Fi Woodfire Thai – A Modern Thai Culinary Concept with A Woodfire Twist [MEDIA INVITE]

Fi Woodfire Thai (“Fi”) Restaurant showcases a modern Thai culinary concept through the dynamic use of fire and curated for the local palate. To deliver a deep smoky richness, Fi uses a double-insulated wood-fire oven with Bincho-tan charcoal for longevity and heat stability, complemented by aromatic lychee wood.

Entrance - From Inside Robertson Walk

Entrance - From Outside Robertson Walk

Located at Robertson Walk, Fi is a cosy establishment that seats 40 guests. The restaurant is minimally decorated, merging simplicity and warmth. The main dining area is filled with high tables and chairs for a group of four or six. Meanwhile, the centrepiece of the restaurant is the long bar that double-up as a dining table that can seat up to a dozen of guests.

The Bar

We started our adventure at Fi with drinks. Thai Ice Lemon Tea [$8] and Sabai [$20]. The Thai Ice Lemon Tea is potent, thick and strong. I initially asked for no sugar, luckily the service staff recommended a bit of sugar, to remove the bitterness from the tea. A good recommendation.

Thai Iced Lemon Tea

LD choose a cocktail, Sabai. Sabai mean “to relax” in Thai, this cocktail mixes Mekong rum with a squeeze of lemon, simple syrup, and fresh basil leaves for a refreshing mid-day tipple. LD says it is refreshing and the bartender is very generous with the splashes of rum as well.

Sabai (Front)

Charred Corn Som Tum [$14]. Traditional Thai Som Tum complete with its ingredients Shredded Papaya, Cherry Tomato, Long Bean, Dried Shrimp, Onions, Chilli Padi, Garlic, Fish Sauce, Lime Juice and Peanuts. The salad is refreshing with a touch of spiciness and the grilled corn is absolutely delicious. Smoky, charred, sweet and juicy. A good start to the meal.

Charred Corn Som Tum 

Basil Minced Pork on Charred Eggplant [$18]. I usually don’t eat basil minced pork in a Thai restaurant, because it is usually very spicy. The version here is mild in spiciness, aromatic, sweet and packed with flavour. I also make an exception for the eggplant, the texture is smooth, crunchy with a nice smoky flavour and a nice grilled mark on the inner part. It provided an excellent base for stir-fried basil minced pork.

Basil Minced Pork on Charred Eggplant

French Poulet [$28] - Grilled Half Gg French Poulet, Chicken Liver, Jaew Sauce. The refined version of grilled Thai Chicken (Kai Yang). The French Poulet is juicy, succulent and the marinate penetrated to the bone. The meat from the breast and thigh are equally juicy. The marinated sauce is a bit sweet initially, but after a squeeze of lime, the citrus flavour just brings the overall flavours to life. It is best to be eaten with the raw salad.

French Poulet

“Moo Ping” Smoked Pork Ribs (500g Bone In) [$42]. Absolutely, ridiculously, super yummy. The pork ribs’ texture is fork tender, juicy, succulent, well-marinated with a lovely charred crust. It can feel a bit “Jelak” (Overwhelming), but it can easily be fixed with a squeeze of lime or dipping sauce. It is heavenly and finger licking good. #OinkOink #Porkgasm

Moo Ping

The Bones

Seafood Pad Thai [$18] - Shrimp, Squid, Egg, Tofu, Sprouts, Chives, Rice Noodle, Crushed Peanuts. This version here is Pad Thai which you get in restaurants / hotels in Thailand. It uses juicy big prawns. I find the taste of the pad thai is too bold for my liking, especially the sweetness level. Although it has a nice smoky flavour at the beginning, it dissipates from the dish after the second bite.

Seafood Pad Thai

Thai Milk Tea Panna Cotta [$12] - Thai Milk Tea Pudding Served with Coconut Ice Cream and Tea Jelly. A well-plated and well-constructed dessert. The milk tea pudding is dense and creamy. The tea jelly delivers a bold thick flavour of Thai tea, while the coconut ice cream binds all the ingredients nicely.

Thai Milk Tea Panna Cotta 

For spicy food lovers, please inform the service staff when you order the food. The kitchen can adjust the spiciness level for the Som Tum, Basil Minced Pork and Tom Yum. They can also serve cut chilli if needed.

Overall, we enjoy the food at Fi. Don’t expect a traditional street food in Thailand, be open minded to the modern interpretation of Thai Food here that are suitable to pair with their cocktails and drinks. Don’t miss out on their amazing French Poulet & Moo Ping. Chiyo!! Cheers!!

Thank you very much Protegie Consultancy and Team Fi Woodfire Thai for hosting us.

Food & Drink: 8/10

Value: 7.5/10

Service: N/A (Tasting Invitation)

Ambiance: 7.5/10

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

Fi Woodfire Thai

11 Unity Street

#01-07, Robertson Walk

Singapore 237995

T: +65 8776 1569

W: https://www.fi-woodfire.com/

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

IG: @Fi.woodfire

OH:

Wed – Sun: 11.30 – 15.00, 17.00 – 22.00

Closed on Mondays & Tuesdays

87 Just Thai – Simply Delicious

We visited Just Thai for dinner during our staycation at Lloyd’s Inn. As on of the highest rating restaurant around the area on Google, we decided to give it a try. We came in around 8PM, just after the dinner rush, so we can easily find a seat.

87 Just Thai @Killiney

Claypot Tang Hoon with Prawns ($14). Silky smooth tang hoon, coated with sweet umami sauce with a good whack of the black pepper. The prawns are of good size and I like the smokey aroma in the dish. Though the dish is good, it was missing the OMPH from the pork fats usually used in this dish.

Claypot Tang Hoon with Prawns

Claypot Tang Hoon with Prawns

Seabass with Thai Spicy Lime Sauce ($25). A must-order dish here. LD ask them to tone down on the spiciness for me. The lime sauce is overflowing when the dish was served. The fish is fresh, the flesh is smooth. The lime sauce was not only tangy and refreshing, but it also brought out the sweetness in the fish. Yummy.

Seabass with Thai Spicy Lime Sauce 

Green Curry Chicken ($10). This green monster is robust, creamy and packed with green curry flavour. They are not stingy on the meat as I get thick chunks of succulent chicken thigh that soaks up the curry flavour in every scoop of the curry. Definitely, a rice thief dish here.

Green Curry Chicken

Stir-fried kang kong Thai Style ($7). A simple dish, yet perfectly executed. The kang kong is crunchy and infused with the flavour of Thai fish sauce.

Stir-fried kang kong Thai Style

The décor is simple and functional, while the service is friendly and efficient. Before I pay the bill, the service staff also check if I am satisfied with the food. I replied to them with two thumbs up.

CBK Verdict: A must try restaurant in Killiney Road. Delicious Thai food and pocket friendly as well. We will return if we are in the area. Cheers!!

Food & Drink: 7.75/10

Value: 8.5/10

Service: 7/10

Ambiance: 6/10

Budget per Person: $11 - $25

87 Just Thai

57 Killiney Road

Singapore 239520

T: +65 6269 8810

W: https://87-just-thai-killiney.business.site/

F: https://www.facebook.com/87justthaikilliney

IG: @87justthaikilliney

OH:

Thu – Tue: 11.30 – 14.00; 17.00 – 21.00

Closed on Wednesday

Lloyd’s Inn Singapore - Business Room Review

Lloyd’s Inn Singapore ★★★(3 Stars Hotel)

2 Llyod Road

Singapore 239091

T: +65 6737 7309

W: https://www.lloydsinn.com/singapore

E: mail@lloydsinn.com

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

IG: @Llodsinn

Room Type: Business Room

Stayed: December 2021

Booking: Klook using SRV Exclusive Voucher

The Lloyd’s Inn is a boutique hotel in Singapore, located within the walking distance of the famous Orchard Road shopping belt in Singapore. Lloyd’s Inn offers travellers or Singapore residents a minimalist open concept accommodation that bring the outdoors to indoors in the privacy of your room. The open concept and white colour theme allow the properties and the bedroom to be filled with natural lights as much as possible and deliver a holistic resort feel through your stay.

Lloyd's Inn (Image Credit: Lloyd's Inn)

Location (8/10)

Lloyd’s Inn is located at the beginning of Lloyd road, which is the opposite end of the bustling Killiney Road. Meaning, it is just a short walk away to enjoy the gastronomic delights available at Killiney Road and you can reach Somerset MRT, 313 Somerset, Orchard gateway in less than 10 minutes.

Surrounded among the enclave of exclusive condominiums and high-end landed properties in Llyod Road and Oxley Road, the property is naturally secluded with a tranquil environment and exudes class all around.

Room (7.6/10)

Cleanliness (9/10). Space (7.5/10). Room Amenities (7/10). Ambience (7/10), Bed & Pillow (6/10), WiFi (9/10)

Lloyd’s Inn lobby is located on the second floor, which parallels to the street level. The rooms guest rooms are located on the 1st and 2nd floors. Our room is located on the 1st floor.

The View when Entering The Room

The Business Room is a Loft type, with the space around 24 sqm. On the first floor, you get a mini living room with a 32” Smart TV, working table, mini pantry / basin and the outdoor toilet / shower / garden. On the second floor, we have a queen-size bed and another 32” TV as well.

Working Table with Open Concept Wardrobe

On the first sighting, the queen size bed looks sturdy; however, the look can be deceiving. The mattress turns out to be a softie. I feel a certain part of the bed is sinking once we sat in. When I was seating on the bed and enjoying my Netflix, I need to readjust my posture and the pillows every 15 minutes. Definitely not a Posturepedic approved mattress. The pillow is also on the soft side, so it took me a while to catch my beauty nap.

Queen Size Bed

The View from The Bed

The Staircase to the 2nd floor is very sturdy, just be careful when you are coming down. Due to limited space, the bottom steps are built in a sharp illogical angle. I almost tumble a few times.

Back to the 1st floor, the first thing that capture our attention when we enter the room is the outdoor garden, where the shower and toilet are located. If you are worried about outsiders looking in, you don’t need to worry as the garden is well covered and there are curtains to protect your privacy. I feel this is the best place in the room. Feels like you are in a villa. (*That was until I smell second-hand smoke from the inconsiderate neighbours!)

The Outdoor Garden (Outdoor in the Indoor)

The Shower Area

Toilet

The living room is comfortable for 2 pax. Although the 32” TV is small for the current standard, it offers a good range of cable channels, including the English Premier League, a plus for football fans like me. To maximise the space, there is no built-in wardrobe. Instead, the hangers are placed beside the working chair plus a full-length mirror is also placed at the wall beside the TV cabinet.

Living Room

EPL Channel

Pantry is small and limited. It offers instant coffee and tea range from The 1872 Clipper Tea. It is also double up as your sink area, where you wash your hands, shave and brush your teeth.

Pantry / Basin

Hot Drinks

Dining (6/10)

There is no restaurant or food on offer on the premises. Our booking comes with breakfast which you have to walk down Artisan Boulangerie Co at Killiney Road. Luckily the weather was clear. Each redemption entitled you to a simple pastry and coffee / tea. For us, it basically means 2 croissants with coffee and tea.

Outdoor Pantry

For simple reheating needs, Lloyd’s have an outdoor pantry and seating area located on the 2nd floor. Here, you can use the microwave, ice machine, drink vending machine and also coffee and tea.

Outdoor Pantry Area

Outdoor Pantry Area

For dinner, we went to 87 Just Thai at Killiney Road for great Thai Food. We wanted to try Fook Kin, but can’t fit any more food in the tummy. Of course, if you are lazy to walk, you can always order in through your trusted food delivery service.

Hotel Facilities (7/10)

The swimming pool is a must-visit here. Not your serious type of swimming pool, instead it is more for kids to play, or adult dipping and chilling type. We enjoy the ambience here.

Swimming Pool (Image Credit: Llyod's Inn)

If you don’t like swimming, take a stroll on the 1st floor and look out for the outdoor seating area around the 1st floor. The is a small garden opposite the pool if you are looking for some private and tranquil moments.

Seating Area at The Swimming Pool

Seating Area - Mini Garden

There is also a roof terrace, however, we did not visit it.

For drivers, please note that there is no parking on the premises. You need to find your parking along Lloyd road or at Killiney Road.

Service (7.5/10)

The service is friendly and attentive. There is no concierge service. Most of the stuff is DIY (Do It Yourself). We also receive a bar of chocolate and candy cane as a welcome Christmas gift.

Lloyd's Inn Lobby (Image Credit: Lloyd's Inn)

When I tried to get a nap in the late afternoon, the cleaner is using water jet spray to clean the walls. The noise just penetrates through the room, I called the reception to get them to do something about it and they did by postponing the cleaning for an hour and I manage to get my nap.

Christmas Decoration at Lobby

To Improve

The soundproofing for the room door super needs to improve. I notice the sound disruption comes within the premises instead of from outside the property. In the wee hours, we were woken up by drunken girls screaming and laughing as they went in and out of their rooms.

Overall

It was a unique experience staying at Lloyd’s Inn. Overall facilities and experience are good; I don’t think we will return for another stay. For the rest of the readers, if you are looking for an exciting and unique experience, I encourage you to try Lloyd’s Inn. Cheers!