Umami 10 - Nice Familiar Tastes

Being a fan of this taste called Umami, Umami 10 definitely caught my attention. But that is not enough to make me take the time off to check it out. What really got me interested is the variety of food items in the menu. The food is mainly of Japanese influence with some contemporary dishes, and a bit local flair added in to suit the local’s palates.

I go all out with 7-course omakase since I can try more varieties of food without overstuffing myself this way.

Scallops Carpaccio is the definition of Umami: Sweet scallops, pops of umami juices with different aromas in the Ikura, truffle caviar and basil caviar, refreshing, crunchy sea asparagus and tangy mango. So many flavours, so indulgent.

Nice rich Mushroom soup that is light yet full of earthy umami.

The biggest oyster I ever have. Fresh and milky in taste. The caviar adds a touch of lux.

Very fresh sashimi.

This is the surprise of the omakase. Very simple dish of enoki mushrooms wrapped with green pepper, yet it taste so good, inducing the warm and comfy feel when savouring it. In fact, this is one of my favourites of the meal.

Pork Jowl with Pickled Apple features super tender pork jowl that one can easily tear off a piece with just the chopsticks. I have to give credit to the chef for making this possible. And I love the pickled apple that introduces a refreshing element to cut through the richness of the pork.

But for personal preference, I like the meat to have a bit more bite and char. This pork jowl is tending towards braised pork, and I’m not into braised food.

Comfort food comes in the form of another nice surprise: Inaniwa Udon! I like this so much because it’s not like one can easily get Inaniwa Udon anywhere. Much thinner than the usual udon, but retaining the same softness, it really soaks up the tasty broth so well. It looks pretty unassuming, but the taste is outstanding.

I was expecting Matcha ice-cream as dessert, and got a delicious Creme Caramel instead. The custard is creamy and silky smooth. What impresses me is the extra smoky aroma in the caramel. I love this.

The food here is nice and of familiar tastes that will appeal to most palates. All the dishes of omakase are well-executed and please my taste buds. The service is also very good, being polite and friendly. Ambience wise, it’s more of gastro bar feel. I like the hanging bubble lamps that look like huge fairy lights from afar. By the way, all the seats here are high chairs. So one can look cool dining here lol

Thoughts: Very Nice Dining Experience

163 Telok Ayer St

Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar, Maxwell or Chinatown

Co Hai Banh Mi & Phở Vietnamese Restaurant - Garden Fresh, Herbs and Vietnamese Tradition

Co Hai Banh Mi & Pho Vietnamese Restaurant, the name of thus restaurant is quite a mouthful. I will just use Co Hai instead since Banh Mi refers to Vietnamese Baguette and Pho is a kind of Vietnamese noodles.

After a lunch at a French restaurant, where I love one of the dishes made with Vietnamese rice paper, it triggered my craving for some Vietnamese fresh spring rolls. I had not eaten it for many  years … for a reason that I will not reveal here. So when I saw how good Co Hai’s fresh spring rolls look, I set my eyes on this place already. I have to say that the fresh spring rolls doesn’t disappoint.

I was expecting food court kind of environment here, given the low price point, but the decor of this restaurant totally took me by surprise. The French influence is evident: lots of colourful flowers, posters and quaint lamps. But there is Vietnamese vibe in there. So it feels like the owner is putting every favourite thing into decorating the place. It works, giving that really cosy, homely vibe. Good thing I’m the first patron of the day, so I have lots of fun snapping photos of the place.

Vietnamese Fresh Spring Rolls is like a garden wrapped within the stretchy thin smooth rice paper. It is so fresh and full of herbal aroma. The bits of grilled pork and sliced prawns adds the umami and richness to the taste. When eaten without the sauce, it os flavourful enough to hold it on its own. With the sauce, its zest makes the spring taste even better.

If one does not have any aversion toward a particular plant or herb, this is a must-try. But take note of the hard meat pieces in there.

Frankly speaking, the amount of carbs in the fresh spring rolls is making me pretty full already. I suggest to share it if possible.

So I have less capacity to fully appreciate the Dry Vermicelli ordered. Especially when I ordered the wrong one. I wanted Grilled Pork, but I don't know why I didn't see the word "Minced" and got Vermicelli with Seafood, Minced Pork and Quail Eggs. This is actually very similar to our Bak Chor Mee, except that Vietnamese Vermicelli is used instead for the crabs.

I like this different kind of vermicelli used, it is made of rice and is flat, smooth and thin. I do find the boiled minced pork and seafood aka boiled squid rolls to be a bit too plain. Well, I just dip them into the sauce of fresh spring rolls, and then they taste great lol

Nice cooling and interesting drink of Lemongrass, Ginger and Lemon.

Ambience wise, I like this place a lot. But if one tends to get cold easily, like me, best to get a jacket because besides the air conditioning, there are fans to make the place real cold. Service is well, of brutal efficiency. They cut to the chase and get all things done. Don’t expect general pleasantries here. I have to make a special mention of the nice lady who suggested to me to take a table that is at a more comfortable position instead of the one near the staircase. Thumbs-up to her.

By the way, the restaurant is at second floor. And by 11:30am, the place is pretty full already.

Thoughts: Authentic, good Vietnamese food

359 Beach Road

Nearest MRT: Nicoll Highway

So Seoul Korean Dining & Bar - So Unique Korean Cuisine

There is more to Korean food other than Korean BBQ, Ginseng Chicken, Korean Pancake, Bibimbap and Banchan. And this place is a testimony to that. Soy Marinated Crab, Korean Tacos, Seafood prepared in various ways and Skewers, seeing these in the menu makes adventurous me, food wise, all excited about coming here.

Ambience wise, So Seoul features a chic, cool vibe, which is different from that of typical Korean restaurants. Service is good and thoughtful. Due to these unique points and with traditional Korean fare still served here, I like this place a lot.

I never know that I can eat raw crab until I get a taste of Soy Marinated Crab, and it's delicious. The super fresh Korean flower crab, completed with the beautiful orange roe, is full of briny sweetness. The texture of the meat is a bit like that of sashimi, and it is super juicy. When I bite the softer part of the shell to suck out every single bit of the crab meat–since it's too good to let any bit left uneaten lol, I get lots of umami juices of the crab. When paired with the cute rice balls and seaweed wraps, it makes for a very hearty treat.

And one noteworthy thing: disposable gloves are provided for handling of the crabs. Yes! This is how some of us can fully enjoy the savouring of crabs without getting our hands dirty.I love this thoughtfulness of the restaurant.

By the way, when done with the body of the crab, you can request the service staff to bring the crab to the kitchen to crack open the claws for more meat.

The banchan of kimchi, pickled cubed radish and peppers is yummy and refreshing. I like the crunchy texture of the radish and peppers. The kimchi is slightly sweeter than the usual kimchi, and surprisingly, I prefer this over the usual type. Yes, they are complimentary.

I choose Kimchi Pork Korean Taco out of 6 varieties. I actually had my eyes on Crab Korean Taco at first, but I decide to get a different type of meat instead. Soy Marinated Crab is cold, so the warm pork and rice sandwiched between kimchi and seaweed sheet is a nice change in the feel of dining. Very flavourful. 

Update:

I get to try Crab Taco on 2nd visit and it's oh so good. Huge dollop of creamy, briny sweet crab stacked on top of starchy rice definitely pleases the palates. If wanting to save the hassle of handling crab, then this taco is the great alternative to get a taste of Korean crabs. Though it will be perfect if the seaweed is crispy.

Scallop Truffle Carpacchio is a luxurious dish, featuring silky smooth, sweet scallop slices topped with cute moulds of caviar. This is full of flavours. And I tried eating the lettuce with the scallop, and my verdict is it's better to eat the scallop on its own.

Pork with Onion Skewers is very interesting since pretty rolls of pork wrapped around spring onion are grazed with a spicy, sweet sauce. I like the taste but extra work needed to chew up the onions.

Sweet Floral Lychee Mojito is a nice accompaniment to the meal.

While the place has this dining bar ambience, there are flowers, leaves and vines hanging from the glass ceiling and one of the walls, which is not what I expected in a bar. But somehow, it works in this case, so I have a feel that I'm dining in a bar situated within a garden.

Actually, I had not been going to Korean restaurants for quite a while since I'm not really into Korean BBQ due to the specific cut of meat commonly featured in Korean BBQ and the smell of BBQ lingering on me. I need something else to get me interested. I'm taking the plunge for this restaurant because I'm totally impressed with the dining experience in the Japanese Omakase sister restaurant, Hiryu. So I figured that surely, there should be some standard there, right? I'm glad that I decided to try Korean food again at this restaurant.

I look forward to try the more traditional food or value-for-money lunch sets here, no BBQ for me though, and see if I get any surprises from them.

Thoughts: Interested in Korean food again because of this place.

49 Tras St

Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar

Nesuto - Nest of Sweet Secrets

I walk into Nesuto purely on last minute impulse. In fact, I don't know about this lovely little place until right now. Just a peek through the dark green framed glass doors, I decide on the spot that I need to check it out. The fun and excitement of walking around Heritage area of Tanjong Pagar, one can always find a hidden gem easily here.

This cafe has cool and Muji kind of interior, with extra touches, such as floral drawings on the white walls and the pretty table card with floral designs, to add that cosy and homely feel.

I choose Queen Ispahan because it has only one piece left on the cake counter. There is a certain feeling of triumph in getting it before it runs out. Vanity aside, I'm very happy with my choice. The sweet, slight tart raspberry is creamy with an iota of refreshing feel, It is a perfect match with the sweet floral flavour of lychee jelly. An enjoyable treat.

Kyoho Grape Oolong tea is very interesting since I never seen this at other establishments. And I love it because of the nuanced fragrance of my favourite Kyoho Grape. Who would have known that Kyoho Grape goes so well with Oolong.

Update on second visit: Poire is ganache of pear puree with Amaretto encased in a beautiful dome of vanilla creme. Lighter and milder in taste, I love it nonetheless. The pear has a very subtle hint of floral aroma to add dimension in taste to the nice smooth vanilla mousse. They go easy on the Amaretto so that the liquor doesn't eclipse the delicate flavours of vanilla and pear, and the alcoholic bitterness of Amaretto perks up the taste of the ganache. Lovely creation.

Beautiful array of cakes.

Cute Hourglass to keep track of the time needed for the tea to fully release its flavour.

The name Nesuto is actually Nest in Katakana Japanese. It's like a nest of the founder/pastry chef where her love is poured into it. It is full of sweet little secrets. I'm glad I found this, and I'm eager to try other cakes in their repertoire!

Thoughts: Sometimes, taking a slow walk and smelling the roses may lead to sweet discovery.

53 Tras St

Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar

137 degrees

The best alternative to milk. So rich and milky. I love this more than milk actually, especially the Avocado Almond Milk.

Country of Origin: Thailand

Where to get this: Online platforms

Bar-A-Thym Restaurant by Francois Mermilliod - Lovely French Omakase

French cuisine served in omakase style definitely sounds attractive to me. Since I always love Japanese omakase, where there is anticipation and excitement on what the chef will serve. More often than not, I totally enjoyed these omakase sessions. In addition, French Omakase is really something new for me.

I love the omakase dishes here, they are unique and feature transition in taste profile from the appetite-whetting starters to blissful sweet dessert. An awesome dining experience here because of the food, the modern chic decor and attentive, friendly and professional service.

By the way, there is also set lunch available with many great choices at pretty good price.

Whole Chilled Boston Lobster Tail wrapped with Vietnamese paper as Ravioli, decked on top of shredded Guava, Chervil, surrounded by a ring of Lime Sabayon, plus a scattering of Ikura and Hazelnut, is amazingly good. And I had never tried such unique and refreshing ravoli before this. The lobster is so tender, and its umami enhanced by the tangy sabayon, refreshing crispy tart guava and pungent chervil. The neutral tasting Vietnamese paper is a good choice for this ravoli to let the delicate umami shine through while adding a stretchy texture and carbo element to the dish. This is a must-try from the ala carte menu.

Fluffy bread slightly toasted and served in a cute sack. Very nice and I finish all three slices lol

I'm always up for some nutty, fleshy, fresh oysters drizzled with special vinaigrette here.

The White Asparagus from Holland is seasonal item and has this wonderful crisp, clean, sweet taste. The slightly salty ham and the creamy tangy yuzu sauce add hints of excitement to this delicious veggie. One of the best asparagus dish I have.

Royans Ravioli with Foie Gras mixed with Sautéed Mushrooms, Spinach and Hazelnuts smells awesome with its earthy aroma. This is pure good comfort food with lots of flavours.

Pan-seared Halibut has excellent texture: being pliable, slightly creamy and has crispy seared top. Taste very good with the sauce.

Nice Coffee Mousse Cake that tastes great when dipped in the Berry sauce or eaten with the slightly sour berries.

Nice Pinot Noir to go with my omakase.

A nice of contrast of sleek dark wood frames and white walls, plus the stylish hanging lamps, make for very modern chic ambience. The black overhead fans at the outside give a touch of European influences to the place. A great place to enjoy good food. Service here is a winner too.

I want to be back for more French surprises in the form of omakase ... maybe for the lunch set instead at times since some items in there look good ... and I need to give my wallet a break also 😆

Thoughts: I love French Omakase!

18 Gemmill Lane

Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer or Chinatown