Kokoro Ikazaya (Lau Pat Sat)

I always thought heading to Lau Pa Sat for food was a little too touristy, so it was never really on my list. But when my friend jio-ed me to Kokoro Izakaya, I finally had a reason to visit. Walking through the bustling hawker centre, soaking in the lively atmosphere and checking out all the different stalls, made me realise there's actually more to Lau Pa Sat than I had expected. Sometimes, all it takes is a good food recommendation to see a familiar place in a whole new light.

Kokoro Ikazaya (Lau Pat Sat)

From the outside, Kokoro Izakaya resembles a charming little Japanese hut tucked within Lau Pa Sat. Despite its compact setup, this is where the team prepares a wide selection of comforting Japanese dishes while serving up ice-cold drinks. With its warm lantern-lit ambience and cosy vibe, it's the perfect spot to wind down after a long day at work, whether you are catching up with friends or simply enjoying a quiet meal.

Side of Kokoro Ikazaya (Lau Pat Sat)

Ramen lovers, this one's for you! Kokoro Izakaya offers two comforting bowls that are perfect for satisfying your noodle cravings. The Tonkotsu Chashu Ramen ($12.90) features a bold, creamy, umami-rich pork broth, while the Tori Paitan Ramen ($12.90) is silky, robust, and comforting with its rich chicken broth. Whether you prefer pork or chicken-based ramen, both make a hearty meal any time of the day.

Menu

One thing that immediately caught my attention was the open charcoal grill. Despite operating from a compact little hut, Kokoro Izakaya lets diners catch a glimpse of the chefs expertly grilling skewers over glowing charcoal. Watching the smoky flames kiss the ingredients while the irresistible aroma fills the air adds to the whole dining experience. It's a simple touch that makes waiting for your food even more enjoyable.

Charcoal Grilling at Kokoro Izakaya

Kick off your meal with the Hyogo Oysters, served fresh and plump. Enjoy them with your choice of ponzu sauce, aburi mentaiko, or aburi mozzarella cheese for three delicious flavour profiles.

Hyogo Oyster 3pcs - $19.90

Served sizzling on a hot plate, the Mentaiko Potato Julienne is comfort food at its best.

Mentaiko Potato

Layers of julienned potatoes are baked with creamy mentaiko sauce, melted cheese, and sweet corn kernels, creating a rich, savoury dish that's incredibly addictive.

Close-up showing the cheesy potato strands being lifted with chopsticks

The Tori Paitan Ramen (Light Portion) is ideal for those with a smaller appetite. It features a silky, creamy chicken broth paired with springy noodles, tender chicken chashu, bamboo shoots, and a perfectly cooked ajitsuke egg for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Tori Pai Tan Ramen - $6.90 (Light Portion)

Black Garlic Tonkotsu Chashu Ramen - $14.90

The Chicken Katsu Don features a crispy chicken cutlet gently simmered with egg in a savoury bonito-based sauce, then served over a bed of fluffy Japanese rice. Finished with shredded seaweed, it's a comforting one-bowl meal packed with flavour.

Tori Katsu Don Set - $9.90

If you're craving seafood, the Salmon Teriyaki Don is another satisfying choice. Featuring a perfectly grilled salmon fillet glazed with savoury-sweet teriyaki sauce, it's served over fluffy Japanese rice with fresh cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and Japanese pickles for a well-balanced meal.

Salmon Teriyaki Don

Each set comes complete with a side of creamy Japanese potato salad and your choice of hot or iced green tea, making it a wholesome and value-for-money meal.

Potato Salad

Available on the lunch  &dinner menu, the Sauteed Udon with Japanese Asari Clam is a delightful alternative to ramen. Chewy udon noodles are tossed with sweet, briny asari clams in a light, umami-packed seasoning for a simple yet satisfying meal.

Sauteed Udon with Japanese Asari Clam - $14.90

Don and Noodle Set

The Oden is perfect for sharing, featuring a comforting assortment of Japanese favourites including Uzura Tamago (quail egg), Daikon (white radish), Kinchaku (fish roe money bag), Chikuwa (grilled fish cake), mushrooms, and other classic oden ingredients, all simmered in a light, flavourful dashi broth.

Oden - $7.90

One of my must-order dishes at any Japanese restaurant is Yaki Surume Ika (Grilled Squid). Grilled until lightly charred yet tender, it pairs perfectly with a squeeze of lemon. Choose between the classic Shio (salt) or the sweeter Teriyaki seasoning.

Yaki Surume Ika - $22.90

The Salmon Cheese Harumaki offers a tasty twist on the classic spring roll. Wrapped in a light, crispy pastry, it's filled with flaky salmon and melted cheese, creating a rich and satisfying bite. Pair it with the creamy dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavour.

Salmon Cheese Harumaki - $5.90

No visit to an izakaya is complete without yakitori and kushiyaki, and Kokoro Izakaya doesn't disappoint. Every skewer is grilled over glowing charcoal, giving it a smoky aroma and beautifully charred finish. 

Skewers

From juicy chicken and pork to quail eggs, mushrooms, sausages, and bacon-wrapped scallops, each skewer is cooked to perfection and makes the perfect pairing with an ice-cold drink.

6 Types of Skewers - From $3.90 Each

Pair your charcoal-grilled skewers with a bottle of Japanese sake for the complete izakaya experience. Served chilled, its smooth and clean finish complements the smoky, savoury flavours of the grilled dishes, making every bite even more enjoyable.

Sake

Looking for the perfect bar snack? The Tori Shippo Karaage (Deep-Fried Chicken Tail) is an excellent choice to pair with an ice-cold beer or your favourite alcoholic drink. Each bite is crispy on the outside and wonderfully juicy inside, with the chicken tail's rich, buttery flavour making it incredibly addictive. A squeeze of fresh lemon adds a refreshing touch, balancing the richness and making it hard to stop at just one piece.

Tori Shippo Karaage (Deep-Fried Chicken Tail) - $8.90

Kokoro Izakaya at Lau Pa Sat is a cosy spot for authentic Japanese comfort food and charcoal-grilled skewers in the heart of Singapore's CBD. From fresh oysters and hearty rice bowls to smoky yakitori, ramen, and sake, every dish is thoughtfully prepared and packed with flavour. Whether you are stopping by for a satisfying lunch or winding down with drinks after work, Kokoro Izakaya is well worth adding to your dining list.

Kokoro Ikazaya (Lau Pat Sat)
Location: 18 Raffles Quay, Lau Pa Sat Festival Market (MR20, Singapore 048582

London Fat Duck

We are back at London Fat Duck in Paya Lebar for another satisfying meal. Known for its signature roast duck with crispy skin and succulent meat, it's one of our go-to spots whenever we're craving comforting Hong Kong-style roasted delights.

London Fat Duck

The Salted Egg Corn & Prawn is an addictive starter that's hard to stop eating. Juicy prawns and sweet corn kernels are deep-fried until crispy, then generously coated in a rich, buttery salted egg sauce. The savoury salted egg flavour pairs perfectly with the natural sweetness of the corn, creating a delicious combination that's bursting with flavour in every bite.

Salted Egg Corn and Prawn

The Bi Feng Tang Salted Egg Seafood Fried Rice was one of the highlights of our meal. Every spoonful delivered a delightful contrast of textures, with fluffy fried rice generously topped with a crispy golden garlic crumb. The rich salted egg coating perfectly complemented the seafood, creating a savoury, buttery flavour with a lingering umami finish that kept us coming back for more.

Bi Feng Tang Salted Egg Seafood Fried Rice

The Marmite Chicken with You Tiao & Tau Pok is a nostalgic dish that's close to our hearts. Tender chicken pieces are coated in a rich, savoury-sweet Marmite glaze, then tossed with crispy You Tiao (Chinese dough fritters) and crunchy Tau Pok (fried beancurd). The combination delivers an addictive contrast of textures, almost reminiscent of enjoying a savoury "rojak" with every bite.

Marmite Chicken

Nothing beats the signature London Peking Duck. Made with premium Irish ducks that are extensively dry-aged before being traditionally roasted Peking-style, it boasts an incredibly crispy, golden-brown skin while locking in tender, juicy, and flavourful meat. Served with a selection of dipping sauces, this is the restaurant's must-order dish and one that's worth indulging in.

London Pekin Duck

Elevate your London Peking Duck with the signature 12-Compartment Condiment Platter. Featuring a colourful assortment of fresh cucumber, scallions, pickled ginger, melon strips, crispy garlic, popping candy, and more, it lets you mix and match flavours and textures to create your own perfect duck wrap. Every bite can be customised to suit your taste, making the dining experience even more fun and interactive.

Part of their 12 Compartment Peking Duck Condiment Platter

Wrapping up the Peking Duck

The Charcoal Grilled Iberico Pork Belly Char Siew is a must-order for meat lovers. Made with heavily marbled Iberico pork, each thick slice is expertly caramelised over an intense charcoal fire, creating a beautifully sticky glaze with a smoky char. Beneath the caramelised exterior lies incredibly juicy, tender meat that melts in your mouth, delivering the perfect balance of sweet, savoury, and smoky flavours.

Charcoal Grilled Iberico Pork Belly Char Siew

The Claypot Prawn & Squid with Garlic is a comforting seafood dish that's full of flavour. Plump prawns and tender squid are cooked with fragrant minced garlic and served over glass vermicelli that eagerly soaks up the savoury sauce. Served in scorching hot in a claypot, every mouthful is packed with garlicky goodness, making it a satisfying dish to share.

Claypot Prawn and Squid with Garlic

London Fat Duck continues to impress with its signature Peking Duck, premium roast meats, and well-executed Cantonese dishes. From the smoky Iberico Char Siew to the flavourful seafood and salted egg creations, every dish was satisfying and beautifully prepared. It's a great choice for family gatherings or anyone craving quality Cantonese cuisine in Paya Lebar.

London Fat Duck
Location:  PLQ Mall, 10 Paya Lebar Rd, B2-25, Singapore 409057
Website

小燕子番茄火锅 XiaoYanZi Tomato Hot Pot @ Clementi

Hot pot lovers are probably no strangers to Yan's Tomato Hotpot. Known for its signature tomato soup base, which is freshly simmered daily, the soup is made using premium Dutch tomato varieties alongside fresh tomatoes sourced from Cameron Highlands for a rich, naturally sweet flavour. The brand also serves hand-beaten prawn paste made without any added thickeners. Yan's Tomato Hotpot prides itself on using high-quality ingredients while offering an approachable and affordable hotpot experience that's perfect for everyday dining.

Displaying of Tomatoes at the Entrance

We were truly spoilt for choice at the DIY Sauce Bar, which offers a wide selection of sauces, condiments, herbs, and spices to customise your perfect dipping sauce. Fresh fruits are also included for a refreshing palate cleanser. If you're unsure what to mix, simply follow Yan's Signature Sauce Guide displayed above the counter, where recommended sauce combinations are provided for different flavour profiles.

Yan's Tomato Hotpot DIY Sauce Bar

We went for the signature Tomato Soup Base, made with premium Dutch tomato varieties and fresh Cameron Highlands tomatoes, paired with the nourishing Yunann Wild Mushroom Soup Base. The tomato broth was naturally sweet with a rich, tangy flavour, while the mushroom broth offered a light yet earthy taste that balanced the meal perfectly.

Our Soup Bases

One of the recommendations, the Sweet Potato Taro Balls, was a pleasant surprise. Each golden ball was crispy on the outside, giving way to a soft, chewy centre with the natural sweetness of sweet potato and taro. It's a simple yet satisfying side that's worth adding to your order.

Sweet Potato Taro Balls

The Boneless Fish Slices impressed us with both their presentation and quality. Beautifully arranged and completely boneless, they gave us confidence that the seafood was fresh. The fish remained tender, silky, and flaky after cooking, making it a great choice for the hotpot.

Fish Slices

The Spanish Chestnut Pork Belly immediately caught our attention with its beautiful presentation. It's no surprise this is one of Yan's Tomato Hotpot's sales champions and a table staple. Sourced from chestnut-fed pork, the meat has a subtle natural nutty aroma and a good balance of lean meat and fat. After just 30 seconds of cooking, it remained incredibly tender, juicy, and flavourful.

Spanish Chestnut Pork Belly

The Angus Grain-Fed Beef is a must-order for beef lovers. Grain-fed for a richer, milky aroma, the thinly sliced beef cooks in just 30 seconds, remaining tender, juicy, and beautifully marbled. It pairs exceptionally well with Yan's signature tomato soup, allowing the natural sweetness of the broth to complement the beef's rich flavour.

Angus Grain-Fed Beef

Don't miss the Pumpkin, one of the must-order vegetables at Yan's Tomato Hotpot. Naturally sweet and tender, the pumpkin becomes soft and creamy after simmering, soaking up the rich tomato broth beautifully.

Pumpkin

It's a simple ingredient that adds a comforting touch to every hotpot meal.

Pumpkin

A mixed vegetable platter is always one of our go-to orders during hotpot. It's our way of balancing out the meal while enjoying all the meats and seafood. This colourful platter comes with a generous selection of fresh vegetables, including baby corn, leafy greens, cabbage, purple sweet potato, and more, making it a wholesome addition to the feast.

Mixed Vegetables Platter

Something that immediately caught our attention was the Dragon Fruit Shrimp Paste. Its vibrant purple colour, naturally derived from dragon fruit, made it stand out from the usual shrimp paste. Beyond its eye-catching presentation, the hand-beaten shrimp paste was springy, bouncy, and packed with fresh shrimp flavour, making it as delicious as it was Instagram-worthy.

Dragonfruit Shrimp paste

We also tried the Bean Curd Skin, a hotpot classic that never disappoints. It quickly absorbed the rich tomato broth, becoming soft, silky, and full of flavour while still retaining a slight bite. It's a simple ingredient that pairs wonderfully with both the tomato and mushroom soup bases.

Beancurd Skin

Here's a look at our hotpot feast! We ordered a generous spread featuring Yan's signature tomato and mushroom soup bases, premium meats, fresh seafood, hand-beaten shrimp paste, vegetables, bean curd skin, and other hotpot favourites. Every ingredient was fresh, beautifully presented, and made for a hearty and satisfying dinner.

Our Orders

End your hotpot meal on a sweet note with the complimentary free-flow desserts. During our visit, we enjoyed a selection of desserts, including grass jelly, red bean soup, and soy pudding. Guests can also help themselves to the free-flow soft serve ice cream, making it the perfect refreshing finish to a satisfying meal.

Desserts

Overall, Yan's Tomato Hotpot impressed us with its commitment to quality ingredients, from its signature tomato soup made with Dutch tomato varieties and Cameron Highlands tomatoes to its hand-beaten shrimp paste and premium meats. Coupled with the DIY sauce bar, complimentary desserts, and warm hospitality, it's an excellent choice whether you're planning a casual family dinner, gathering with friends, or simply craving a comforting hotpot experience. We will definitely be back to explore more of the menu.

小燕子番茄火锅 XiaoYanZi Tomato Hot Pot @ Clementi
Location:  321 Clementi Ave 3, #02-10, Singapore 129905
Website

Yum Cha Chinatown

 In celebration of Singapore's 61st Birthday, Yum Cha is introducing a special National Day Limited Time Menu, available from 1 July to 30 September 2026. Inspired by familiar local flavours and reimagined with Yum Cha's signature dim sum touch, these seasonal creations offer a unique way to celebrate the nation's birthday.

Yum Cha

 Whether you're a long-time fan of Yum Cha or simply looking for something different to enjoy with family and friends, this limited-time menu is one you won't want to miss before it's gone.

Yum Cha Chinatown

Singapore's favourite local flavours take centre stage at Yum Cha this National Day season with a specially curated menu inspired by some of the nation's most iconic dishes. From Bak Kut Teh, Chilli Crab and Laksa to Satay and Nanyang Kaya, each creation transforms familiar hawker favourites into inventive dim sum and restaurant-style dishes. Available for a limited time from 1 July to 30 September 2026, the menu offers a fun and nostalgic dining experience, complemented by a meaningful charity initiative that celebrates the true spirit of giving back this National Day.

National Day 2026 Specials 

The Nanyang Kaya Layer Cake was a delightful surprise. Layered with kaya, sweet potato, corn and red beans, it offered a pleasant mix of textures and natural sweetness without being overly rich, making it a satisfying way to end the meal.

Nanyang Kaya Layer Cake 南洋咖椰千层糕

These adorable Chilli Crab Buns were almost too cute to eat. Beneath the crispy golden exterior was a soft, fluffy bun filled with the rich, sweet and mildly spicy flavours of Singapore's iconic chilli crab, making them both fun and delicious.

Chilli Crab Bao 脆皮辣椒蚧包

The Assam Cod Fish Steak featured a lightly pan-seared cod fillet that was tender and flaky. Paired with a tangy assam sauce, it struck a nice balance of sweet, sour and mildly spicy flavours, while the fresh cucumber and pineapple added a refreshing crunch.

Assam Cod Fish Steak 亚参鳕鱼

A true taste of Singapore, the Satay with Fried Rice paired fragrant satay-seasoned fried rice with tender, flavourful satay skewers. Served alongside bite-sized ketupat cubes, this dish brought together the familiar flavours of a classic satay feast in one satisfying plate.

Satay Fried Rice 沙爹炒饭

One of the highlights from Yum Cha's National Day Specials was the Bak Kut Teh Xiao Long Bao (肉骨茶小笼包). Although this seasonal favourite has appeared on their National Day menu over the years, it was my very first time trying it. Instead of the usual white wrapper, this xiao long bao comes in a distinctive brown skin to resemble the herbal Bak Kut Teh broth. Bite into it and you will be greeted by a rich, peppery soup filling that replaces the traditional pork broth, delivering the familiar warmth and robust flavours of a comforting bowl of Bak Kut Teh in a single dumpling. It is a creative local twist that perfectly captures the essence of one of Singapore's most beloved dishes.

BKT Xiao Long Bao 肉骨茶小笼包

The Pork Prata Pancake puts a local spin on a classic Chinese pancake. Wrapped in a flaky, crispy prata-like pastry, the savoury pork filling makes it a satisfying snack that combines familiar Singaporean flavours with dim sum.

Pork Prata Pancake

The Otak Siew Mai is one of Yum Cha's signature dim sum items that's available all year round. Filled with fragrant otak, it delivers a pleasant spicy kick while the texture is softer and more delicate than a traditional siew mai, making it one of my personal favourites.

Otak Siew Mai 乌打烧卖

The Laksa Crispy Rice Roll was an interesting fusion creation. The crispy rice roll soaked up the rich, aromatic laksa gravy beautifully while still retaining a light crunch, delivering the familiar flavours of Singapore's beloved laksa with an enjoyable contrast in texture.

Laksa Crispy Rice Flour Roll

Beyond the food, Yum Cha is also giving back through a meaningful Five Stones Charity Initiative. Priced at $10 per set, every dollar from the sale goes to the Children's Aid Society to support children, youths and families in need. There's also a Five Stones Challenge, where participants stand a chance to win a $20 Yum Cha dine in voucher by putting their five stones skills to the test. It's a nostalgic keepsake that lets you relive a classic Singaporean childhood game while supporting a worthy cause.

5 Stones

Yum Cha Chinatown
Location: 20 Trengganu Street (Off Temple Street) #02-01 Singapore 058479
Website