang sauce before digging in to enjoy a harmonious blend of flavours and textures in every bite. The hot stone plate keeps the bibimbap warm throughout the meal while creating a layer of crispy, lightly toasted rice at the bottom, adding an extra layer of texture. It is accompanied by refillable banchan and a comforting bowl of seaweed soup, making it a wholesome and satisfying Korean meal.

Stir-Fried Pork Hot Stone Plate Bibimbap in Sizzling Stone Bowl

Served piping hot, the Assorted Tofu Stew Set is a comforting Korean classic packed with silky soft tofu, tender beef, fresh clams, succulent shrimp, chili pepper, and herbs in a rich, spicy broth. Crack the egg into the bubbling stew and enjoy it with a bowl of steamed rice for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Assorted Tofu Stew Set - $23.90

Overall, Wonderful Bapsang delivers a satisfying Korean dining experience with its freshly made tofu, hearty set meals, and refillable banchan. If you enjoy comforting Korean home-style cuisine, this is definitely a place worth adding to your list.

Wonderful BapSang

Location: 3 Temasek Blvd, #02-609 Tower 3, Singapore 038983

Ms Durian | Speciality Bakery & Cafe

We are here for more this round! One thing I really enjoy about visiting Ms Durian is that no two visits ever feel quite the same. During my last visit near Christmas, the café was decked out in a festive theme. Fast forward to this visit, and the entire space has been transformed into a laboratory-themed research department. From the quirky decorations to the creative setup, it feels as though the team has been busy experimenting with all things durian. I have to give credit to the amount of creativity and effort that goes into refreshing the space, making each visit a unique and memorable experience. 

A durian-inspired research lab experience

I love how every corner of the café has been thoughtfully designed and is incredibly Instagram-worthy. From the quirky quotes on the walls to the themed decorations, no detail has been overlooked. Kudos to the café owner and team for the creativity and effort put into creating such a fun and immersive experience.

Every corner of the café is thoughtfully designed and Instagram-worthy. Kudos to the café owner and team for the creativity and effort behind this unique space.

A playful durian quote adds charm to the café 

Tucked away in one corner of the café is a lab overall and a series of durian extractor displays that further reinforce the laboratory theme. It's these little details that make the entire experience fun, creative, and Instagram-worthy.

Lab overalls and durian extractor displays add to the immersive research-lab theme.

While exploring the Durian Air Laboratory, I could not help but smile when I spotted this quirky sign. Among the usual reminders such as "No Outside Food Allowed" and "No Smoking," there was one rule that stood out, "No Outside Durian Allowed." It is a fun and humorous touch that perfectly complements the laboratory theme, almost as if only durians approved by the research team are allowed into the facility! Little details like these showcase the creativity behind the concept and make the experience all the more memorable.

Warning Signature

Before leaving, do take a moment to browse the merchandise corner specially curated for Ms Durian's 7th Anniversary. Fans of the brand can pick up exclusive apparel, including crop tees and oversized tees featuring the quirky Durian Air theme. Other collectibles and practical items such as enamel pins and the Durian Odor Remover are also available, making for fun souvenirs or gifts for fellow durian lovers.

Merchandise Corner

To complement the meal, I decided to try the Durian Coffee, a unique blend that combines cold brew coffee with the richness of Mao Shan Wang durian. Served in a glass bottle alongside a large ice sphere, the presentation was simple yet elegant. The cold brew provided a smooth coffee profile, while the durian added a creamy and aromatic finish, making it an interesting drink for both coffee and durian enthusiasts.

Durian Coffee - $15

Fresh lemongrass tea infused with pandan leaves makes a delightful companion to the durian pastry. The light, refreshing notes of lemongrass and the subtle fragrance of pandan complement the rich, creamy durian beautifully, creating a balanced pairing that cleanses the palate with every sip. A simple yet comforting combination that allows the flavours of both to shine harmoniously.

Lemon Grass Pandan - $10 

To be honest, I am still missing their signature MSW Durian Nasi Lemak. This time, we had the Tiger Prawn Set, beautifully presented with every component neatly arranged on the plate. Accompanying the meal was a mini pot of housemade sambal, a sunny side up egg, crispy ikan bilis, fried peanuts and fresh cucumber slices.

The highlight remains the fragrant MSW-infused coconut rice, served atop a banana leaf. The subtle durian aroma blends surprisingly well with the savoury elements, creating a unique nasi lemak experience that keeps me coming back for more.

MSW Durian Nasi Lemak - $19.50 (Tiger Prawn)

For those who enjoy laksa with a twist, this Dry Laksa with Tiger Prawns is worth trying. Featuring thick bee hoon coated in a rich and aromatic laksa sauce, the dish is topped with succulent tiger prawns, fish cake and crispy tau pok that soaks up all the flavourful goodness. Every bite delivers the familiar coconut and spice notes of laksa, without the soup, making it a satisfying and comforting dish.

Dry Laksa with Tiger Prawn - $22

A familiar local favourite gets a durian-inspired makeover with this Durian Kaya Butter Toast. Soft white bread is generously layered with fragrant durian kaya and a slab of salted butter, creating a delightful balance of sweetness and savoury richness. The creamy durian notes add an extra layer of indulgence while retaining the nostalgic charm of a traditional kopi shop breakfast.

MSW Durian Kaya Toast - $12.80

Freshly baked with a crisp and crumbly chocolate choux shell, it is generously filled with rich and creamy Musang King durian cream. The contrast between the crunchy exterior and luscious durian filling makes every bite an indulgent treat, especially for durian lovers.

MSW Durian Craquelin - $3.60

What an indulgent treat for durian lovers. The MSW Durian Cake features light and fluffy chiffon sponge layered with luscious Musang King durian cream and Madagascar vanilla chantilly cream. Smooth, creamy and not overly sweet, each bite delivers the rich aroma of premium durian balanced by the delicate sweetness of vanilla, making it a delightful dessert to round off the meal.

The Original MSW Durian Cake (Slice) - $13.40

Served in a charming glass jar, the Durian Coconut Milk Pudding is a refreshing dessert that combines the richness of Musang King durian with the natural sweetness of fresh coconut milk. Silky smooth and creamy, the pudding offers a delicate balance of flavours, allowing the fragrant durian and coconut to complement each other beautifully. Best enjoyed chilled, it is a light yet satisfying way to end the meal.

Durian Coconut Milk Pudding

A picture-perfect treat for durian lovers, the MSW Durian Ice Cream is served in an elegant glass bowl with generous scoops of creamy Musang King ice cream. Rich, velvety and intensely fragrant, each scoop captures the distinctive flavour of premium durian. Topped with mini choux puffs that add a light crunch, this refreshing dessert is a delightful way to cool down while indulging in your favourite king of fruits.

MSW Durian Ice Cream - $12.10

Can't stop at just one slice? Bring home the full-sized Original MSW Durian Cake and share the indulgence with family and friends. Made with layers of light chiffon sponge, premium Musang King durian cream and Madagascar vanilla chantilly cream, this crowd-pleasing dessert is perfect for celebrations or simply satisfying your durian cravings.

Available in 10cm, 15cm, 20cm, 25cm and 30cm sizes, there's a cake for every occasion. After all, good things are meant to be shared.

The Original MSW Durian Cake (Whole - 10cm)

This MSW Durian Mille-feuille was a delightful surprise. Layer upon layer of delicate, crispy pastry flakes are generously filled with soft and creamy Musang King durian flesh, creating a wonderful contrast of textures in every bite. Light, flaky and rich at the same time, this elegant dessert showcases the natural flavours of premium durian beautifully, making it one of the standout treats of the meal.

Mille-feuille

Ms Durian continues to impress with its creative use of premium Musang King durian across both savoury and sweet offerings. From the signature MSW Durian Nasi Lemak and Dry Laksa with Tiger Prawns to indulgent desserts such as the Durian Craquelin, Mille-feuille, Durian Cake and Durian Ice Cream, every dish highlights the distinctive flavour of the king of fruits in its own unique way. Whether you are a devoted durian lover or simply looking to experience durian beyond the fruit itself, Ms Durian offers a delightful culinary journey that is well worth exploring.

Ms Durian | Speciality Bakery & Cafe
Location: 11 Kelantan Rd, Singapore 208604