Where to eat in Singapore this week: Nouri, Humpback, Alma and more

Humpback reopened last month after months of renovation, and it now boasts sleek new interiors and a refreshed menu. At this Bukit Pasoh seafood mainstay, you’ll be treated to three varieties of oysters to slurp down for a briny start to the meal. 

With Humpback’s range of small plates, it’s best to share a couple of highlights like the mussel toast with spicy ‘nduja. It’s tossed in a smoked oil for a delicious charred taste, then paired with vinegar gel, fennel flowers, chives and dehydrated tomatoes. Served atop fried brioche fingers, the dish is the perfect balance of crispy, soft, acidic and umami. 

Don’t miss out on large plates like the red amadai with pumpkin espuma. Hot oil is poured over the amadai to crisp up the scales. This provides an exquisite crunch that complements the smokiness of the fish and creamy sweetness of the pumpkin. 

Humpback Singapore, 20 Bukit Pasoh Road, S(089834), +65 9772 9896

Read more: The best sakura-themed menus in Singapore in 2023

Usher in spring at Ippudo, where one of Singapore’s most beloved ramen chains is serving up two ramen specials for the sakura season. The first is a Yakiago Dashi, a clear broth slow-cooked over charcoal with dried agodashi flying fish, daikon, okra, and myoga (Japanese ginger). It’s flavoured with Ippudo’s original kaeshi sauce (typically made with soy sauce, sugar, and mirin) for an intense umami punch.

The second ramen special marks the return of the popular Hakata Nikusoba Tonkotsu, which features Ippudo’s chewy, medium-thick noodles swimming in a creamy, full-bodied pork broth. It’s topped with yuzu pulp to cut the salty richness of the soup. 

Ippudo, Mandarin Gallery, 333A Orchard Rd, 04-02/03/04, S(238897), +65 6831 6363

Be treated to an exclusive wine dinner at Contemporary Melting-Pot & Bar on April 12. Exquisite courses will be accompanied by Australian winery First Drop, made from grapes grown in unique vineyards in the Adelaide Hills, Mclaren Vale and Barossa. 

Premium delights like Hokkaido scallop are paired with the Vivo Adelaide Hills Arneis 2021. The white wine is incredibly light, crisp and fragranced with citrus, emphasising the freshness of the scallops. The New Zealand baby lamb is paired with the Fat of the Land Barossa Shiraz 2021, a fuller-bodied red with profiles of dark chocolate and licorice that holds its own when served with the juicy baby lamb. End the meal with an affogato that completes the meal with a decadent flair.

Contemporary Melting-Pot & Bar, 7 Dempsey Road, 01-05, S(249671), +65 6475 0105

‘Alma’ means ‘soul’ in Spanish, and at the one Michelin-starred Alma at the Goodwood Park Hotel, you’ll be served European contemporary delights tinged with Asian influences to nourish your spirit. 

You can’t miss Alma’s signature tofu; the deeply savoury and robust appetiser is made with a foie gras emulsion and served with roasted mushrooms, crispy leek and bonito. For the mains, the crackling Iberico pork belly takes centre stage. It’s for good reason, too, as the dish is a riot of flavours and textures with accompaniments of Amanatsu orange, pearl onions, and a spicy chicken pâté.

For the full experience, go for the Alma dinner tasting menu, and you’ll be treated to chef Juan Amador's innovative menu. He emphasises seasonality and the freshness of ingredients, so rest assured you’ll be getting a luxurious treat at Alma. 

Alma by Juan Amador, 22 Scotts Road, S(228221), +65 6735 9937

NOW READ

Popular Korean fried chicken chain BHC Chicken to debut in Singapore

The best afternoon tea spreads in Singapore

China coffee joint Luckin Coffee to open in Singapore this month—here’s what to look out for