Hwa Heng Beef Noodle

A visit to Hwa Heng Beef Noodle at Novena Square with the foodies made for a rather cosy and relaxed evening. The food court was noticeably quiet, with the strong blasting of air-conditioning creating a cool and comfortable setting, almost the perfect contrast to a warm, comforting bowl of beef noodles. The stall itself carries a sense of heritage with its “Since 1948” sign, and the neatly displayed menu featuring their signature bowls instantly whets the appetite. It felt like one of those simple yet satisfying dining moments, where good food and good company come together effortlessly.

Stall of Hwa Heng in Cookhouse by Kofu @ Velocity, Novena Square

Feeling a little thirsty for something comforting, we went for the Sliced Beef Noodles with Beef Balls. The choice of bamboo noodles came in just right, adding a light bite and springy texture to the bowl. The soup carried a distinctly herby profile, clean yet flavourful, making it easy to sip and enjoy throughout the meal. With tender slices of beef and the addition of beef balls, this bowl felt both hearty and satisfying without being overly heavy.

Sliced Beef Noodle with Balls (Soup) - $8

If you prefer a gravy-based option, simply go for the dry version of your chosen beef noodles. The noodles are generously drenched in a rich, gooey gravy that coats each strand beautifully, delivering a deeper, more robust flavour.

Sliced Beef Noodle with Balls (Dry) - $8

It also comes with a separate bowl of beef soup on the side, giving you the best of both worlds, a satisfying dry dish paired with a comforting, savoury broth.

Beef Tendon Mixed  (Dry) - $9.50

Mixed Beef Noodle - $8

The Tomato Beef Noodle Soup was something rather special to me, as I had not tried this particular broth base from their stall before. The soup carried a bright, tangy profile that was both refreshing and appetising, striking a pleasant balance between savoury richness and a light acidity. Each sip felt comforting yet invigorating, making it an easy bowl to enjoy. Paired with tender slices of beef and a generous drizzle of chilli oil, the flavours came together beautifully, offering a slightly different but enjoyable take on the usual beef noodle experience.

Tomato Beef Noodle Soup - $10

All in all, it was a comforting beef noodle meal that we truly enjoyed. Nothing overly fancy, just simple, honest flavours done right. From the variety of broth bases to the satisfying dry versions, each bowl brought its own charm to the table. Paired with good company, it made for a hearty and fulfilling dining experience that left us pleasantly satisfied.

Our Orders

Hwa Heng Beef Noodle
Location: Cookhouse by Koufu @ Velocity @ Novena Square, 238 Thomson Rd, #03 - 47 / 56, Singapore 307683

The Peranakan Restaurant Singapore

 As April comes to a close, it has truly been a fruitful month filled with memorable feasts. I’m grateful for the time spent dining, sharing laughter, and creating joyful moments over good food with wonderful company.

One of the highlights this month was finally visiting The Peranakan Restaurant, a spot that had long been on my list. After much anticipation, we managed to secure a reservation, and it felt especially satisfying to finally experience it in person.

The Peranakan Singapore

The visit was made even more special as it was a birthday celebration thoughtfully arranged by my foodie friends at one of my go-to restaurants. Surrounded by familiar flavours and great company, it turned into a warm, heartfelt gathering filled with good vibes, laughter, and of course, plenty of delicious dishes to enjoy together.

The Peranakan Restaurant Singapore Menu

Despite being located in a humble HDB shophouse, I was genuinely impressed by how the restaurant is thoughtfully designed. The space is modernly furnished, yet beautifully adorned with Peranakan ornaments and décor that preserve the richness of the culture. It strikes a nice balance between contemporary comfort and traditional charm.

The ambience feels warm and inviting, making it an ideal place to gather and dine. This is further complemented by their impeccable service, where the staff were attentive and welcoming, adding to the overall enjoyable experience.

Furnishings

I had a refreshing glass of lemongrass blue pea drink, which was presented in a rather thoughtful way. The beverage itself was light and non-sweet, allowing the natural fragrance of lemongrass to come through clearly. On the side, a small serving of sugared blue pea syrup was provided, giving me the option to adjust the sweetness to my liking.

What made it even more delightful was its presentation, the glass was beautifully adorned with an orchid, adding a touch of elegance and a subtle Peranakan charm to the entire experience.

Lemongrass Blue Pea - $8

The keropok keping, more commonly known as tempeh crackers, made for a great time-passer as we nibbled on them while waiting for the rest of our friends to arrive. Light, crispy, and slightly nutty, they were simple yet addictive, setting a nice, casual start to the meal.

Keropok Keping

We usually go for the prawn version of Kueh Pie Tee, but since they offered crab meat, we decided to try it. The presentation was quite elaborate, served on a long wooden board with each component clearly separated, making it easy to appreciate and assemble each bite.

Kueh Pai Ti with Crab Meat - $25

We filled up the cup generously, finishing it off with a stalk of coriander for a simple yet elegant touch.

Filling up the cup of Kueh Pai Ti

The Sup Bak Wan Kepiting is definitely not to be missed. Slow-cooked for 8 hours, the soup delivers a light yet savoury broth, enriched with crab meat, bamboo shoots, and tender meatballs. From the very first sip, we were pleasantly surprised and completely won over. It’s a truly comforting heritage soup that leaves a lasting impression.

Sup Bak Wan Kepiting - $15

The prawn ngoh hiang, deep-fried rolls filled with seasoned pork and prawn, was cut into five pieces and served with chilli and sweet sauce on the side. The skin was delightfully crispy, while the filling was generously packed and flavourful. The presentation was elevated with the use of a banana leaf, adding a nice traditional touch.

Prawn Ngoh Hiang - $15

We also had the mackerel fish otah, which was rich in spices with a gentle kick of heat. Fragrant and well-balanced, it delivered a satisfying blend of flavours in every bite.

Mackerel Fish Otah - $12

The Ayam Buah Keluak, often referred to as the “truffle of the East,” featured tender chicken cooked with rich buah keluak nuts in a traditional preparation. Deep, earthy, and complex in flavour, it’s a classic Peranakan dish that truly stands out.

Ayam Buah Keluak - $22

I really enjoyed the Nyonya chap chye, a well-executed mixed vegetable stew done in true Peranakan style. Comforting and flavourful, it worked just as well on its own or paired perfectly with a bowl of rice.

Nyonya Chap Chye - $12

It tasted traditionally delicious, with generous cuts of mushrooms, black fungus, and vermicelli, adding both texture and depth to the dish.

Chap Chye Stewed to Perfection

The fragrant pork trotters, braised with fermented soybean and shallots, delivered a rich and savoury depth of flavour. Each bite was hearty and aromatic, making it a truly satisfying dish.

Babi Pongteh Sum Chan - $22

The Rempah Nenas Udang, a classic pineapple and prawn dish, was truly appetising. The gravy was tangy and flavourful, and we especially loved how plump and juicy the prawns were simply slurp-worthy.

Rempah Nenas Udang - $22

Instead of the usual white rice, we opted for the blue pea fragrant rice to pair with the Peranakan dishes, adding both visual appeal and a subtle aroma that complemented the meal beautifully.

Blue Pea Fragrant Rice Per Pax - $2

Every dish we tried left a strong impression, and by the end of the meal, we were completely won over. From the comforting classics to the thoughtfully executed flavours, each plate reflected care, authenticity, and a deep respect for Peranakan cuisine. It’s a place that not only satisfies the palate but also creates a memorable dining experience, one that we would gladly return to again.

The Peranakan Restaurant Singapore
Location: 57 Lengkok Bahru, #01-477, Singapore 151057

SōngHè X Burnt Cones

The collaboration between SōngHè Plus and Burnt Cones introduces what is touted as Singapore’s healthiest rice gelato. From grain to gelato, this unique creation is made using enriched rice that is fortified with fibre, iron, zinc and folate, offering a more nutritious and lower-calorie indulgence without compromising on flavour.

Burnt Cones @ United Square

Running from 1 May to 31 July 2026, diners can enjoy a cup of this rice gelato at an accessible price of $6. 

To kick things off, there will be a special Labour Day promotion on 1 May, where customers can enjoy a scoop at just $1 between 3pm and 8pm, making it a great opportunity to try something new.

Available from 1 May to 31 July 2026

Rice Gelato

Beyond just dessert, the collaboration also carries a meaningful cause. For every scoop purchased, one bowl of rice will be donated to Chen Su Lan Methodist Children’s Home. 

Stick them here!

As part of the experience, customers will receive a sticker pack along with a “smiling bowl” sticker, which can be placed on a donation board to visually track contributions.

Sticker Pack

Smiling Bowl Sticker

There are also interactive elements to enhance the in-store experience. Customers can scan a QR code to participate in a guessing game for a chance to win $1,000 in cash by estimating the number of enriched rice grains in a container. 

On Sundays, shoppers who spend a minimum of $30 in a single receipt can enjoy one spin of the wheel to win attractive prizes.

Waffle with 3 Scoops of Ice Cream

Infused with pandan and blended into a smooth, aromatic base, the rice gelato offers a delicate balance of flavour and texture. It carries a subtle mochi-like chew alongside a gentle, natural sweetness, reimagining a familiar Asian staple into a modern dessert experience that feels both nostalgic and refreshing.

Rice Gelato

In addition, shoppers can take advantage of the SōngHè Plus rice promotion, where a 2kg pack is available at a special price of $8, down from the usual $13.95, at all participating outlets.

SōngHè Plus x Burnt Cones

The promotion is available across several locations islandwide, including

1️⃣ IOI Central Boulevard Towers

📍 2 Central Blvd, #01-03 IOI Central Blvd Towers, 018916

🕒 24 Hours

2️⃣ NEWest Mall

📍 1 West Coast Drive, #01-67, Singapore 128020

🕒 Mon–Sun: 11:00AM – 10:00PM

3️⃣ NUS MD11

📍 10 Medical Drive, MD11, #01-40, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Singapore 117597

🕒 Mon–Fri: 7:30AM – 10:00PM

🕒 Sat: 9:00AM – 10:00PM

🕒 Sun: Closed

4️⃣ NUS University Hall

📍 21 Lower Kent Ridge Road, #01-05, Singapore 119077

🕒 Mon–Fri: 8:00AM – 7:00PM

🕒 Sat–Sun: Closed

5️⃣ Sunset Way

📍 105 Clementi Street 12, #01-02, Singapore 120105

🕒 Mon–Sun: 9:00AM – 12:00AM

6️⃣ United Square

📍 101 Thomson Road, #01-K9/13, Singapore 307591

🕒 Mon–Sun: 11:00AM – 10:00PM

Niku Niku Oh!! Kome (Westgate)

It’s been a while since Niku Niku Oh Kome, a Japanese-owned Chinese hamburg chain, first opened in Sentosa and now, great news for west-siders: they’ve launched a new outlet at Westgate.

This latest space features a cosy 40-seat dining area, where you can catch the chefs in action as they prepare the patties from scratch, cooking them to about 30% doneness. Each diner is then given a personal tabletop grill, allowing you to finish cooking your patty to your preferred level, making the experience both interactive and satisfying.

Niku Niku Oh!! Kome (Westgate)

Not only that, diners are equipped with a wide selection of sauces and condiments to complement their juicy beef patties from savoury BBQ and garlic sauces to spicy and tangy options, allowing you to customise each bite to your liking.

8 Types of Sauces 

Right in front of each table, there’s a handy instruction guide that walks you through how to best enjoy your hamburg steak. From preparing your preferred sauces and seasonings to finishing the patty on the heated plate, it also suggests different flavour combinations even pairing it with egg yolk and rice making the whole experience more interactive and customisable to your taste.

How to Enjoy your Meat

What impressed me even more was their dedication to rice. 

Event going on

They use premium Japanese brown rice and even have an in-house rice polisher, milling the grains fresh on the spot using ultra-soft water.

Rice Polisher

The rice is then cooked immediately to retain its natural moisture and texture, resulting in fluffy, fragrant grains that pair perfectly with the hamburg steak.

Before milling

Wah… who knew something as simple as rice could require such precision and care!

After milling

Getting a closer look at the wagyu beef used for our patties, it was clear that quality was never in question. The cut showcased beautiful marbling running through the meat, alongside a generous fat cap that promises both flavour and juiciness. This natural balance of lean meat and intramuscular fat is what makes wagyu so prized, the fat melts gently during cooking, infusing the patty with a rich, buttery depth that you simply can’t replicate with regular beef. With such a premium cut as the foundation, it’s no surprise that the patties turned out incredibly tender, moist, and packed with flavour in every bite.

Wagyu 

Following that impressive cut of wagyu, we were then shown a full tray of freshly prepared beef patties, neatly rolled and ready for the grill. Each patty was consistently shaped, with visible specks of fat evenly distributed throughout, an indication that the marbling from the wagyu had been well incorporated. There was something quietly satisfying about seeing them in their raw form, almost like a behind-the-scenes glimpse before the magic happens. Knowing the quality of beef that went into them only heightened the anticipation, as these little rounds promised a juicy, flavour-packed bite once cooked.

Showcasing the Tray of Raw Patties

We were then shown a tray of freshly prepared beef patties, neatly rolled and ready for the grill. With evenly distributed marbling throughout, each one hinted at the juicy, flavour-packed bite to come.

Patties

Each set also comes with free-flow rice, miso soup, broccoli, and a raw pasteurised egg yolk, adding both variety and value to the meal while enhancing the overall dining experience.

Free Flow of Rice & Miso Soup

Dipping the spoon into the soup, we uncovered a comforting mix of tender clams and leafy greens, all sitting in a light, savoury broth. Simple yet satisfying, each spoonful brought out a natural sweetness from the clams, balanced by the freshness of the vegetables.

Miso Soup Ingredients

We opted for the set featuring 1 Original, 1 Cheese, and 1 Creamy Tomato Sauce at $22.80, offering a good mix of classic and richer flavours to enjoy in one go.

At the initial stage, we were served the original patty on a hot grill, accompanied by free-flow broccoli on the side. Left to sizzle on the plate, diners can take their time to cook it to their preferred level of doneness, making the experience all the more interactive and satisfying.

Original Flavored Patty on the Grill

I topped my bowl of Japanese rice with the original patty, crowned with a rich, creamy orange egg yolk and broccoli on the side to complete the meal. Once mixed, the yolk coated everything beautifully, bringing it all together while the patty stayed tender, juicy, and honestly quite addictive.

This is how I start my Original Patty

Up next, the Cheese Hamburg Steak arrives crowned with a luscious layer of melted cheddar, finished with a generous shower of freshly grated Grana Padano right at the table. Rich, gooey, and indulgent, it adds an extra depth of savoury flavour to the already juicy patty.

Cheese Hamburg Steak

Juicy as ever, the patty was elevated by the gooey layers of cheese, making each bite rich, melty, and undeniably indulgent.

Wanna Have a Bite?

Coming to the last Hamburg Steak, the Creamy Tomato Sauce, we caught a glimpse of its preparation, with a pot of sauce gently warming on the grill, setting the stage for that rich, tangy finish.

The Island where cooking begins

It was served on a small metal plate, with the steak soaking in a rich, creamy tomato sauce and finished with a slice of fresh tomato on top. Visually vibrant and inviting, it was as beautiful as it was appetising.

Creamy Tomato

I let it cook a little longer, allowing the beef to fully soak up the creamy tomato goodness. The result was rich, flavourful, and incredibly appetising, definitely a seasonal special worth trying.

Wagyu in Creamy Tomato 

Niku Niku Oh!! Kome brings a refreshing and interactive take on the dining experience, where everything revolves around quality and freshness. From wagyu that is freshly ground to patties grilled right before you and cooked to your liking, every step feels intentional and satisfying. It’s a concept that truly celebrates meat in its best form simple, honest, and full of flavour. Definitely one to share with your protein- and meat-loving foodie friends!

Niku Niku Oh!! Kome (Westgate)
Location: Westgate, 3 Gateway Dr, #02-07, Singapore 608532