In conjunction of Singapore 50, The Square @ Novotel Clarke Quay is launching a Peranakan themed Buffet Line by Chef Kishen for the month of August.
Every month, The Square will launch a different themed buffet line. For the month of July, it was "Sweet Indulgences" by Chef Sin Siak featuring his cakes and desserts creations.I am honour to be invited through Open Rice to have the first insight and taste of the upcoming Peranakan Buffet Line as well as the chance to try out the July "Sweet Indulgences".

What will be the first dish you can think of coming to Peranakan cuisine?

For me is Ayam Buah Keluak!To aid the eating experience, the chicken was not stuff into to Buah Keluak Shell.
The tender and juicy chicken accompanied with the nutty flavor from the Buah Kelauak made a perfect combination. If they could be lighter on salt that will be perfect.

Babi Pongteh, stewed pork with fermented soya bean.I love the potatoes and mushrooms which had absorbed all the savoury sauce. The sauces goes perfectly well with rice.For the Devil Curry, Chef Kishen uses fresh ingredients like Chilli Padi, Turmeric and other herb to cook up the base of the Devil.
The chicken had absorbed the fragrance of the different condiments making it extra tasty.The Nonya Style Assam Fish was served in both steam and deep fried styled.
It does not have much of the Assam taste of sourness with hint of spicy. It will be great if the gravy can be more flavorful.For Bakwan Kepiting, Chef Kishen had substituted the traditional crab meat with chicken.
I love the firm and springy texture of the meatballs. However, the soup base was on a saltier side which I believe can be improved on easily.The super crunchy Kueh Pie Tee cup filled with appetizing mixture of turnips, prawns and eggs made a good end or start to the meal.

Other than the Special Peranakan Menu, THE SQUARE also be serving the resident dishes at the buffet line.
THE SQUARE served a good combination of Asian and Western food including some local delights like Laska, Rojak etcOysters Fritters is an amazing accident creation by Chef Jimmy. The lightly tempura coated oyster simply burst in flavor when you bite into it.
The special sauce combination of both spicy and salty brought out the sweetness of the oyster.Chicken Shawarma is one of the must eat item on the buffet line. The well marinated chicken slices was succulent. The veggies added crunch and made the wrap super delicious.The laska did not disappoint me, the laska gravy was surprisingly thick and flavorful. The light fragrant of the coconut milk linger in your mouth after every mouthful of gravy.

The bee hoon was cooked perfectly too. Most importantly, you can choose your favorite ingredients you like for your laska.This is the best Risotto I ever had. Those that I had before was either overcook or under cook, however the chef did it perfectly. The risotto rice was nicely incorporated with the creamy mushroom sauce. Every grain of Risotto rice was bursting with flavors.The Durian Pengat was their signature desserts and it a definite must try. The Durian Pengat was rich yet light, I wonder how the chef achieve the amazing texture. Instead of the normal sugar, the chef used Gula Melaka to bring out the flavor of the Durian Pengat. Apart from the richness of the durian, you are able to taste the light sweetness and fragrant of the Gula Melaka.

For full review on the Pernakan Buffet by The Square @ Novotel Clarke Quay, do check out at http://www.elgenahearts.com/peranakan-buffet-at-the-square-novotel-clarke-quay-for-august-only/

Situated along the Mohamed Sultan Road, there a humble Japanese restaurant which serve homecooked Japanese Food which better then mom's cooking.Ippin Cafe Bar was opened in October 2014 by Ms Ayumi Fujishiro.
Ippin Cafe Bar is a cozy cafe where can be your hidden hangout, an unassuming lunch/dinner spot, a seat at a sake bar or weekend chill out place.
In Ippin Cafe Bar, they serve home styled classic Japanese food.
Be sure that, you will be able to find your comfort food in Ippin Cafe Bar.Yakisoba Set ($12 Nett)
Yakisoba is a Japanese daily food. It's like our normal Chinese Fried Noodle which most of our mom will cook. The buckwheat noodle was flavored perfectly with their Ippin's savory sauce.
I love the combination of the cabbage and carrots in the Yakisoba. The crunchiness of the cabbage had enhanced the taste of the dish.Oyakudon Set ($15 Nett)
Oyakudon is one of my favorite Japanese main course. The egg was silky and paired nicely with the tender chicken bite. Even though, I prefer rice with more sauce, I felt that they had too much dashi as the rice was literally soaking in them. It will be great if the dashi was just right.
For a Oyakudon Set at $15 Nett with Miso Soup and Hojicha Pudding, I will definitely be back for it.
The oysters which are served in Ippin Cafe Bar are from Hiroshima Prefecture where they are famous for their oysters in Japan. Rest assure on the quality of the oyster.
To be true, this is the first time I tried oyster. Previously, I always felt that oyster have a very strong fishy smell and slimy. This time round I kind of enjoy the both cooking method of oysters served by Ippin Cafe Bar.Deep Fried Oyster Set ($24 Nett)The oysters were lightly coated with bread crumbs batters making it crispy on the outside. I like the light wasabi egg mayo.
It does not have much of the wasabi taste, but the little pieces of egg white chunks had leveled the wasabi mayo. How I hope they sell the wasabi egg mayo.Grilled Oyster & Veggies in Ponzu Butter Sauce Set ($20 Nett)Here the big juicy oyster which Ippin Cafe Bar served. The oysters are grilled in Pongzu (Yuzu vineger) butter. Along with the grilled vegetables, the oyster was indeed have a refreshing taste.
Both the oyster sets are served along with Hatcho Miso Soup, Nikujaga pork and potato stew, Salad and Houjicha Pudding.
To pair along with the oysters dishes that we are having, we had Sakae.The Sakae was smooth and refreshing. According to the person in charge, the sakae will taste slightly different when you drink from the wooden cup.What best to go with seafood other than Sakae is Beer. I tried their Kanazawa Hyakumangoku Beer Koshihikari Ale. The beer is make with Koshihikari, one of the most famous and delicious type of Japanese Rice.
The beer is very light and smooth. It had a slightly nutty and sweetness it in. Perfect for the hot and humid weather recently.
Overall, Ippin Cafe Bar is a great cafe bar to chill and relax while enjoying good Japanese food with your friends. Other than dinning, you are also able to have a little shopping spree at Ippin Cafe Bar. They offers various Japanese products and condiments.

For full review: http://www.elgenahearts.com/ippin-cafe-bar-enjoy-homecook-japanese-food/