Multiple XXH stores have been popping up all over Singapore, yet I see a perennial long queue almost daily. Queueing / reservation system was pretty confusing - I couldn't make a same-day dinner reservation online, but my mom managed to walk-in at 6.30pm without a fuss.
While the quality of service and the food was good, I wouldn't say they were so delicious that I would return every week. We got the Pounded Chilli Eggplant and Century Egg ($12.90), Pumpkin Shrimp and Tofu Stew ($19.90), Cauliflower ($13.90), Dry Tossed Vermicelli ($14.90), and Golden Broth Sour and Spicy Fish ($32.90). Nothing really stood out for us, and which for their prices we expected more. Though with the member prices, and topup credit discounts, I would see why this could be a somewhat value-for-money meal.
Affordable Japanese food. They have a wide variety of teppanyaki, yakimono, agemini, udon, and rice. However, taste-wise do not expect so much. We liked the teriyaki salmon hotplate, garlic fried rice, and chawanmushi. The grilled chicken and udon was alright. But would not recommend the chicken katsu don and buta fried rice - the meats were tasteless and the rice came too soggy.
Saw this store featured in the tiktok of a Japanese lady living in Singapore, and fortunately I also discovered that it is one of Burpple's merchants as well!
They offer a wide range of sobas in both hot and cold varieties, as well as rice bowls, sides, and even drinks. Everything looked so good, especially the current monthly special (oyster soba!), and we finally settled on the Collagen Chicken Soba (Hot) and Yuzu-Miso Chicken Soba (Cold). The collagen chicken soup was light-tasting and yet still full of flavour, with generous slices of chicken breast. The minced ginger also gave the broth a certain 'spiciness', and I would liken the dish to be a soupy version of chicken rice. This was good, but we very much preferred the yuzu-miso chicken soba - the coldness of the broth brought out the citrusy-savoury flavours so much more, with the crisp doumiao lending some freshness and the perfectly grilled chicken thighs rounding up the dish. Just amazing, we couldn't stop slurping this up.
Overall, service was prompt and friendly, and general ambience was bright and cheery. Prices are also pretty affordable considering the quality you get, but of course having the Burpple deal makes it all the more worth (our two bowls only came up to $18!). Would definitely return!
Got the pandan mochi waffle with two scoops of ice cream: pistachio and hojicha. Pandan mochi waffle was alright, tasted exactly like the pandan waffles you get from those bakeries, with a bit of chewy texture. The ice cream fared better - creamy and flavours really shone through. Would definitely return to try the others!
Was fortunate enough to come by back when they were having their opening promotion in Feb - 50% off their dishes! We had the Curry Chicken ($8.90) and the Steamed Egg ($6.90). Both dishes were hearty and yummy, and we would return to try the other zichar-style claypot offerings next time we're back at T2! Even without the discount, they are still super affordable and value-for-money.
My overall experience at this establishment was unsatisfactory. Both the service and the food quality fell below expectations, with no notable redeeming qualities—aside from the iced lemon tea, which was decent.
I visited primarily due to a Burpple deal for the noodle set. When I attempted to apply the Burpple deal at payment, I was informed - rather rudely - that 1) I should have said earlier, and 2) she was not aware of any such deal. Another staff I asked was also clueless about the Burpple deal. This was frustrating, particularly since the deal was the main reason for our visit.
Be that as it may, I thought the Noodle Set B ($10.30) was quite value for money given that you get a good bowl of minced pork noodles plus a drink and ice jelly dessert. However, my partner clearly disliked her Dry Mala and I had to agree - the boiled ingredients were subpar and the sesame-chilli mix sauce was not to our tastes.
Given the subpar experience, would caution against coming to this place for the dry mala. The noodle set might be worth your while, however.
Sweet & Sour Pork was superb. Still so crisp after being drenched in the addictive sauce. Best I've ever tried. Mantou and grilled enoki mushrooms also good. The roasted lamb leg also can try. Can skip the shredded potato, cauliflower pot and grilled leeks. If possible, sit indoors in air-conditioned comfort; we sat outdoors because of the grilled lamb leg and was quite affected by the smoking and shouting and vomiting at the outdoor section.
Grew up pestering my parents for this every other week. Cost might have increased and taste might have changed but this was still comfort soup for the soul. This was the medium bowl for $10.30 - prawns were fresh, minced meat still had that unique bite, and they are still so stingy with their rich broth. Love it!
Had the pleasure of being given the opportunity to enjoy the recent Allora x InterContinental Osaka Italian-Japanese fusion brunch. Conveniently located right by the MRT exit to T3, the buffet hosts an impressive variety of favourites ranging from chilled seafood to pizza and pasta to cheese and cold cuts, as well as a wide selection of desserts (including tiramisu!). Everything was superb, and the food was expediently refilled. Kudos to the Chef collab as well, loved the Japanese items specially included for this brunch - okonomiyaki, soba, onigiri, and many more were all delicious.
Found this highly-regarded yakiniku place at Holland Village for a birthday celebration. Interior was dark and atmospheric, with a warm and intimate ambience. The Ohmi Experience Platter ($138) was certainly the star of the show, perfect for those who are unsure of what to get and want to try the signature cuts. The meat were definitely high quality, though we would have preferred if the staff guided us on the cooking process as I think we messed up one of the cuts and it became tough and chewy. We really loved the Rump ($42) and Garlic Fried Rice ($16), and make sure to get the Highball promo (3 for $28 before 6.45pm). Service was friendly, and they offered to give us an additional serving of desserts as we were celebrating a birthday. Overall, a good place for quality yakiniku if you don't mind the price.
Food - We got the Spicy Lobster Triple Chirashi ($24.80) and the Spicy Dashi Chirashi. Portion-wise, was more than decent for those with smaller appetites. Taste-wise, it was nice but slowly became very cloying mid-way through, plus the seafood wasn't the best in terms of quality and freshness.
Service - While the food was served quickly, it was hard to get the staffs' attention. It took me close to 2min just to signal someone to come over to refill the soy sauce.
Ambience - Space was pretty small and very echoey. You can pretty much expect an uncomfortable din throughout your meal.
Also, remember to make a reservation before heading down! I made mine while walking over from the MRT, and pretty much just strolled in. Those in the queue I think had to wait for about 30min+, so save yourself the trouble.
Came by for post-dinner drinks but couldn't resist trying something off their extensive menu. We got the Pollo pizza ($28) and the Lasagna ($27) to share. The pizza had generous chicken chunks over a delicious tomato sauce base, with the onions and green chilli lending a nice crunch and zing to every bite. However, the lasagna was a clear standout - the excellent tomato sauce was further amplified here, mixed with the meatiness of the beef ragout. We polished this off in no time, and would have licked off the sauce if we could! Happy hour was also great, with our Menabrea tower only costing $59, and if you have Burpple this would be a very value for money dinner and drinks hangout.
