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

Seoul Noodle Shop

While South Korean cuisine often brings to mind crispy fried chicken and sizzling Korean barbecue, there's another side of Korean comfort food that deserves just as much attentio, hearty, soul-warming noodle soups. We recently visited Seoul Noodle Shop at Northpoint City, Yishun, where handcrafted noodles are paired with rich, slow-simmered broths for a comforting meal that's perfect any time of the day. From the chewy knife-cut noodles to the deeply flavourful soups, this is a spot worth checking out if you are craving an authentic taste of Korea beyond the usual favourites.

Seoul Noodle Shop

Pairing our food with refreshing Green Apple, Yuzu & Pineapple Ade made the meal even more enjoyable. Each sparkling drink was crisp, fruity, and wonderfully refreshing, making them the perfect companions to every bite.

Green Apple, Yuzu & Pineapple Ade

Apart from the usual Kimchi, Seafood, and Potato Pancakes, we also tried the Morning Glory, Pancake. This unique combination featured fresh morning glory, juicy shrimp, and mixed vegetables bound together in a crispy Korean-style pancake. Lightly crisp on the outside and soft within, it was topped with toasted sesame seeds and paired with a savoury dipping sauce that complemented every bite.

Morning Glory Shrimp Pancake - $15.50

Half Chicken Noodles - $18.50

The Half Chicken Noodles is one of the best choices on their knife cut noodle menu. Served with a generous half chicken, chewy handmade knife-cut noodles in a rich chicken broth, and topped with Korean chives, sliced leeks, and egg strips, it is both comforting and satisfying. 

Half Chicken Knife Cut Noodles Set with Tender Chicken

The chicken was wonderfully tender, while the broth was rich, flavourful, and perfect for slurping. Complete with rice, kimchi, pickled radish, and seasoned salt on the side, this is a hearty meal that's well worth ordering.

Half Chicken Knife Cut Noodles in Chicken Broth

The Assorted Tofu Stew Set is a comforting bowl packed with silky soft tofu, prawns, clams, beef, and vegetables simmered in a rich, spicy Korean broth. Served bubbling hot, every spoonful is loaded with flavour, while the accompanying rice, kimchi, and side dishes complete the satisfying meal. 

Assorted Tofu Stew Set - $18.90

If you enjoy hearty Korean stews with a good mix of seafood and meat, this is a great choice.

Assorted Soft Tofu Stew Close-up

Every main dish is served as a complete set with steamed rice and a selection of classic Korean side dishes, including kimchi and pickled radish.

Complete Korean Meal Set with Side Dishes

For our third set, we went with the Crispy Fried Korean Mackerel. The whole mackerel was freshly fried until golden brown with a crisp exterior while remaining moist and flaky inside. Served with steamed rice, kimchi, pickled radish, bean sprouts, rolled omelette, dipping sauce, and a comforting bowl of traditional Korean rice punch, it made for a simple yet satisfying Korean meal.

Crispy Fried Korean Mackerel - $18.90

Whether you are craving comforting knife cut noodles, hearty Korean stews, crispy pancakes, or perfectly fried fish, this restaurant delivers satisfying Korean flavours in generous set meals. Each main comes complete with rice and classic Korean side dishes, making it a wholesome and value-for-money dining experience. Don't forget to pair your meal with their refreshing Green Apple, Yuzu, or Pineapple Ade for an extra refreshing touch. If you're looking for authentic Korean comfort food in Singapore, this spot is well worth adding to your list.

Seoul Noodle Shop
Location: Northpoint City 930 Yishun Ave 2, #02-139/140 South Wing, Singapore 769098

Si Chuan Dou Hua Restaurant - Beach Road

Stepping into Si Chuan Dou Hua Restaurant at PARKROYAL on Beach Road for the very first time, I couldn't help but feel excited about what was to come. The elegant entrance and welcoming ambience immediately set the tone for a relaxing weekend lunch. It was the perfect opportunity to catch up with friends over a leisurely meal while looking forward to sampling the restaurant's signature Sichuan and Cantonese dishes. With great company and an enticing menu ahead, expectations were definitely high for this first dining experience.

Entrance of Si Chuan Dou Hua at Beach Road

We were ushered into one of the restaurant's private dining rooms, offering a peaceful retreat from the bustling main dining area. Once the door was closed, it effectively blocked out the surrounding noise, creating a quiet and comfortable setting for our meal. The intimate space allowed us to relax, enjoy meaningful conversations, and spend quality time catching up with friends without any distractions.

Private Dining Room at Si Chuan Dou Hua Restaurant

Nutritious Millet with Fish Maw - $32

The Vapour Steamed Quail Soup with Matsutake Mushrooms was another comforting highlight of the meal. The broth had a wonderfully earthy aroma from the prized matsutake mushrooms, while the quail was tender after being gently steamed. Light yet flavourful, the soup was nourishing without being overly rich, making it a crowd-pleaser that earned approving nods from everyone around the table.

Vapour-steamed Quail Soup with Matsutake Mushrooms - $20

One dish that never fails to impress on a Chinese banquet table is the Mini Buddha Jumps Over the Wall. This luxurious double-boiled soup is packed with premium ingredients, and its rich aroma is enough to whet the appetite before the first sip. Our serving featured a tender abalone, along with other nourishing ingredients that had been slow-cooked to extract their natural sweetness into the broth. Every spoonful was comforting, flavourful, and a wonderful way to begin the meal.

Mini Buddha Jump Over The Wall - $68

The Sichuan Hot and Sour Soup with Crab Meat was a delightful appetiser that awakened our taste buds right from the first spoonful. The soup struck a well-balanced combination of tanginess and gentle spiciness, complemented by the sweetness of the crab meat. Thick, comforting, and packed with flavour, it left us craving another bowl and proved to be an excellent start to the meal.

Sichuan Hot and Sour Soup with Crab Meat - $14

The Soups

The Stir Fried Lobster with Bean Curd in Spicy Sauce was one of the standout dishes of the evening. Generous chunks of sweet, succulent lobster were paired with silky bean curd, which absorbed the rich, savoury spicy sauce beautifully. Despite its bold appearance, the heat was well balanced and complemented the natural sweetness of the seafood rather than overpowering it. The combination of premium lobster, soft tofu, and flavourful sauce made this a nutritious and satisfying dish that kept everyone reaching for more.

Stir-Fried Lobster with Bean Curd in Spicy Sauce - $20 per 100g (Local Lobster)

The Grilled New Zealand Lamb Ribs with Cumin turned out to be one of the biggest surprises of the evening. The lamb was wonderfully tender, with none of the gamey flavour that some people associate with lamb. Lightly seasoned with fragrant cumin and aromatic spices, each bite was juicy, flavourful, and easy to enjoy. The meat came off the bone effortlessly, making it a crowd favourite that was gentle on our jaws yet packed with robust flavours.

Grilled New Zealand Lamb Ribs with Cumin - $48 (Small)

The Barbecue Pork with Honey Sauce was an instant crowd favourite. Each slice had a beautiful caramelised glaze with just the right balance of sweetness and smoky char. The pork was tender and juicy, while the lightly charred edges added an irresistible depth of flavour. It was one of those dishes that had everyone reaching for "just one more piece" until the plate was almost empty.

Barbecue Pork with Honey Sauce - $22 (Small)

The Pacific Garoupa was thoughtfully presented, with the fish expertly deboned and cut into bite sized pieces for easy enjoyment. This allowed everyone to savour the tender, flaky flesh without having to worry about navigating around bones. Cooked in a vibrant spicy sauce with tofu, mushrooms, and aromatic herbs, the garoupa remained moist and naturally sweet, while the sauce added just the right amount of heat and tang. It was a well-executed dish that combined convenience with excellent flavour.

Pacific Garoupa - $40 per 100g

The Braised Pork Belly with Homemade Brown Sauce was a hearty and indulgent dish that showcased the restaurant's mastery of slow braising. The cube of pork belly was beautifully layered with alternating lean meat and fat, resulting in a melt-in-the-mouth texture that absorbed the rich, savoury homemade brown sauce perfectly. While some may find the pork slightly softer than usual, I thought the texture was just right. Paired with a tender abalone and crisp broccoli, the dish struck a lovely balance of richness and freshness, making it both comforting and satisfying.

Braised Six Head Mushroom & Pork Belly in Homemade Brown Sauce 

The star of the evening was undoubtedly the Roasted Peking Duck. As the whole duck was wheeled to our room, everyone naturally gathered around to watch the chef in action. With remarkable precision and skill, he meticulously carved the beautifully roasted duck, expertly slicing off the crisp, golden brown skin before portioning the succulent meat. The live tableside carving added a touch of theatre to the dining experience, making the dish even more memorable before we eagerly tucked in.

Roasted Beijing Duck - $88

Once the Roasted Peking Duck had been expertly carved, the restaurant thoughtfully wrapped each portion for us, sparing us the hassle of assembling the pancakes ourselves. Every wrap came neatly packed with crispy duck skin, tender duck meat, and the accompanying condiments, making each bite perfectly balanced. The crisp skin, succulent meat, and soft pancake came together beautifully, allowing us to savour this classic delicacy without getting our hands messy.

Roasted Peking Duck Wraps

The remaining Roasted Peking Duck was beautifully carved and served as a second course, allowing us to fully appreciate the succulent duck meat. Without the pancake wraps, the natural flavours of the duck shone through even more. The meat was tender and juicy, while the roasted skin retained a light crispness that complemented every bite. It was a simple yet satisfying way to enjoy the rest of the duck, proving that every part of this signature dish was worth savouring.

Roasted Peking Duck Carved Meat

My first visit to Si Chuan Dou Hua Restaurant at PARKROYAL on Beach Road was an enjoyable one. The elegant ambience, comfortable private dining room, and attentive service provided the perfect setting for a weekend catch-up with friends. From the nourishing soups and premium seafood to the expertly carved Peking Duck, every dish was thoughtfully prepared and beautifully presented. If you're looking for a refined Chinese dining experience for family gatherings or special occasions, Si Chuan Dou Hua Restaurant is well worth a visit.

Si Chuan Dou Hua Restaurant - Beach Road
Location: Park Royal on Beach Road, 7500 Beach Rd, Singapore 199591
Website

Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu One Holland Village

For dinner, we headed to Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu at One Holland Village, a Japanese restaurant that specialises in gyukatsu instead of the usual pork or chicken katsu. This unique concept immediately caught our attention, as premium beef takes centre stage here. Each cutlet is lightly coated with a crisp golden crust while keeping the beef tender and juicy inside, offering a refreshing twist on the traditional Japanese katsu experience.

Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu

Stepping into Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu, we were immediately greeted by a vibrant mural that stretches across the back wall of the restaurant. Filled with colourful illustrations inspired by Japanese culture and Kyoto landmarks, it adds a lively touch to the otherwise minimalist interior. Combined with the warm wooden furnishings and cosy seating, the restaurant offers a welcoming atmosphere that makes it an enjoyable place to relax and savour a satisfying Japanese meal.

Interior of Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu One Holland Village

The restaurant embraces a contemporary Japanese aesthetic with warm wooden furnishings and clean, minimalist décor. Soft lantern lighting creates a cosy ambience, while the spacious seating layout ensures a comfortable dining experience even during busy meal periods. The combination of traditional Japanese design elements and modern touches gives the restaurant an inviting atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for casual meals with family and friends.

Modern Japanese Interior at Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu

What sets Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu apart is its meticulous preparation of the beef cutlet. Each cutlet is quickly fried at a high temperature to achieve a crispy golden crust while preserving the beef's natural flavours and juicy, medium rare centre. To further enhance the experience, every set comes with a selection of sauces and condiments, allowing diners to customise each bite with different flavour profiles. It's this attention to detail and commitment to quality that makes their signature gyukatsu the restaurant's pride and joy.

Signature Medium Rare Gyukatsu Beef Cutlet

As an additional dish, we ordered the Wagyu Gyukatsu, and it was well worth it. The beautifully marbled Wagyu beef featured a light, crispy coating while remaining wonderfully tender and medium rare on the inside. Every bite delivered the rich, buttery flavour and melt-in-your-mouth texture that Wagyu is renowned for. Served with grated daikon in ponzu sauce and a touch of wasabi, the accompaniments enhanced the beef's natural sweetness without overpowering its delicate flavour. This is a must-order for anyone looking to indulge in a premium gyukatsu experience.

Wagyu

We ordered the Sirloin and Tenderloin Gyukatsu Zen, a hearty set meal that lets you enjoy two premium cuts of beef in one serving. The lightly breaded beef cutlets were perfectly crisp on the outside while remaining tender and juicy with a medium rare centre. The set was accompanied by Japanese rice, miso soup, a rich umami onsen egg, freshly shredded cabbage, fresh wasabi, and citrus sauce with grated Japanese radish.

Sirloin & Tenderloin

To customise every bite, the meal also came with a selection of condiments, including dashi soy sauce, sansho pepper salt, and the restaurant's signature gyukatsu sauce. Each pairing brought out a different dimension of the beef, making every mouthful a unique and enjoyable experience.

Sirloin and Tenderloin GYUKATSU ZEN - $29

The Sirloin and Beef Tongue Gyukatsu Zen is perfect for those looking to try something different. Although I was initially hesitant about the beef tongue, it turned out to be surprisingly tender with a pleasant bite. Paired with the juicy sirloin, it made for an enjoyable and unique meal.

Sirloin and Beef Tongue GYUKATSU ZEN - $32

If you're looking for something beyond the usual pork or chicken katsu, Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu is well worth a visit. The perfectly crisp yet juicy beef cutlets, variety of premium cuts, and assortment of dipping sauces make every bite enjoyable. Whether you're a first-timer or a beef lover, this is a satisfying Japanese dining experience that I'd happily return for.

Our Meal

Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu One Holland Village
Location: 7 Holland Vlg Wy, #02-46 One Holland Village, Singapore 275748
Website