What's the buzz? Nasi ambeng queen Ummi Abdullah takes traditions up a notch with a noodle-focused restaurant named after the Persian word for "beautiful", which also happens to be slang for a meal or a snack.
MIE AYAM JAKARTA
What's the vibe? The 50-seater space at the Esplanade Annexe, a newly refurbished area beside the performance hub's Gluttons by the Bay, is simple - modern minimalist - but homey. Tables are especially suited for medium-sized groups, so if you're looking to catch up with friends and family, Noosh would be a good bet. But do take note: thanks to Ms Ummi Abdullah's reputation the place is likely to be swarmed, at least in these first few months so be prepared to queue - they don't take reservations yet.
What's on the menu? Experimental Malay fusion food. True to its name, Noosh serves up a variety of noodle dishes ($10.90 to $16.90) and when we say we variety, we mean it. Adapted from the popular dishes of Asia's metropolises, they include mee ayam jakarta, spicy beef ramyeon and tori hanjuku ramen.
CRAYFISH CURRY NOODLE
The biggest hits are curry crayfish noodle, Kelantan laksam and smoked duck lemak cili padi pasta, which leads us to other creative, must-try items in the menu like chicken steak masak merah ($18.90), chicken Sriracha with cheese ($14.90) and asam pedas sirloin steak ($25.90). Prefer something closer to home? Order her signature roti kirai with a twist - served alongside sirlion steak curry, sambal quail eggs and salad ($25.90). Get one for yourself if you've a (really) big appetite. Otherwise, order to share.
SMOKED DUCK LEMAK CILI PADI
Don't leave without trying dessert. We recommend Ms Ummi's homemade ondeh-ondeh and durian pengat cake ($10.90 with ice-cream) - though rich, somehow you can't have too much. Mocktails have become a mainstay of halal restaurants these days so Noosh hasn't left them out ($7.90 each). There're familiar names like Shirley Temple and Virgin Daquiri, but you might as well try The Esplanade while you're at it.
DURIAN PENGAT CAKE
PHOTOS: HALAL IN THE CITY/NOOSH'S FACEBOOK PAGE