Casa Vostra (JEM)

Casa Vostra, the newly opened spot in JEM, has clearly captured everyone’s attention. I had assumed the crowds would ease after a few months, but reality proved otherwise. Even on a weekday before 6pm, the wait time was close to an hour. Thankfully, we managed to secure counter seats, which had a much shorter queue and saved us from the long wait.

Queue of Casa Vostra

Sitting at the counter turned out to be perfect for a curious diner like me. I had a front-row view of their open kitchen, watching the chefs stretch the dough, assemble each pizza, and slide it straight into the massive electric oven right before my eyes. It added a whole new layer of appreciation to the meal.

My View 

The dining area exudes the charm of a classic Italian restaurant, elegant, simple, and effortlessly inviting.

Dining Area 

Not every place serves Pappardelle, and even fewer get it right, it’s always a 50/50 chance. Thankfully, this Beef Cheek Pappardelle hit all the right notes. The wide, silky ribbons of pasta clung beautifully to the rich San Marzano DOP tomato sauce, while the slow-braised beef cheek ragu added an indulgent depth and tenderness in every bite. 

Beef Cheek Pappardelle - $25

Smoked pancetta and sofritto brought layers of savoury aroma, and the finishing touch of Parmigiano Reggiano elevated the dish with a nutty, salty fragrance. A hearty, well-executed pasta that truly comforts the soul.

Yummy

The 5 Formaggi e Pear pizza was a true standout. The crust had that perfect leopard-spotted char, lightly crisp on the outside, airy and chewy within, showing the skill of the kitchen and the power of that massive oven. Each bite was a luxurious blend of rich, molten cheeses: the creaminess of mascarpone, the mellow tang of Taleggio, the sharpness of Parmigiano, the stretchy fiordilatte, and the unmistakable boldness of gorgonzola.

5 Formaggi e Pear - $26

What elevated it further was the pear compote. Its gentle sweetness cut through the richness, creating a beautiful balance that kept the flavours from becoming overwhelming. The drizzle of olive oil and crack of black pepper added fragrance and depth, making this pizza both indulgent and incredibly harmonious. A comforting yet sophisticated choice that lingers deliciously on the palate.

Yummy

They say the length of the queue reflects the food quality and it definitely does! This round, we only managed to order two items, and they already kept us full. We will be back for more when the queue isn’t so long, hopefully.

Rating: 4 / 5

Casa Vostra (JEM)
Location: JEM, 50 Jurong Gateway Rd, #01-03, Singapore 608549
Nearest Station: Jurong East (EW24 / NS1)
Website

Ah Huat Hokkien Prawn Mee (Bukit Batok)

Ah Huat Hokkien Mee has a few outlets, and we visited the one in Bukit Batok. For those who love chasing good CKT and HKM, you’ve probably heard of them by now. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the stall is run by a passionate team you wouldn’t typically expect behind a Hokkien Mee wok proof that great food knows no boundaries.

Ah Huat Hokkien Prawn Mee (Bukit Batok)

While the stall is known for its Hokkien Mee, ordering a plate feels almost mandatory for a proper taste test. Presentation was inviting with a good mix of bee hoon and yellow noodles soaking up the thick, flavourful broth. A generous mound of crispy pork lard was tucked neatly at the side, a must-have finishing touch.

Hokkien Prawn Mee

While Bukit Batok already has its fair share of popular Hokkien Prawn Mee stalls, this plate was satisfying and met the mark for a solid, baseline HKM. That said, my personal preference still leans toward another stall within the neighbourhood.

Hokkien Prawn Mee

As for the Char Kway Teow, it came well-coated in a sweet, savoury sauce. Though tasty, it lacked the ‘wok hei’ that would have taken the dish to the next level.

Char Kway Teow

While my friend opted for the Fried Prawn instead of the Fried Oyster, I still found the pairing of prawns with crispy starch and egg a little unusual. The combination just wasn’t to my liking.

Fried Prawn

There were hits and misses, and to be honest, Ah Huat Hokkien Prawn Mee at Bukit Batok wouldn’t be my first choice when I’m craving Hokkien Mee, Char Kway Teow, or even their fried prawn.

Rating: 3 / 5

Ah Huat Hokkien Prawn Mee (Bukit Batok)
Location: Blk 451 Bukit Batok West Ave 6 #01-11 Singapore 650451

Kimchi Mama (Bugis+)

Up on Level 4 of Bugis+, I was surprised to find a long, snaking queue forming outside Kimchi Mama and it wasn’t just the aroma that drew people in. A big, cute mascot stood cheerfully at the entrance, adding to the buzz. As one of the newest Korean eateries in the mall, it boasts a vast range of hearty home-style dishes, easily over 50 items on the menu, with prices starting from just $5.90. What’s more, every dish is prepared with no pork and no lard.

Kimchi Mama (Bugis+)

I was also glad that the drinks weren’t priced exorbitantly — each one was just $3.90.

Iced Tangerine & Pomegranate Tea, Iced Green Grape & Lemon Tea - $3.90

Kicking off with the sides, we started with the Eomuk Fries, also known as Korean Fried Fish Cake Fries. These addictive, crispy sticks were coated in paprika, our choice over cheese,  giving each bite a savoury, lightly spiced kick. A simple yet satisfying starter to warm up the meal.

Eomuk Fries - $6.90

Boneless chicken comes in three flavours, Soy Garlic, Sweet & Spicy, and Honey Garlic. And honestly, what’s a Korean meal without fried chicken? It’s practically a crime to skip it… haha!

Boneless Chikin (5 Pcs) - $8.90

The Mama Shake Shake Rice Balls were such a delight! Just cover the box, give it a vigorous shake, roll it around, and enjoy the flavour-packed bites. Each mouthful comes with seaweed and egg roe,  simple, interactive, and full of love.

Mama 'Shake Shake' Rice Balls - $5.90

The Hotstone Kimchi Beef Steak Rice arrived sizzling, giving off that irresistible smoky aroma. Tender slices of beef steak lay over a bed of rice that crisps beautifully against the heated stone bowl. The rich kimchi, creamy egg yolk, and pops of roe come together to create a flavour-packed mix, while the seaweed adds a savoury crunch. 

Hot Stone Kimchi Beef Steak Rice - $14.90

Give everything a good stir and enjoy a bowl full of eggy goodness, tangy kimchi, and satisfying textures, comforting and absolutely delicious.

Beef

The Kimchi Mama Stew Pot was a hearty highlight, a vibrant, bubbling pot loaded with generous ingredients and unmistakable home-cooked warmth. As seen in the photo, the bed of fresh kimchi, tender beef slices, silky glass noodles, clams, tofu and vegetables came together beautifully in a rich, spicy broth. 

Kimchi Mama Stew Pot - $25.90

It’s one of Mama’s specialities made with love, and between the choice of beef or chicken, we definitely went for the beef to enjoy that deeper flavour.

Beef

Overall, Kimchi Mama delivers the kind of comforting, homestyle Korean flavours that make you feel right at home. With hearty portions, satisfying dishes and that unmistakable “made with love” touch, it’s a great spot for sharing a good meal with friends and indulging in honest, soulful Korean comfort food.

Kimchi Mama (Bugis+)
Location: Bugis+, 201 Victoria St, #04-11  Singapore 188067

Entrepôt Restaurant - Taste The Wonders of Alaska

Visiting Entrepôt at The Robertson House by The Crest Collection was an exciting experience, especially as we gathered for an event introducing the “Taste the Wonders of Alaska.” When we think of Alaska and seafood, our minds often jump straight to the iconic Alaskan king crab. 

Entrepôt 

But this event shifted the spotlight to another deep-sea delicacy, the Alaska sablefish, also known as black cod, allowing us to discover its rich flavour and culinary versatility.

Taste The Wonders of Alaska

Mocktail

To start, we were served a Black Cod Citrus Salad  & miso black cod rilette elegantly presented in a charcoal cone,  a stunning first impression that felt akin to a fine-dining experience. Each cone stood upright in a bowl filled with red beans, adding a creative and visually striking touch to the presentation. 

Black Cod Citrus Salad

The flavours were refreshing and well-balanced, instantly perking up our appetite and leaving us excited for the dishes to follow.

My Mini Cone

This dish instantly caught my attention with four petite choux spheres nestled on a bed of green beans, each crowned with a swirl of achar avocado purée. The presentation is playful yet elegant, inviting you to take a closer look before the first bite. 

Appetiser

The tangy achar blends smoothly with the creamy avocado, giving the light, crisp choux a refreshing lift. A simple-looking creation, but cleverly crafted to spark curiosity and set the tone for the meal ahead.

Presentable

The meal continued with a beautifully plated appetiser, a delicate roulade of black cod wrapped with a fragrant herb farce. It sat in a pool of crustacean sauce, rich and aromatic, dotted with vibrant green oil for a touch of elegance. On the side, a petite cress salad added freshness and crunch, while the compressed pear and pickled tomato brought a gentle sweetness and acidity to balance the dish. Refined, well-thought-out, and a lovely start to the next course.

Appetiser

This bowl was a standout. The roasted onion velouté alone was rich, silky, and full of comforting depth. Sitting in the centre were two plump dumplings filled with black cod and smoked chorizo, a pairing that brought both sweetness and a subtle smokiness. Every spoonful was layered, warming, and unbelievably satisfying. A simple presentation, yet the flavours hit all the right notes.

Soup

The main course was the highlight of the evening, a beautifully prepared miso black cod that was silky, tender, and full of umami depth. It rested on a smooth green pea and edamame purée, adding a gentle sweetness that paired wonderfully with the fish. Beside it was a sambal-glazed grilled rice cake, bringing a smoky, spicy edge that instantly lifted the whole dish.

The yuzu buttermilk laksa sauce tied everything together with its bright citrus notes and creamy, aromatic richness. Every element on the plate played its part, creating a combination that was unexpected yet incredibly harmonious. An intriguing dish, and truly a memorable one.

Miso Black Cod

For dessert, we were served a Matcha Tiramisu presented so beautifully it looked like a miniature bonsai garden. The “soil” was cleverly recreated using crushed chocolate biscuit crumbs, giving the tiramisu both texture and visual charm. Nestled among the crumbs were tiny edible greens and a whimsical little mushroom, completing the enchanting forest-like scene. Beneath the playful presentation lay a smooth, earthy matcha cream layered with classic tiramisu richness, a delightful end to the meal, both in flavour and creativity.

Matcha Tiramisu

Overall, the entire meal felt truly inspiring. Each course carried its own little surprises, showing creativity not just in flavour but also in presentation. Every item on the menu was thoughtfully crafted, delicate in execution, and clearly made with a great deal of care and effort. It was a dining experience that left a memorable impression from start to finish.

Entrepôt Restaurant
Location: The Robertson House by The Crest Collection
                 1 Unity St, Singapore 237983

The Curry Wok

Returning to The Curry Wok after 6 years, this time with friends to relive and savour the comforting flavours of Peranakan cuisine together.

The Curry Wok

The Interior has not got much changes and still remains neat and simple with some B&W pictures in frame hanging along both sides of the wall into the eatery.

Interior

When I spotted Buah Long Long on the drinks menu, I ordered it immediately. It's not something you see every day. The drink was unmistakably sour yet perfectly balanced with a touch of sweetness, making it uniquely refreshing and so enjoyable.

Buah Long Long Drink 

The steamed otah was served as a compact block, resting on a base of banana leaf that added a subtle aroma to every bite. Its texture was soft and moist, with a gentle heat that made it enjoyable even for those who prefer milder spice levels.

Steamed Otah - $13

Delectable and comforting, it paired perfectly with the plain plates of rice we had, turning a simple meal into something even more satisfying.

Otah Cross Section

The homemade Ngo Hiang was packed generously, each roll filled to the brim and wrapped in a thin, crispy layer of beancurd skin that added a delightful crunch. Every slice was uniformly cut, making it easy to enjoy piece by piece. Simply dip it into the sweet dipping sauce and savour the satisfying blend of textures and flavours in every bite.

Homemade Ngo Hiang - $13

The Braised Pork Knuckle was an absolute showstopper the moment it was placed before us. Its glossy, collagen-rich skin glistened invitingly, while the meat beneath was incredibly tender.

Braised Pork Knuckle - $29

 With just a little effort, it fell cleanly off the bone, revealing rich, savoury flavours that made every bite deeply satisfying.

Meat Tender

The Curry Fish Head was another highlight of the 4-pax meal. The fish head was undeniably fresh, soaking up the rich and fragrant curry that carried just the right depth of flavour. Generous chunks of ladies’ fingers, brinjal, and tomatoes simmered within the gravy, adding both colour and texture to the dish. It was a hearty, comforting classic that tied the meal together beautifully.

Curry Fish Head - $29

The Chap Chye complemented the meal wonderfully. The cabbage, black fungus, carrot, and vermicelli were simmered until soft, soaking up the naturally sweet and comforting broth. It was a simple yet satisfying dish that balanced the richer flavours on the table.

Chap Chye - $13 / $16

We ended the meal on a sweet and refreshing note with the honey jelly lime dessert. Served chilled, it carried a pleasant sourness that balanced beautifully with its subtle sweetness. Light, zesty, and cooling. It was the perfect finish after a hearty spread.

Honey Jelly Lime - $4

We also had Cheng Teng, which came generously filled with longan, gingko nuts, sago, red dates, and white fungus. The sweetness was well-balanced, not overpowering at all, making it a wonderfully comforting dessert to end the meal with.

Cheng Tng - $4

For the hot dessert, we enjoyed Teochew Orh Nee, a classic treat packed with traditional flavours and pure comfort. Rich, smooth, and utterly satisfying, it was a delightful way to round off the meal.

Teochew Ornee - $5

Overall, the meal was a well-rounded feast filled with familiar flavours, generous portions, and comforting dishes that truly hit the spot. From appetisers to desserts, each item brought its own charm to the table, creating a satisfying dining experience from start to finish. It was one of those meals that reminded us why sharing good food with good company is always worth the trip.

The Curry Wok
Location: 5 Coronation Rd #01-04 Coronation Arcade Singapore 269406
Nearest MRT Stations: Botanic Gardens (CC19), Tan Kah Kee (DT8)

GyoGyo Japanese Grilled Fish & Sukiyaki - Plaza Singapura

Looking for Halal Japanese comfort food? Head to GyoGyo for grilled fish, hearty Japanese curry, and wholesome meals that warm both heart and soul.

GyoGyo Japanese Grilled Fish & Sukiyaki at Plaza Singapura

We visited their Plaza Singapura outlet, conveniently located on the 6th floor, for a comforting Japanese meal that truly satisfied our cravings.

Enviroment 

Along with the Japanese food, we had their handcrafted drinks, refreshing and well-balanced, perfect to wash down the hearty and flavourful meal.

Ice Yakult Cucumber Mix & Ice Lychee Mixed Berries

The Chicken Karaage Curry Udon was a satisfying bowl of comfort, generously portioned and packed with flavour. The thick, rich Japanese curry clung beautifully to the chewy udon noodles, while the golden-fried karaage pieces were crispy on the outside and juicy within.

Chicken Karaage Curry Udon

Each bite offered a hearty balance of textures, making it a fulfilling and warming dish that truly hit the spot.

Beef Sukiyaki (Free Flow Rice)

Chicken Karaage

The Beef Hamburg Curry Rice was hearty and satisfying, a comforting dish where melted cheese crowned the juicy beef patty, while a soft egg blanketed the rice beneath. Surrounded by rich, flavourful Japanese curry, every bite was savoury and indulgent, making it a wholesome meal worth savouring.

Beef Hamburg Curry Rice

The Unagi Roll was beautifully presented, topped with green onions and a sprinkle of roasted sesame seeds for an appetizing finish.

Unagi Roll

A long slice of tender unagi draped elegantly over the neatly cut rolls, each encasing egg, crab stick, and refreshing cucumber. 

Yummy

Such a combination offers a perfect balance of sweetness, texture, and flavour in every bite.

Cross-Section of the Unagi ROll

Simply loved the style and execution of the Tempura Moriawase, a delightful mix of prawns, lady’s finger, mushroom, brinjal, and sweet potato, all lightly battered and deep-fried to golden perfection. The tempura wasn’t greasy at all, and the clear dipping sauce complemented each crisp bite beautifully.

Tempura Moriawase

The Kakiage with Truffle Kabayaki Sauce was a delightful surprise, a tower of mixed vegetable tempura, light and crisp, drizzled generously with aromatic truffle kabayaki sauce. The sauce added a rich umami depth that perfectly complemented the crunchy texture, making it both indulgent and satisfying.

Kakiage with Truffle Kabayaki Sauce

Gyo Gyo is a great spot for gatherings, especially when cravings for comforting Halal Japanese food strike. With hearty dishes like curry udon, grilled fish, and sushi rolls, it’s perfect for sharing a satisfying meal with friends and family in a cosy setting.

Our Meal

GyoGyo Japanese Grilled Fish & Sukiyaki - Plaza Singapura
Location: Plaza Singapura, 68 Orchard Rd, #06-08/09/10, Singapore 238839