Timbre Signatures Cafe @ Kampung Siglap

Timbre Signature Café, nestled in the serene Kampung Siglap, offers a cosy retreat from the bustle of the city. Surrounded by leafy landed estates, this café combines a relaxed, rustic vibe with a menu of comforting bites and refreshing drinks, perfect for a laid-back brunch or an afternoon chill session.

Timbre Signature Cafe

The café’s interior exudes rustic charm, with yellow neon lights hanging across the ceiling and wall tiles that evoke the iconic look of a London subway station, giving the space a unique and cozy character.

Display

To kick off our meal, we sipped on Thai Milk Tea and Ice Lychee Tea, refreshing choices that were pleasantly balanced and not overly sweet.

Thai Milk Tea & Ice Lychee Tea

Kicking off with Timbre Chicken Wings as sharing bites, the crispy fried brown chicken wings arrived in a basket with a side of chili sauce. While they looked slightly dry on the outside, we were pleased to find they weren’t oily and remained juicy on the inside.

Timbre Chicken Wing - $11.80

The Chicken Satay with Pineapple Sauce was lean and not overly oily. 

Chicken Satay with Pineapple Satay Sauce - $13.80

The tangy pineapple sauce complemented the satay perfectly, and it came with sides of chopped onions, cucumbers, and pineapple for a refreshing touch.

Satay with dipping sauce

Anyone who’s visited Timbre would likely have tried the Legendary Timbre Roasted Duck Pizza. 

Legendary Timbre Roasted Duck - $23.50

Topped with a generous spread of roasted duck breast in hoisin sauce, melted mozzarella, and crispy wonton skins, it makes for a perfect sharing dish.

Grab a slice & Enjoy!

The Australia Angus Beef Ribeye Steak came with two sides, crispy fries and fresh greens. Diners can choose between red wine jus or black pepper sauce; we opted for the red wine jus, which was delightfully fragrant with hints of rosemary and thyme.

Australia Angus Beef Ribeye Steak - $27.80

The New Zealand Lamb Rack arrived in three pieces, paired with fries and greens, and accompanied by the same red wine jus. While the lamb was slightly gamey and a bit on the tough side, it was overall still an enjoyable dish.

New Zealand Lamb Rack - $32.50

To end on a sweet note, we indulged in a warm double chocolate brownie. Moist, rich, and undeniably decadent, it was the perfect treat to wrap up our meal.

Warm Double Chocolate Brownie - $7.80

Overall, Timbre Signatures Café @ Kampung Siglap offers comforting meals in a charming hideout away from the bustle of the MRT stations. True to the well-loved Timbre brand, it continues to deliver familiar favorites in a unique, welcoming setting.

Timbre Signatures Cafe @ Kampung Siglap
Location: 55 Siglap Plain, Singapore 456035 

Jeonpo Meat Shop 전포식육

Earlier this year, Jeonpo Meat Shop (전포식육) opened its first Singapore outlet, adding a nostalgic touch to the city’s ever-growing Korean BBQ scene. 

Jeonpo Meat Shop

Tucked right beside the bustling Amoy Street Food Centre at the junction of McCallum Street, this Hong Kong import from the Gold Moon Group recreates the vibe of an old-school Korean diner, think retro signage, metal tables and a smoky, convivial atmosphere while serving up generous cuts of premium meat, classic banchan and hearty Korean favourites.

Design

Furnishings

Even the chairs come with built-in storage so diners can tuck their bags safely away from the BBQ smoke while they dig into generous cuts of premium meat, classic banchan and hearty Korean favourites.

Dining Area

As with any authentic Korean BBQ experience, the meal kicked off with banchan. Ours arrived neatly arranged in smaller bowls on a large tray, a colourful spread that included crunchy broccoli, house-made kimchi, creamy apple salad, pickled turnip, bean sprouts and marinated onions. The variety set a bright, refreshing tone for the heavier meats to follow and made the table look instantly inviting.

Ban

To wash it all down, I paired the meal with a nostalgic Korean orange drink from Lotte – Sac Sac Orange. Sweet, lightly tangy and dotted with chewy coconut jelly bits, it added a playful, refreshing contrast to the smoky meats and savoury banchan.

Sac Sac Orange

A king-sized cut of beef short rib, glistening in its marinade, served alongside fresh spring onions, onion slices and thin-cut potatoes, all ready to hit the grill for a hearty, flavour-packed feast!

King-Cut Beef Short Rib - $88

Take a look at these beautifully presented cuts, on the left, the flower-cut pork belly with its rich marbling, and on the right, the pork collar showcasing vibrant streaks of lean meat and fat. Both cuts promise a juicy, flavourful bite once they hit the grill!

Flower Cut Pork Belly and Pork Collar

As the BBQ fires up, the excitement begins, juicy cuts of meat sizzling away, setting the stage for a mouth-watering feast!

Starts BBQ-ing

Time to make a ssam! Wrapping tender, juicy slices of meat with crisp vegetables, a bit of banchan and a dollop of gochujang, the perfect bite!

Ssam

Cold Naengmyeon served in a chilled broth instantly brought back memories of my South Korea trip this year.

Cold Naengmyeon

The long buckwheat noodles were cut into shorter lengths for easier slurping, and topped with shredded egg, cucumber, and a touch of kimchi. Overall, a refreshing and tasty dish!

Refreshingly good

The Volcano Steamed Egg definitely has a wow factor! Served piping hot with gooey cheese, tangy tomato toppings, spring onions, and roasted sesame. The cheese pull effect is irresistible, and the flavor truly laudable.

Volcano Steamed Egg

The King Cut Beef Short Ribs were grilled to perfection alongside a thick slice of onion, then expertly cut into uniform pieces for a second round on the grill.

Cutting Meat Off from the ribs

The beautifully charred exterior locks in all the juices, intensifying the natural flavor of the short ribs. 

Uniform pieces & Rearrangement

Each bite reveals a smoky aroma and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness that’s simply praiseworthy.

Yummy!

Once the raw meat was cleared from the platter, the server skillfully trimmed the remaining rib fat and tossed it with fried rice, seaweed, butter and cheese, turning leftovers into a rich, flavorful treat.

Fried Rice

Towards the end of cooking, the server flattened the fried rice to match the round shape of the pan, then added a playful smiley face with mayonnaise, a cute and fun finishing touch!

Fried Rice with a Smile

Overall, Jeonpo Meat Shop delivers a satisfying and memorable Korean BBQ experience, blending quality meats, flavorful banchan, and thoughtful service in a comfortable and smoke-conscious setting, making it a must-visit for both casual diners and BBQ enthusiasts alike.

Jeonpo Meat Shop 전포식육
Location: The Clift, 21 McCallum St, #01-03, 04, 05, 06, Singapore 069047

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
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