Lobster Grill by Ramen Hitoyoshi

Ramen Hitoyoshi Grill and Lobster at Parkway Parade has a simple, contemporary interior with an open-concept layout. The spacious frontage makes the restaurant feel welcoming, while the open kitchen and visible dining area give it a casual and lively atmosphere. The wood-toned furnishings and warm lighting keep the space understated and comfortable, making it a fuss-free spot for a bowl of ramen or a meal with friends.

Ramen Hitoyoshi

We had the Yuzu Green Tea and Sangaria Sukkirito Apple Juice. The Yuzu Green Tea was recommended to us, combining the refreshing citrusy taste of yuzu with regular green tea. It came with the yuzu mixture at the bottom, so we had to give it a good stir before enjoying it. The apple juice was a simple and refreshing choice.

Yuzu Green Tea & Sangaria Sukkirito Apple Juice - $5 & $6

The Stewed Tofu Soup came served in an aluminium foil wrap, filled with tofu, mushrooms and vegetables in a Japanese dashi broth. 

Stew Tofu with Mushrooms & Vegetables in Japanese Dashi

It is a vegetarian-friendly option and has a very light, clean taste. I found the broth a little bland, but it still had a wholesome, comforting feel and makes a good choice if you prefer something lighter.

Stewed Tofu Soup Ingredients

Vegetarian Stewed Tofu Soup in Japanese Dashi

The Prawn Gyoza was pretty much the usual style, with a nicely pan-fried, golden-brown base and juicy filling inside. If prawns aren’t your preference, they also offer pork and chicken fillings, giving you a few options to choose from.

Prawn Gyoza 海老餃子 - $9

The Tonkotsu with All Toppings is a classic tonkotsu ramen elevated with an array of toppings, pairing a rich and creamy broth with layers of flavour in every bite.

Tonkotsu Ramen with All Toppings & Buta Kakuni (Non Spicy)

 I had the non-spicy version and opted for the thicker ramen with a medium texture. The buta kakuni was tender and addictive, while I especially enjoyed soaking the sheet of seaweed into the broth for an extra boost of flavour.

Thick Ramen Noodles in Tonkotsu Broth

The Lobster Broth Ramen with Half Lobster and Chashu was the bowl we were most looking forward to. This luxurious ramen features a slow-simmered lobster broth with a rich umami depth, subtle sweetness and a refined seafood aroma.

Signature Lobster Broth Ramen with Half Lobster & Chashu (Non-Spicy)

Topped with half a lobster and slices of chashu, it makes for a wonderfully indulgent bowl that really stands out from the usual ramen offerings.

Half Lobster with Lobster Broth Ramen

The Red Tilapia was done right, with the fish cooked until the skin developed a slight crisp while the flesh remained tender and flavourful. A squeeze of fresh lemon helped brighten the flavours and enhanced the natural taste of the fish. Simple yet satisfying.

Red Tilapia - $22

At the payment counter, I spotted this cute little tanuki (Japanese raccoon dog) figurine and couldn't resist taking a photo. Its playful expression and traditional styling made for a fun little detail to end our meal.

Cute Tanuki Figurine at the Payment Counter

Overall, our dinner at Ramen Hitoyoshi Grill and Lobster at Parkway Parade was quite a feast, with a good variety beyond just ramen. The Tonkotsu with All Toppings and Lobster Broth Ramen were the highlights for me, especially the tender buta kakuni and rich lobster broth. The grilled red tilapia and gyoza made great sharing options, while the vegetarian-friendly stewed tofu soup offered a lighter choice. With its casual open-concept setting and diverse menu, it is a place worth considering when you are craving Japanese comfort food with a little more variety.

Dinner Spread at Ramen Hitoyoshi Grill and Lobster

Lobster Grill by Ramen Hitoyoshi
Location: Parkway Parade, 80 Marine Parade Road, #01-11F/G Singapore 449269
Website

Nyonya Next Door

 Nyonya Next Door brings classic Peranakan flavours to the CBD with its fast-casual concept, “Tradition Within Reach.” Offering affordable and accessible Nyonya dishes, it is a convenient spot for a quick takeaway or a relaxed meal, making traditional Peranakan flavours easy to enjoy for diners from all walks of life. The space blends traditional Peranakan tile motifs with warm wooden and rattan elements, creating a cosy setting that complements the nostalgic flavours on the menu.

Nyonya Next Door

Nyonya Next Door lets you build your own Peranakan meal from just $8.90. Each set comes with Sambal Lava Egg, ikan bilis and peanuts, Nyonya achar, plus a choice of Sambal Original, Sambal Matah or Sambal Ijo.

Step 1: Choose your set from $8.90.

Step 2: Pick your base from Lemongrass Blue Pea Coconut Rice, Nyonya Black Curry Rice, Signature Kerabu Vermicelli or Jasmine White Rice.

Step 3: Add your choice of sides such as Chicken Wing, Otah, Fish Fillet, Chicken Ngoh Hiang, Fried Bergedil, Sambal Goreng or Nyonya Chap Chye.

Step 4: Complete your meal with a drink, from traditional coffee and tea to soft drinks, calamansi or sour plum drinks.

I went with the Inchi Kabin Chicken Rempah, paired with Nyonya Black Curry Rice and Chicken Ngoh Hiang. The variety on the plate was honestly satisfying, with sambal, achar, ikan bilis and peanuts adding different textures and flavours. Their signature Inchi Kabin Chicken Rempah was deep-fried to a fragrant, crispy finish, making it one of the highlights of the set. The Nyonya Black Curry Rice was something I had not come across in my Peranakan food dictionary, so it was an interesting choice. Thankfully, it paired surprisingly well with the Inchi Kabin Chicken Rempah and the other sides, making the whole set a satisfying combination.

Inchi Kabin Chicken Brempah 

For another classic combination, we had the Chicken Wing & Otah with Lemongrass & Blue Pea Coconut Rice and Nyonya Chap Chye. The fragrant blue pea rice paired nicely with the savoury sides, while the Chap Chye added a comforting vegetable element to the set.

Chicken Wing + Otah

The Beef Brisket Rendang, one of their signatures, was paired with Lemongrass Blue Pea Rice, Fried Bergedil and Otah. The tender, richly spiced rendang brought a hearty depth of flavour to the set and paired well with the fragrant rice and savoury sides.

Beef Brisket Rendang

Overall, Nyonya Next Door is a convenient and affordable option for enjoying Peranakan flavours in the CBD without breaking the bank. There are also vegetarian-friendly options available, making it accessible to more diners. I enjoyed the refreshing Calamansi & Sour Plum Drink, especially alongside the hearty sets. If you love Nyonya food and happen to be in the CBD, this is definitely a spot worth grabbing a meal at.

Nyonya Next Door Peranakan meal sets with drinks

Nyonya Next Door
Location: One Shenton, 1 Shenton Way, #01-06, Singapore 068803

Sláinte by Oliver

Looking for something a little different in Orchard? I recently discovered Sláinte by Oliver, a restaurant tucked away in Paragon that brings together charcoal-grilled dishes and a rare whisky collection under one roof. 

Sláinte at Paragon Shopping Centre

Sláinte’s stylish bar counter

From hearty grilled meats and seafood to creative sides and comforting flavours, the restaurant offers a dining experience that feels relaxed yet refined. With its day-to-night concept, Sláinte is a refreshing alternative to the usual Orchard dining options, making it a spot worth checking out for those looking to try something new.

Sláinte menu at the table

We started with two refreshing drinks. The Lemon Lime Bitters combines fresh lime juice, fresh lemon juice, bitters and Sprite, while the Berry Smash blends blueberry and strawberry purées with fresh lemon juice, mint, lime and Sprite for a fruity, refreshing sip.

Lemon Lime Bitters & Berry Smash - $12 each

The Yuzu Kosho Pasta was a comforting yet indulgent plate, loaded with tiger prawns, calamari and scallops. The pasta was cooked al dente, with yuzu kosho and lemon zest adding a bright citrusy kick that complemented the seafood beautifully.

Yuzu Kosho - $29

A close-up of the Yuzu Kosho Pasta, showcasing its springy al dente texture and light, savoury coating. Each bite was brightened by the subtle citrusy notes of yuzu kosho and lemon zest.

A closer look at the al dente Yuzu Kosho Pasta

From the “Garden” section of the menu, the Umami Charred Cabbage was certainly an interesting dish. 

Umami Charred Cabbage - $16

The cabbage was charcoal grilled and marinated, then paired with soy-cured egg, crispy seaweed and grilled strawberries, bringing together smoky, savoury and slightly sweet flavours in an unexpected combination.

Close up of Umami Charred Cabbage

For the Applewood Charcoal Grill, we went for the Ayam Bakar, which requires around 25 minutes of preparation. The whole spatchcock chicken was marinated for 18 hours before being charcoal grilled, giving it a lovely smoky depth while keeping the meat tender and juicy.

Ayam Bakar

Close up of Ayam Bakar

This was one of my favourites of the meal. The rich gravy added another layer of flavour without overpowering the chicken, and it came with a chilli sauce reminiscent of chicken rice chilli, which was a great pairing.

Ayam Bakar with Gravy and Salad

We ended the meal on a nostalgic note with the Ember Roasted Marshmallow, where we got to roast our own marshmallows over a mini charcoal stove at the table.

Ember Roasted Marshmallow

The toasted marshmallow was dipped into rich chocolate ganache served in a tart shell, then finished with a coating of crushed pistachios for a lovely nutty crunch and added texture.

Marshmallow roasting over a charcoal stove

Marshmallow with Chocolate and Pistachio

Overall, Sláinte was an enjoyable dining experience, especially for its charcoal-grilled dishes and creative flavours. The Ayam Bakar was a personal favourite, while the Yuzu Kosho Pasta and Ember Roasted Marshmallow were memorable highlights that rounded off the meal nicely.

Sláinte by Oliver 
Location: Paragon Shopping Centre, 290 Orchard Rd, #04-09, Singapore 238859
Website

Ultimate Midas Meal

 We visited this restaurant at Paragon for a casual dining experience. Although it is positioned as a casual dining concept, the grand entrance gives it a much more upscale impression. As we walked in, I couldn't resist making a little joke about the restaurant's abbreviation, UMM. If only they added an "H" at the end, it would become UMMH, which perfectly matches my blog name, UMakeMeHungry!

UMM (Ultimate Midas Meal) Grand Entrance at Paragon Singapore

Beyond its memorable abbreviation, UMM carries a meaningful philosophy behind its name. Ultimate represents cherishing every meal, appreciating every bite, and being grateful for the moments shared around the table. Midas reflects the belief that the journey to good health begins with carefully selected ingredients, with every dish showcasing culinary expertise and thoughtful preparation. Meal embraces the wisdom of eating with the seasons, following nature's rhythm, finding depth in simplicity, and returning to authentic flavours. Together, these values shape the dining experience that UMM hopes to deliver to every guest.

UMM Paragon Dining Interior

While waiting for our mains to arrive, we were served a complimentary plate of glazed walnuts. They were delightfully crunchy with a light caramelised sweetness and a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds. Before we knew it, we were completely hooked, reaching for one after another while eagerly anticipating the rest of our meal.

Complimentary Glazed Walnuts at UMM

Before the courses began, each of us was served a small cup of fibre drink as a refreshing start to the meal. We then kicked things off with the Supreme Chicken Soup. Slow simmered to achieve a collagen rich broth, the soup was served with tender slices of chicken. Light yet flavourful, it was wonderfully comforting and made an excellent opening course.

Supreme Chicken Soup

Some of us opted for the Lentil, Chickpeas & Black Bean Soup, a wholesome blend packed with hearty legumes. Before enjoying it, we were each given a single use dropper filled with extra virgin olive oil, allowing us to finish the soup with a few fragrant drops. The olive oil elevated the soup beautifully, adding a silky richness and enhancing its earthy flavours. Smooth, nourishing, and satisfying, it was a comforting bowl that tasted as healthy as it looked.

Lentil, Chickpeas Blackbean Soup

The Bang Bang Mushrooms Salad was a refreshing and flavourful appetiser that pleasantly surprised us. A medley of mushrooms was tossed together with crunchy purple cabbage, carrots, and fresh coriander, all coated in a creamy Bang Bang dressing with a hint of nuttiness.

Bang Bang Mushrooms Salad

Finished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds, every bite offered a satisfying contrast of crisp vegetables and tender mushrooms. It was light, refreshing, and a great way to whet our appetites before the mains arrived.

Bang Bang Mushrooms Salad Served

The Grilled Kampung Chicken is a simple dish that lets the quality of the chicken shine. Chopped into generous pieces and served in a pool of fragrant golden ginger oil, the kampung chicken boasts tender, firm meat with a natural sweetness. The silky skin carries a subtle smokiness from the grilling process while remaining pleasantly juicy.

Grilled Kampung Chicken

The accompanying onions ginger sauce adds another layer of flavour, bringing together the aromatic sharpness of fresh ginger and the sweetness of softened onions. Dip each piece into the vibrant green chilli sauce for a spicy kick that perfectly complements the rich ginger oil. This comforting combination makes for a satisfying meal that's all about appreciating fresh, well-prepared chicken.

Juicy Grilled Kampung Chicken Close Up

This humble-looking seafood dish turned out to be one of the most addictive dishes on the table. A generous mix of fresh prawns and fish slices is lightly stir-fried, allowing the natural sweetness of the seafood to shine. The addition of kai lan stems provides a refreshing crunch, while the crispy dried shrimps add a savoury umami punch and irresistible aroma to every bite.

Stir-fried prawns, Shrimp Cake, and Dried Shrimps with Kai Lan

The combination of tender seafood, crunchy vegetables and fragrant dried shrimps creates a delightful contrast of textures. Every mouthful is packed with flavour, making it a dish that's hard to stop eating and pairs perfectly with a bowl of steamed rice.

Stir-fried prawns, Shrimp Cake, and Dried Shrimps with Kai Lan

For a lighter option, the Sautéed Duo Flower Vegetables with Green Chilli offers a refreshing balance to the richer dishes on the table. Featuring a combination of cauliflower and broccolini, the vegetables are cooked just enough to retain their crisp texture and natural sweetness. The addition of green chilli lends a gentle heat without overpowering the freshness of the vegetables.

Sautéed Duo Flower Vegetables And Green Chili

Thinly sliced carrots are used as a garnish, adding a vibrant pop of colour that enhances the dish's presentation. Lightly seasoned and packed with wholesome goodness, this simple stir-fry is a healthy and satisfying accompaniment that pairs well with the restaurant's hearty mains.

Close Up of Sautéed Duo Flower Vegetables with Green Chilli

The Salt & Pepper Chilean Seabass Balls feature flaky Chilean seabass coated in a light, crispy batter that's wonderfully addictive. Tossed with fragrant garlic, spring onions and dried chillies, every bite delivers a satisfying crunch with a subtle savoury kick. We especially loved how thin and crispy the batter was, allowing the natural sweetness of the fish to shine.

Salt & Pepper Chilean Seabass Balls

This comforting claypot of Steamed Japanese Pearl Rice is topped with sweet roasted Japanese pumpkin and fermented green chilli for a unique flavour combination. 

Steamed Japanese Pearl Rice with Roasted Japanese Pumpkin and Fermented Green Chili

The fluffy pearl rice absorbs the savoury juices, while the pumpkin adds natural sweetness and the green chilli provides a subtle tangy kick.

Japanese Pearl Rice with Roasted Pumpkin and Green Chilli

We wrapped up the meal with a beautifully presented trio of desserts, each offering its own unique flavours and textures. 

Trio of Desserts to End the Meal

This elegant dessert combines a silky smooth soya milk panna cotta with a rich scoop of black sesame ice cream. Finished with buttery crumble and a delicate crisp tuile, it offers a delightful balance of creamy, nutty and crunchy textures.

Soya Milk Pana Cotta With Black Sesame Ice Cream

A simple yet refreshing finish to the meal, this Single Scoop Homemade Ice Cream is smooth, creamy and not overly sweet. Served with a delicate heart-shaped tuile, it's a light dessert that cleanses the palate beautifully.

Single Scoop Homemade Ice Cream

The Rose & Raspberry Fish Scales Jelly is a light and refreshing dessert with delicate floral notes and fruity sweetness. Garnished with fresh raspberries, edible rose petals and a touch of gold leaf, it makes for an elegant finish to the meal.

Rose & Raspberry Fish Scales Jelly

Overall, this thoughtfully curated dining experience showcased how wholesome ingredients can be transformed into refined and flavourful creations. From the appetisers to the mains and beautifully crafted desserts, every course reflected attention to detail and balance. If you are looking for a modern Chinese dining experience with creative presentation and quality ingredients, this tasting menu is well worth trying.

Ultimate Midas Meal
Location: Paragon, 290 Orchard Road #04-10/11/12 Singapore S238859