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

Xiang Ji Cooked Food

 Throwback to my last post of Xiang Ji Cooked Food back in 2014 and honestly, it still remains one of my go-to comfort spots whenever I’m craving a warm bowl of porridge, or what we fondly call “jok”.

The stall front looks pretty much the same as I remember no major revamp, just that familiar old-school charm. Menu-wise, not much has changed over the years too… except for the prices, which have naturally crept up.

Some things don’t need changing though and this is definitely one of them.

Stall of Xiang Ji Cooked Food

No doubt there are more porridge stalls around these days, but their die-hard fans still faithfully queue up for this homely, comforting bowl of porridge. What keeps them coming back is that familiar touch, the traditional addition of fried fritters atop every bowl, soaking up all that rich, savoury goodness.

Pail  of Fried Fritters aka You Tiao

My standard order here has always been a comforting bowl of pork porridge, with the usual request for an egg to be cooked into it. This simple addition enhances the overall texture, giving the porridge a smoother and silkier consistency. Visually, the bowl remains humble and unpretentious, exactly how a traditional porridge should be, staying true to its roots without any unnecessary frills.

Pork Porridge with Egg - $4

It is served with classic toppings such as dong cai, a sprinkle of spring onions, and most importantly, the familiar pieces of you tiao resting on top. The fried fritters gradually soak up the porridge, adding a delightful contrast of texture with every bite. It is this simplicity and consistency that continue to define the experience, making it a comforting choice that never goes out of style.

Pork, Egg & Fried Fritters

While a comforting bowl like this always makes my day, it’s time to get going and take on the rest of the day ahead.

Finished

Xiang Ji Cooked Food
Location: Yuhua Village Market and Food Centre, 254 Jurong East St 24, #01-53, Singapore 600254

Basil Queen 07

We also spotted a new stall selling Thai food in the coffee shop and decided to give it a try. We ordered the 5-pax set meal priced at $50, which seemed quite value for money considering the variety of dishes included.

The set came with:

• Seabass (Steamed / Fried)
• Omelette Pork
• Stir-Fried Kailan with Mushrooms
• Tom Yam Seafood (Creamy)
• Stir-Fried Pork with Garlic
• Basil Chicken (Ala Carte)
• 5 Bowls of Rice

Basil Queen 07

For the seabass, there were several cooking styles to choose from, including Thai Lime Chilli Sauce, Tom Yam Cream, Thai Kaeng Som and their Special Thai Style sauce. We decided to go with the Special Thai Style sauce, which came generously poured over the fish. The sauce was savoury with a slight tang and mild spice, while the seabass itself was tender and flaky, soaking up all the flavours beautifully.

Sea Bass with Special Thai Sauce

The Omelette Pork was well cooked with a nicely crisp exterior and fluffy texture inside. Packed with bits of minced pork and herbs, it was simple yet satisfying, and definitely a great dish to go along with the bowls of white rice we had.

Omlette Pork 

The Stir-Fried Kailan with Mushrooms was simple and homely. The kailan retained a nice crunch while the mushrooms added a light earthy flavour. Lightly seasoned and not overly oily, it was a comforting vegetable dish that balanced the richer items on the table.

Stir Fried Kailan with Mushrooms

The Tom Yam Seafood Cream was tangy and addictive. The broth carried a pleasant balance of sourness, spice and creamy richness, making it very appetising. Filled with seafood and aromatic herbs, it was the kind of dish that kept us going back for more spoonfuls.

Tom Yam Seafood Cream 

The Stir Fried Pork Garlic was deep-fried to a dark golden brown and topped with fragrant fried garlic. The pork pieces were crispy on the outside while remaining tender inside, with the garlic adding an extra layer of aroma and flavour. It was a simple yet satisfying dish that paired well with rice.

Stir Fried Pork Garlic 

The Basil Chicken was yummy and comforting. The minced chicken was stir-fried with basil leaves, garlic and chilli, giving it a fragrant aroma and savoury flavour. The rich sauce made it especially enjoyable when paired with a bowl of white rice.

Basil Chicken 

Apart from the set meal, on another visit I also ordered their Basil Queen with 2 eggs. I opted for the basil pork version and the portion was quite generous. The basil pork was savoury and aromatic, while the two sunny-side-up eggs were beautifully done with runny yolks that paired perfectly with the rice. It was a simple yet very satisfying plate.

Basil Queen with 2 Eggs - $8.90

The Pineapple Fried Rice was also generous in portion. Served with meat floss, cashew nuts, cucumber and a fried egg, the dish had a nice mix of textures and flavours. We opted for the seafood version, which added a savoury touch to the fragrant fried rice, making it a hearty and satisfying plate.

Pineapple Fried Rice (Seafood) - $7.90

The Phad Thai (Chicken) was another comforting dish. The rice noodles were stir-fried with chicken, bean sprouts and egg, giving it a nice balance of savoury and slightly sweet flavours. Served with crushed peanuts, chilli flakes and a wedge of lime on the side, it allowed us to adjust the taste to our liking for an extra punch of flavour.

Phad Thai (Chicken) - $6.90

Overall, the Thai food was pretty decent. It was an average fare that satisfied our cravings, though nothing particularly outstanding to shout about. Still, the dishes were hearty, portions were generous, and it made for a satisfying meal at the coffee shop.

Basil Queen 07
Location: Blk 54 Teban Gardens Rd, Singapore 600054

Original Botak Jones (JTC Summit)

 I finally made my way to JTC Summit to visit the original Botak Jones outlet. Despite it being a weekend night and the office building itself feeling relatively quiet, I was surprised to see the food court bustling with people. Many were gathered in groups, enjoying their meals and conversations, giving the place a lively and welcoming atmosphere.

At the time of my visit, only Botak Jones and Lai Huat Signatures were open for dinner service. Even with the limited options, the crowd clearly showed that these stalls were enough to draw people in, especially for those craving their familiar and comforting dishes.

Sprouts Food Place

As planned, we joined the queue for Botak Jones to settle our Western food cravings for dinner. Orders were placed via the self-service kiosk, which made the process straightforward and efficient. Despite the crowd, the queue moved at a steady pace, and it was clear that many were here specifically for this original outlet.

Botak Jones

I went for the Botak’s Beef Burger, which came with their handmade beef patty, layered with sliced cheese, tomato, and lettuce, all tucked between a lightly toasted sesame bun. The patty was thick and juicy, with a satisfying meaty bite that reflected its handmade quality. The melted cheese added a creamy richness, while the fresh vegetables provided a nice balance.

For the two sides, I chose the coleslaw and baked beans. The coleslaw was creamy and refreshing, helping to cut through the richness of the burger, while the baked beans added a warm, comforting sweetness. Altogether, it made for a hearty and satisfying meal that lived up to Botak Jones’ reputation.

Botak's Burger with 2 Sides - $17.50

With such a pleasant and spacious environment that suited my liking, it made the overall dining experience even more enjoyable. I would definitely love to be back again, not just for their hearty Western food, but also as a great spot for casual gatherings with friends.

Original Botak Jones (JTC Summit)
Location: 8 Jurong Town Hall Rd, #02-01, Singapore 609434
Website

Casa Vostra (JEM)

Casa Vostra, the newly opened spot in JEM, has clearly captured everyone’s attention. I had assumed the crowds would ease after a few months, but reality proved otherwise. Even on a weekday before 6pm, the wait time was close to an hour. Thankfully, we managed to secure counter seats, which had a much shorter queue and saved us from the long wait.

Queue of Casa Vostra

Sitting at the counter turned out to be perfect for a curious diner like me. I had a front-row view of their open kitchen, watching the chefs stretch the dough, assemble each pizza, and slide it straight into the massive electric oven right before my eyes. It added a whole new layer of appreciation to the meal.

My View 

The dining area exudes the charm of a classic Italian restaurant, elegant, simple, and effortlessly inviting.

Dining Area 

Not every place serves Pappardelle, and even fewer get it right, it’s always a 50/50 chance. Thankfully, this Beef Cheek Pappardelle hit all the right notes. The wide, silky ribbons of pasta clung beautifully to the rich San Marzano DOP tomato sauce, while the slow-braised beef cheek ragu added an indulgent depth and tenderness in every bite. 

Beef Cheek Pappardelle - $25

Smoked pancetta and sofritto brought layers of savoury aroma, and the finishing touch of Parmigiano Reggiano elevated the dish with a nutty, salty fragrance. A hearty, well-executed pasta that truly comforts the soul.

Yummy

The 5 Formaggi e Pear pizza was a true standout. The crust had that perfect leopard-spotted char, lightly crisp on the outside, airy and chewy within, showing the skill of the kitchen and the power of that massive oven. Each bite was a luxurious blend of rich, molten cheeses: the creaminess of mascarpone, the mellow tang of Taleggio, the sharpness of Parmigiano, the stretchy fiordilatte, and the unmistakable boldness of gorgonzola.

5 Formaggi e Pear - $26

What elevated it further was the pear compote. Its gentle sweetness cut through the richness, creating a beautiful balance that kept the flavours from becoming overwhelming. The drizzle of olive oil and crack of black pepper added fragrance and depth, making this pizza both indulgent and incredibly harmonious. A comforting yet sophisticated choice that lingers deliciously on the palate.

Yummy

They say the length of the queue reflects the food quality and it definitely does! This round, we only managed to order two items, and they already kept us full. We will be back for more when the queue isn’t so long, hopefully.

Rating: 4 / 5

Casa Vostra (JEM)
Location: JEM, 50 Jurong Gateway Rd, #01-03, Singapore 608549
Nearest Station: Jurong East (EW24 / NS1)
Website

Giraffa

 Giraffa, hailed as “Japan’s most popular cheese curry bread,” has clinched the Japanese Golden Award three years running. Their signature curry bread is packed with spiced meat curry and gooey cheese, all wrapped in a light, sweet milk-flavored batter and deep-fried to golden, irresistible crispiness.

Giraffa

Good news for curry lovers! Famous Japanese snack chain Giraffa, known for its popular Kamakura-style curry buns, is making its Singapore debut this year at Westgate Mall. 

About Giraffa

Crispy on the outside, savory on the inside, it’s set to be a must-try for fans of warm, comforting bites.

Menu

Giraffa’s curry buns are no ordinary snack, the curry filling is crafted with 30 different spices, delivering a savory, rich, and aromatic flavor in every bite. With reasonable prices, it’s a tasty treat that won’t break the bank.

Freshly Deep Fried

The Japanese Curry Bun comes in a presentable box that fits 4 buns, making it perfect for gifting.

A box of 4 

Just look at that cheese pull, it’s absolutely enticing! The filling of ground beef, pork, and seasoned vegetables draws out deep flavours. 

Cheese Pull

Balanced with honey, apples, tomatoes, and wine, the mix of freshness, sweetness, sourness, and richness makes every bite so enjoyable.

Freshly Prepared Curry Bun

Giraffa
Location: Westgate, 3 Gateway Drive, #02-05A , Singapore 608532
Nearest Station: Jurong East (EW24 / NS1)