The Ambiance at PS Cafe
Stepping through the doors of the elegant Palais Renaissance building, you’re immediately transported to a charming oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The cafe’s dining room features soaring ceilings, intricate latticed wood trellises, lush hanging greenery and a soothing neutral color palette. It’s the perfect bright and airy setting to begin the year feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

The vibe at PS Cafe on New Year’s Day was lively yet laidback, filled with groups of friends and families leisurely enjoying their brunch spreads together. An energetic soundtrack of upbeat pop tunes played as efficient servers glided between tables keeping drinks topped up and dishes arriving promptly.

Beautiful Brunch Fare
While PS Cafe’s all-day brunch menu features both sweet and savory fare, I decided to go with one of their signature dishes – the Black Truffle Scrambled Eggs (S$28). A visually stunning plate arrived piled high with creamy, truffle-infused scrambled eggs, a sunny side-up organic egg, slices of sourdough toast, sauteed mushrooms, and balsamic-dressed arugula.

The rich, earthy flavors of the black truffle complemented the velvety egg so well, while the peppery arugula added a fresh, palate-cleansing element. I savored every decadent bite alongside sips of a refreshing Elderflower Spritz mocktail (S$10) – a bubbly, slightly tart blend of elderflower, mint and lime that awoke my senses.

For dessert, you can’t go wrong with one of PS Cafe’s signature tantalizing tarts or gateaux. The Lemon Meringue Tart (S$11) featured a thick, punchy lemon custard cradled in a buttery tart shell, adorned with pillowy soft meringue peaks. It struck the perfect balance between sweet and tart in each delightful bite.

If you’re truly craving an indulgent way to start the year, the Chocolate Overload Cake (S$15 per slice) takes the cake. A magnificent slab of moist chocolate cake dripping with rich chocolate ganache, crunchy pearls and feuillantine flakes is a chocolate lover’s dream come true.

Iconic Merlion Spotting
With my appetite for brunch satisfied, I decided to walk off some of those indulgent bites with a 10-minute stroll through the lush surroundings of the Merlion Park located right along the Singapore River. This park’s centerpiece is the iconic 8.6-meter tall Merlion statue – a mythical creature with a lion’s head and fish body that has become one of the most recognizable symbols of Singapore.

While entrance to the park and up-close views of the Merlion are free, I decided to purchase the SGD $8 admission to climb up to the observation deck inside the beast’s open mouth. From this unique vantage point, I was treated to unbeatable panoramic views of the glistening Marina Bay scenery, including the famous Marina Bay Sands resort, Singapore Flyer, and Esplanade theaters.

Talk about a scenic start to the new year! As the Merlion’s mouth periodically spouts water out into the bay to the “oohs and ahhs” of tourists, it’s easy to appreciate the incredible craftsmanship and iconic status this statue holds. I made sure to snap some quintessential Merlion selfies to commemorate the experience before heading back down.

The Merlion Park also offers splendid views of the famous Singapore skyline, as well as great people watching opportunities as myriad visitors stop along the riverfront to admire the sights and snap their own photos. It was a perfect way to walk off my indulgent brunch while taking in some top attractions.

More to Explore
After working up an appetite again from that scenic waterfront stroll, I headed back in the direction of PS Cafe, which is conveniently located right along the start of the popular Orchard Road shopping boulevard.

If you find yourself in that neighborhood with more time to spare, Orchard Road’s 2.2 kilometers of road are an attraction in itself, lined with high-end malls, restaurants, hotels and fantastic examples of heritage architecture like the colonial-era Houses of Tan Yeok Nee. Shopping fanatics could easily spend an entire day exploring all the retail options here.

Just across the road from PS Cafe is also Palais Renaissance, a historic Renaissance-style palace that once housed Singapore’s principal royal family. It’s currently the site of The Cathay cineplex as well as several restaurants and bars – perfect for either catching a new film release or evening drink after your brunch.

Whether you’re a local or visitor to Singapore, ringing in the new year with a delicious brunch at the beautiful PS Cafe followed by sightseeing at the iconic Merlion Park is a sublime way to start the year. You’ll get delectable food, relaxing ambiance, and picture-perfect views all in one leisurely Singapore morning. Here’s to making more memorable experiences like this in the year ahead! I hope you like reading this New Year Day’s Lunch @ PS Cafe & Brief Visit to Merlion Park post.

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What is a Tomahawk Steak?

The tomahawk steak gets its distinct name from the unique shape – a classic ribeye cut with the entire rib bone dramatically left in, resembling a Native American tomahawk axe. At around 2-3 inches thick and weighing in at a belly-busting 1.2-1.6kg depending on size, this impressive cut is definitely not for the faint of heart (or small appetites!).

Leaving the protruding rib bone on not only makes for an Instagram-worthy prehistoric presentation, but it also enhances flavor by allowing the meat surrounding the bone to absorb even more of those rich, beefy essences during the dry-aging process. The marbling from the ribeye cut also ensures you’re getting meltingly tender, full-flavored bites from every angle.

Bedrock’s Blackmore Wagyu Tomahawk
At Bedrock, they take the tomahawk steak concept to lofty new heights by using only the most premium Australian Blackmore Wagyu beef graded between marbling scores of 6-9. For context, that puts it in the same elite stratosphere as genuine Kobe/Ozaki beef from Japan in terms of supreme marbling and buttery texture.

The massive wagyu tomahawk (S$198++ for the 1kg size) is inevitably the star of Bedrock’s menu. First, it undergoes a specialized 28-day dry-aging process during which it’s meticulously dried, tenderized and develops a sublime nutty, funky aroma courtesy of good ole’ fashioned mold growth. This ages the beefy flavor to intense new heights.

Once prepared for service, the prehistoric-looking tomahawk is carefully heated using a special charcoal oven to bring out those coveted charred, smoky notes. The final experience combines a punchy charred crust giving way to stunningly marbled, rich, and tender wagyu inside that is utterly sublime.

Your server portions out the tomahawk and presents it to you on a dramatic wooden platter, with the enormous prehistoric rib bone handle still attached. It’s an immersive, multi-sensory dining experience unlike any other “steak” you’ve had. Definitely not for the faint of appetite!

Sides to Share
While the wagyu tomahawk is undeniably the showstopper at Bedrock, it’s well worth complementing your caveman feast with some shareworthy sides as well. You’ll likely need a few friends or family members to help you conquer the massive tomahawk together!

Start with some signature starters like the sizzling loaded bacon and cheddar tots or the jumbo smoked chicken & avocado wedge salad to kick things off. Then round out your mains with some quintessential steakhouse sides like rosemary garlic fries, baked truffle mac & cheese, roasted balsamic Brussels sprouts, or creamy jalapeño cheddar grits. The truffle parmesan mushroom medley is another standout flavor bomb to complete your primal feast.

For dessert, you can’t go wrong with the famous Mason jar red velvet bread pudding with cream cheese frosting. It’s meant to be shared…if you have any room left after conquering that massive tomahawk!

Drinks, Vibes, and More
Bedrock Bar & Grill fully leans into its rock’n’roll, badass biker aesthetic through its dark wood and industrial chic decor, blaring classic rock soundtrack, and edgy neon signage. It feels like the kind of place Metallica might hang out for an epic, beer-fueled steak feast.

The bar lives up to its name too, with an impressive list of whiskeys, bourbons and creative craft cocktails designed to knock you back a few pegs while you let that tomahawk digest. The signature Smoke on the Blvd cocktail with smoked Laphroaig, maple, and bacon is the perfect dangerously boozy sipper to complement that rich, primal wagyu experience. Be sure to order up some craft brews or wines to wash it all down too.

If you’re looking for a bit of entertainment along with your over-the-top Flintstone-sized feast, Bedrock hosts live music and DJ sets most nights to keep the party atmosphere going into the late hours.

Whether you go with a group of fellow carnivorous friends or just want to see if you can slay the mighty tomahawk yourself, Bedrock and its 1kg+ wagyu tomahawk are a must for any meat lovers visiting Singapore. Just come with a primal appetite, a dull blade to tackle that massive bone-in beef slab, and a rocker’s spirit to match the intense vibes! I hope you like reading this Eating in Singapore – Wagyu Tomahawk @ Bedrock Bar & Grill post.

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Upon arrival they serve each guest a shot of refreshing lime and mint welcome shave ice drink.  It is very refreshing.

Another starter that we had was the deep fried crabmeat stuffed in crab shell ($6 each).  Salted egg yolk is added to this dish which gives it the extra flavour.  It comes with several dipping sauces including a plum sauce, chilli dip and soy sauce.  I like to eat this on its own or with the sweet plum sauce.

For our greens, we decided to go for the simple Kaplan fried with salted fish ($18).  Simple and good.  But at $18, this is somewhat pricy.

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The Omakase Concept
The restaurant’s name “Omakase” is derived from the Japanese tradition of entrusting the chef to serve you the best dishes of the day. At Omakase Burger, Chef-owner Akira Omakase puts his own spin on this concept by crafting a single, seasonally-changing “burger of the day” utilizing premium ingredients sourced from Japan and around the world.

There are no choices or substitutions. The idea is to experience Chef Akira’s unique culinary vision and borderless approach to the art of burger making by being open-minded and trying whatever creative combination he has dreamed up that day. It’s part performance art, part multi-sensory indulgence.

The Space & Experience
Hidden away on the fifth floor of a non-descript building on Orchard Road, Omakase Burger has a sleek, minimalist vibe with an open kitchen and sushi bar-style counter seating. With just 8 seats, it has an exclusive, intimate atmosphere.

Omakase is very much a choreographed dining experience. Your meal begins with Chef Akira himself greeting you and explaining the sourcing and inspiration behind that day’s featured burger creation before meticulously preparing it in front of your eyes.

While voracious burgers can attempt the entire “omakase” burger set menu, most go for just the signature burger itself. At $38++ for the burger alone, it’s by no means cheap – but foodies rave that it’s one of the most memorable burger experiences you can have in Singapore.

Unique Burger Offerings
Because Omakase’s burger changes daily or weekly depending on seasonality and availability of ingredients, each burger offering is a unique creation that you likely won’t find anywhere else.

Some recent featured burgers have included the Saga Beef Burger featuring beef sourced from Saga Prefecture and Japanese-grown pears, a decadent Oyster Mushroom Burger topped with black truffle Mayo, and an indulgent Butter Burger made with Irish butter imported straight from a creamery in County Cork.

Whichever burger is on for the day, you can count on Chef Akira’s meticulous layering of flavors and premium ingredients like aged cooking butter, freshly-baked milk bread buns from a local baker, and housemade condiments like his signature black pepper sauce.

To complement the burger, Omakase offers a curated menu of crafted soft drinks like strawberry acai lemonade, loungewear tea, and French wine or beer if you’d like an alcoholic beverage pairing.

The Set Menus
While the a la carte burger is Omakase’s signature offering, you can also opt for a full omakase tasting set menu which includes some appetizers, the burger, side dishes and dessert.

The Basic Tasting ($48++) includes two starters, the burger of the day with housemade dips and pickles, Omakase’s signature shoyu fries and a bite-sized dessert.

For the full uncompromised experience, the Premium Tasting ($78++) is highly recommended. It expands the menu with a choice of premium appetizers like chilled duck lettuce wraps or Ohmi Japanese wagyu tataki to start, two burger “sakana” dishes, mains like A5 wagyu steak, and a dessert platter.

Whichever you choose, the set menus are meticulously paced and portioned to allow you to fully savor and appreciate each dish.

Reservations & Value
With such an intimate 8-seat setup, reservations are an absolute must at Omakase Burger. Prime dinner slots often book out 2-3 months in advance.

While costlier than your average burger joint, many consider Omakase to be good value for the sheer quality of ingredients, innovative culinary vision and singular tasting experience you receive. Each set is carefully designed to be a multi-course gastronomic journey.

For foodies willing to splurge, Omakase Burger offers one of the most unique, boundary-pushing burger tasting menu experiences in all of Singapore. Thanks to Chef Akira’s groundbreaking burger vision and dedication to his craft, a meal at Omakase just may change your perception of what a “burger” can be.

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From the moment you step inside Kyushu, the aroma of fresh butter and baking batter fills the air, instantly whetting your appetite. The minimalist decor and open kitchen allows you to watch the talented chefs delicately prepare each pancake order right before your eyes.

The Signature Souffle Pancakes
Of course, the stars of the show at Kyushu Pancake Cafe are their famous souffle pancakes (Jr 価格). These jiggly, airy pancakes get their signature height and incredible fluffiness from reinforced cake batter and meticulous preparation techniques.

The classic souffle pancake (S$18.80) is a simple delight – three glorious golden-brown pancakes topped with a pat of butter that slowly melts into the pancake crevices, dusted with powdered sugar and served with a pitcher of maple syrup and fresh cream on the side for drizzling. It’s sweet, rich and utterly decadent.

For a flavor twist, go for the matcha souffle pancakes (S$20.80). The earthy notes of premium matcha green tea powder complement the sweet pancake base amazingly well. They’re beautifully plated with a matcha sauce for drizzling and thick matcha cream to cut through the richness.

The mixed berry souffle pancakes (S$21.80) are another top seller, studded with fresh mixed berries and accompanied by addictive berry compote and whipped cream. With those pops of tartness, they make for a wonderful sweet-and-sour pancake experience.

Other Brunch Highlights
While the pancakes reign supreme, Kyushu’s full brunch menu shouldn’t be overlooked. Their Japanese-inspired breakfast plates are just as craveable.

Start with a cup of their silky-smooth hot matcha latte (S$6) to accompany your meal. The bright green beverage is made with high-quality matcha powder sourced from Japan.

For a savory option, try the delectable Thick Pork Sausage and Egg on Rice (S$18.80). The juicy housemade sausage patty is nestled over Japanese short-grain rice, accompanied by scrambled egg, pickles and served with a sweet housemade sauce.

The French Toast (S$14.80) is another winning choice – thick slices of Japanese milk bread are dipped in rich custard batter and grilled until golden brown and crispy on the outside, while staying soft and fluffy inside. It’s served with a side of butter, syrup and powdered sugar for that quintessential diner flavor.

Brunch Beverages
Sipping on some Instagram-worthy brunch beverages is a must at Kyushu Pancake Cafe. They offer a selection of fruity smoothies, coffees, matcha and Japanese teas to accompany your meal.

The Mixed Berry Smoothie (S$7.80) is a thick, icy and supremely refreshing choice, blended with yogurt and bursting with fresh raspberry, strawberry and blueberry flavors.

Coffee fans will want to opt for the showstopping Matcha Caffe Latte (S$7). This creation layers a double shot of espresso over premium matcha powder, resulting in a mesmerizing green-over-brown striped beverage. Give it a gentle stir to combine the rich coffee and matcha essences for the perfect complementary sip.

Tips for Your Visit
Due to the extensive prep for each order of souffle pancakes, there can often be quite a wait at peak brunch hours. Put your name down and expect to wait 30-60 minutes on busy mornings. The crew does a great job encouraging guests to explore Beach Road or browse shops while waiting.

Kyushu Pancake Cafe is open from 8am to 5pm on weekdays and 8am to 6pm on weekends. Arrive early to beat the crowds or go for a late brunch around 2-3pm. They don’t take reservations, so it’s first come, first served.

The cafe is conveniently located just minutes from Nicoll Highway MRT station. It’s a casual diner setup with counter seating, so you may need to share a table on busier days. Prices are very reasonable for the quality, with pancake plates $15-22 and other mains $14-20.

Whether you’re craving thick, fluffy Japanese souffle pancakes or a hearty brunch plate, Kyushu Pancake Cafe absolutely deserves a spot on your Singapore breakfast/brunch bucket list. Come hungry and prepare your taste buds for an absolutely unforgettable pancake experience like no other.

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For DH’s birthday in April this year, I planned our dinner at Dempsey Cookhouse & Bar, a new restaurant in the hip Dempsey area by world-renowned Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten who has a Michelin starred restaurant in New York.  It was difficult to get a reservation.  I booked more than 2 weeks ahead and couldn’t get a table for a Saturday night.  There was only a Table for 5 on Sunday at 6.15pm.  No more later time slot until after 9pm.  Such is the popularity of this new restaurant.

The restaurant is housed in an old Amy barrack which has been refurbished.  In fact the whole Dempsey area was an old army camp in its previous life.  The old colonial style buildings adds charm to this are and to the restaurant.

There are outdoor sitting area or indoor dining.  The outdoor tables are seldom occupied in hot and humid Singapore.  I thought it may be full in the evening after sunset with people having drinks and wanting to smoke, but when we left that evening, they are still empty.

The interior of the restaurant was beautiful.  Huge lanterns hand from the high ceiling.  The all white interior with hint of black and black and while checkered flooring blends well with the colonial architectural style of the building.  Garden style chairs and tables give the place a casuanyet classy atmosphere.

We each ordered an appetizer.  DD, DS1 and I decided to go for Foie Gras.  DS1 and I had the Sauteed Foie Gras  with Olives and Lychee (SGD19).  I always like pan fried foie gras and was not disappointed with this.

DH had the Yellowfin Tuna Tartare, with Avocado, Ginger Marinade and spicy radish (SGD18).  I had a taste of it and it was very very good.  Fish was fresh and the ginger marinade gives it a refreshing kick.  The radish is sliced thin and arranged on the Tuna like a flower.  Very pretty.

DS2 had the simple pea soup (SGD13).  It was simple and well done.

DS2 had someone more conventional.  He had Teh Rigatoni with Meatball and smoked chili tomato sauce (SGD22).  He said it wa a good and he didn’t find it spicy.

I went for the Mixed Berry Pavlova with Berry Sorbet (SGD14).  I love Pavlova as I really love meringues but it is not commonly found in Singapore.  Given the humid weather in Singapore, it is not easy to maintain the quality of meringues.   The Pavlova here is excellent.  The meringue is light and the slight sour berry sorbet gives it this dessert the right balance.

DH had the Baked Alaska (SGD13).  I had informed the restarting that we were celebrating his birthday when I made the reservation, so they wrote the “Happy Birthday” greeting on his dessert plate.  The servers all joined in singing the Happy Birthday song when they brought out the dessert.  DH said that the Baked Alaska was good.

DS1 had the Chocolate Cake which was iced with Toasted Marshmellow Meringue (SGD13).  He said it was pure indulgence!

DS2 had the Almond Toasted Creme Brûlée with Pear Sorbet (SGD13).  He said it was good and he liked it.

All of us enjoyed our dessert.  In fact, we all felt that the appetizers and desserts will be the reason for us to come again, but the main courses were pretty disappointing in comparison.  Total bill came up to SGD480 which is very reasonable considering we had ordered a bottle of wine.  The reasonable price in such a lovely setting is probably what make this restaurant so popular and difficult to book.

When we left, the exterior of the restaurant wa a beautiful lighted up.   A very charming look. Definitely a place to take someone special without burning a hole in your pocket.

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Peperoni Pizzeria first originated in Greenwood Avenue back in 2012, before expanding to 7 outlets across central and east Singapore today. Our favourite location is their laidback pizzeria at Duo Galleria, along the Singapore River – the perfect spot to unwind over oven-baked pies and glasses of wine after a long work week.

As my friends and I enter Peperoni on a breezy Friday evening, we instantly soak in the inviting ambience. Exposed brick walls, colourful bar stools and cheeky food-pun posters give off hip café vibes indoors, while alfresco seating overlooking glittering city skyline views beckon. We easily secure a table outside just in time to catch the golden hour cityscape. As we settle into the wooden chairs, menus and jugs of water are swiftly served up while we browse the extensive range of stone-baked pizzas on offer.

I always find it difficult to decide which pizza to order from Peperoni’s menu featuring both classics like Margherita and Hawaiian alongside creative signatures like Salami Piccante and Fantastico Seafood. My friends all have differing favourites but we eventually agree to order the Quattro Stagioni to share. We also select a pitcher of Asahi beer to wash it all down. While waiting, we munch on the complimentary breadsticks served with olive tapenade enjoying the breezy riverfront views.

Before long, our pizza arrives looking absolutely mouthwatering. True to its name Quattro Stagioni (Four Seasons in Italian), ourlarge thin crust pie is meticulously divided into four quadrants each showcasing different vibrant toppings. There is classic tomato sauce and milky buffalo mozzarella all around, capped with artichokes, ham, olives and funghi mushrooms in each segment. After snapping the requisite food photos, we eagerly dive in for that all-important first bite.

A satisfying crunch yields to a marvellously chewy crust layered generously with molten cheese and savoury toppings all the way to edge. The wood-fired base is perfectly charred yet remains tender on the inside with just the right amount of crisp. Sweet tomato sauce and creamy fresh mozzarella form the ideal flavour foundation. Every bite is a treat for multiple senses – the visual appeal, aroma, textures and balanced Mediterranean flavours come together in mouthwatering harmony. We quickly polish two slices each, agreeing this is pizza at its best!

As we continue working through the pie, I observe groups enjoying after-work drinks, families with kids in tow and riverfront view seekers like us filling up seats around us. Despite the growing crowds as evening sets in, the friendly staff remain attentive, promptly topping up beers and clearing empty plates. The casual convivial vibe makes it perfect for casual gatherings with great company. Before we know it, we’ve emptied the entire pizza tray together with second rounds of cold beer!

Sitting back rubbing our full bellies in satisfaction after pizza bingeing by the riverside, it’s clear why we unanimously love Peperoni Pizzeria. Approachable ambience, a relaxed riverside locale, extensive menu catering to diverse preferences, and most importantly handcrafted wood-fired pies bursting with flavour… what’s not to love? It’s our definition of the quintessential neighbourhood pizzeria we all wish we had nearby.

From catching weekend footie matches over beer towers and pies, hosting fiery chilli chicken pizza loving friends from overseas, or just unwinding together as couples and groups of foodies… Peperoni Pizzeria delivers big every time. You simply can’t beat the quality and experience here for Italian artisanal pizza good times with your favourite people!

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While we browsed the menu, we were served with crackers.  There was a combination of fish crackers and brinjal crackers, an Indonesian cracker made with the butter brinjal nuts.

We both decided to have the 2 course Heritage Express lunch which was at SGD31++.  My friend had the salad for her starter, while I went for the traditional local fried carrot cake with prawns.  The local carrot cake is actually a cake made with radish and rice flour.   The carrot cake is then fried with eggs, prawns and sweet dark soy sauce.  It was very nice.

For the main course, my friend had the fish of the day, while I went for the Lobster roll.  The lobster roll required at SGD18 top-up on top of the usual set lunch price.

The lobster roll was generously filled with lobster meat mixed with mayo in a hotdog bun.  It was served with truffle fries and a salad.  The lobster roll was tasty.  The truffle fries were nice and crisp and had a great truffle fragrance and appropriately salted.  Delicious!

One could top up $6 for dessert which was local flavor ice cream.  There was a choice of kopi (Malay for coffee), Teh Tarik (an Indian milk tea) or pandan (a fragrant leave) flavored ice cream.  I went for the Teh Tarik ice cream which was served with honey comb.  My friend gave dessert a miss.  The ice cream was pretty sweet but really tasted like the local Indian milk tea.  It was appropriate fragrant and went well with the honey comb.

Overall a satisfying lunch if you are willing to splurge.  A nice place to bring a foreign friend for some local food flavours, or to conduct a business lunch.

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Our Dragon Air flight to Guilin departed HKIA at 14.10pm and we arrived Guilin at 15.30pm. Immigration clearance was quick as this is a small airport and ours was the only international flight at that time. After clearing immigration, we collected our luggage and Jack was waiting for us at the arrival hall. After quick introductions, we were off! The drive to Ping An Village in Longsheng took just over 2 hours. Road was pretty windy at some stage.

We arrived at the car park of Ping An village around 6.30pm. All visitors have to park their cars at the car park and walk to the village as village roads are narrow. Jack had asked us to pack a small back pack for the night so that we can leave our luggages in the boot of the car. Jack advised that the car park is guarded by security guards at night and so is safe.

If you need to carry a big bag, there are porters at the car park to carry them for a fee. In fact, if you cannot do the climb, there are sedan chairs which you can hire and the locals will carry you up. ??

Our hotel, Longji One Art Hotel is about 30mins uphill walk from the car park. It started with gentle slopes and became shallow steps. E and I and not exactly the fittest ladies around. It sure was a tiring walk. The thing that kept me going was my awareness that if I don’t make it, I’ll have to sleep among the rice terraces!! ?????

Along the way are shops selling all sorts of souvenirs, local handicrafts and local food stuff like chili paste and smoked meat. One of the most interesting things in the shops must be the stones that have different layers of colours and are carved to look like pork. they are so realistic, you could almost eat them!

We did not linger at the shops as the sky was getting dark fast. It was getting very dark and Jack had to shine his touch to lead us along. It was also too dark to take the evening photos of the village. We finally arrived at Longji One Art Hotel which is fortunately somewhere along the middle of the terraces, and not at the top. Inside, the hotel was decorated with quirky displays and many photos of the surrounding area, not only on walls but on the ceilings too. Very pleasant.

Longji One Art Hotel is built in the traditional wooden architecture of the region. Our couple terrace room was room 3C with an L shaped terrace overlooking the rice terraces. Our room was not big but was very pleasant and inviting. It had coffee and tea, water, slippers, essentially the basic necessities. The room is also decorated with wooden waste paper basket, quirky wooden furnitures, tables and stools. Lovely!

The bathroom is modern and clean. The tap at the sink caught my attention. It is really quirky. Toothbrush, tooth paste, shower cap etc were all provided.

We had dinner at the hotel that night. We had wanted to have dinner immediately after we arrive, but the tables were all occupied. They suggested that we order our food after check in and have a rest in our room first. It was just as well as the climb up to the hotel sure sapped all my energy. When we came back 45mins later as agreed, our table and food were ready. We had ordered 4 dishes:

• Bamboo shoot fried with preserved meat which is a local specialty
• Stir fried tofu
• Sweet and sour pork
• Beef fried with potatoes

Instead of white rice, we had bamboo rice, another local specialty. It is actually glutinous rice with pumpkin and Chinese sausages, stuffed in a bamboo and cooked in a charcoal grill.

We liked the bamboo shoot fried with preserved meat and the stir fried tofu. But found the beef a bit tough and did not like the sweet and sour pork at all. DH and I thought the bamboo rice was not bad, but E and A did not really like it. Dinner with several beers and cokes came up to RMB300plus. After dinner, we called it a night.

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Venturing into Nana’s Green Tea at Plaza Singapura on a weekday evening, I’m instantly captivated by its minimalist zen décor and display fridge showcasing an eye-catching array of desserts. Uplifting Japanese background music and gentle chatter of dining patrons creates a relaxed vibe. My friend and I easily secure a table near the full length windows looking out to the mall walkways. As we settle into our wooden chairs, the friendly server hands us the menu filled with full-colour images of their Instagram-worthy dessert creations before taking our drink orders.

As we browse the menu, it is clearly divided into quite a few categories based on the main components like matcha, warabimochi, shaved ice and cakes. Drink options range from hot matcha latte to Japanese soda floats. Seeing it all photographed is helpful yet makes deciding much harder! After much deliberation between the two of us self-professed dessert lovers, we finally decide on ordering the matcha mini parfait, warabimochi set and houjicha tiramisu cake to share.

Soon enough, our drinks and dessert parade arrive, almost filling up our table. We start with sipping our hojicha milk tea with its nutty roasted green tea notes and the refreshing lychee ramune soda. But our eyes are drawn instantly to the perfectly crafted treats before us. The matcha mini parfait features smooth layers of matcha pudding, cream, cornflakes and azuki beans crowned with cotton soft ice cream. We dive our spoons in, getting a bit of each layer in one mouthful. It’s a veritable matcha explosion – the intensity balanced out by the sweet cream and pops of texture from the crunch elements.

The warabimochi plate comes with six pieces of jiggly jelly cubes dusted with kinako soybean powder and drizzled with kuromitsu brown sugar syrup. Skewering the cubes and plopping them whole into our mouths release an avalanche of sweet flavours and delightfully bouncy texture. It’s fun and comforting, reminiscent of Japanese street fair treats.

For our last act, we slice up the houjicha tiramisu cake. Smooth and creamy mascarpone cream is layered in between soaked ladyfinger biscuits, infused with distinct roasted houjicha tea fragrance. It is dusted with matcha powder on top adding vibrant green flair. We alternate forkfuls of the cake and parfait, noticing how the bold matcha notes tie together both sweet creations. Before we know it, we’ve polished everything off – clearly reflecting just how much we enjoyed Nana’s Green Tea’s beguiling desserts!

As we indulge in this Japanese dessert feast, I observe groups of students and office workers alike whiling the evening away with their fancy desserts and colorful beverages. Many like us seem to be sharing dessert sets while chatting, pointing out Instagram-worthy shots. Even with steady streams of diners coming in and out, service remains prompt. Our server swiftly clears empty cups and platters while seeing if we need anything else. The chilled out music makes lingering here effortless.

Soon enough I find myself gazing out the window overlooking Orchard Road, the glittering city lights beckoning. But I’m in no rush to leave this minimalist urban oasis yet. Nana’s Green Tea offers respite from the outside world with its zen library-café ambience – encouraging simple pleasures like enjoying desserts and good company.

As someone enamoured by Japanese cuisine and culture, an evening spent enjoying Nana’s Green Tea’s sublime dessert creations and immersive setting checks all the right boxes. It feels like a value-for-money experience steeped in Japanese hospitality from start to finish, without breaking the bank. I leave with a full belly and intentions of bringing other matcha-loving friends back to discover sweet decadence with an Japanese twist. This is one of those versatile dining spots well-suited for me-time moments with a book or to catch up with pals over the city lights. I hope you like reading this Eating in Singapore – Japanese Dessert @ Nana’s Green Tea post.

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