[FOOD] MODU Korean Samgyetang Restaurant @ Mandarin Gallery, Singapore

MODU (모두) ❤

Do you know that Samgyetang, or Korean ginseng chicken soup, has traditionally been known as a cherished, nutritious health food in Korea? Especially during hot summer months, people indulge in Samgyetang to keep up their "energy" and to "balance" their body heat with the soaring summer season outside. Samgyetang is therefore one of the most popular Boryang-sik (보양식) in Korea to boost health and air in recovery. 

Here we are at MODU, Singapore’s first premium Samgyetang specialist to enjoy an elevated experience where the depth and richness of this 500-year-old Korean heritage is combined with innovation. 

The modern Hanok-inspired interior feels as if we have been transported to Korea. With only 40 seats, including counter dining and private VIP rooms with Orchard Road views, MODU offers an intimate, reservation-only luxury dining experience. 

The menu boasts 6 types of Samgyetang, promising a luxurious and wholesome feast that develops both health and elegance in every bite. Beauty, Perilla Seed and Collagen Herbal Samgyetang are amongst the popular options here. 

Beauty Samgyetang

Chicken, ginseng, glutinous rice, garlic and jujube

MODU has taken the classic Boryang-sik (補養食) and HanBang Organic Chicken to the next level! They slow-simmer these premium ingredients with tender organic chicken, ginseng, jujube, and goji berries into a rich, collagen-packed elixir that works wonders for our skin, boosts immunity, and restores energy. 

Each bowl of Samgyetang is meticulously slow-cooked for 12 hours, extracting every drop of goodness from the finest ingredients for a nourishing, soul-satisfying broth that will have you feeling amazing. 

Perilla Seed Samgyetang

Chicken, perilla seeds, ginseng, glutinous rice, garlic and jujube

Our favourite is the perilla seed samgyetang because of the thick, creamy broth made of perilla seeds. It is so comforting with a hint of slightly sweet, nutty flavour. On the other hand, the chicken is so juicy and delicious especially when served with the salt and spicy dipping sauce. 

Apart from the pickled cabbages that complement the meal, don't forget to pair your meal with Makgeolli or MODU’s exclusive artisan Korean liquors, for an authentic and premium experience. 

 

MODU Appetiser - Crispy Seaweed

MiNaRi Pancake

Korean watercress pancake with Bori shrimp served with special dipping sauce

Our favourite appetiser is the Minari pancake made of a "water plant" - a cross between watercress and kangkong - exuding unique herbaceous flavours which I have not tasted before. Although deep-fried in oil, the crisp pancake is not greasy at all. The umami flavour of the shrimp in the pancake is pretty prominent and it goes very well with the sweet savoury soy sauce.

Tofu SamHap

Grilled tofu with fish roe, soft braised cabbage, and gamtae

We also enjoy the interesting platter - Tofu SamHap - which comprises of grilled tofu with rich savoury fish roe, braised cabbage and gamtae (dried seaweed). When enjoyed together, the combination offers a balanced and delicious mix of textures and umami flavours. Delicious!  

GotGam Mari

Special combination of sweet dried persimmon, creamy cheese and walnuts

As fort the dessert, we are surprised by the lovely platter - GotGam Mari - which is a slice of dried persimmon swirled with cream cheese. The unique combination is surprisingly enticing to the palate, and not sweet at all. 

Black Sesame Ice Cream

Creamy black seasame ice cream with a rich, nutty flavour

Last but not least, the black sesame ice cream makes a perfect ending to the meal as it exudes very strong nuttiness without feeling cloying on the palate at all. The crisp biscuit topping adds a nice contrasting crunch to the smooth ice cream. Highly recommended! 

Roasted Bellflower Tea

Calming, alleviate cough and colds

Verdict:

Overall, we have a really good time tucking into the warm, collagen-rich Korean ginseng chicken soup in various flavours. The appetisers and desserts are great surprises for us, and they complement the meal very well too. Highly recommended for those who enjoy unique soupy meal. 

MODU

#02-37 Mandarin Gallery

333A Orchard Road, Singapore 238897

Contact: +65 80358833

Website: https://modu.sg/

Facebook: FB Page

Instagram: @modu.singapore

Operating Hours

Mon - Fri: 11am - 3pm / 5pm - 10pm

Sat, Sun, PH eve & PH: 11am - 10pm

Dear Diary | March 2025 Edition

For the lovely March.

Hello, March. ❤ Here we have stepped into the third month of the year. This month has been bursting with excitement! Every day feels like an adventure waiting to unfold. From spontaneous moments to beautiful experiences, it is a whirlwind of fun and energy that keeps me on my toes. 

Leica Store South Beach Quarter | Café Leitz

01.03.2025 | An afternoon date with Leica at its latest Singapore flagship store. ❤ Café Leitz is where we get to experience Leica brilliant cameras over a fresh brew of coffee with the word "LEITZ" written on the latte art. 

Next to it is the in-house photography exhibition which invites us to pause for a moment and admire the fine art of capturing lights and shadows. A perfect haven for photography aficionados!

Torikin (鶏金)

02.03.2025 | Weekend food hunt. Having the "mizutaki" (Hakata-style chicken hotpot) feels like being transported to Hakata once again :) A 100-year-old popular hotpot in Kyushu region, this healthy hotpot is made with luxury decadent chicken soup to cook the chicken and vegetables, making it so rich in collagen and dietary fibre. Ramen is then added to the condensed flavoured soup for a complete meal. So delicious, clean and tummy comforting. Thanks for the lovely experience x. 

Weekend #OOTD ❤

Seorae Jib Korean Charcoal BBQ ❤

08.03.2025 | Back to my monthly food review. Thanks for the invite! We are overloaded with delicious food, especially the hay-smoked premium pork cuts including the highly-prized "Galmaegisal" pork skirt. Ultra-rich, smoky and juicy! 

Punggol Coast

09.03.2025 | De-tour to the northern side of Singapore - the up and coming neighbourhood, Punggol Coast. The open space is abundant here and we are free to roam around the mall and green patches next to Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT)'s Punggol Campus. The random shots here look surprisingly good too :P 

Clayful Art Cafe @ Orchard Central

15.03.2025 | Weekend class at Clayful Art Cafe, the place where we get to paint our choice of ceramic pottery (mine is an ultra cute blue cloud plate!) and let our creative juice flowing. The souffle pancake here is extremely eggy, fluffy and delicious with loads of fruity topping - lovin' the overall experience here. Indeed a perfect date idea in Singapore. 

18.03.2025 | Random team dinner at Haidilao. ❤

Baking in progress. ❤

21.03.2025 | First time baking in Singapore. Instead of baking the celebratory cake at home, I have found a better alternative which is to do it in a baking studio. Proudly presenting to you my handmade Matcha Blossom, a delicate cake made of matcha mousse, fresh peaches and raspberry cream layered between the genoise sponge. A perfect springtime treat :)

The birthday celebration. ❤

22.03.2025 | Weekend staycation x birthday celebration. Blogged about our lovely dining experience in La D'Oro Michelin Guide restaurant here and the hotel review for the Urban Suite at PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering, Singapore here.

Home Fish Home.

28.03.2025 | Homebound. ❤ Ending the month with a trip back home to visit my Papa, Aunt and Sis. Glad that things are all well at home :) Happy to celebrate my Aunt's 71st birthday together with the family too. 

❤❤❤

Simple happiness at home. ❤

March has been filled with simple happiness like homemade breakfast and lunch. For breakfast, we had the airy American omelette crafted with organic free-range eggs, enriched with fresh earthy shiitake mushrooms and a subtle spring onion garnish, layered between the buttery brioche. Simply luscious! 

Lunch is nothing short of surprises too. The simple and delicious garlic sesame soba noodles are great to brighten up the day. 

Welcome home, my new Valentine's penguin ❤❤❤

Adding new member for my penguin family this March! It seems like the family has been constantly expanding :) So happy to have these puffballs accompanying me everyday.  

❤❤❤

Thank you March for being such a lovely month in 2025. What's next for April? Let's make it even more lively - cheers to more exciting things to look forward to. 

xoxo,

FiSh

31.03.2025

[Hotel Review] Urban Suite at PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering, Singapore

Greetings from Singapore's 'hotel-in-a-garden'! ❤

Time for birthday weekend staycation! We were excited to be back to PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering Singapore for the second time, after our pleasant experience here one year ago. 

Located moments away from the vibrant Chinatown district and a train ride away from the bustling Orchard Road, PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering Singapore has always been an icon in the city centre for being the home to the lush greenery amidst the unique architecture. It has been collecting multiple awards including the recent World's Leading Green City Hotel 2024. 

The signature Urban Suite offers views of Hong Lim Park through floor-to-ceiling windows.

We could hardly contain our excitement as we stepped into this luxurious hotel room - Urban Suite - and it felt like stepping into a dream. The plush carpeting underfoot, soft yet rich, seemed to promise comfort with every step, while the breathtaking view through the expansive windows was nothing short of spectacular. 

 

The beautiful view of City Hall and Singapore Flyer

The city view from this room was absolutely mesmerizing. As we stood by the window, we were captivated by the sprawling skyline stretching out before us, bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun. The buildings—some towering, some sleek and modern—created a stunning silhouette against the horizon.

The view felt like a blend of excitement and serenity; while the city was constantly moving, it somehow felt peaceful from this vantage point.  

Separate living area in the suite

The sleek, modern design of the room—elegantly lit with soft, ambient lighting—created the perfect blend of sophistication and warmth. From the sofa day bed, to the well-equipped work desk, Nespresso coffee machine and tea-making facilities, everything in this room exuded elegance and refinement, so we could fully unwind over the weekend and experience the opulence of this place.  

Here's the bathtub for a relaxing soak. ❤

 

This luxurious space felt like a haven of peace, especially the indulgent bathtub which was inviting a long soak, amidst the beautiful greenery view. 

Enjoying the luxury of every moment here. ❤

Perfectly equipped with premium bath amenities.

Buffet breakfast at Lime, all-day dining restaurant

The breakfast spread was very commendable, given the wide array of fresh and flavourful dishes such as made-to-order laksa noodle station, omelette station, fresh pastries, national Bak Kut Teh, nasi lemak and many more. The atmosphere was relaxed, with the spread continuously replenished. Definitely made a satisfying and leisurely start to the day. 

Thank for the complimentary birthday cake! ❤

Verdict

The weekend staycation in PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering's signature Urban Suite was a luxurious experience which I think is worth every penny. 

PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering, Singapore

3 Upper Pickering Street, Singapore 058289

Telephone: +65 6809 8888

Email: enquiry.prsps@parkroyalcollection.com

Website: www.panpacific.com/en/hotels-and-resorts/pr-collection-pickering

Facebook: /www.facebook.com/parkroyalcollectionpickering

Instagram: @parkroyalcollectionpickering

[FOOD] La D'Oro - Michelin Guide Italian Restaurant @ Mandarin Gallery, Singapore

When Japanese ingredients meet Italian elegance....

During our recent birthday celebration, we were at the La D'Oro, an upscale restaurant that blends Italian and Japanese flavours in a pretty unique way. The fact that it is listed on 2023 and 2024 Michelin Guide Singapore kinda sets our expectations high and we were excited to experience what they have got to offer. 

La D'Oro, located at Mandarin Gallery on Orchard Road, Singapore, is helmed by Chef Yohhei Sasaki, who has extensive culinary experience in both Tokyo and Tuscany, giving him a deep understanding of both food cultures.

Since rebranding in 2023, La D’Oro has featured a seasonal omakase menu that changes every two months. Chef Sasaki skillfully combines traditional Italian and Japanese influences to create complex and unique dishes, using ingredients air-flown from both Japan and Italy to ensure distinctive flavours. 

 

Our visit here mainly focused on the ala carte menu which made it a great casual dining experience with the classic Italian dishes and seasonal Japanese menu. 

Complimentary House Bread

Iberico Bellota (50g @ $34)

Raspadura Cheese @ $6

For our starter, we began indulging in the slices of Iberico Bellota, paired with freshly shaved artisanal Raspadura Cheese. The rich, savoury flavour of the pork was deeply satisfying, especially when enhanced with subtle smoky notes. I enjoyed how the slightly fat cut melted luxuriously in the mouth. 

Whereas the shaved cheese added a creamy finish that balanced the saltiness of the pork. The combination was a delightful contrast! Perfect option to enhance every sip of wine.

Herb Roasted French Chicken Breast @ $22

Caccio cavallo cheese sauce, herb bread crumbs

For the main, we had the roasted chicken breast, crowned with herb bread crumbs and served on a bed of asscaccio cavallo cheese sauce. Each bite of the mild and succulent chicken was a perfect combination of herby goodness and natural sweetness of the meat, with a right amount of crunch from the crispy crust. Definitely a comfort food with a fancy touch.  

Nagasaki Meji Maguro Cold Capellini @ $34

Wasabi and Nagasaki hakusai sauce

We also tried one of the seasonal items on the menu, featuring Nagasaki's local produce. The thin, delicate strands of capellini pasta were tossed with a medley of fresh, crisp Japanese cabbages and young bluefin tuna. Topped with fragrant wasabi shaving, each bite tasted like a cool, satisfying pasta salad with fresh, summery vibe. 

Tiramisu @ $14

The showstopper of the evening was definitely the deconstructed tiramisu (and the amazing presentation for the special occasion). It was a playful twist of the classic dessert - with rich mascarpone cream, coffee-soaked fingers and cocoa powder stacked in an elegant arrangement - allowing each bite to deliver the perfect balance of smooth, creamy and coffee-infused sweetness. Will definitely be back for this! 

 

Verdict:

Overall, La D'Oro is a great spot if you are looking for something different, offering both casual and fine-dining experience with an interesting Italian-Japanese twist. Whether you are in the mood for a laidback meal or a refined omakase experience, this place has got you covered.

La D'Oro 

Mandarin Gallery, #01-16/17

333A Orchard Road

Singapore 238897.

 Call/Whatsapp: +65 83826200

Email: ladoro@ladoro.sg

Instagram: @ladorosg

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ladoro.Singapore

Operating Hours:

Monday to Sunday

Lunch - 12:00pm - 3:00pm

Dinner - 5:00pm - 10:30pm