December 2025 Singapore Dining Scene - Maxthon

Overview

December 2025 marks an exciting evolution in Singapore’s culinary landscape, with nine distinctive establishments offering everything from casual American fast food to refined French bistro experiences. This comprehensive review explores the ambience, signature dishes, cooking techniques, and delivery options across these new venues.

1. Moutarde & Sundae Royale

Location: Resort World Sentosa, WEAVE Mall

Ambience

The French bistro exudes casual elegance with a sophisticated yet approachable atmosphere. The centerpiece live carving station creates theatrical dining moments, allowing guests to witness culinary craftsmanship firsthand. The neighboring Sundae Royale dessert parlour offers a playful contrast with its whimsical ice cream-focused design.

Signature Dishes Analysis

Singapore Pepper Short Ribs ($38) – The star attraction showcases bold local-French fusion, incorporating Singapore’s beloved pepper crab flavors into tender beef ribs. The live carving ensures optimal temperature and presentation.

Côte De Boeuf Tomahawk ($240) – A showstopper cut designed for sharing, this massive bone-in ribeye demonstrates Chef Paul Pairet’s commitment to premium ingredients and dramatic presentation.

Char-Grilled Seabass Vierge ($22) – The vierge sauce, a classic French preparation of tomatoes, olive oil, and herbs, complements the delicate fish without overwhelming it.

Cooking Technique Highlight

The live carving station employs precise knife skills and understanding of meat temperatures. Chefs carve against the grain at optimal angles to ensure tender, flavorful portions.

Delivery Options

Given the experiential nature of live carving and the resort location, dine-in is strongly recommended for the full experience.

2. Udon Shin

Location: Takashimaya B2

Ambience

Clean, minimalist Japanese aesthetic with counter seating that allows diners to observe the noodle-making process. The Shibuya-inspired design brings Tokyo’s energy to Orchard Road.

Signature Dish Deep Dive: Carbonara Udon ($24)

What Makes It Special: This viral sensation represents East-meets-West fusion at its finest. The dish reimagines Italian carbonara through a Japanese lens, substituting spaghetti with thick, chewy udon noodles.

Key Components:

Fresh udon noodles (made in-house daily)
Creamy egg-based sauce
Crispy bacon or pancetta
Parmesan cheese
Black pepper
Likely includes dashi elements for umami depth

Cooking Technique: The udon noodles are boiled until springy with the perfect bite. The carbonara sauce requires careful temperature control—eggs are tempered with pasta water to create creaminess without scrambling. The marriage of Italian technique with Japanese noodle craftsmanship creates textural harmony.

Recipe Inspiration (Home Version):

Ingredients:

300g fresh udon noodles
2 egg yolks + 1 whole egg
100g bacon or pancetta, diced
50g Parmesan, grated
2 tbsp pasta water (or dashi)
Black pepper
Salt

Instructions:

Cook udon according to package directions until al dente
Crisp bacon in a pan, reserve rendered fat
Whisk eggs and Parmesan together
Drain udon, reserving cooking liquid
Off heat, toss hot udon with bacon and fat
Quickly mix in egg mixture, adding reserved liquid to achieve creamy consistency
Season with black pepper and salt
Serve immediately with extra Parmesan

Premium Tempura Kake Udon ($34)

The tempura demonstrates Japanese frying mastery—light, crispy batter that stays crunchy even in soup. The kakejiru broth likely uses kombu and bonito for depth.

Delivery Potential

Moderate—tempura loses crispness, but the carbonara udon could travel reasonably well if consumed quickly.

3. Tiong Bahru Hainanese Chicken Rice

Location: Takashimaya B2

Heritage & Ambience

A full-service upgrade from their hawker roots maintains authenticity while offering air-conditioned comfort. The 1987 establishment brings nostalgic charm to a modern setting.

Signature Dish: Hainanese Chicken Rice ($10)

The Art of Chicken Rice: This seemingly simple dish requires meticulous technique across multiple components.

Cooking Method Breakdown:

Poached Chicken Technique:

Chicken is submerged in boiling water, then heat is turned off
Residual heat gently cooks the chicken (approximately 30-40 minutes)
Ice bath shock stops cooking, creating silky texture and jade-colored skin
Internal temperature reaches safe levels without overcooking

Fragrant Rice Preparation:

Jasmine rice is rinsed until water runs clear
Sautéed with chicken fat, garlic, and ginger
Cooked in chicken stock instead of water
Pandan leaves add aromatic notes
Alternative premium rice options (Basmati, Koshihikari) offer different textures

Essential Condiments:

Dark soy sauce with ginger
Chilli sauce with garlic and lime
Clear chicken broth

Other Notable Dishes

Hainan Curry Fish Pot ($38) – Showcases Hainanese curry tradition with turmeric-forward flavors and coconut milk richness.

Chilli Soft Shell Crab with Mantou ($23) – Fusion dish pairing Singaporean chilli crab sauce with crispy soft-shell crab and fluffy steamed buns.

Delivery Viability

Excellent—chicken rice travels well, though consume within 30 minutes for optimal texture.

4. BOMUL Samgyetang

Location: CHIJMES

Ambience

Warm, wellness-focused Korean atmosphere perfect for rainy December weather. The setting emphasizes nourishment and comfort, appealing to health-conscious diners.

Signature: Collagen Samgyetang ($29)

Health Benefits & Cooking Process:

Samgyetang is traditionally consumed during Korea’s hottest days but works equally well for Singapore’s year-round tropical climate.

Key Ingredients:

Whole young chicken (approximately 500-600g)
4-6 year aged ginseng root
Glutinous rice
Jujube dates
Garlic cloves
Ginkgo nuts
Chestnuts
Oriental herbs blend

Slow-Cooking Method:

Chicken cavity is stuffed with soaked glutinous rice
Sewn shut or secured with toothpicks
Simmered for 2-3 hours with ginseng and herbs
Low, gentle heat extracts collagen from bones
Results in milky-white, nutrient-rich broth

Variations:

Black Truffle Samgyetang ($38) – Luxury upgrade with aromatic fungi
Anti-Ageing Samgyetang ($79 for 2) – Enhanced with premium medicinal herbs
Samgyejuk – The porridge version for easier digestion

Therapeutic Qualities

The extended cooking extracts minerals, collagen, and amino acids, creating a restorative meal that aids digestion, boosts immunity, and promotes skin health.

Delivery Considerations

Good for delivery—soup travels well in insulated containers, though consuming fresh ensures optimal temperature and experience.

5. BARREL STORY OF HIBIKI

Location: Near Raffles Place MRT

Ambience

Warm-toned izakaya atmosphere designed for unwinding after work. Sophisticated yet relaxed, the lighting and wooden accents create an intimate escape from the CBD’s intensity.

Dining Concepts

Customizable Lunch Sets (from $55): The 2 or 3-course format allows professionals to tailor their midday meal, choosing from:

Wagyu Umami Fries (crispy with savory beef fat)
Hokkaido Salmon Trout (rich, buttery fish)
Steak & Fries (classic bistro preparation)
Daily Sashimi Selection (ultra-fresh, chef’s choice)

Evening Cocktail Program:

Hibiki Highball ($18) – Japanese whisky with soda, refreshing and elegant
Hibiki Sling ($28) – Fruity reinterpretation of Singapore Sling using premium whisky

Culinary Approach

The menu balances Japanese precision with Western comfort food, creating accessible fusion that appeals to diverse palates.

Delivery Options

Limited—the experience centers around atmosphere and fresh cocktails, better suited for dine-in.

6. Bari Bari Steak

Location: Tampines One

Ambience

Theatrical teppan-style setup where chefs perform culinary choreography before diners. The sizzling sounds and aromatic smoke create multisensory excitement, bringing Hong Kong’s dynamic dining energy to the East.

Teppan Cooking Technique

What is Teppan? Teppan (iron plate) cooking involves high-heat searing on a flat metal griddle, creating Maillard reaction crusts while maintaining juicy interiors.

Japanese A4/A5 Miyazakigyu Teppan ($58):

Miyazaki beef ranks among Japan’s finest, with intense marbling
A4/A5 grading indicates exceptional fat distribution
Cooked to medium-rare or medium to preserve buttery texture
Sliced tableside for immediate consumption at peak temperature

Cooking Steps:

Teppan preheated to 200-230°C
Minimal oil applied (wagyu renders its own fat)
Seared 2-3 minutes per side for medium-rare
Rested briefly before slicing against grain
Served with complementary sauces (likely ponzu, wasabi, garlic chips)

Value Additions

All teppan sets include pairing sauces, rice, dessert, and free-flow salad bar—excellent value proposition for the quality offered.

Australian Flank Steak ($22.90) – More affordable option with robust beefy flavor, ideal for those preferring lean cuts.

Premium Pork Loin Steak ($21.90) – Showcases Kurobuta or similar premium pork, tender with subtle sweetness.

Delivery Feasibility

Poor—teppan experience is about immediate consumption from griddle to plate. Steak quality deteriorates rapidly during transport.

7. Golden Chopsticks

Location: Century Square

Ambience

Vibrant, casual Chinese restaurant atmosphere celebrating three distinct regional cuisines. The space likely features design elements from Yunnan, Guizhou, and Sichuan, creating visual diversity that matches the menu’s breadth.

Regional Cuisine Analysis

Passion Fruit Sour Soup Fish ($30.80) – Guizhou Influence:

This dish exemplifies Guizhou’s signature sour-spicy flavor profile.

Key Characteristics:

Broth base uses pickled vegetables and passion fruit for complex acidity
Fresh fish slices poached in aromatic broth
Chili heat balanced by fruit sweetness
Warming properties perfect for humid weather

Cooking Process:

Sour broth prepared with pickled chilies, tomatoes, passion fruit
Aromatics (ginger, garlic, Sichuan peppercorns) bloomed in oil
Fish sliced thinly for quick cooking
Poached briefly to maintain tenderness
Served bubbling hot with fresh herbs

Boiled Fish with Pepper Salt ($30.80) – Sichuan Style:

Demonstrates Sichuan’s famous málà (numbing-spicy) sensation.

Technique:

Fish slices poached in oil (water-cooking method)
Topped with smoking-hot oil infused with Sichuan peppercorns
Creates crispy-tender texture contrast
Konjac noodles absorb flavorful oil

Clams and Bullfrog with Pickled Ginger ($28.80) – Yunnan Adventurousness:

Yunnan cuisine embraces diverse proteins and wild ingredients.

Flavor Profile:

Sweet brininess from lala clams
Tender, chicken-like bullfrog meat
Pickled ginger adds tangy brightness
Aromatic with lemongrass or galangal

Pork Belly with Garlic Sauce ($12.80) – Cooling Intermission:

Chilled preparation offers respite from spicy dishes, similar to bai qie (white cut) Cantonese style.

Recipe Inspiration: Simplified Sour Soup Fish

Ingredients:

400g white fish fillets, sliced
2 tomatoes, diced
100g pickled mustard greens
3 tbsp passion fruit pulp
4 cups fish/chicken stock
2 tbsp oil
Ginger, garlic, chilies
Fresh cilantro

Instructions:

Sauté aromatics in oil until fragrant
Add tomatoes and pickled vegetables, cook until softened
Pour in stock, bring to boil
Add passion fruit pulp, adjust seasoning
Gently poach fish slices for 2-3 minutes
Garnish with cilantro and serve hot

Delivery Potential

Good—Chinese dishes often travel well, though consume immediately for best texture, especially with soup-based preparations.

8. Chick-fil-A

Location: Bugis+

Ambience

Clean, family-friendly American fast-food atmosphere with efficient service. The chain’s signature hospitality (“my pleasure”) creates welcoming vibes distinct from other fast-food experiences.

Signature: Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich (from $6.80)

What Makes It Iconic:

This deceptively simple sandwich has cult following in the United States due to precise execution.

Construction:

Pressure-fried chicken breast
Dill pickle chips (signature touch)
Buttered, toasted bun
Simple yet effective

Pressure Frying Technique:

Unlike traditional deep frying, pressure frying uses sealed equipment that:

Cooks chicken faster at lower temperatures
Seals in moisture while creating crispy exterior
Reduces oil absorption
Achieves consistent results

The Marinade Secret:

Chicken brined in pickle juice (tenderizes and flavors)
Coated in seasoned flour with powdered sugar (aids browning)
Pressure-fried at specific time and temperature

Spicy Deluxe Sandwich (from $8.10): Adds pepper-seasoned breading, lettuce, tomato, and cheese for upgraded experience.

Nugget & Sauce Program

Chick-fil-A Nuggets (from $6.90): Bite-sized chicken breast pieces, never processed, with crispy coating.

Six Dipping Sauces:

Spicy Chilli Sauce (Singapore exclusive) – Likely combines local chili preferences
Chick-fil-A Sauce – Honey mustard and BBQ hybrid
Honey Mustard – Sweet and tangy classic
Garden Herb Ranch – Creamy with herb notes
Polynesian Sauce – Sweet and fruity
Barbecue Sauce – Smoky-sweet

Home Recipe: Chick-fil-A Style Chicken Sandwich

Ingredients:

2 boneless chicken breasts
1 cup dill pickle juice
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup flour
2 tbsp powdered sugar
Paprika, salt, pepper
Peanut oil for frying
Hamburger buns
Dill pickles
Butter

Instructions:

Pound chicken to even thickness
Marinate in pickle juice 30 minutes to 4 hours
Transfer to buttermilk, refrigerate 30 minutes
Mix flour, sugar, and spices
Dredge chicken in flour mixture
Deep fry at 175°C for 6-8 minutes until golden
Toast buttered buns
Assemble: bottom bun, pickles, chicken, top bun

Delivery & Hours Note

Closed Sundays (company policy), so plan accordingly. Delivery available through major platforms, though fried chicken loses some crispness during transport.

9. Tutto

Location: Jewel Changi Airport

Ambience

Stunning views of the Rain Vortex create Instagram-worthy dining backdrop. The Italian trattoria atmosphere combines casual elegance with airport convenience, perfect for pre-flight meals or deliberate destination dining.

Fresh Pasta Philosophy

The restaurant emphasizes handmade pasta—a craft that requires skill and patience.

72-Hour Fermentation Process: Pizza dough undergoes extended cold fermentation, which:

Develops complex flavors
Creates better texture and chew
Improves digestibility
Produces superior crust with air pockets

Signature Pastas

Aglio Olio e Peperoncino ($16) – The Minimalist Test:

This simple preparation reveals pasta-making skill.

Key Components:

Fresh pasta (likely fettuccine or spaghetti)
Extra virgin olive oil
Garlic (thinly sliced)
Red chili flakes
Parsley
Pasta water for emulsification

Technique:

Garlic slowly sautéed in olive oil until golden (not brown—bitter)
Chili flakes added briefly
Al dente pasta tossed with oil mixture
Pasta water added to create silky coating
Fresh parsley and more olive oil finish

Carbonara ($19) – Roman Classic:

Authentic Roman carbonara uses only:

Guanciale (cured pork jowl) or pancetta
Eggs (yolks primarily)
Pecorino Romano cheese
Black pepper
Pasta water

No cream in traditional versions—creaminess comes from egg-cheese-pasta water emulsion.

Assassina ($18) – “Killer” Spaghetti:

This Pugliese dish is cooked risotto-style directly in tomato sauce:

Spaghetti toasted dry in pan
Tomato sauce added gradually
Pasta absorbs sauce while crisping on bottom
Creates unique crunchy-tender texture
Finished with garlic and chili

Vongole ($23) – Seafood Excellence:

Pasta alle vongole showcases fresh clams:

Clams steamed with white wine, garlic, chili
Pasta tossed in clam liquor
Finished with parsley and olive oil
Balance of brininess and freshness

Hand-Stretched Pizza

Each pizza made to order demonstrates Italian artisanal tradition:

Dough removed from cold fermentation
Brought to room temperature
Hand-stretched (never rolled—preserves air pockets)
Topped sparingly (Italian style)
Baked at high temperature (likely 300-400°C)
Achieves leopard-spotted, blistered crust

Value Proposition

Nothing over $30 makes this exceptional value for fresh, handmade Italian food in a premium location.

Delivery Considerations

Moderate—pasta travels reasonably well, but pizza loses optimal texture. Best consumed fresh from oven.

Comparative Analysis

Price Points

Budget-Friendly: Chick-fil-A ( $), Tiong Bahru Chicken Rice ($ ),TiongBahruChickenRice()
Mid-Range: Udon Shin ($$), Bari Bari Steak ($$), Golden Chopsticks ($$), BOMUL Samgyetang ($$)
Premium: BARREL STORY OF HIBIKI ($$$), Moutarde ($$-$$$)
Best Value: Tutto (nothing over $30 for handmade pasta)

Cuisine Diversity

December 2025 showcases Singapore’s multicultural dining scene:

Western: French (Moutarde), Italian (Tutto), American (Chick-fil-A)
Asian: Japanese (Udon Shin, BARREL STORY), Korean (BOMUL), Chinese (Golden Chopsticks, Tiong Bahru), Fusion (Bari Bari)

Location Strategy

Orchard/Central: Udon Shin, Tiong Bahru (Takashimaya), BARREL STORY (Raffles Place), Chick-fil-A (Bugis+)
Sentosa: Moutarde
East: Bari Bari Steak, Golden Chopsticks (Tampines)
Airport: Tutto (Jewel)
Heritage District: BOMUL (CHIJMES)

Delivery-Friendly Rankings

Excellent: Tiong Bahru Chicken Rice, Golden Chopsticks
Good: BOMUL Samgyetang, Chick-fil-A
Moderate: Udon Shin, Tutto
Poor: Bari Bari Steak, Moutarde, BARREL STORY

Best For…

Celebrations: Moutarde (Tomahawk steak), Bari Bari (Miyazaki wagyu)
Business Lunches: BARREL STORY OF HIBIKI, Tutto
Family Dining: Chick-fil-A, Golden Chopsticks, Tiong Bahru
Date Night: Moutarde, BARREL STORY, Tutto
Solo Dining: Udon Shin, BOMUL Samgyetang
Pre-Flight: Tutto (Jewel location)

Emerging Trends

1. Heritage Meets Modernity

Establishments like Tiong Bahru Chicken Rice and BOMUL Samgyetang preserve traditional recipes while upgrading the dining experience with full-service formats and modern ambience.

2. Theatrical Dining

Live carving stations (Moutarde) and teppan cooking (Bari Bari) emphasize experiential dining where food preparation becomes entertainment.

3. Customization

BARREL STORY’s customizable lunch sets reflect modern diner preferences for personalized experiences.

4. Regional Chinese Exploration

Golden Chopsticks’ three-province approach shows growing sophistication in Chinese regional cuisine appreciation beyond Cantonese staples.

5. American Fast-Casual Invasion

Chick-fil-A joins Five Guys and Shake Shack, indicating Singapore’s appetite for quality American fast food beyond McDonald’s and KFC.

6. Value-Conscious Premium

Tutto demonstrates that quality ingredients and skilled preparation needn’t command luxury prices—nothing over $30 for handmade pasta is remarkable.

7. Wellness Integration

BOMUL’s emphasis on healthy, collagen-rich samgyetang taps into growing health consciousness, positioning restaurant meals as nourishing rather than indulgent.

Final Recommendations

Must-Try December 2025 Experiences:

Most Instagram-Worthy: Tutto (Rain Vortex views) or Moutarde (live carving drama)
Best Value: Tutto (handmade pasta under $30)
Most Unique: Udon Shin (carbonara udon fusion)
Comfort Food Champion: BOMUL Samgyetang (especially on rainy days)
Crowd-Pleaser: Chick-fil-A (accessible, hyped, satisfying)
Special Occasion: Bari Bari Steak (Miyazaki wagyu teppan experience)
Business Lunch: BARREL STORY OF HIBIKI (customizable, sophisticated)
Family Gathering: Golden Chopsticks (diverse menu, shareable portions)

The Verdict

December 2025’s new openings demonstrate Singapore’s dining scene maturity—from preserving heritage (Tiong Bahru) to embracing global trends (Chick-fil-A) while maintaining high standards across all price points. Whether seeking comfort, adventure, celebration, or convenience, this month’s launches offer compelling reasons to dine out.

The emphasis on quality ingredients, skilled technique, and thoughtful ambience across all venues—regardless of price point—reflects Singapore’s evolved food culture where diners demand excellence at every level.