Korat Thai

Back here at Korat Thai with my friends for dinner! My first visit was earlier last year, and I was pleasantly surprised to discover this hidden Thai gem in Orchard. The food was delicious, authentic and surprisingly pocket friendly, making it a place I was happy to return to with my friends.

Starting with the carbs, we had the Crab Fried Rice to share among us. The fluffy rice carried a lovely fragrance of egg and garlic, with generous bits of fresh crab meat tucked into every bite. Packed with aroma and savoury goodness, it was a comforting way to kick off our meal.

Crab Fried Rice

Next came their Sour Plum Minced Pork Soup, which immediately whetted our appetite for more. The broth was tangy and savoury, with tender minced pork and aromatic herbs adding depth to every spoonful. It was so appetising that we simply could not stop at the first scoop!

Sour Plum Minced Pork Soup

Yellow Curry Crab Meat comes with generous chunks of crab meat coated in a rich and flavourful yellow curry. Creamy, savoury and packed with crab, this is best enjoyed with a plate of white rice to soak up all that delicious curry!

Yellow Curry Crab Meat

Tender beef slices were stir-fried in a tasty and flavourful sauce, topped with crispy fried basil leaves. I particularly liked how the basil retained its bright green colour after frying, adding a lovely contrast and lifting the overall presentation of the dish.

 Basil Beef Slice

The Chicken Wing Zaab may look fiery red, but surprisingly, it was not spicy at all! The chicken wings were perfectly fried with a crispy coating and a tasty blend of seasonings that made them wonderfully appetising.

Chicken Wing Zaab

A Thai meal cannot be complete without this classic dessert! The glutinous rice was moulded into cute heart shapes and paired with slices of mango and coconut cream. The mango leaned slightly towards the sourish side, which balanced nicely with the sweetness of the dessert.

Mango Sticky Rice

Here’s what we had! With new dishes like these on the menu, Korat Thai continues to stand out from the usual Thai eateries. It’s a great choice for Thai food if you are in the Orchard area, especially if you are looking for something tasty and pocket friendly without breaking the bank.

What we had

Korat Thai
Location: Orchard Towers, 400 Orchard Rd, #03-28, Singapore 238875

Souper Tang

Souper Tang has opened at Raffles City, bringing its well-loved Chinese herbal soups, nourishing broths and comforting dishes to Singapore. It will be a familiar name for those who often head to JB for meals, and the extensive menu makes it easy to find something for everyone. What’s even better is that there are dishes exclusive to the Singapore outlet, giving diners something new to explore.

The Souper Tang Signature Soup arrived with a whole chicken leg, Panax Ginseng, dried scallop, fish maw and shiitake mushrooms. The broth carried a lovely rice wine and chicken essence aroma that made it especially inviting. The chicken was tender and infused with the nourishing broth, while the combination of ingredients added depth and richness without making the soup feel overly heavy. A comforting bowl that truly lives up to Souper Tang’s name.

Souper Tang Signature Soup 招牌参鸡汤 - $23.50

The Premium Fish Maw & Pork Tripe Pepper Collagen Soup is one of the Singapore exclusive offerings. I’m not usually a fan of peppery soups, but this was well within my threshold. The pepper was mild and gave the soup a gentle, throat-warming finish.

Premium Fish Maw & Pork Tripe Pepper Collagen Soup 胶原蛋白花胶猪肚汤 - $31.80

It came with generous pieces of pork tripe, fish maw, button mushrooms and other ingredients, making it a comforting and collagen-rich bowl. The pork tripe was tender, while the fish maw added a pleasant, soft and slightly gelatinous texture to the soup.

Fish maw, pork tripe and mushrooms in collagen soup

The comforting Stir-Fried French Bean with Pu Er was definitely a good pairing with the bowl of rice. The crisp-tender French beans were coated with fragrant Pu Er and crispy bits, adding a savoury texture and flavour that complemented the rice nicely.

Stir-Fried French Bean with Pu Er - $14.80

The Home Braised Pork Belly in Rich Dark Special Sauce struck all the right notes. The pork belly was well braised and tender, with the flavours nicely accentuated by the rich, savoury sauce. Pair it with the small buns to soak up all that gravy goodness for an extra satisfying bite.

Home Braised Pork Belly in Rich Dark Special Sauce - $18.80

The Jasmine Tea-Infused Sautéed Prawn is another Singapore exclusive. Fragrant and rather different in execution, the prawns were paired with barley and tea leaves, giving the dish a subtle tea aroma and an interesting texture. It was a refreshing change from the usual prawn preparations.

Jasmine Tea-Infused Sauteed Prawn - $14.80

The Yellow Wine Chicken was a dish I had been longing for, and it certainly delivered. I loved the natural sweetness from the red dates paired with shredded ginger, black fungus and tender chicken. This combination worked beautifully together, while the sweet, savoury gravy was incredibly addictive. It went wonderfully with a bowl of white rice, but the gravy was good enough to sip on its own.

Souper Tang Stewed Yellow Wine Chicken with Tian Ma Botany - $17.80

The XO Rice Topped with Twice-Fried Emerald Fish Chunks was aromatic and fragrant, with a lovely contrast of textures. The crispy fish chunks added a satisfying bite to the flavourful rice. Needless to say, we couldn’t resist going back for more after the very first spoonful!

XO Rice Topped with Twice-Fried Emerald Fish Chunks - $13.80

Coming to dessert, we had the Signature Caramel Beancurd, served in a charming wooden tub on a wooden chopping board. Simply pour the little jar of caramel over the wobbly beancurd and enjoy. The soft, silky texture paired with the sweet caramel made for a simple yet satisfying way to end the meal.

Signature Caramel Beancurd - $5.80

The Brown Sugar Herbal Jelly with Longan and Peach Gum was soothing on the throat, with just the right level of sweetness. Light and refreshing, it was a pleasant way to round off the meal.

Brown Sugar Herbal Jelly with Longan and Peach Gum

Souper Tang at Raffles City offers a comforting selection of nourishing Chinese soups and hearty dishes, including Singapore-exclusive creations. From its herbal soups to satisfying mains and desserts, there’s plenty to explore. A worthwhile stop for a wholesome and comforting meal in the heart of Singapore.

Souper Tang
Location: Raffles City Shopping Centre, 252 North Bridge Road, #B1-37 Singapore 179103

Maruhachi Donburi & Curry

I first got to know Maruhachi Donburi & Curry for its Kurobuta pork dishes many years ago, when its stall nestled among the HDB estates in Punggol went viral. We queued for hours just to get a taste! I had previously shared my experience at their Punggol outlet, and it’s interesting to see how much they have grown since then. Today, Maruhachi has branched out with more outlets, and this time, I visited their Holland Village outlet to see what they have to offer.

Maruhachi Donburi & Curry

Throughout the years, Maruhachi’s consistent standards and quality of food have certainly earned them plenty of good reviews, both through word of mouth and media coverage. Their features in various publications are a testament to the reputation they have built over the years.

Medias

Check out their extensive spread of Hokkaido White Curry, with plenty of options ranging from katsu and prawns to sausages and seafood. With so many tempting choices on the menu, can you guess what we picked? Read on to find out!

Taste of Hokkaido White Curry Menu

We had the Mentai Chicken Katsu White Curry, and I simply loved the deep-fried chicken katsu. It had an attractive, crispy crumb coating while the chicken remained juicy and tender despite being fried. Generously drizzled with creamy mentaiko sauce, the katsu was served over a bed of fluffy white rice, with pickles tucked neatly to the side. The other half of the plate was filled with a pool of Hokkaido white curry, making every bite rich, creamy and satisfying.

Mentai Chicken Katsu White Curry 

The Smoked Sausage White Curry Udon was surprisingly light and comforting. I’m usually not a fan of udon, but this combination and presentation won me over. The soft, chewy noodles paired nicely with the lightly creamy white curry gravy, while the smoky sausages added a savoury touch. Best of all, the gravy was flavourful without being too rich or jelat, making this a comforting bowl that was easy to enjoy.

Smoked Sausage White Curry Udon - $11.90 

The Special Pork Katsu Don was another satisfying choice, with a generous piece of pork katsu that was undeniably delicious. The crispy, golden coating paired beautifully with the tender pork, while a sous vide egg sat on top, adding a silky richness. If you love this combination, break the yolk, mix everything together and enjoy every mouthful of the katsu, egg and savoury sauce with the rice.

Special Pork Katsu Don - $12.80

Last but not least, we had the Black Pork, also known as Kurobuta Katsu Set. It came with a complete set of fluffy rice, miso soup and shredded cabbage dressed with a creamy sesame sauce. The Kurobuta katsu was beautifully golden and crispy, served on a cooling wire rack to help retain its crunch. The pork was tender and flavourful, and just like the other katsu dishes, the execution was spot on. Definitely a satisfying way to round off our meal.

Kurobuta Katsu Set - $16.30

Look at this beautifully crisp piece of Kurobuta Katsu! Dip it generously into the savoury tonkatsu sauce, lift it up with a little elevation, and enjoy that satisfying crunch with every bite. The golden, crispy coating gives way to tender pork inside, making it even more tempting with that extra touch of sauce.

Crispy Kurobuta Katsu with Tonkatsu Sauce

A satisfying katsu-focused meal that delivered a good mix of comfort and variety. From crispy pork and chicken katsu to creamy white curry and donburi-style rice bowls, everything came together in a hearty but well-balanced spread. It’s the kind of meal that leaves you full, happy, and already thinking about coming back for more.

 Katsu Set Meal with Pork, Chicken Katsu and White Curry Dishes

Maruhachi Donburi & Curry (Holland)
Location: Blk 40 Holland Dr, Singapore 270040

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