Where Diets Don't Count And The Calories Don't Matter

Last couple of days to pick up this pho-nomenal sub at @parkbenchdeli’s pop-up at @sugarfin.sg! A crazy thiccc layer of shaved roast beef with the signature flavours of Vietnamese cuisine in that crunchy herb salad in a crusty French roll; all to be dunked into this slick, rich pho dip. Now, better hold on to your buns a little tighter than us, or you’ll end up in the pho splash zone, but that didn’t detract from how dam tasty this whole ensemble is.

The introduction of 满粥了 at the previously deserted Arc 380 along Jalan Besar seems to have brought in some life into the area! Their rice rolls are made in-house, ensuring a chewy and light texture that you can only get with these that made-to-order fresh. Wrapped around crisp youtiao and then drizzled in a light, savory soy sauce, it certainly makes for a dam satisfying breakfast.

Besides a wide variety of rice rolls (I’ll be back to try the Minced Meat Pickled Veg one), there’s also very comforting congees available. There’s a constant flow of people though the queue seemed quite manageable when we visited, so now still seems like a good time to visit!

Definitely get the Roasted Brussel Sprouts ($16). The surface of the Sprouts have been grilled to a toasty crisp, while the inside remains tender and moist. Could totally clean a whole bowl out myself.

This eclectic Izakaya shares a space with Bar Stories, so you’ll be able to get a tipple or two customized to your preference. Other notable dishes include the Mentaiko Taramasalata ($13), while a very savoury and strong flavoured start to the meal, was quite addictive with the funky fishiness and perfectly toasted pita.

@habibisansg marries the unusual combination of Middle Eastern and Japanese cuisines and the result is as exotic and exciting as it sounds. You can opt for the FEEEED ME (Omakase at $62/pax), a popular option judging from reviews online to try a range of items, but we felt like going ala carte that night.

A common denominator between the dishes were the grilled items were done to perfection. Our iberico pork was charred, tender and juicy; all hallmarks of a great dish. Honestly could have passed off as a good steak! The broccoli tabbouleh helped cut through the richness of it all with some spice and acidity thanks the dressing and generous amount of pickled ginger.

Newly opened along North Bridge Road, @labocasg is a Cuban fusion bistro bar with comforting food and well-priced drinks. I’m no expert at Cuban food, so it’s pretty much a blind foray into the cuisine, but I generally enjoyed the strong flavours that were put on the table.

This rich seafood stew came with squid, prawns and mussels, and a crisp soft shelled crab right on top. Root vegetables like carrots and taro stewed till soft also have this hearty dish more character. While a little salty, the flavours were nicely rounded out by the addition of dill and made for a great dip for the crisp focaccia.

We also tried @lemakboys’s Premium Nasi Lemak ($18.80) which comes with an array of ingredients and a super tender fried drumstick. Did feel their sambal was sweeter than I normally like, but still a pretty good plate.

Mui Kee needs no introduction, and their Frog Legs Claypot ($23.50) is fragrant and with that ‘bao Xiang’ aroma which goes great with their porridge.

For more Japanese options, @sushijin_sg’s Steak Don ($29.80) is bound to satisfy with perfectly done beef on a bed of seasoned rice.

@socieaty.sg is @lesamisgroupsg ‘s newest venture and it brings many of the group’s favourite concepts under one roof.

@tenjinsg’s Inaniwa Udon Set ($25.80) was one of my favourites, featuring their light tempura batter and addictively chewy and smooth udon.

You’ll also find @peperonipizzeria, @namnamnoodlebar, and @tartebycherylkoh (perfect way to end the meal) here. So there’s really something for everybody at SOCIEATY, making this a spot to remember when you have your next big family gathering!

Also known as broken rice, this iconic Vietnamese dish from @cochungvietnam certainly satisfies! Broken rice which can’t be sold was considered inferior and often used for street food, now a favourite among many. You’ll usually find pork chop as an accompanying protein and this was smoky and full of flavour.

Decided to try @cochungvietnam on a whim and was very pleasantly surprised by the standard of food! The only thing I felt that was missing was a chilli dip that I’ve become used to when having Vietnamese *cough*mrspho*cough*.

There’s no shortage of great cafes in the east, luckily having options is a good thing and @thebrewingground’s seems to have what it takes to contend with the competition! Tasty food combined with great ambiance seems to be the pull here, definitely worth a visit at least.

The Breakfast Burger hits all the right spots if you’re a Sausage McMuffin fan. Perfectly cooked scrambled eggs with the sausage patty, caramelised onions and ketchup mayo had a great texture and flavour, though my friend found it a little too salty.