Gochi-So Shokudo – Nice Porkgasm Experience [MEDIA INVITE]

Gochi-So Shokudo is a homegrown pork-centric Japanese casual dining restaurant. It uses the highest grade of pork, Black Iberico and Kurobuta pork and enhances the original flavour of the pork using the finest grade of charcoal combined with special dipping sauces. Currently, Gochi-So Shokudo has 14 outlets in Singapore, located in shopping centres and CBD.

Gochi-So Shokudo @Jewel

Gochi-So Shokudo @Jewel

Gochi-So Shokudo just launched their Truffle Fair theme, available from 1st November to 14th December 2022. The dishes curated for the Truffle Fair are Truffle Cheese Mille Feuille ($18.90) and Truffle Chestnut Pork Jowl Don ($12.90).

Gochi-So Shokudo @Jewel

Dipping Sauces on the Table

The Truffle Cheese Mille Feuille is thinly sliced pork collar, layered with truffle and mushroom, cheddar cheese then coated in their homemade fresh bread crumbs and deep-fried to perfection. The result is a crispy and crunchy exterior, followed by juicy pork with oozing cheese infused with fragrant mushroom and truffle flavour. Yummy.

Truffle Cheese Mille Feuille Set 

Truffle Cheese Mille Feuille 

It is served in a set, with a bowl of Japanese pearl rice, fresh cabbage with sesame dressing, and miso soup. Not forgetting a bowl of roasted sesame, where you have to manually grind it and mix it with the sauce served. What a complete meal.

Truffle Cheese Mille Feuille with Oozing Cheese 

Miso Soup

The Truffle Chestnut Pork Jowl Don, consists of lightly grilled chestnut pork jowl over Japanese binchotan charcoal, drizzle with the truffle, housemade sauce and accompanied by mushrooms and onsen egg on top of the Japanese pearl rice.

Truffle Chestnut Jowl Don

The pork jowl has a lovely smokey aroma. The flesh is juicy, succulent and when you mixed all the ingredients, it turns out to be a lovely donburi.

Truffle Chestnut Jowl

While the two dishes above are available during the truffle fair, we also tried some of their signature dishes. Iberico Secreto (Black Char Siew, $9.80 for 6 pcs). The black char siew is grilled on Japanese binchotan charcoal, delivering a delightful smoky aroma. The char siew is juicy, sweet and just melts in your mouth. It is served with pickled ginger to balance the fattiness in the dish. I can have this anytime.

Iberico Secreto

Iberico Secreto

Ebi Katsu ($5.80, 2 pcs). These two jumbo prawns have a nice crispy exterior, while the prawns’ flesh is juicy and crunchy. It is served with tartar sauce, yet we find the ebi katsu is tasty on its own. A must order here.

Ebi Katsu

Ebi Katsu

Iberico Loin Katsu ($12.80). The signature Tonkatsu at Gochi-So Shokudo. The pork loin is deep fried to perfection and on the meat, you can see two sections, the fatty part and the lean part. It is juicy, succulent and together with dipping sauce, you can easily polish off a bowl of rice.

Ebi Katsu & Iberico Loin Katsu

 Iberico Loin Katsu

 Iberico Loin Katsu

Located at B1 at Jewel Changi Airport, it is an open-concept seating with the background of the rain vortex. Although you can’t see the whole rain vortex, you can see the water flowing down and the changes in the lights during the performance time. The décor is casual, using light colour wood for most of the furniture and black granite table tops for some of the moveable tables.

Dining Area

Part of the Dining Area

Overall, we enjoy our dinner at Gochi-So Shokudo. The Truffle Cheese Mille Feuille and Truffle Chestnut Pork Jowl Don are very good and value for money. Meanwhile, the rest of the dishes that we tried are above average as well. A must-try for Tonkatsu & pork lovers. Kanpai!! Cheers!!

Gochi-So Shokudo Truffle Fair

When: 1st Nov – 14th December 2022.

Where: All Gochi-So Shokudo Outlets

Dishes: Truffle Cheese Mille Feuille & Truffle Chestnut Jowl Don

Thank you very much Jennifer Yeo Consultancy and Team Gochi-So Shokudo for hosting us.

Food & Drink: 7.75/10

Value: 9/10

Service: 7/10

Ambiance: 7.5/10

Budget per Person: $10 - $25

Gochi-So Shokudo @Jewel

78 Airport Blvd

#B1-289-290, Jewel Changi Airport

Singapore 819666

F: https://www.facebook.com/gochiso.shokudo

IG: @Gochiso.shokudo

OH:

Sun – Thu: 11.30 – 21.30

Fri & Sat: 11.30 – 22.00

Check out their Facebook page for the list of outlets and special promotions

[CLOSED] NY Verden – Josper Grill Showcase

For the past 2 years, LD & I have been taking our walking exercises seriously. Since Singapore’s weather is unpredictable, hot and humid, we sometimes clock our steps by taking a stroll in Changi Airport, including Jewel. We pass by NY Verden Bar & Grill (‘NYV’) countless times as it is on our walking route, and the open concept Josper Grill is the one that catches my attention.

NYV Chef's Table with Josper Grill

NYV delivers Modern European cuisine with the elements of smoking, grilling and the pairing of wood-fire cooking with natural flavours from the season’s best products.

NY Verden

We finally make our way to NYV for an early dinner at the end of May 2022. It was before the dinner service rush, so we did not make any reservations. Once we were seated, the service staff presented the hardcopy menu and ask us to place the order through the QR code on the table.

Part of the Dining Area

Dinner started with Fine De Claire Oysters ($1 each), part of the promo when LD ordered Sourgal Moscato ($19 per glass). The oysters are medium in size, fresh, plump, juicy and brainy. It’s like tasting the ocean with each slurp.

Fine De Claire Oysters

According to LD, the Moscato is slightly sweet, fruity and with a touch of acidity. It is easy to drink and goes well with the oysters.

Moscato & Oysters

Signature Calamari ($19). From the look, I thought the batter going to be crispy but hard. However, I was proven wrong. The crispy batter crumbled effortlessly, allowing you an easy bite at the juicy and slightly chewy calamari. The aioli is creamy, solid and complements the fried calamari nicely.

Signature Calamari

Smoked Beetroot Tartare & Burrata ($28). Supposedly smoked with apple or cherry wood. The intense beetroot flavour from the smoking process complements the creamy burrata. The pistachio and peas emulsion is very light, it softens the intense flavour of the smoked beetroot and enhances the flavour of the burrata at the same time. The crispy rice puff completed all the texture profiles on the plate. Absolutely Gorgeous!!

Smoked Beetroot Tartare & Burrata 

Josper-grilled Sea Bass ($28). The whole seabass is butterflied and backbone removed, then grilled to perfection. The exterior is charred, while the flesh is moist, juicy and flaky. The fish is lightly seasoned and we just need to complete the taste with a drizzle of fresh lemon juice. Perfecto!!

Josper-grilled Sea Bass 

The Seabass flesh

Grain-Fed Black Angus Ribeye ($45). The steak is grilled in the Josper grill with Jarrah / Oak Wood. Delivering medium-rare doneness, as per our order. It has a nice charred externally, while the interior is succulent. The steak is more of the meaty type, not those with a high level of marbling and melts in your mouth. The masala wine and bone marrow juice combination are creamy yet acidic, while the grilled tomato is plump and bursting with juice.

Grain-Fed Black Angus Ribeye 

Medium Rare

During our visit in May, NYV was running a promotion of 90mins Free Flow Alcohol (beer on tap & cider) for all diners with a minimum spend of $100 in a single receipt per table. Please check on the poster outside the restaurant.

Free Flow Cider

Free Flow Alcohol Poster

The décor of the restaurant is modern, steakhouse like and with the view of the waterfall at Jewel. It is a nice place to dine, especially when the lights or show at the waterfall are happening in the evening. On the other side restaurant, there is a chef’s table, with a bar height table and stools. For this seating, you can see the Chef in action with his Josper Grill preparing your meal.

Dining Area with Waterfall View

The level of service is varied. Our initial service person is nice and friendly, while the one delivering our food has a stiff unfriendly demeanour.

Overall, LD and I enjoy the food at NVY. They are tasty, flavourful and perfectly executed. We like the Oysters, Signature Calamari, Smoked Beetroot Tartare & Burrata and Josper-grilled Sea Bass. Cheers!!

Food & Drink: 8/10

Value: 7.5/10

Service: 7/10

Ambiance: 8/10

Budget per Person: $26 - $50; $51 - $80

NY Verden Bar & Grill

78 Airport Blvd

#03-227, Jewel Changi Airport

Singapore 819666

T: +65 8772 4227

W: https://nyverden.oddle.me/en_SG/

F: https://www.facebook.com/nyverdensg/

IG: @Nyverdensg

OH: Daily, 12.00 – 15.00; 18.00 – 22.30

Mamma Mia – Delicious and Comforting Meal

During our regular walking sessions in Jewel, Mamma Mia Trattoria E Caffe (‘MM’) catch our attention. It is a nicely designed restaurant, blending the open concept seating with an eye-catching green colour background. Live plants are incorporated around the seating area, making it feel like you are dining in a garden. So, one evening, we decided to give it a try.

Mamma Mia Trattoria E Caffe 

Mamma Mia Trattoria E Caffe 

MM is focused on pasta and risotto, complemented with antipasti, sides and desserts filled with Italian flair, yet still offers something for everyone.

The Dishes

We started the dinner with Burrata with Olive Oil ($13 Whole). The presentation is very simple, allowing the natural flavour of the ingredients to shine. The burrata is smooth, creamy and a touch of cracked pepper balanced the richness of the cheese. This dish comes with toasted bread on the side and provides a crispy texture to the overall dishes. For $13, this dish is just a steal.

Burrata with Olive Oil - Whole 

Mamma Mia Caesar Salad ($9.50). A homage to the classic. The salad is served in a crispy parmesan bowl. The vegetables are crunchy, while the dressing is just bold tasty. We have fun breaking the parmesan bowl and scooping our salad with it. Unfortunately, the turkey bacon is overcooked, leaving a bitter taste in your mouth. Other than that, it is a nice dish.

Mamma Mia Caesar Salad

Tortiglioni Rustic Beef Oxtail Bolognaise ($18.50). A perfectly executed dish. The oxtail is fork-tender, nicely cooked with tomato sauce and cheese. The tortiglioni is al-dente and absorbs the beef oxtail bolognaise nicely. Yumz!

Tortiglioni Rustic Beef Oxtail Bolognaise 

Tortiglioni Rustic Beef Oxtail Bolognaise 

Sea Bass Fillet Lemon Risotto ($16.50). The sea bass is flaky, but the fish is quite dry as it was overcooked. Since the sea bass is the centrepiece of this dish, I expect the skin should at least be crispy. The risotto is creamy, though it is a little past the al-dente point. Although the dish is supposed to be savoury, the lemon flavour in the risotto together with the crushed almonds, made me feel like eating a rice pudding dessert instead. I find the flavour is confusing, however, if MM can perfectly execute this dish, it will be a unique dish.

Sea Bass Fillet Lemon Risotto 

Sea Bass Fillet Lemon Risotto

The service is friendly and pleasant. There is not much interaction as the order placing is done through QR code.

The Menu

CBK Verdict: a good place for pasta and risotto. The menu caters to everyone and the price is pocket friendly. We’ll return to try more of their dishes. Ciao!! Cheers!!

Food & Drink: 7.25/10

Value: 8/10

Service: 6.5/10

Ambiance: 7.5/10

Budget per Person: $11 - $25; $26 - $50

Mamma Mia Trattoria E Caffe

78 Airport Road

#04-200 Jewel Changi Airport

Singapore 819666

T: +65 6214 9485

W: https://www.minorfoodsingapore.com/brands/mamma-mia-trattoria-e-caffe/

IG: @Mammamiasg

OH: Daily 11.30 – 22.00

Dian Xiao Er – Premium Set

Dian Xiao Er (“DXE”) is a casual Chinese dining establishment famously known for its herbal roast duck and its pocket-friendly set meal. This time around we decided on Premium Set for 4 pax, priced at $148++ instead of the ala-carte option.

Dian Xiao Er Jewel

Once we placed our order, the first dish come within 5 minutes. I guess, since the set menu is such value for money, most of the diners will just order it, the kitchen is set and have the ducks all line-up.

Herbal Roast Duck Angelica Herb. It has crispy skin, followed by juicy and succulent flesh. The herbs are well infused into the duck and the sauce is rich and robust. We prefer the Angelica herbs instead of the ten wonder herbs because the angelica herbs version has a flowery sweetness in the sauce. Since DXE uses combi ovens all across their outlets, the quality of the roast ducks is always consistent. The portion served is about a quarter of the duck.

Herbal Roast Duck Angelica Herb

Braised Shark’s Fin with Crabmeat in Superior Broth. I was a bit pessimistic that we will find any shark fin at all. I am glad that I was proven wrong. DXE uses the small fins, crab meat and fish maw generously in their thick and gooey soup. I won’t say that it is awesome, but it is decent. The crab’s fishy taste is very strong, so you need black vinegar to cover it.

Braised Shark’s Fin with Crabmeat in Superior Broth

Braised Shark’s Fin with Crabmeat in Superior Broth

Pan-Fried Cod Fish in Superior Soy Sauce. A generous portion for four persons, the cod fish is deep-fried and basked with superior soy sauce. I like the crispy exterior and fatty flesh of the cod fish. The fried garlic and spring onions help to balance the jelakness from the cod fish.

Pan-Fried Cod Fish in Superior Soy Sauce

Mongolian Spare Ribs. Boneless pork ribs, deep-fried and cooked with Mongolian sauce that is tangy and peppery. It is well-executed, though I think they can be more generous with the portion here.

Mongolian Spare Ribs

French beans with XO Sauce. Crunchy French beans stir-fried with XO sauce, delivering the rich and umami flavour. The XO sauce is so good, you can finish a bowl of rice with this dish alone.

French Beans with XO Sauce

Signature Wheatgrass Tofu with Seafood. Smooth and creamy tofu. Although the tofu is mixed with wheatgrass, it does not have a strong earthy taste. The sauce is cooked with mini prawns and scallops, bringing all the components of the dish together nicely.

Signature Wheatgrass Tofu with Seafood

Wheatgrass Tofu

The premium set menu is served with Superior Steamed Rice. Since we choose the set for 4 pax, it comes with 4 bowls of rice.

For the desserts, we can choose from the following Snow Fungus with Peach Resin (Hot / Cold), Collagen Jelly with Black Sugar and “Gui Ling” Herbal Jelly.

Snow Fungus with Peach Resin - Cold 

Collagen Jelly with Black Sugar

My MIL was in the mood for a soupy dish, so we decide to add Prawns & Vermicelli in Creamy Vietnamese Style ala-carte. The broth is creamy, peppery and robust. There is a touch of sweetness from the prawns and frog legs. Meanwhile, the ginger and pepper make this dish warm and comforting.

Prawns & Vermicelli in Creamy Vietnamese Style ala-carte

Prawns & Vermicelli in Creamy Vietnamese Style ala-carte - Frog Meat

The service is friendly and professional. The décor of the restaurant is modern and casual.

Overall, it was a comforting and delicious meal. The Premium Set menu is value for money and more worth it compare to the ala-carte option. Cheers!

Food & Drink: 7.25/10

Value: 7.5/10

Service: 7/10

Ambiance: 7.25/10

Budget per Person: $26 - $50

Dian Xiao Er

78 Airport Boulevard

#B2-229, Jewel Changi Airport

Singapore 819666

T: +65 6542 3789 / WA: +65 8697 0578

W: https://www.dianxiaoer.com.sg/

F: https://www.facebook.com/dxesg/

IG: @Dianxiaoersg

OH:

Mon – Thu: 11.30 – 21.30 (LO 21.00)

Fri: 11.30 – 22.00 (LO 21.3 0)

Sat, Sun & PH: 11.00 – 22.00 (LO 21.30)

Menu Available Online

For other locations, please refer to their website.