Lou Shang 楼上

Lou Shang recently caught the media’s attention for its nostalgic HDB corridor vibe, sparking my curiosity to visit. I planned to drop by once the initial crowd settled, only to find that it was nearly impossible to snag a seat without arriving early—this place was consistently full house!

The team behind Lou Shang is none other than Mama Diam, and as the name suggests, Lou Shang is located just upstairs from Mama Diam, adding a cozy, layered charm to the dining experience.

Mama Diam & Lou Shang

As we walked up the flight of stairs, we were greeted by a familiar sight, a nostalgic lift lobby complete with those classic letterboxes beside the notice board. It instantly brought back memories of old HDB estates. Lou Shang’s main entrance cleverly begins right at this “lift” area, setting the tone for the authentic, retro experience that awaits inside.

Entrance

The dining area feels like stepping back into our era, with paneled windows lining the corridor and those iconic old-school HDB doors fitted with metal gates. The design perfectly captures the nostalgic charm of traditional HDB living spaces, making the whole experience feel warm and familiar.

Dining Area

The theme beautifully captures the essence of the 80s and 90s, evoking memories of days when clothes were hung out to dry along the corridor, and you could still spot the electric and water meter readings on the walls.

Dining Area

Such long, straight corridors are a rare sight these days, making the setting all the more nostalgic and special.

Dining Area

Much like Mama Diam, Lou Shang’s menu isn’t fixed year-round. Instead, the dishes are thoughtfully rotated, offering a fresh and seasonal dining experience every time you visit.

Rotating Food Menu 

Food Menu of Lou Shang

We kicked off our meal with an old-school drink， Sour Plum soda though priced for today’s era. The refreshing tartness and fizz made it the perfect thirst quencher to start the experience.

Sparkling Orange Sour Plum - $6
Bird Shit Oolong Lemon Tea - $5

The Mongolian Fried Cauliflower stood out as a unique dish. The battered cauliflower was generously coated in a savory sauce, reminiscent of salted egg yolk dishes, complete with curry leaves and cut chili adding an extra kick. It was a flavorful and satisfying twist on a familiar favorite.

Mongolian Fried Cauliflower 蒙古式炸花椰菜 - $12.90

The Emperor Spiced Cream Sauce Fettuccine was an intriguing fusion dish. The grilled chicken thigh was marinated with Chinese emperor spices, giving it a bold, slightly bitter herbal flavor. Paired with a creamy pasta tossed with caramelized onions and mushrooms, the combination felt a bit unusual herbaceous bitterness meeting rich creaminess but overall, it was an interesting and acceptable blend.

Emperor Spiced Cream Sauce (Fettuccine) 皇帝香料奶油酱 （意大利宽面条）- $20.90

We tried their Cultured Lunch Box, a 5-compartment set featuring olive vegetable minced pork pasta, fermented bean curd crispy chicken wings, tea-braised onsen egg, and cold tofu with Puning bean sauce.

A collaboration with @SGCultureboi, and with just a $5 add-on, you can pair it with their fragrant Duck Shit Oolong Lemon Tea.

The Cultured Lunch Box - $18.90

Even a trip to their washroom felt nostalgic think silver aluminium doors with a simple hook as the lock, straight out of the old-school era.

Toilet Door

Before leaving, patrons are invited to pick up a nostalgic treat, a flavoured ice, fondly known as “Sng Bao”, free of charge from the freezer next to Mama Diam on Level 1.

Sng Bao

It was a comfortable experience, almost like travelling back in time. Food-wise, both Lou Shang and Mama Diam share a creative vibe, showcasing fusion dishes born from their own research.

Lou Shang 楼上
Location: 38 Prinsep St, #02-02, Singapore 188665

Dulukala Peranakan

Remember Dulukala, the Peranakan restaurant once at Beauty World Centre? They’re now back, serving up their classics at a coffeeshop along Silat Avenue.

Dulukala

The Bakwan Kepeting soup had a naturally sweet broth, with meatballs made of crab meat and pork. Paired with fresh vegetables, it was simple yet comforting and a perfect complement to the meal.

Bakwan Kepeting Soup - $13.80

We naturally gravitated toward Ayam Buah Keluak, a Peranakan staple of chicken and Indonesian black nut in tamarind sauce. While the meat leaned on the tougher side, the gravy paired wonderfully with plain rice. Only upon serving did we realise there was no actual buah keluak in the dish.

Ayam Buah Keluak - $15.80

Curious, we went back to the stall to check and found a note on the menu stating that the keluak nut is sold separately at $2 each so we bought it instantly.

Buah Keluak - $2 per nut

Chap Chye is another quintessential Peranakan dish. Though the fermented paste leans stronger here, it still beautifully elevates the flavours of this classic.

Chap Chye - $14.80

The chef recommended the Sotong Hitam, tender squid stir-fried in its luscious black ink with sweet yellow onions, creating a rich, savoury depth.

Sotong Hitam

If you’re craving a fiery boost, pair your meal with this vibrant house-made chilli, it packs a punch and elevates every bite.

Chilli

Unfortunately, my meal experience fell short this time, the rice was mashy and the taste differed from what I enjoyed previously at their Beauty World outlet.

Rating: 3 / 5

Dulukala
Location: 148 Silat Ave, Kopi Haus, Singapore 160148

Yappari Steak Singapore (VivoCity)

I finally joined the queue at Yappari Steak, a place I’ve been eager to try since its opening. Each time I passed by, the long line had always put me off, but this time the crowd was manageable. With about eight groups ahead of me, I decided it was the perfect opportunity to see what the buzz was all about.

Yappari Steak

The interior features simple, no-frills furnishings with wooden tables and chairs neatly arranged in rows. 

Interior

Warm lighting and orange accents give the space a cosy, casual feel. It was already buzzing with diners when I arrived, no surprise given the mealtime rush, which added to the lively, canteen-style atmosphere.

Logo

We placed our orders quickly and, almost as soon as we were seated, were served with refillable salad, soup and rice. Along one side of the table sat a wide variety of seasonings you could help yourself to and pour onto the small sauce plate provided. The basics are classic salt and pepper, but if you are after something more refreshing, do give the onion sauce a try. It’s worth experimenting to find your favourite combination.

Japanese Green Tea - $1.30 (Refillable)

Yappari Steak is known for its quality and diligent preparation. Originating from Japan, the restaurant has built a reputation for serving thick yet tender cuts of steak, presented plump and juicy on a sizzling lava stone plate. Each piece arrives rare, exceptionally juicy inside, and you get the added pleasure of grilling the steak yourself to your preferred doneness right at the table.

Yappari Steak Top Blade (150g) with additional Foie Gras - $19.80 + $8 

While the steak is wonderfully juicy, the sizzling hot plate can cause splatters. It’s a good idea to put on the disposable apron provided to protect your clothes and keep your hands at a safe distance from the hot stone while cooking.

Nakaochi Karubi Rib Finger with Foie Gras - $27.80  (200g)

We also topped up our meal with the medium-sized foie gras, and absolutely loved its creamy, melt-in-the-mouth texture. Rich yet delicate, it paired beautifully with the steak and made the whole experience feel extra indulgent.

Foie Gras

Overall, I truly enjoyed the food at Yappari Steak from the quality cuts of meat to the thoughtful sides and seasonings. The experience felt hearty yet fuss-free, and I’ll definitely be back to try more on their menu.

Yappari Steak Singapore (VivoCity)
Location: 1 HarbourFront Walk, #02-110 VivoCity, Singapore 098585
Website

S.Park Grill & Pasta

I was genuinely surprised when I stumbled upon S.Park Kitchen at a quiet corner of an Ang Mo Kio coffeeshop. At first glance, the stall looks like a typical Western food spot with its menu of chicken chops, pasta and fried sides. But right in the middle of all that, you’ll spot a sign for Fried Hokkien Mee , a hawker favourite you wouldn’t normally expect from a Western kitchen. This unexpected mix immediately piqued my curiosity.

Stall of S.Park Kitchen

At first glance, the plate of Hokkien Mee looked indulgent, a generous pour of gravy coating the noodles and a heavy scatter of golden pork lard cubes on top. Yet, despite its inviting appearance, the flavours turned out milder than expected, with the gravy and toppings coming across more subtle than they looked.

Fried Hokkien Mee 炒福建面 - $6 / 8 / 10

Nevertheless, the Hokkien Mee still offered a comforting bite. The noodles were well-soaked in the gravy and carried a gentle savouriness, while the crisp pork lard added occasional crunch. It wasn’t an intense burst of flavour, but rather a mild, easy-going rendition of the classic dish. Do note that extra chilli or additional pork lard comes at a small top-up of $0.50.

Hokkien Mee

We also tried the pork ribs featured prominently at the top of the stall’s signboard. Served with a side of fries and greens, the ribs arrived nicely caramelised on the outside, giving them an appetising sheen. 

BBQ Pork Ribs 烤排骨 - $14 

The meat itself was tender and came off the bone easily, while the flavour inside was on the lighter side, making for an easy-going meal that paired well with the accompanying sides.

Tender

Another dish we had was the braised lamb shank, served with creamy mashed potatoes and mixed vegetables. The meat was tender and slipped off the bone with ease, and there wasn’t much of a gamey note, making it approachable even for those who usually avoid stronger flavours.

Braised Lamb Shank 卤羊小腿配送土豆泥 - $25

Hearty chunks of tender beef stew, perfectly paired with creamy mashed potatoes, this dish is the kind of comfort food and guaranteed to fill you up!

Beef Stew - $9.80

Their fried chicken wings are golden-brown and irresistibly juicy when served hot, definitely tempting to dig into! Just a little on the saltier side, but still tasty.

Fried Chicken & Wings - $1.80 Each

Overall, the meal was decent and satisfying, though nothing particularly stood out. The dishes were enjoyable enough, making for a straightforward, comforting meal.

S.Park Grill & Pasta
Location: First Coffeeshop, 107 Ang Mo Kio Ave 4, #01-138, Singapore 560107

The House Chungdam | Korean Restaurant & BBQ

Tucked away along the bustling stretch of Duxton Road, House of Chungdam caught me by surprise  and not just for its food. 

The House of Chungdam

Stepping inside, I was immediately struck by its minimalist interior design. 

Interior

With its clean lines, muted tones, and modern aesthetic, the space felt more like a trendy café than a traditional Korean BBQ restaurant. 

Dining Area

It was a refreshing change that set the stage for a dining experience that blended style with substance.

On the Table

Once seated, we were promptly served a selection of condiments, sea salt, fresh garlic, wasabi, and more, the essential companions to elevate the BBQ experience.

Condiments

Alongside these were the usual greens: crisp lettuce, perilla leaves, and sliced green chillies, perfect for wrapping up the grilled meats later on.

Vegetables for Wraps

Of course, no Korean meal is complete without banchan, and House of Chungdam didn’t hold back. A vibrant assortment of side dishes filled the table, each small plate adding colour, texture, and variety to the setting, making the table feel both inviting and satisfyingly full.

Banchan

One standout dish for me was the cheese potato jeon,  a delightful surprise, as it was my first time encountering this at a Korean eatery. It reminded me of a stack of perfectly cooked rosti, topped with crispy bits of bacon and generously showered with grated cheese. The combination of textures, crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy within, made it incredibly satisfying, and a dish I will definitely come back for.

Cheese Potato Jeon - $27

The steamed egg, at first glance, looked a tad dry, not quite the fluffy, cloud-like version I have come to expect. But as the saying goes, never judge a book by its cover. One spoonful in, and it was clear that looks were deceiving. It was soft, wobbly, and packed with comforting, savoury flavour, a simple dish done right.

Soy Bean Jigae & Steamed Egg

For the main event, we went with the House Feast, a set menu designed for two, priced at $129. It came with a well-balanced selection of premium cuts: boneless short rib, marinated boneless short rib, and thinly sliced brisket. 

Meat 

Each cut was beautifully presented and grilled to perfection right at our table, allowing us to savour the rich, juicy flavours and tender textures.

Meat

And then came the pork belly, three thick, generous slabs that immediately stole our attention. They looked absolutely glorious, with just the right balance of meat and fat. We could hardly wait to get them sizzling on the grill. 

Pork Belly - $29

As they cooked, the aroma was irresistible, and the end result did not disappoint: crispy on the edges, juicy in the center, and packed with rich, smoky flavour. A definite highlight of the meal.

Pork Belly on the Grill

The marinated short rib, in particular, stood out with its sweet-savory glaze that caramelized slightly on the grill, adding extra depth to every bite.

So Yummy

To round off the meal, we tried the Jinju Cold Buckwheat Noodles, a refreshing and delicious finish, especially after all the rich grilled meats. 

Jinju Cold Buckwheat Noodles - $19

Served chilled with a light, tangy broth and chewy noodles, it was the perfect palate cleanser that left us feeling satisfied but not overly heavy.

Chewy Noodles

Ever since returning from Busan, South Korea, I’ve been a little addicted to Dwaeji Gukbap, the humble yet deeply comforting pork bone soup. It’s a dish that embodies simplicity: a clear, savoury broth and tender slices of pork, perfect for colder days or when you're craving something hearty.

Dwaeji Gukbap

At House of Chungdam, their version stays true to the spirit of the dish, with a slight twist, the rice comes already soaked in the broth, making it even more comforting and convenient to eat. Every spoonful brought back memories of Busan food, and I was pleasantly surprised by how well it was done here.

Delicious

We ended our meal on a sweet note with a bowl of Bingsu. I appreciated that it was a single-serving portion rather than the usual oversized mountain of shaved ice. Light, refreshing, and not overly sweet, it was just the right amount to cleanse the palate and finish off the feast without feeling too heavy. A thoughtful end to a well-curated dining experience.

Red Bean Shaved Ice - $10

The House Chungdam | Korean Restaurant & BBQ
Location: 72 Duxton Rd, #01-01, Singapore 089531
Website