Hungry Ghost

  I have always thought izakaya are only for drinking but a recent business lunch at Sandai Izakaya in Novena made me realize these Japanese bars actually sell decent Japanese food. Appetizers Shirauo Karaage   [S$6.90] are deep-fried white bait fish. These crispy treat are perfect with beer or other alcoholic beverages. Nothing beats   Tori Karaage   [S$8.90] when it comes to appetizers. These Japanese fried chicken pieces are so crispy, they crackle when you bite into them. Sandai Signature Gyoza   [S$9.90 for 8 pieces] gives you two pieces of Ebi Gyoza, Yuzu Pepper Gyoza, Cabbage Gyoza and Curry Gyoza. Each gyoza is expertly pan-fried to a golden-brown crispiness, giving them a satisfying crunch with each bite. For something a little more substantial, there are sushi rolls such  as   Salmon Overload Roll   [S$14.90]. It comes with crabstick and avocado wrapped in sushi rice and seaweed, topped with aburi salmon and ikura. There also sashimi suc...

  The cosy and contemporary design of Marmalade Pantry (Oasia Hotel Novena) makes it a good place for business lunch and dinner or catch-up with family and friends. The   menu   is short and concise with something for everyone. Starter You can't go wrong with   Truffle Fries   [S$16] which has a strong truffle fragrance thanks to the truffle oil it is fried in. Sprinkle on a little parmesan cheese and parsley for added pleasure. I was worried that   Spicy Garlic Prawns   [S$25] will be too spicy for me but it's only slightly spicy with a lovely aroma from the extra virgin olive oil. Mains Who can resist 250g of this grass-fed Argentina   Ribeye Steak   [S$45]. I am amazed at how tender the meat is even at medium-well doneness. It comes with fried smashed potatoes, grilled beans and mushroom cream sauce. Pasta I was craving for something cheesy and   The Marmalade Mac & Cheese   [S$25] hits all the right spots. The macaroni is ba...

  Shanghai Tan Pan-Fried Bun has recently opened a new outlet in 321 Clementi. I have fond memories of the food so my colleagues and I decided to check out if the food is still as good. Shanghai Appetizers Braised Pork Rib with Special Home-made Sauce 外婆家糖醋小排   [S$8.80] is finger-licking addictive. It has the perfect balance of sweet and sour, very appetizing. Stewed Bamboo Shoot in Oyster Sauce 油焖笋   [S$6.80] is one of my favorite Shanghainese snacks. The seasoned bamboo is both sweet and salty, they go well with any noodles. Nothing beats the simple and refreshing   Poached Hong Kong Kai Lan 白灼芥兰   [S$5.80] with goes well with any rice or noodles. Shanghai Dim Sum Signature “Popping Juice” Pan-Fried Bun 爆汁生煎包   [S$5.80] is the must-try here. These buns are pan-fried so the base are a little browned but they are full of juice. Even though the   Shanghai Steamed Pork “Xiao Long Bao” 上海小笼包   [S$5.80] are not as pretty as the ones from Din Tai Fung,...