Cover Image: Masaaki

Make the most out of your mealtime with our roundup of timely treats

Despite the difficult year, the local dining scene is slowly but surely returning to its vibrant nature, as evident in the new restaurants that have opened in the past few weeks. One of our favourite izakayas has made a grand comeback with an updated space as well as an expanded menu, while lauded Japanese chef Masaaki Sakashita has returned with his namesake omakase restaurant. Moreover, our usual hang out spots have updated their menus to keep us coming back for more.

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Above Bone marrow & uni

1. Neon Pigeon

The popular izakaya has returned with a new space on Carpenter Street, with the same graffiti-clad interior that’s been turned up a notch; a punched-up menu courtesy of new head chef Paul Lim; and a new raw bar where you’ll find an ever-changing menu to showcase the beautiful, seasonal ingredients.

Dig into the Kumamoto oysters from the raw bar before feasting on delectable dishes from the kitchen. Cult classics like the Tokyo hummus and sake glazed Iberico pork ribs remain on the menu, but it has been jazzed up with new additions including the bone marrow & uni, and Tamagoyaki omelette. In true Neon Pigeon fashion, these bites are paired with Tokyo-inspired tipples. 

Neon Pigeon | 36 Carpenter Street, 01-01, S(059915) | 6222 3623 | info@neonpigeonsg.com​

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Above Pancakes
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Above Avocado toast

2. Bayside Drinks & Eats

No weekend plans yet? Head to this al fresco gastro bar with a view and take advantage of its Saturday brunch eats. You’ve got the usual staples such as eggs benedict, ham and cheese croissant, and pancakes. Or, opt for the signature lobster roll packed with meaty chunks of lobster sautéed in butter, stacked within fluffy brioche buns, and finished with light mayo, herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Weekends are made for leisurely brunches, so why not pair these with free flow drinks? The current weather calls for an Aperol Spritz, a refreshing Italian concoction made with Aperol, Prosecco and soda, then garnished with an orange slice. The bottomless option is available from 1pm to 4pm, and also extends to the gastro bar’s house wines, house spirits and beers.

Bayside Drinks & Eats | 1 Fullerton Road, 01-12 One Fullerton, S(049213) | 8121 3995 | info@baysidesg.com

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Above Shoyu Fire Ramen

3. Menbaka Fire Ramen

It’s no secret that we love our ramen, and the latest joint to check out is this famous import from Kyoto which invented the world’s first fire ramen. It got its name due to the unique way the soup is prepared: the chefs ignite the negi oil before it’s poured into the signature broth (topped with green onions) to ensure a rich and smoky flavour.

On the menu is the signature Shoyu Fire Ramen, concocted with the same shoyu used in the original outlet, and mixed in with chicken, mackerel and bonito before it’s brewed for several hours. Exclusive to the Singapore outlet are the Tonkotsu Fire Ramen and the crispy charcoal karaage salad, comprising juicy chicken chunks laden on fresh greens drizzled with yuzu and sesame dressing. 

Menbaka Fire Ramen | 8 Grange Road, 05-03 Cineleisure Orchard, S(239695) | southeastasiafe@gmail.com

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Above Sugee Boogie
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Above Viva La Vivo

4. Shake Shack

It’s a good year for burger chain Shake Shack, which opens its fifth outlet at VivoCity on December 1. Aside from the delicious signature burgers, hot dog buns and crispy fries,  you will also get to enjoy exclusive creations here.

One of which is the Sugee Boogie, an indulgent cup of creamy frozen vanilla custard blended with homegrown local dessert store Mrs Kueh’s sugee cake. Another hot favourite is the Viva La Vivo, made with frozen vanilla custard, strawberries and crunchy sugar cone shards, and decorated with rainbow sprinkles.

Shake Shack VivoCity | 1 Harbourfront Walk, 01-163/164 VivoCity, S(098585)

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Above Omakase menu

5. Book Ahead: Masaaki

Lauded chef Masaaki Sakashita, formerly of Ishi and Hashida Sushi, will make a return to the scene with his eponymous omakase sushi restaurant opening in December. His omakase menu is a celebration of the finest seasonal ingredients, which he crafts into a parade of delicious dishes that fuse Japanese traditional cooking techniques with his personal ingenuity.

Every day is a delicious surprise as the courses change often, but there are some signatures to expect, among which are the hamaguri soup and deftly-crafted pieces of sushi crowned with the freshest catch of the day.

Masaaki | 26 Beach Road, B1-17 South Beach Avenue, S(189768) | 6388 1555


The validity of the menus/promotions listed above may vary. Please check with the restaurant when making your reservations.

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