Restaurant Cougar Lee 錦軒

The birthday girl requested for the celebration to be held at Cougar Lee and granted it was. Nestled along the charming stretch of Tras Street, the evening started with a scenic blue-hour view that made the whole experience feel even more special.

Parking around the area can be slightly challenging during dinner hours, but thankfully we managed to secure a nearby lot within a short walking distance. Sometimes, a little luck makes the night even better.

Restaurant Cougar Lee also Tras Street 

The furnishing carried a charming blend of European elegance and Chinese tradition, creating a warm and intimate dining atmosphere. Staying true to their philosophy of honouring tradition while redefining flavours, Cougar Lee presents an exquisite selection of handcrafted dim sum alongside signature Beijing-inspired dishes where every bite tells a story.

Cozy Restaurant INterior

A large transparent glass panel offered diners a direct glimpse into the bustling kitchen, adding an interactive touch to the dining experience at Cougar Lee. The cosy furnishing and comfortable seating arrangement made the space equally suitable for intimate gatherings as well as bigger group celebrations

Interior of Cougar Lee

We went with their 5-course set dinner menu priced at $50++ per pax, offering a well-curated selection perfect for group gatherings and celebrations. The set menu is available daily from Monday to Sunday, excluding public holidays.

To complement the set meal, we paired it with the Pu’Er Vintage in Petite Mandarin Orange. The earthy and mellow notes of the aged pu’er tea carried a subtle citrus fragrance from the mandarin orange, making it a soothing and refreshing pairing throughout the dinner.

Pu 'Er Vintage In Petite Mandarin Orange普洱小青柑

The first course began with a comforting serving of Braised Fish Maw and Silkie Fowl Double-Boiled Soup. Rich, nourishing and deeply flavourful, the warm broth gently soothed our tummies and set the tone perfectly for the dishes that were about to follow.

Double Boiled Soup 花胶乌鸡汤

For the second course, diners could choose from three different creations, the Snow Crab Stuffing in Beancurd Sheet, Foie Gras Terrine wrapped in crispy filo pastry, or the creamy Buffalo Burrata. Each option brought its own unique combination of textures and flavours, offering something delightful for different palates.

We tried the Snow Crab Stuffing in Beancurd Sheet, and it turned out to be surprisingly good. The delicate beancurd sheet carried a generous filling of sweet snow crab meat, while the rich savoury sauce tied everything together beautifully with comforting flavours.

Snow Crab Stuffing in Beancurd Sheet 红烧野菜焗雪蟹 

The Foie Gras Terrine wrapped in crispy filo pastry was rich yet beautifully balanced. Paired with creamy Stracciatella di Bufala, crunchy pistachios and a fruity vinegar glaze, every bite delivered a luxurious contrast of textures and flavours without feeling overly heavy.

Foie Gras Terrine Wrapped In Filo Foil 脆皮桂花鹅肝

The Buffalo Burrata was a refreshing contrast to the richer dishes. The creamy cheese paired wonderfully with the sweet pineapple and juicy tomatoes, while the crushed peanuts with chilli and sesame dressing added a fragrant nutty crunch with a light hint of spice for extra depth.

Buffalo Burrata 鲜辣布拉塔奶酪

农场 From The Farm

The Roasted Kurobuta Pork Ribs arrived beautifully glazed with a rich savoury sauce that coated the meat perfectly. The pork ribs were fork-tender with a satisfying balance of smoky and sweet flavours, while the confit peas and refreshing coriander salad helped to lighten the dish elegantly.

Roasted Kurobuta Pork Ribs, Confit Peas, Coriander Salad 锦轩烧排⻣

The Steamed Free Range Chicken in “HuaTiao” Wine came beautifully presented with a light crisp batter coating over the tender chicken. The aromatic Hua Tiao wine sauce added a comforting depth of flavour, while the organic vegetables balanced the dish with a natural sweetness and freshness.

Steamed Free Range Chicken in “HuaTiao” Wine, Organic Vegetables 葱香花雕醉鸡

For an additional top-up of $10, we opted for the Stir-fried USDA Hanging Tender with Foie Gras and Organic Broccolini and it was absolutely worth it. The beef was cooked to the right perfection with a tender and juicy texture, while the foie gras added a rich buttery depth that elevated the entire dish beautifully.

Stir-fried USDA Hanging Tender with Foie Gras, Organic Broccolini 鹅肝小棠菜焗⽜柳 +$10

海鲜 From the Ocean

The Poached Red Grouper in Double-Boiled Chicken Broth delivered comforting flavours with a gentle kick of spice. The tender grouper was beautifully soaked in the rich broth, while the sizzling onion and chilli oil added aromatic depth to the dish. Paired with the special beansprouts for extra crunch, it was both light yet flavourful at the same time.

Poached Red Grouper In Double Boiled Chicken Broth 葱香辣⼦油浸东星斑

The Oven Baked Prawn in Basil Pesto Cheese Blanc paired with Cheong Fun was definitely an interesting and unexpected combination. The prawns were plump and succulent, while the creamy basil pesto cheese blanc sauce brought rich and fragrant flavours to the dish. Together with the silky cheong fun, it created a unique fusion that worked surprisingly well.

Oven Baked Prawn in Basil Pesto Cheese Blanc & Cheong Fun 翡翠罗勒浓汤焗虎王虾

甜品 Desserts

Coming to dessert, some of us chose the Homemade Burnt Cheesecake, which came topped with chives and accompanied by a scoop of salted egg yolk ice cream. The cheesecake was rich and creamy with a beautifully caramelised surface, while the savoury notes from the chives and salted egg yolk ice cream created an unexpectedly delightful fusion. A sweet ending with a uniquely Asian twist!

Homemade Burnt Cheesecake, Chives, Salted Egg Yolk Ice Cream 法葱巴斯克

The Almond Pudding with Pu’Er Osmanthus Fragrans and Pineapple Chutney was an unexpectedly delightful creation. The silky smooth almond pudding carried delicate floral notes from the osmanthus and subtle earthy hints of pu’er tea, while the pineapple chutney added a bright fruity sweetness that tied everything together beautifully. An amazing combination that left a lasting impression.

Almond Pudding with “Pu Er” Osmanthus Fragrans, Pineapple Chutney 红茶桂花杏仁奶冻

Our dinner at Cougar Lee was a delightful experience from start to finish. The restaurant successfully blends traditional Chinese flavours with contemporary influences, resulting in a menu that is both creative and comforting. From the thoughtfully curated set menu to the warm hospitality and cosy ambience, every detail contributed to an enjoyable evening. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, hosting a gathering with friends, or simply looking for a memorable dining experience, Cougar Lee offers excellent value for money and is certainly worth a visit.

Restaurant Cougar Lee 錦軒 
Location: 61 Tras St, Singapore 079000 
Website

Gogi Buffet Korean BBQ (Tanjong Pagar)

When a friend keeps going on about an affordable Korean BBQ buffet in Tanjong Pagar, you listen. Located just a short two-minute walk from Maxwell MRT Station, this hidden gem promised a hearty grill-your-own feast without the hefty price tag and we were more than ready to dig in.

GOGI Buffet Korean BBQ

The space carries the humble charm of a classic Korean eatery, free from elaborate furnishings or flashy decor. Simple wooden tables and chairs fill the dining area, creating a casual and welcoming atmosphere. The buffet counter is tucked further inside the eatery, where diners help themselves to the spread, adding to the relaxed, no-frills dining experience.

Dining Area

Right smack in the eatery, the buffet counter showcases a generous spread of marinated meats, ranging from juicy LA galbi and classic bulgogi to more adventurous cuts like pig skin. There’s also a garlic-marinated selection, where the meat is coated in fragrant garlic for an extra savoury punch, offering plenty of variety for those who enjoy bold, robust flavours straight off the grill.

Marinated Meat 

Beyond the meats, the buffet also includes a selection of seafood such as fish, prawns, mussels, and squid, catering to those who prefer lighter bites from the grill. There’s even bread and cheese available, perfect for melting over the grill or enjoying as a simple, comforting side to balance out the smoky flavours.

Beyond Meat

Towards the back of the eatery, you will find a chest freezer stocked with pork collar slices and beef brisket, staple cuts that we simply can’t go without when it comes to Korean BBQ, and always a comforting go-to for the grill.

Meat

We grilled everything over a rectangular hot plate designed with a slight slope, allowing excess oil to flow neatly into a discharge bowl at the side. This thoughtful setup kept the grill surface less greasy, letting the meats sear nicely while preventing them from sitting in too much oil.

BBQ Starts

Besides the grilled items, there’s a variety of cooked dishes available too, including japchae, comforting seaweed soup, tteokbokki, pancakes, and noodles, perfect for pacing the meal between rounds of BBQ. Once our meats were nicely grilled, I couldn’t resist making my own ssam, wrapping the juicy beef in fresh lettuce with a generous bite of kimchi for that classic balance of smoky, fresh, and spicy flavours.

Ssam

Overall, the buffet offers an adequate spread that will satisfy most diners without breaking the bank. For those craving Korean BBQ, this makes for a solid and convenient option in Tanjong Pagar, especially given its central location and wallet-friendly pricing.

Gogi Buffet Korean BBQ (Tanjong Pagar)
Location: 22 Tg Pagar Rd, Singapore 088445

Unatoto Guoco Tower

Back at Unatoto Guco Tower after my 2023 visit, and I’m excited to explore the latest additions to their menu!

Unatoto Guoco Tower

In contrast to my previous visit, the interior has been updated with faux sakura blossoms and walls fully decorated with printed menus and clippings, creating a lively and thematic atmosphere.

Environment

The updated ambiance isn’t the only change. Let’s check out the latest items they have added to the menu!

Menu

We skipped the alcohol this time, after all, someone had to be behind the wheel. Instead, we opted for a comforting cup of hot green tea, perfect for a cold and rainy day.

Green Tea - $2 (Non Refillable)

No visit to a Japanese restaurant feels complete for my dining partner without a serving of chawanmushi. This one was a standout, expertly steamed with that signature silky texture, featuring familiar favorites like Japanese fish cake and tender chicken.

Chawanmushi - $5.50

We started off with the aburi chashu as an appetizer, and it was beautifully presented. The thin slices of flame-seared pork belly were laid out like petals, each topped with a swirl of creamy mayo and a sprinkle of spring onions. Slightly charred edges added a smoky depth to the tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat. A visually striking and delicious start to the meal!

Aburi Chashu - $7

This Umaki (half portion) stole the spotlight with its perfect texture and presentation. The soft tamago envelops a piece of grilled unagi, bringing a gentle sweetness and umami in every bite. That signature branding on top elevated the visual appeal!

Umaki (Half Size) - $5

The assorted mixed skewers set included four sticks, offering a tasty variety of grilled delights: tender chicken thigh, crispy-edged chicken wing, and a rich, savory unagi skewer. A great choice for sampling different flavors.

Assorted Mix Skewers - $12

The beef curry was a new addition to the menu and came beautifully presented. On the left, tender slices of beef were nestled in a pool of sweet Japanese curry, while a neat portion of rice sat on the right. Finely chopped green spring onions were placed right in the middle, bridging the curry and rice, adding a pop of color and freshness to the dish.

Beef Curry - $19

The starring item is none other than their unagi. The Unajyu Deluxe was a great choice for sharing, especially since we had several other dishes to enjoy. The eel still packed that delicious smoky flavor we loved from before.

Unajyu Deluxe - $23.50

The Salmon and Ikura with Tartar Sauce was another standout new item. The creamy tartar sauce brought a refreshing balance, while the ikura added bursts of umami and texture that made each bite more exciting.

Salmon and Ikura with Tartar Sauce - $15.90

We ended the meal on a refreshing note with the Matcha Warabimochi & Ice Cream served with black honey. The matcha ice cream was smooth and creamy, with none of the usual bitterness, just pure, mellow matcha flavor. The Matcha Warabimochi, on the other hand, had a slight bitter edge, but the drizzle of black honey balanced it out beautifully, tying everything together into a sweet and satisfying finish.

Matcha Warabimochi & Ice Cream with Black Honey - $7.50

On a side note, they offered a complimentary Ebi tempura for customers who left a Google review on the spot—a nice little bonus to end the meal!

Complimentary Ebi Tempura

All in all, it was another enjoyable experience at Unatoto Guoco Tower. Visiting on the weekend turned out to be a great choice, the atmosphere was relaxed, and it wasn’t as crowded as other spots. With thoughtful new menu additions and consistent quality, it’s definitely a place worth revisiting.

Unatoto Guoco Tower
Location: Guoco Tower, 7 Wallich St, #B1 - 03 Guoco Tower, Singapore 078884
Website

Ang Mo Liang Teh

The shop name relates closely to our hearts as this usual description in Dialect usually describes Beer as “Ang Mo Liang Teh”. It is strategically located in CBD. Just imagine that your drinking hole is just around the corner of Eon Shenton. Be it from the taps, bottles of cans, do take a trip down and check it out.

Ang Mo Liang Teh

Here you won’t get to find any carpeted floor or dim lighting. Instead, it was simply furnished with comforting white walls adorned with some dragon murals by local illustrator Tobyato, paying homage to both the beer and the founder, Jerry Yang’s birth year ~ Chinese Year of the Dragon. 

Simple Interior

Let’s get transported by the warm, neighbourhood nostalgia that defines AMLT here. 

Beer

AMLT is a good place to chill and unwind after a hard day’s of work for both local and imported craft beers at very affordable prices.

Ang Mo Liang Teh in Chinese Characters

Once you step into AMLT, you won’t miss this eye-catching mural on the wall.

When there is beer, we can not less out pairing these drinks with some finger food. We indulged ourselves in their wings and some unctuous Chinese Style BBQ Pork on the Pizza.

Our Beer and Meal

The fusion of our Chinese BBQ Pork, aka Char Siew, on the smoky thin-crust pizza was heavenly. We added some paprika to give our palettes a spicy kick.

Pizza with Char Siew

With its location, who works around the area is very convenient. Even my friend who works around that area agree that she will be visiting again too.

Ang Mo Liang Teh
Location: Eon Shenton, 70 Shenton Way, #01-13 Singapore 079118
Website