Ujong @ Raffles : New Chef, New Menu

It seems that change is a constant at UJONG with the most recent shift of their executive chef, as well as their menu. Going away with the Mod-Sin dishes they used to offer, their new menu focuses on simply local dishes which you can find at any coffee shop or hawker centre, except that they are at being served at Raffles Hotel.

Truth be told, we found the price range to be a little steep given the simplicity of the local fares, but we thought trying out the dishes might make us change our mind - unfortunately, it didn't. In short, we found almost every dish overpriced and not worthy of any penny, unlike their previous menu.

For starters, we tried the proclaimed signature dish, Chee Cheong Fun with Foie Gras. Although the foie gras sauce was unique, we felt it didn't exactly pair very well with the thick rice rolls which were meant to be thinner. Also, the crispy foie gras that was supposed to be on top were missing, unlike stated on their menu. We also tried the Pandan Chicken which wasn't too bad, but nothing to rave out. The most unforgiving of the lot however, was the Lobster Kueh Pie Tee which came with a measly amount of lobster despite its exorbitant price tag. 

For mains, we tried the Char Kway Teow, which smelt great but was insipid and a tad too dry. We reckon even most hawkers can put up a better plate than what they had to offer. To share, we also had the Yong Tau Foo, which came fresh served in a claypot. Again to our disappointment, some ingredients as described on the menu were non existent.

And if we really had to recommend something decent, it would be the Long Xia Chao Fan, or lobster fried rice in English. Although we cannot exactly justify its price, it was the most decent dish amongst what we tried - with scallops, lobster and salted fish bits. We however, found it a little too oily and felt that the rice was too moist.

The saving grace (well, not exactly did it save the meal) was the Mango Pudding. Again to our disappointment, it was described to be served with pomegranate and dried mango on the menu but we didn't exactly taste any present. The Orh Nee on the other hand was dry and extraordinarly diabetic for our tastebuds to savour, to the extent the sweetness came back to haunt after every spoonful.

Some changes are for the better, but we felt that this change at UJONG was for the worse. Ironically, Ujong means "Island at the End of the Peninsula". To be blatantly honest, we feel that if nothing is going to be done to what it has became, it will indeed be the end (for them). And if any tourist ever steps foot into the restaurant, they would most definitely not be able to try what local food in Singapore really means. For Singaporeans, we suggest you to stick with the tradition of how such local fares should taste like.



UJONG @ Raffles
328 North Bridge Road
Raffles Hotel Arcade, #01-10
Singapore 188719
+65 6635 6502


This was an invited media tasting. 

Braun WaterFlex

Braun always has a thing with shavers and surprises. Being the leading brand when it comes to quality shavers, Braun has launched the next revolutionary gadget. Introducing the latest lifestyle gadget, Braun WaterFlex - this new shaver will be the new grooming essential for men.

Specifically designed to work with water, foam or gel, Braun WaterFlex takes shaving to a whole new level. Taking the analogy of any waterspouts akin to water, you can expect a smoother experience, as shaving feels more like gliding through your facial hairs!

This electric gadget is also waterproof and convenient for use anywhere. You don't have to worry about the shaver slipping off your hands, as it comes with an anti-slip grip to glue it to your hands. No fear for water damage as well; this shaver can be submerged in up to five metres of water!

Braun WaterFlex also has an improved design of a 33 degree swivel head and this comes as a blessing for all men. This new feature allows a closer shave on your chin and jawline, the areas that are tougher to reach with usual electric shavers.

Braun WaterFlex is now available at all major electrical chain stores, departmental stores, leading hypermarkets and independent electrical stores at a recommended retail price of SGD179. For men who are looking for a new shaving experience, do try this out. And with the festive season just around the corner, this could just be a perfect gift for any guy.


This is a sponsored product review.

Halloween Horror Nights 4

This halloween, experience and panic through haunted houses and scare zones at Universal Studios Singapore. With 4 brand new haunted houses with different story plots and 4 terrorising scare zones, Halloween Horror Nights 4 is bound to leave one running all over the theme park.

The 4 scare zones include Demoncracy, Bogeyman, Canyon of the Cursed, and Scary Tales. Our favourite of the lot being Scary Tales, with favourite fairy tale characters such as Rapunzel, twisted into nightmares. At Demoncracy, all hell has broke lose and you can expect the freakiest mutated of the underworld that will definitely scare you out of your wits.

An increase from last year's Halloween Horror Nights, this year showcases 4 haunted houses, of which we felt all were equally good since they have cut slack on the 'open-concept' haunted houses. While we were indecisive which was the best, we did enjoy the 3D house, Jack's 3-Dementia and The L.A.B (Laboratory of Alien Breeding), which makes you feel as if you are on set the movie, Alien.

The the 2 other haunted houses include Mati Camp, a haunted army camp, as well as Jing's Revenge - a haunted school which an outcast student hung herself 10 years ago. Prepare yourself with splashes of water, and scare actors coming from all directions, including the ceiling and floors!

Apart from the scare zones and haunted houses, this year's Halloween Horror Nights will include a first ever retail outlet dedicated to Halloween with a large assortment of items. They also feature an amazing Jack's Circus Show which you can expect to keep you entertained with lots of tricks, stunts and special effects.

With so much more to offer this year, the park will open for 13 nights instead. Halloween Horror Nights 4 will open from 7.30pm to 1.30am, which should give you ample time to explore all the haunted houses, as well as some rides that will be open.

Tickets are priced at SGD 68 for ordinary entry, or you have the option to top up to get an express pass, which is highly recommended. You can also opt for a Frequent Fear Pass (as if getting scared once isn't enough) - the pass allows you to multiple entries on different nights. Halloween Horror Nights 4 runs from 3 October to 1 November 2014. More information can be found on their website www.halloweenhorrornights.com.sg.


This was an invited media session.