Allauddin's Briyani (West Coast)

Haven’t had biryani in a while, and Allauddin’s at Ayer Rajah Hawker hit my cravings. No queues here as stall owner busy with takeaway orders.

Stall of Allauddin's Briyani

We decided to try Allauddin’s Biryani at Ayer Rajah Hawker and went for the Fried Chicken and Chicken Curry set. The biryani rice was fluffy and aromatic, accompanied by a perfectly boiled egg, crispy papadum, and refreshing sides of cucumber and onions.

Fried Chicken - $7

 A small bowl of flavorful gravy added an extra layer to the meal. While the disposable utensils were convenient, they were a bit flimsy, cutting into the chicken sometimes caused the spoon or fork to bend or break. Even as a Michelin Guide-recommended spot, Allauddin’s still serves a comforting, satisfying meal that hits all the right notes for the stomach.

Curry Chicken - $7

Overall, Allauddin’s Biryani hits the mark for a hearty, comforting meal. If a biryani craving strikes, I wouldn’t hesitate to go back for more.

Allauddin's Briyani (West Coast)
Location:  Ayer Rajah Food Centre, 503 West Coast Dr, Singapore 120503

Sake+ Orchard Somerset

Visited Sake+ at 313@Somerset, known for its vibrant Japanese-fusion fare and extensive sake selection. We headed up to the second level, greeted by a contemporary space with warm, sentimental lighting.

Interior

Craving swordfish sashimi, I ended up with their beautifully arranged assorted sashimi platter instead. Perfect for sharing, it featured glistening slices of tuna, salmon, scallop, swordfish, seabream and yellowtail, each fresh and tender, accompanied by wasabi and soy sauce for that classic dip.

Sashimi Moriawase - $20

The Yuzu Squash was a delightful blend of soda and yuzu, refreshingly cool and citrusy with every sip.

Yuzu Squash - $6

Wow! The chawanmushi’s steamed egg was silky-smooth, topped with generous slices of mushrooms that made every spoonful more satisfying.

Chawanmushi - $8

We tried the whole grilled squid, beautifully charred and tender, served with a punchy spicy-coriander sauce. 

Grilled Squid with Spicy Sauce ピリ辛イカ焼き - $14

A rare but delightful twist you don’t often find in Japanese cuisine.

Dipping into Spicy Sauce

Stir-fried thick noodles with pork belly, cabbage, carrots, and green capsicum, coated in a savoury-sweet yakisoba sauce. Finished with bonito flakes, seaweed powder, and a touch of red pickled ginger for that classic Japanese street-food flavour.

Yakisoba 焼きそば - $16

Among the three okonomiyaki options on the menu, we played it safe with the classic ‘sauce’ okonomiyaki. 

Sauce Okonomiyaki - $17

This savoury Japanese pancake came loaded with cabbage and pork, generously drizzled with okonomiyaki sauce, simple, comforting and full of umami.

Okonomiyaki

We also had the crispy deep-fried oysters wrapped in smoky bacon, a decadent bite served alongside fresh mixed salad and drizzled with tangy Lemosco, a zesty lemon-infused hot sauce that cut through the richness perfectly.

Fried Oyster Wrapped with Bacon 牡蠣ベーコンフライ - $16

The breaded pork cutlet, marinated in shio koji, is deep-fried to a crisp golden brown and paired with tangy tonkatsu sauce and a fresh side salad, simple yet irresistible.

Pork Tonkatsu 豚カツ - $15

This bowl of oden was warm and stomach-comforting, featuring tender turnip, assorted fishcakes and a hard-boiled egg. The broth was subtly sweet, though I found it lacked the deeper punch of bonito flakes I was hoping for.

Oden - $14

Creamy pasta laced with bacon and sliced onions, crowned with a soft-boiled onsen egg and parsley. While the flavours were comforting, the pasta was unfortunately overcooked and not quite to my liking.

White Cream Pasta ホワイトクリームパスタ - $16

A generous serving of Salmon Seafood Rolls sits on a rustic grey plate, each bite-sized piece coated with a luscious layer of creamy orange sauce. The drizzle glistens under the light, hinting at a tangy, spicy kick. In the background, a small mound of wasabi and a curl of pickled ginger wait to cleanse the palate between bites. This inviting presentation makes it perfect for sharing at the table.

Salmon Seafood Roll - $15

A single Salmon Seafood Roll held between chopsticks, showing off its fresh salmon and crisp cucumber filling wrapped in soft sushi rice. A touch of creamy orange sauce clings to the outside, adding a hint of spice and richness to the bite.

Close Up Bite of the Salmon Seafood Roll

We went with much anticipation, but the food turned out to be just average. While the Salmon Seafood Roll looked appetising, the overall taste didn’t quite live up to our expectations.

Sake+ Orchard Somerset
Location:  313@Somerset, 313 Orchard Rd, #01 - 27, Singapore 238895

Sen Ryo

I have passed by Sen-ryo numerous times while at Suntec City, and I couldn’t help but notice its beautifully designed exterior. With its sleek, elegant look, it gives off the impression of an upscale, fine-dining Japanese restaurant, the kind that immediately draws your attention and invites curiosity.

Sen Ryo's Menu

Stepping inside, the atmosphere did not disappoint. The clean, modern interior, paired with a warmly lit sushi counter and neatly arranged bar seating, reinforces the feeling of refined sophistication.

The menu at Sen-ryo is extensive, offering a wide variety of Japanese dishes, from delicate sushi and fresh sashimi to crispy tempura, smoky yakitori, and more. Known for its commitment to quality, Sen-ryo sources its seafood directly from various regions across Japan, ensuring freshness in every bite.

Environment

Upon being seated, we were warmly welcomed with refillable green tea, a thoughtful touch that set the tone for the meal.

We began with a comforting chawanmushi, a delicate, steamed egg custard with a silky, wobbly texture. Topped with a succulent prawn and thinly sliced mushrooms, it was light yet flavorful, the perfect appetizer to ease us into the sushi courses that followed.

Chawanmushi - $5.50

This eye-catching roll is generously coated in roasted sesame seeds, giving it a nutty crunch with every bite. Inside, it’s packed with crisp lettuce, creamy avocado, and grilled eel, all brought together by a rich, savory sauce. A vibrant topping of orange egg roe adds a burst of flavor and color, making this maki as delightful to look at as it is to eat.

Dragon Maki - $4.80

Sen-ryo’s Deluxe Sushi Platter is a masterfully curated selection of Japan’s finest cuts. This elegant assortment features sweet aka ebi (red shrimp), buttery hotate (scallop), rich and indulgent chutoro (medium fatty tuna), lean akami (tuna loin), silky salmon, and tender tako (octopus). Each slice is served at its peak freshness, highlighting the natural flavors and textures of premium sashimi.

Sen Ryo Deluxe Sushi Platter - $68

We ended the meal on a sweet and satisfying note with a beautifully plated Black Sesame Ice Cream in Mochi Crisp. The ice cream was rich and nutty, with the deep, earthy flavor of roasted black sesame shining through. It was served atop a delicate mochi crisp shell, paired with chewy shiratama dango (rice flour dumplings) and a generous spoonful of sweet red bean paste. A well-balanced dessert,  not overly sweet, but indulgent in its own subtle way. A lovely finale to a well-executed Japanese meal.

Black Sesame Ice Cream in Mochi Crisp - $5.80

We also enjoyed the Matcha Mochi Ice Cream, a delightful treat where the soft, chewy mochi acts as a delicate blanket, wrapping around a smooth scoop of earthy matcha ice cream. The contrast between the pillowy mochi and the creamy, slightly bitter green tea center created a harmonious balance of texture and flavor, a simple yet elegant dessert that matcha lovers will surely appreciate.

Matcha Mochi Ice-Cream - $5.80

Overall, it was a pleasant dining experience at Sen-ryo. From the refined ambiance to the well-executed dishes, everything felt thoughtfully curated. Judging from the positive reviews, their weekday lunch menu seems like a great value too. If I get the chance, I would love to return and give that a try next time.

Sen Ryo
Location: Suntec City, 3 Temasek Boulevard #01-434 Singapore 038983

L32 Handmade Noodles

Throwing back to my earlier post on L32 Handmade Noodles from years ago even after all this time, their style still hits the spot for me, which is why I’m back again today.

Old-school handmade noodles with pork still suit me best. This style truly floats my boat. Over the years, the stall has remained popular and even featured on social media, proudly displaying the coverage on their signboard.

Stall of L32 Handmade Noodles

The noodles seem thicker in diameter now, yet they still taste just as good. The stock is wonderfully comforting with a natural sweetness, elevated by the fragrance of fried anchovies on top. Simple ingredients like vegetables, egg, and pork come together to make this a truly joyful bowl.

Handmade Noodles with Pork - $5.50

While my friend went a little more adventurous, ordering the handmade noodles with clams, I couldn’t get enough of their chilli, it brings back the nostalgic flavour I’ve longed for. Over the years, they have even opened another outlet in Tampines.

Handmade Noodles With Clam - $7.80

This has to be one of my best finds and I’m absolutely loving it.

L32 Handmade Noodles
Location: 558 Geylang Road, Lor 32 Geylang, Singapore 389509

Timbre Signatures Cafe @ Kampung Siglap

Timbre Signature Café, nestled in the serene Kampung Siglap, offers a cosy retreat from the bustle of the city. Surrounded by leafy landed estates, this café combines a relaxed, rustic vibe with a menu of comforting bites and refreshing drinks, perfect for a laid-back brunch or an afternoon chill session.

Timbre Signature Cafe

The café’s interior exudes rustic charm, with yellow neon lights hanging across the ceiling and wall tiles that evoke the iconic look of a London subway station, giving the space a unique and cozy character.

Display

To kick off our meal, we sipped on Thai Milk Tea and Ice Lychee Tea, refreshing choices that were pleasantly balanced and not overly sweet.

Thai Milk Tea & Ice Lychee Tea

Kicking off with Timbre Chicken Wings as sharing bites, the crispy fried brown chicken wings arrived in a basket with a side of chili sauce. While they looked slightly dry on the outside, we were pleased to find they weren’t oily and remained juicy on the inside.

Timbre Chicken Wing - $11.80

The Chicken Satay with Pineapple Sauce was lean and not overly oily. 

Chicken Satay with Pineapple Satay Sauce - $13.80

The tangy pineapple sauce complemented the satay perfectly, and it came with sides of chopped onions, cucumbers, and pineapple for a refreshing touch.

Satay with dipping sauce

Anyone who’s visited Timbre would likely have tried the Legendary Timbre Roasted Duck Pizza. 

Legendary Timbre Roasted Duck - $23.50

Topped with a generous spread of roasted duck breast in hoisin sauce, melted mozzarella, and crispy wonton skins, it makes for a perfect sharing dish.

Grab a slice & Enjoy!

The Australia Angus Beef Ribeye Steak came with two sides, crispy fries and fresh greens. Diners can choose between red wine jus or black pepper sauce; we opted for the red wine jus, which was delightfully fragrant with hints of rosemary and thyme.

Australia Angus Beef Ribeye Steak - $27.80

The New Zealand Lamb Rack arrived in three pieces, paired with fries and greens, and accompanied by the same red wine jus. While the lamb was slightly gamey and a bit on the tough side, it was overall still an enjoyable dish.

New Zealand Lamb Rack - $32.50

To end on a sweet note, we indulged in a warm double chocolate brownie. Moist, rich, and undeniably decadent, it was the perfect treat to wrap up our meal.

Warm Double Chocolate Brownie - $7.80

Overall, Timbre Signatures Café @ Kampung Siglap offers comforting meals in a charming hideout away from the bustle of the MRT stations. True to the well-loved Timbre brand, it continues to deliver familiar favorites in a unique, welcoming setting.

Timbre Signatures Cafe @ Kampung Siglap
Location: 55 Siglap Plain, Singapore 456035 

Jeonpo Meat Shop 전포식육

Earlier this year, Jeonpo Meat Shop (전포식육) opened its first Singapore outlet, adding a nostalgic touch to the city’s ever-growing Korean BBQ scene. 

Jeonpo Meat Shop

Tucked right beside the bustling Amoy Street Food Centre at the junction of McCallum Street, this Hong Kong import from the Gold Moon Group recreates the vibe of an old-school Korean diner, think retro signage, metal tables and a smoky, convivial atmosphere while serving up generous cuts of premium meat, classic banchan and hearty Korean favourites.

Design

Furnishings

Even the chairs come with built-in storage so diners can tuck their bags safely away from the BBQ smoke while they dig into generous cuts of premium meat, classic banchan and hearty Korean favourites.

Dining Area

As with any authentic Korean BBQ experience, the meal kicked off with banchan. Ours arrived neatly arranged in smaller bowls on a large tray, a colourful spread that included crunchy broccoli, house-made kimchi, creamy apple salad, pickled turnip, bean sprouts and marinated onions. The variety set a bright, refreshing tone for the heavier meats to follow and made the table look instantly inviting.

Ban

To wash it all down, I paired the meal with a nostalgic Korean orange drink from Lotte – Sac Sac Orange. Sweet, lightly tangy and dotted with chewy coconut jelly bits, it added a playful, refreshing contrast to the smoky meats and savoury banchan.

Sac Sac Orange

A king-sized cut of beef short rib, glistening in its marinade, served alongside fresh spring onions, onion slices and thin-cut potatoes, all ready to hit the grill for a hearty, flavour-packed feast!

King-Cut Beef Short Rib - $88

Take a look at these beautifully presented cuts, on the left, the flower-cut pork belly with its rich marbling, and on the right, the pork collar showcasing vibrant streaks of lean meat and fat. Both cuts promise a juicy, flavourful bite once they hit the grill!

Flower Cut Pork Belly and Pork Collar

As the BBQ fires up, the excitement begins, juicy cuts of meat sizzling away, setting the stage for a mouth-watering feast!

Starts BBQ-ing

Time to make a ssam! Wrapping tender, juicy slices of meat with crisp vegetables, a bit of banchan and a dollop of gochujang, the perfect bite!

Ssam

Cold Naengmyeon served in a chilled broth instantly brought back memories of my South Korea trip this year.

Cold Naengmyeon

The long buckwheat noodles were cut into shorter lengths for easier slurping, and topped with shredded egg, cucumber, and a touch of kimchi. Overall, a refreshing and tasty dish!

Refreshingly good

The Volcano Steamed Egg definitely has a wow factor! Served piping hot with gooey cheese, tangy tomato toppings, spring onions, and roasted sesame. The cheese pull effect is irresistible, and the flavor truly laudable.

Volcano Steamed Egg

The King Cut Beef Short Ribs were grilled to perfection alongside a thick slice of onion, then expertly cut into uniform pieces for a second round on the grill.

Cutting Meat Off from the ribs

The beautifully charred exterior locks in all the juices, intensifying the natural flavor of the short ribs. 

Uniform pieces & Rearrangement

Each bite reveals a smoky aroma and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness that’s simply praiseworthy.

Yummy!

Once the raw meat was cleared from the platter, the server skillfully trimmed the remaining rib fat and tossed it with fried rice, seaweed, butter and cheese, turning leftovers into a rich, flavorful treat.

Fried Rice

Towards the end of cooking, the server flattened the fried rice to match the round shape of the pan, then added a playful smiley face with mayonnaise, a cute and fun finishing touch!

Fried Rice with a Smile

Overall, Jeonpo Meat Shop delivers a satisfying and memorable Korean BBQ experience, blending quality meats, flavorful banchan, and thoughtful service in a comfortable and smoke-conscious setting, making it a must-visit for both casual diners and BBQ enthusiasts alike.

Jeonpo Meat Shop 전포식육
Location: The Clift, 21 McCallum St, #01-03, 04, 05, 06, Singapore 069047