Exotic

Lunch / 5 Jan 2018: one of the mains which is non nose-to-tail. It was a very rich dish - flavourful beef cheek paired with a creamy onion purée. Not a fan of the bone marrow though

Located away from the hustle and bustle of Bugis, Joo Bar is a modern Korean restaurant cum gastrobar perfect for a girls' night out. The three-storey industrial-chic space on Tan Quee Lan Street brews its own makgeolli (rice wine), so it is a must to start your night with the Makgeolli Sampler ($35 for five) — flavours include strawberry, peach, yuzu, lychee and original. Don’t be fooled by its milky Yakult-like appearance — the drink contains six to eight percent alcohol, so pace yourself! Order some anju, Korean dishes that go well with alcohol. Both the Tofu Chips with Guacamole and Kimchi Salsa ($14) and the Warm Kimchi with Tofu and Spam ($14) are great options. If you'd like something more substantial, order the Seafood Gochujang Risotto ($24) — it comes with generous portions of plump, juicy seafood like mussels, clams and prawns, and the spicy pepper paste cuts through the creaminess of the risotto perfectly. Keep the drinks flowing with the Yucha Sojurita ($28, enough for up to four people). The frozen concoction of soju, yucha, Cointreau and lemon juice comes with an overturned bottle of Hite beer plugged in the centre! Pro tip: For more privacy, ask to have the sliding doors shut around your table to create your own private room!

Ambience: Sexy and playful
Price: Avg $100 per couple, with drinks

This casual concept by Mexican stalwart Margarita's is all set to bring a load of deliciousness to the east. The decor is fun and so are the vibes, so bring good company. The menu is straightforward with no pretenses, and dishes feature the best quality ingredients, many imported straight from Mexico. Start with a drink — the bartenders are happy to pour you a beer, or to shake up a cocktail. The interestingly flavoured Margaritas (from $18 a glass) are worth a try — jalapeño + lime anybody? Then, settle down for a feast with the Mexican Yucatan Chicken ($28). The tender chicken skewers are slicked with achiote, garlic, orange juice and lemon juice, served with steamed tortillas on the side. For something a little different, try the Carnitas ($32), which serves fork-tender pulled pork alongside salsa rojas, salsa verde (red and green salsa), guacamole and warm corn tortillas. Don't miss the Salted Caramel Piña Colada Bread Pudding ($15). Expect, in Burpple Tastemaker Geraldine Tay's words, "fluffy, buttery brioche soaked in dark rum and cream, studded with chopped pineapples. Served with a generous scoop of coconut ice-cream, a drizzle of salted caramel sauce and a sprinkle of toasted coconut shavings."
Avg Price: $40 per person
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Geraldine Tay

Located on Stanley Street, the Singapore outpost of Barcelona's Michelin-starred Restaurant Gaig serves delish Spanish plates, with a focus on Catalan classics. While cosy, the white-washed space is inviting, and the rustic cooking is steadily winning the Burpple community over. The Paellas (from $28.20) are foolproof, but it's the Catalan dishes that are likely to lure you back. Try the flawless Stuffed Baby Calamari ($24.50), which sees the calamari stuffed with minced squid, beef, pork and egg, and slicked in a rich tomato-based sauce, and the Pig Trotter with Turnips ($19.20), a super comforting dish that features melt-in-the-mouth meat. Order the Chocolate Beignets ($12.70) for dessert. Battered, deep-fried dark chocolate ganache balls that are crisp on the outside and silky smooth within? Yes please.
Avg Price: $40 per person
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Blueskies Cottonclouds