Metropolitant.com

13/08/2025

Chef Matsubayashi Masato spent over 15 years leading the kitchen at Ma Maison before setting up Shin Katsu in July 2025. His time abroad in Spain and across Asia honed his sense of balance in flavour and texture, but it’s his discipline in ex*****on that stands out. Every cutlet is coated in panko crumbs and fried to a crisp that shatters without a hint of oiliness. Inside, premium pork—whether Hungarian Mangalica or U.S. Kurobuta—remains tender, with the kind of juiciness that can only come from experience and restraint.

The rice is a quiet star. Charcoal-cooked under pressure, it is glossy and smoky, its texture standing firm beside crisp tonkatsu.

In between, the wings, fries and appetizers occupy the spotlight briefly, crisp and seasoned just right. The desserts round things off with comfort rather than fanfare, letting you leave satisfied without feeling over-indulged.

Somewhere between that snap of panko and the glow of charcoal rice, it became clear. This is a high water mark for katsu in Singapore.

12/08/2025

Level Up Your Gaming Dreams with AMD and Trip.com

Imagine this. You and a friend are whisked away on an all-expenses-paid trip to one of Asia’s biggest gaming stages, gamescom asia x Thailand Game Show. The energy is electric, the lights are blinding, and everywhere you turn there is a new title to try, a new creator to meet, and a new memory in the making.

From now until 14 September 2025, AMD Singapore is teaming up with Trip.com to make this dream real for two lucky gamers. Whether you are in the market for a powerful AMD-powered laptop or a Ryzen CPU + Radeon GPU bundle, your next tech upgrade could be your ticket to Bangkok, complete with flights, hotel, and event passes worth US$3,800.

How to Join the Quest
1. Buy an eligible AMD-powered notebook or Ryzen CPU + Radeon GPU bundle from selected stores listed at AMDgaming.gg.
2. Submit up to 50 words on why you want to experience gamescom asia x Thailand Game Show.
3. One winner will be chosen from laptop buyers and another from component buyers.

Eligible laptop buyers can also receive S$100 in GrabRewards, a free gaming mouse, and all participants can redeem a 6% Trip.com discount voucher.

The campaign runs 1 August to 14 September 2025. This is your chance to be part of the gaming world’s most exciting moments.

12/08/2025

The evening starts as soon as you step off North Canal Road and into Ember. The space is warm and inviting, with a faint scent of charred wood and spice in the air. Dried blooms hang overhead, their muted colours softening the dim light. It feels cosy without being cramped, the kind of place where conversations flow easily and the food leaves a lasting impression.

The first taste is a study in contrasts. Popping mini tomatoes arrive with a subtle plum juice glaze, their sweetness sharpened by a faint tang. Next, the shucked oysters are cool, briny, and kissed with a bright yuzu kosho mignonette, the kind of start that teases rather than overwhelms.

The fire makes its presence known with the Iberico Pork Pluma, char siew inspired, the edges caramelised and smoky while the meat stays tender. Then the Red Argentine shrimp arrives, nestled on a bed of squid ink risotto. The rice is silky, with the inky depth of the sea, while the shrimp is sweet, firm, and carries just enough smoke to keep it interesting.

It is hard not to fall for the spiced buttermilk fried quail. Crisp, golden, and lifted with a whisper of sriracha mayo, it is a dish that feels indulgent without being heavy.

Dessert is a gentle finale. The Berry Nice Tart offers a balance of tart fruit and the lush creaminess of raisins and rum gelato, a pairing that feels like the last sip of a fine dinner wine.

📍 Ember, 59 North Canal Road, Singapore 048875

12/08/2025

Din Tai Fung has launched its Ready-To-Heat retail range, bringing the same handcrafted quality into your kitchen.

Available from 4 August 2025 at select outlets, this curated line-up features three classics:
• Steamed Pork Buns — soft sourdough buns made with premium Taiwanese flour, filled with tender, marinated pork.
• Steamed Custard Buns — golden salted egg yolk custard encased in fluffy dough, molten and rich.
• Steamed Chinese Style Layered Cake — nine delicate layers with a subtle nostalgic sweetness, a vegetarian-friendly tribute to tradition.

From 25 August 2025, Handmade Pork and Cabbage Dumplings will join the collection, wrapped and sealed for freshness, ready to be steamed at home in minutes.

The appeal lies in more than convenience. Each item is crafted to the same exacting standards that earned Din Tai Fung its place in the Michelin Guide. Whether you are planning a leisurely weekend brunch, an after-work indulgence, or a last-minute dinner, the process is simple — heat, serve, and enjoy the signature flavours that have made Din Tai Fung famous worldwide.

As a launch treat, DBS/POSB Cardmembers enjoy 15% off with a minimum spend of $42 from 4 August to 30 September 2025.

Full details and outlet list at dintaifung.com.sg.

11/08/2025

Imagine dining in the heart of one of the world’s oldest rainforests without ever leaving Singapore. At Jewel Changi, KANTIN transports you straight into Borneo with its earthy longhouse interiors, Sarawak rattan furniture, and intricate tribal art. Every corner feels like a step deeper into the jungle, with a warm, grounding energy that makes you slow down and savour the moment.

The menu is steeped in authenticity, carrying the flavours of Sarawak and the heritage of over 300 indigenous tribes. The Headhunter Pansuh Set is a must-try, featuring bamboo-cooked chicken infused with fragrant herbs, served alongside purple rice wrapped in banana leaf, crispy keropok lekor, and seasonal Dayak greens like paku fern tossed in belachan.

The Jungle Chicken Wings are smoky, juicy, and marinated with Bornean spices that deliver a slow-building heat, perfect as a sharing starter. The Sotong Bakar is another standout — tender grilled squid brushed with spiced coconut glaze, bringing a balance of char, sweetness, and subtle heat that keeps you reaching for more.

No visit is complete without their Sarawak Laksa, famously praised by Anthony Bourdain as the “Breakfast of the Gods.” Its rich, spice-layered broth clings to each strand of rice vermicelli, topped generously with prawns, shredded chicken, and fresh herbs. For a comforting vegetarian option, the Rainforest Fried Rice is fragrant with jungle herbs, torch ginger, and tapioca leaves, making it both hearty and memorable.

Dessert brings a final hit of the rainforest. Coconut Dream stacks calamansi jelly, coconut ice cream, and crushed sago for bright, beachy refreshment. If you prefer bold and buttery, the Cempedak Ice Cream layers vanilla ice cream with a rich cempedak sauce and savory crumbs.

Couple that with great service, it’s a winning combination at Kantin.

11/08/2025

Discover Lululemon’s Running Gives campaign and the latest Fast and Free™ gear engineered for the ultimate run experience. Join weekly community runs in Singapore.

Discover Lululemon’s Running Gives campaign and the latest Fast and Free™ gear engineered for the ultimate run experience. Join weekly community runs in Singapore.

09/08/2025

Blue Bottle Coffee, in partnership with luxury retail group Valiram, has unveiled its newest Singapore location at Paragon. This is the brand’s first Southeast Asian cafe to offer both indoor and alfresco seating, designed as an oasis of stainless steel, warm oak, and terracotta tones that reflect the sophistication of Orchard Road’s premier shopping precinct.

Spanning 980 square feet with 70 seats, the cafe blends contemporary elegance with comfort, offering communal tables, two-tops, and outdoor seating framed by landscaped planters. Guests can enjoy signature espresso-based drinks, cold brews, and pour-overs, alongside new in-store creations such as the Liège Waffle with a crisp caramelised crust and fluffy interior, and a refreshing Yogurt Bowl with granola and strawberries.

To celebrate the opening, Blue Bottle has introduced the Embroidered Blue Bottle Tote, a water-repellent and sustainable collaboration with Japanese design house Ball & Chain, available exclusively at Paragon. Visitors during the launch period can personalise their tote or have it illustrated by award-winning Singaporean artist Joy Ho.

With this launch, Blue Bottle and Valiram reaffirm their goal to open over 10 more cafes in Singapore by 2027, bringing the brand’s dedication to craftsmanship, design, and hospitality to more communities across the region.

Blue Bottle Paragon Cafe
📍 Paragon Shopping Centre, #01-37, 290 Orchard Road, Singapore 238859
8:00am – 9:00pm

08/08/2025

21 on Rajah is back, and it is doing more than just reopening. From 7 August to 2 October 2025, experience a vibrant Penang Street Feast in collaboration with Penang Marriott Hotel. This buffet brings over 30 heritage dishes served on rotation, all crafted in a halal-certified kitchen.

Expect bold, nostalgic flavours. Standouts include Ayam Goreng Bawang Rempah Ratus, Penang Assam Laksa, Penang Lor Bak, and a tangy Nyonya Mango Kerabu Salad. For dessert, diners can create their own Penang Muah Chee and enjoy fresh chendol and ice kacang.

From Friday to Sunday after 6pm, top up $30++ and indulge in a free-flow durian buffet featuring Mao Shan Wang. Served fresh and chilled at the alfresco deck, this is one of the best-value MSW spreads in town.

Special promotions make it even more worthwhile.

SG60 Promotion (7 Aug to 7 Sept 2025)
Lunch: 2nd diner dines at $0.60++
Dinner: 3rd diner dines at $0.60++

Aloft 2nd Anniversary Promotion (8 Sept to 2 Oct 2025)
Lunch: 2nd diner dines at $2++
Weekday Dinner: $200 nett for 3 adults
Weekend Dinner: $222 nett for 3 adults

📍 1 Jalan Rajah, East Wing, Aloft Singapore Novena
Buffet daily | Durian buffet Fri to Sun after 6pm

05/08/2025

In celebration of Singapore’s 60th year of independence, Tim Ho Wan presents a limited-time menu that bridges Hong Kong dim sum craftsmanship with local Singaporean flavours. Available now through 31 August 2025, this commemorative selection pays homage to heritage through familiar ingredients, elevated with finesse.

The Sambal Seafood Fried Rice offers a balanced interplay of spice, sweetness and texture, featuring succulent prawns, pineapple and crispy ikan bilis.

The Crispy Shrimp Cake with Nonya Sauce combines a golden crust with a well-layered Nonya glaze, finished with chopped chestnuts for a refined crunch.

A highlight of the menu, the Hong Kong Soup Dumpling in Bak K*t Teh, infuses the comforting spice of white pepper into a delicate xiao long bao.

The Mao Shan Wang Durian Sesame Ball delivers a bold, bittersweet conclusion, pairing crisp texture with durian’s unmistakable richness.

To complement the meal, the Iced Tamarind White Peach Oolong Tea offers a refreshing counterpoint with its tart and floral notes.

As part of the SG60 celebration, Tim Ho Wan is also offering a suite of exclusive e-voucher promotions, including Signature Baked BBQ Pork Buns at $6, desserts at 60 cents, and a curated Dim Sum Fun Pack for four at $60. Vouchers are available via the NDP Fun Pack and online.

This menu is available at all Tim Ho Wan outlets across Singapore, excluding Marina Bay Sands.

*tTehXiaolongbao

04/08/2025

Precision Meets Pleasure

85 Amoy is an immersion. A velvet-clad escape into a world where every detail is curated, every pour measured, and every course composed to captivate.

Tucked discreetly along Amoy Street, this intimate 55-seater is where the city’s insiders go when they want the evening to unfold like theatre. Sculpted wood, marble counters, and the hush of low jazz surround you. The setting is deliberate. The lighting is soft. The mood is restrained luxury.

At the heart of it is Val, the bartender you didn’t know you needed. No menu. No rehearsed patter. Just a conversation that becomes a cocktail. Ask for something fresh, grounded, or bold, and what arrives is a drink you’ll think about for days.

The Omakase menu is where the second act begins. Eight courses, each one precise.
1. Cabbage salad with toasted sesame and gomashio
2. Wagyu carpaccio with truffle ponzu
3. Empanadas with tomato salsa
4. Tempura Padrón peppers with paprika mayo
5. Spicy tuna maki
6. Capellini with caviar, ikura, and lobster bisque
7. Iberico black pork with balsamic vinaigrette
8. 85 Tiramisu with mascarpone cream

The gelato is made in-house. No stabilisers. Some laced with gin, others layered with figs. Every dish, every sip, arrives with intention.

This is not a place to tick off your list. It is a place to settle in, stay late, and surrender to the pace of something rare.

• 85 Amoy Street
• Monday to Saturday, 6PM to 2AM
Reservations: www.85amoy.com/reservation

01/08/2025

What happens when the ocean meets the grill? Plate at Carlton City Hotel Singapore answers with its newest buffet concept, Sea & Grill: Flavours from the Ocean and Land, served every Friday and Saturday from 6 to 10 PM.

The showstopper is the Whole Roasted Suckling Pig, carved fresh and served with crisp pork skin, cucumber, scallions, and hoisin sauce. Build your own soft mantou bun and go in for seconds.

Seafood lovers can dive into an icy display of Boston lobster, scallops with roe, tiger prawns, and more. There is also a generous spread of sashimi, cold starters, and a create-your-own salad bar.

At the grill, smoky flavours take over. Enjoy Thai-style pork skewers, sambal squid, spicy otah, and other flame-licked favourites. From the carving station, try the aburi-style salmon with yuzu mayo and slow-roasted beef ribeye that melts with each bite.

Local classics are given fresh energy. Highlights include Singapore chilli crab meat with fried mantou, and a customisable lobster laksa station, cooked à la minute.

Save space for dessert. Think traditional Orh Nee, DIY Muah Chee, a flowing chocolate fountain, assorted cakes, pastries, and tubs of ice cream for every craving.

Carlton City also sources ingredients from Mushroom Buddies, a social enterprise that supports individuals with intellectual disabilities through urban farming. This is food that feeds more than just the appetite.

Buffet is priced at $158++ per adult with a 1-for-1 deal for select cardholders. Add $38++ for free-flow wines and beers. Children aged 6 to 12 dine at $45++. Children aged 5 and below eat free.

31/07/2025

Crispy Chicken with Buah Keluak Dip? Yes, Please

To celebrate SG60, Dian Xiao Er has partnered with legendary Peranakan chef Philip Chia to present a limited-time menu called Heritage on a Plate, paying tribute to six decades of evolving Singaporean flavours.

Chef Chia, the name behind “The Little Nyonya” and the recent Netflix docuseries “Emerald Hill,” teams up with Dian Xiao Er’s Executive Chef Foong Chee Kong to reimagine Peranakan dishes through a Chinese herbal lens. This is not your usual Nyonya lineup. These are flavour bombs rooted in heritage and elevated with finesse.

Start with the Udang Masak Merah. Prawns are coated in a bold, spicy tomato sauce, with juicy pineapple adding balance and bite. Next up is the Pork Jowl Rendang. Think thick, rich coconut gravy and tender meat that falls apart with every forkful. It is smoky, intense and deeply comforting.

The most playful of the lot is the Buah Keluak Crispy Chicken. The crisp chicken is paired with an umami-rich buah keluak dip, and served with tangy pickled vegetables that brighten every bite.

The flavours feel familiar, but each dish surprises. This collaboration celebrates more than just food. It is about memory, identity and how Singapore’s flavours have grown with time.

Available at all Dian Xiao Er outlets across Singapore from now till end August. Visit dianxiaoer.com.sg for reservations and menu details.