Kai Xin Crabs

 A new favourite Zi Char spot has opened in Circuit Road. Make your way down to check out their signature dishes, especially the highlight, farm-to-table Sri Lankan crab. These premium crabs are farm-bred and air-flown in daily, ensuring exceptional freshness and quality on every plate.

Dishes

The signature fragrant sauce spare ribs kicked off our meal beautifully. They were undeniably aromatic, and the sweet sauce coating the deep-fried ribs was soothing, rounding off the dish nicely.

Signature Fragrant Sauce Spare Ribs - $15 

The meat was delicious and surprisingly addictive.

Yummy

The Chinese spinach poached with assorted eggs was pure comfort food. The healthy spinach, cooked in a broth made from three kinds of eggs, was simple yet satisfying and went perfectly with a plate of white rice. The dish was topped with crispy fried silver fish, adding a pleasant crunch.

Chinese Spinach Poached with Assorted Egg - $15

Wolfberries were also added, giving the broth a natural sweetness that complemented the eggs beautifully.

Spinach

Enjoy the 2 Crabs Promo starting from $65, with each crab weighing about 600g, definitely a value-for-money indulgence. The best part? Diners are spoilt for choice with 8 different crab flavours to suit every craving.

Signature Flavours include:

• Classic Chilli Crab

• Bold Black Pepper Crab

• Rich and indulgent Salted Egg Crab

• Comforting Braised Bee Hoon Crab

Other flavour options:

• Fragrant Ginger & Spring Onion

• Creamy Salted Egg Cheese

• Light and delicate Steamed Crab

• Robust Mongolian-Style Crab

Whether you’re team spicy, savoury, or classic, there’s a crab flavour here that’s bound to steal your heart.

We went with their Signature Chilli Crab, made using Sri Lankan crab, which was undeniably plump, meaty, and succulent. The chilli sauce was rich and generously laced with egg, striking a comforting balance where the spice never overpowered the dish, allowing the natural sweetness of the crab to shine through.

Signature Chilli Crab 

For a signature crab without the heat, we went for the Salted Egg Crab. It was luscious and creamy, making it a great alternative for those who prefer to skip the spiciness while still indulging in a rich, cream-based sauce. The sauce leaned slightly sweet and was undeniably addictive, coating every bite beautifully, while the crab meat was fat, juicy, and thoroughly satisfying.

Signature Salted Egg Crab 

Not one to let those glorious crab sauces go to waste, we soaked up every last bit with crisp-fried buns, letting them absorb the rich, flavour-packed gravy, simple, satisfying, and absolutely essential to complete the crab feast.

Crisp Fried Bun - $4 (6 pieces)

Paired with the Zi Char dishes, the crabs made the entire spread truly mouthwatering. For anyone craving a proper crab feast, I would definitely recommend Kai Xin Crabs; it fits the bill perfectly. By the end of the meal, we were all genuinely “kai xin” (happy), satisfied and smiling from ear to ear.

Kai Xin Crabs
Location: 76 Circuit Rd, #01-18, Singapore 370076
Website

Gogi Buffet Korean BBQ (Tanjong Pagar)

When a friend keeps going on about an affordable Korean BBQ buffet in Tanjong Pagar, you listen. Located just a short two-minute walk from Maxwell MRT Station, this hidden gem promised a hearty grill-your-own feast without the hefty price tag and we were more than ready to dig in.

GOGI Buffet Korean BBQ

The space carries the humble charm of a classic Korean eatery, free from elaborate furnishings or flashy decor. Simple wooden tables and chairs fill the dining area, creating a casual and welcoming atmosphere. The buffet counter is tucked further inside the eatery, where diners help themselves to the spread, adding to the relaxed, no-frills dining experience.

Dining Area

Right smack in the eatery, the buffet counter showcases a generous spread of marinated meats, ranging from juicy LA galbi and classic bulgogi to more adventurous cuts like pig skin. There’s also a garlic-marinated selection, where the meat is coated in fragrant garlic for an extra savoury punch, offering plenty of variety for those who enjoy bold, robust flavours straight off the grill.

Marinated Meat 

Beyond the meats, the buffet also includes a selection of seafood such as fish, prawns, mussels, and squid, catering to those who prefer lighter bites from the grill. There’s even bread and cheese available, perfect for melting over the grill or enjoying as a simple, comforting side to balance out the smoky flavours.

Beyond Meat

Towards the back of the eatery, you will find a chest freezer stocked with pork collar slices and beef brisket, staple cuts that we simply can’t go without when it comes to Korean BBQ, and always a comforting go-to for the grill.

Meat

We grilled everything over a rectangular hot plate designed with a slight slope, allowing excess oil to flow neatly into a discharge bowl at the side. This thoughtful setup kept the grill surface less greasy, letting the meats sear nicely while preventing them from sitting in too much oil.

BBQ Starts

Besides the grilled items, there’s a variety of cooked dishes available too, including japchae, comforting seaweed soup, tteokbokki, pancakes, and noodles, perfect for pacing the meal between rounds of BBQ. Once our meats were nicely grilled, I couldn’t resist making my own ssam, wrapping the juicy beef in fresh lettuce with a generous bite of kimchi for that classic balance of smoky, fresh, and spicy flavours.

Ssam

Overall, the buffet offers an adequate spread that will satisfy most diners without breaking the bank. For those craving Korean BBQ, this makes for a solid and convenient option in Tanjong Pagar, especially given its central location and wallet-friendly pricing.

Gogi Buffet Korean BBQ (Tanjong Pagar)
Location: 22 Tg Pagar Rd, Singapore 088445

Chok Dee Thai Food Mookata

 Mookata buffet in a coffeeshop at just $22.90 per pax?! Yes, you read that right. If you’re anywhere near Tampines North, this is one spot you’ll want to check out, sizzling grills, bubbling soup, and unlimited indulgence without breaking the bank. 

Stall of Chok Dee Mookata

Ordering was easy, we simply scanned the QR code and selected what we wanted on their online platform. The mookata spread was impressively diverse, featuring salmon, smoked duck, lemongrass-marinated meats, Thai fish cakes, crayfish, scallops, and even bak kwa. Of course, the usual favourites were all there too: vegetables, Mama Mee, prawns, and squid.

Our Spread

When it comes to mookata, it’s hard to skip the staples, especially Thai fish cakes, which are always a must-have for us.

Thai Fish Cake

This scrumptious mookata spread was perfect for warming up our stomachs on a rainy day. One thing worth highlighting was the service, the staff were prompt and attentive, quickly responding whenever we needed the grill paper changed. On top of that, their lemongrass-marinated meat stood out with a distinct and refreshing flavour that set it apart from the usual marinades. 

Mookata

All in all, this mookata buffet proved to be a comforting and enjoyable experience from the generous spread and unique marinades to the attentive service that kept everything running smoothly. For mookata lovers looking for a fuss-free, value-for-money spot in a casual coffeeshop setting, this is definitely one worth checking out.

Chok Dee Thai Food Mookata
Location: 445 Tampines Street 42, Singapore 520445

Cheeky Signatures

I’m no longer heading to Sim Lim Square for computer or electronics missions. These days, it’s all about the food and Cheeky Bee Hoon just gave me the perfect reason to be there.

Cheeky Signatures

Time to explore the menu… any guesses on what’s about to land on our table?

Menu

I noticed they’re part of the USA Rice Fiesta collaboration, and both their Pork Lard Rice and Braised Pork Rice are made with USA Calrose rice.

Menu with USA Rice

USA Rice

While at Cheeky Bee Hoon, their Cheeky Signature Set is a must-try. You can choose rice or bee hoon, in either soup or dry form. We went for the dry bee hoon paired with the soup on the side.

Cheeky Signature Set with Rice / Bee Hoon (Soup/Dry) - $10.50

The soup was packed with umami, filled with lala, prawn, minced meat, meatball, and goji berries. A comforting and flavourful bowl through and through.

A Scoop of Ingredients 

Raved for its taste, their bee hoon had a springy bite and was noticeably thicker than the usual strands. Chef Darwin shared that it sits somewhere between mee kia and classic bee hoon. Tossed in their savoury seasonings and pork lard oil, every strand was simply addictive.

Cheeky Bee Hoon

We also ordered the Braised Pork Set with Rice, a comforting trio that hit all the right notes. The tender braised pork came drenched in a rich, savoury sauce; the rice was topped with crispy pork lard for extra fragrance and crunch; and the accompanying soup added a warm, homely touch to the meal.

Braised Pork Set with Rice / Bee Hoon - $7.80

The medium-grain rice soaked up the flavourful sauce beautifully, delivering a soft, slightly sticky bite in every spoonful, a homestyle classic elevated with premium grains.

Rice

Just look at that slice of braised pork belly, a timeless comfort dish simmered in a rich blend of soy sauce, aromatic spices, and caramelised onions.

Braised Pork Belly

The braised mushrooms on crispy tofu made a great pairing and side to our mains, well-flavoured and satisfying.

Braised Mushroom on Crispy Tofu - $3.80

We also savoured their Cheeky Satay. The satay sauce came with a surprising twist, a dollop of green mash made with coriander. It was a refreshing departure from the usual pineapple-based satay sauce we are familiar with.

Cheeky Satay

With this latest outlet at Sim Lim Square, Chef Darwin also shared that another outlet will be opening soon at Sunset Way, Clementi. Stay tuned.

Cheeky Signatures
Location: Sim Lim Square, Rochor Canal Rd, #02-17  Singapore 188504

One Prawn & Co

Another foodie gathering brought us to One Prawn & Co, and while I first arrived thinking of classic prawn noodles and Ngoh Hiang, that assumption quickly proved wrong, in the best way possible.

One Prawn & Co

At One Prawn & Co, every meal tells a different story.

By day, the kitchen slows its rhythm for Off-Duty Lunch, a time when the team cooks from the heart. Each dish carries a piece of someone behind the counter: their memories, their laughter, and the small, precious moments between service. It’s heartfelt, honest cooking, where comfort is the core.

Alfresco Dining

By night, the mood shifts as the fire takes over. The woodfire grill comes alive, transforming familiar Asian flavours into something new and exciting. Each dish is guided by flame, capturing both memory and momentum in every charred edge and smoky aroma.

Dining Interior

For this visit, we indulged in their Lunch Menu for 4, specially curated as the:

THE SOCIAL SAMPLER (4 Pax)

Because lunch is always better with variety.

$54 per guest | $216 total (U.P. $227)

Includes:

• Smoky Kombu Prawn Toast
• Chinatown 95’ Crudo
• Bang Bang Salmon Tartare
• Charred Sprouts & Lychee
• Prawn Bisque Ramen
• Holy Halibut Burger
• The Anti-Salad
• Smoked Curry Udon
• Smoked Valrhona Caraïbe Chocolate Tart
• Crème Brûlée Cheesecake
• Any 4 BBT drinks

Dining Interior

A meal full of pleasant surprises began with our picks from their BBT menu. 

The High Roller’s Fruit Tea was a standout, crafted with the legendary Da Hong Pao oolong, its deep, roasted notes blended beautifully with fresh fruits and a light touch of honey-lemon. It’s fruit tea made for grown-ups.

For something visually enchanting, the Swee Chai Butterfly was a true showstopper. The vibrant butterfly pea tea swirled into shades of purple, pairing perfectly with pink guava, honey, and a refreshing soda fizz. Sweet, sparkling, and undeniably stunning.

The High Roller's Fruit Tea & Swee Chai Butterfly - $9 & $8

The Cereal Sabai felt like childhood nostalgia taking a tropical vacation. A fragrant lemongrass brew forms the base, swirled with lush strawberry cream for a sweet, creamy lift. Topped with a playful crunch of fruity pebbles, it’s a little weird, a little wonderful and completely unforgettable.

The Mango Monsoon is pure, unadulterated mango madness. Their rich, house-made mango purée is blended with creamy milk, creating a velvety drink bursting with tropical sweetness. Loaded with mango boba that pop with each sip, it’s a full-on downpour of flavour, the kind you won’t want to escape from.

Ceral Sabai & Mango Monsoon - $8 & $9

Presentation may look like a little gardening pot, but inside is a flavour bomb. These Brussels sprouts are deep-fried till crisp and nutty, then tossed with sweet lychee and a sharp apple cider vinaigrette. Served over a bed of cool, creamy aioli, it sounds wrong, but it absolutely tastes right.

Charred Sprouts & Lychee - $12

Their reimagined You Zhar Kueh with prawn paste is on a whole new level. Thick-cut sourdough replaces the usual dough fritter, loaded with prawn paste that's been electrified with smoky, charcoal-grilled kombu oil. Each piece is fried to a perfect, brutal crunch, while the accompanying aioli, dusted with togarashi, adds a gentle heat that completes the bite.

Smoky Kombu Prawn Toast - 18

Respect the process, this dry-aged Red Snapper is a stunner. Thinly sliced like a fish “carpaccio,” each piece is coated in a bright, zesty throwback sauce of soy, sesame, and lime. Pops of citrus and aromatic chive oil bring the whole dish to life. Raw, refined, and guaranteed to wake your palate right up.

Chinatown 95' Crudo - $22

They say it best — the Anti-Salad. It’s not about the greens; it’s about the ridiculously umami-packed dip made from a secret blend starring salted black bean dace. Served with a crisp romaine wedge for maximum scooping. Trust us on this one, it works.

The Anti-Salad - $18

Bang Bang Salmon Tartare brings a bold twist to a classic. Chopped raw salmon is drenched in their wicked “Bang Bang” sauce, a full-on flavour riot that’s sweet, spicy, and creamy all at once. It’s served with jet-black, house-fried squid ink sago crackers, making every scoop an addictive and unexpectedly delightful combination.

Bang Bang Salmon Tartare - $22

Here’s the answer to every childhood craving but all grown up. A thick halibut fillet, cloaked in a shatteringly crisp vodka batter, is tucked into a soft house-made brioche bun with melted cheddar and a bold, zesty yuzu tartare. It’s the fish burger you wish you grew up with, indulgent, nostalgic, and impossibly satisfying.

The Holy Halibut Burger - $26

Their tribute to Hokkaido’s iconic soup curry comes with even more depth and character. The soul-warming broth is slow-simmered with smoked garlic and secret aromatics, creating a complex blend of sweet, savoury, and smoky flavours. 

Smoked Curry Udon - $22

It’s fully vegetarian by default, but you can elevate it further by adding a serving of crispy Chicken Karaage at $4.

Curry Udon

We had something special off the menu, a unique replacement for their prawn bisque ramen, served with a side of crispy tempura. The rich broth, springy noodles, and well-balanced toppings made this bowl an instant favourite, earning nods of approval from everyone at the table.

Ramen off the Menu (Chef's Special) 

The ramen came paired with a delightful tempura selection, featuring uniquely rectangular tempura ebi that immediately caught our attention. Light, crisp, and impressively non-greasy, each piece was fried to perfection. The clean crunch and flavour made it a satisfying complement to the hearty bowl, suiting our palates beautifully.

Tempura

The Smoked Valrhona Caraïbe Chocolate Tart was a decadent finish to the meal, unapologetically dark with its 66% Valrhona chocolate ganache subtly infused with applewood smoke, echoing the warmth of the grill. Beneath the glossy surface lies a layer of hazelnut praline feuilletine, adding a satisfying, brutal crunch to every bite. Finished with crushed peanuts and a refreshing scoop of coconut sorbet, it masterfully balances richness with a cool, tropical lift.

Smoked Valrhona Caraibe Chocolate Tart - $12

The last item we had off the Social Sampler (4 pax) menu was the grand finale. This is the New York cheesecake you dream about: unapologetically dense, rich, and creamy, all resting on a classic buttery biscuit crust. Then comes the signature twist, the crème brûlée treatment. A glassy, torched-sugar top that cracks beautifully with each tap, giving you that perfect blend of caramelised crunch and velvety cheesecake indulgence. 

Creme Brulee Cheesecake - $9

A modern creation wrapped in a playful local twist, Smoked Ice Cream with Gula Melaka, Black Soy & Coffee Tuile, available exclusively on the dinner menu. Beneath the beautifully torched meringue sits a scoop of smoked ice cream infused with a gentle savoury depth from black soy, balanced by the caramel warmth of gula melaka. 

"Kopitiam Smoke" - $18

Scattered coffee tuile adds an aromatic crunch that ties everything together. Nostalgic yet innovative,  a dessert that reimagines local flavours in the most delightful way.

Look What's Inside

We were treated to one pleasant surprise after another with their lunch menu. I can’t wait to return for dinner and explore their dishes prepared over the woodfire grill.

One Prawn & Co
Location: 46 Kim Yam Rd, #01-10, Singapore 239351
Nearest Station: Fort Canning (DT20)
Website