While I'd swear by my sashimi anyday, Dee's not-so-guilty pleasure remains her classic makcik-style rendang! And so we found ourselves at one of her family favorites - Tambuah Mas at Paragon for some Indonesian. She was pretty much at home talking to the waiter like a long lost friend about our order. She took it upon herself to decide for me too, I didn't even try. Hell hath no fury like a woman interrupted at her favorite restaurant!

Tahu Telor ($9.00)

The Tahu Telor ($9.00) here is hands down the best we've tried. Also known as Indonesian beancurd omelettes, their signature dish is served with a savoury tomato-soy sauce and garnished with sliced green onions. The beancurd cubes were still soft and warm when we bit into the crispy egg batter mmm and the slightly sweet soy sauce was a great complement to the rest of the dish. Tahu-tower of heaven!

Chicken Satay ($7.50)

We expected a more authentic preparation of the Chicken Satay ($7.50) since they originate from Indonesia, but we realised that they didn't vary much from the satay we get from our local hawker centres. Nothing to complain though, tender meat moderately charred accompanied with a thick homemade peanut sauce.

Beef Rendang ($8.50) / Sambal Kangkong ($9.00)

For our veggies, we had Sambal Kangkong ($9.00)! This fiery dish had the right amount of belacan (shrimp paste) and well, I wish I could say the same for the oil. You could've guessed the number of red chillies used from the intensity of the red. 

And of course the much awaited Beef Rendang ($8.50)! Guess who couldn't stop smiling. Also known as Rendang Lembu, tender and chunky meat in a rich and aromatic gravy. Needless to say we stuffed ourselves with it!

Ikan Pepes ($6.00)

We both agreed Tambuah Mas serves the best version of Ikan Pepes ($6.00), or more commonly known as Otah. These seabass fillets were marinated in spice and grilled in banana leaves. Not too much of a fish paste, neither a leaf full of thick chunks of fish, we were pleased to unwrap the leaf to find well proportioned fish meat that was rich in flavour.





To no one's surprise, we were too full to try their famous Es Apokat, an avocado milkshake but with mocha syrup. A perfect quencher and dessert, this all in one glass of treasure is something we won't miss on our next visit! If you're craving spicy authentic Indonesian food you'd wanna head down to Tambuah Mas for that Rendang fix. But for couples who are looking for an intimate evening with Indonesian food, you might want to check out The Moluccas Room!


Tambuah Mas
290 Orchard Road
Paragon B1-44
Tel:+65 6733 2220

Opening Hours: Daily: 11:00AM - 10:00PM

On a quiet Wednesday evening, I found myself at Koh Grill & Sushi Bar with an old friend (who also happens to love Japanese food). I love sushi, sashimi and wasabi. Okay I just added wasabi cause it rhymed but hey, I love my Japanese food - wasabi or not.

Located right next to Food Republic at Wisma Atria, this is a pretty small place for all the attention it's been receiving lately. We were there at about 5pm and managed to get seats at the counter, but it was still kinda crowded for a weekday.

Please do not leave the bar without ordering a plate of Shiok Maki ($16.80). This is, the mother of all makis. Grilled unagi and avocado rolled in seaweed, topped with lightly roasted salmon, drizzled in mayonnaise sauce, and an abundance of fish roe. You must get a taste of maki-heaven served on a plate.

Shiok Maki ($16.80)

We also had the Seafood Fried Rice ($10.00) and Black Cod Fish Soup ($14.00). The fried rice was decent, and I wouldn't mind having it again the next time, though it was a tad salty. I'd give the soup a miss though, it was pretty bland and I got bored of it quickly. Might trade the soup for Crappy Maki ($18.00), next time, since they're known more for their amazing makis.

Seafood Fried Rice ($10.00)

An affordable and casual Japanese sushi bar, Koh Grill & Sushi Bar might be my new go-to place for a quick sushi fix next time. But I'll probably head there early during the day since by the time we left, a really long queue had formed outside.


Koh Grill & Sushi Bar
435 Orchard Road
#04-21 Wisma Atria Shopping Centre
Tel: 91803805

Opening Hours: Daily: 11:30AM - 10:30PM

Turned out we had some time to kill before Ang Lee's Life of Pi and as usual, we popped by the nearest cafe to laze around for a bit with some breakfast for lunch (cause saying brunch just isn't as fun). The service was probably as long as the movie. Okay I kid. But hey it was pretty slow that day, could be a busy weekday afternoon.

I've always found the interior and deco of Pique Nique to be a tad quirky - the brick walls, the hanging lights, mismatched furniture and the tiny jar of soil found on each table. The outlet at JCube is much bigger and cosier. So we decided to go with the Farmer's Omelette ($12.80) and the Eggs Ben for Dee - she's in a poached eggs phase.

Farmer's Omelette ($12.80)

The presentation of my three egg omelette could have been improved, but that was made up for once I cut through it to reveal a hidden gem of bacon, sausage, potatoes, mushroom, onions and tomatoes! I was pretty satisfied.

Eggs Benedict ($12.00)

As for Dee, she's easily contented with her Eggs Benedict ($12.00) as long as the eggs are cooked to perfection: yolk is runny and oozes all over and soaks the English muffin underneath. Runny egg yolks - check! While Prive remains close to her heart on the Eggs Benedict chart, these weren't too far from the top. The steamed ham was pretty bland though, nothing special.

Hot Iron Waffle with Maple Syrup ($11.80)

The best part of Pique Nique? Hot Iron Waffle with Maple Syrup ($11.80). Made upon order, this was warm and crispy on the outside and light and fluffy on the inside. The homemade vanilla ice cream was a perfect complement and delicious on it's own - creamy and silky smooth, you could even see the vanilla pods! I've been there thrice, just for the waffle, yes it's that good.




Pique Nique's a pretty nice place to head to for some after meal dessert, their cupcakes and coloured macarons are a definite visual treat and their waffles are easily one of the best we've had!


Pique Nique
#B1-01 Takashimaya Shopping Centre
Ngee Ann City Tower A
391A Orchard Road
Tel: +65 6238 6705