Foura @ IMBA Theatre - A Wellness-Led Dining Destination

A wellness-led dining destination, Foura recently opened within IMBA Theatre at Gardens by the Bay. Its menu is designed around nutritional integration, with a dedicated section inspired by the dietary patterns of Blue Zone communities, the regions renowned for their exceptional longevity. Built on four pillars of wellbeing (physical, mental, emotional and relational), Foura also collaborates with leading wellness practitioners across Southeast Asia to offer immersive experiences such as yoga, Pilates and 9D breathwork in Southeast Asia’s largest immersive theatre.

Burratina & Roasted Pumpkin 4/5

The menu offers contemporary Asian and European cuisine, showcasing grass-fed and free-range proteins, omega-rich seafood, and nutrient-dense produce, finished with carefully selected fats such as high-polyphenol extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO). We began with the Burratina & Roasted Pumpkin ($28). Roasted pumpkin purée and creamy burratina were drizzled with Korean chilli oil, basil oil and balsamic crema, then finished with pickled red onions for acidity. The accompanying toasted sourdough slices were buttery and crisp, making them perfect for scooping up the creamy mixture. While the flavours worked well together, the pumpkin could have been roasted longer to concentrate its natural sweetness and develop a richer, denser texture.

Salmon, Tuna & Hamachi Crudo 3.5/5

Another starter we tried was the Salmon, Tuna & Hamachi Crudo ($32), featuring King Salmon, Maguro tuna and Hamachi dressed in a soy-citrus dressing and dill oil. While the fish was fresh and the soy-citrus dressing added a pleasant umami brightness, the dish felt fairly standard.

Shio Koji Rainbow Trout 3/5

For the mains, the Shio Koji Rainbow Trout ($36) carried a touch of Japanese influence in both its presentation and flavours. The shio koji-marinated rainbow trout, glazed with balsamic crema, was slightly dry, with the glaze overwhelming its delicate flavour. Surprisingly, the highlight of the dish was the shari rice, whose pearly, plump grains were beautifully seasoned with vinegar, making each bite incredibly moreish. Stirring in the accompanying free-range onsen egg made it even more satisfying. The yellow bean soup on the side was light and comforting; the chilled Hokkaido potato slices added an interesting contrast but came across rather bland and watery. The roughly cut cabbage salad also felt like an afterthought.

Patagonian Toothfish 3.8/5

The Patagonian Toothfish (Chilean Seabass) ($46) fared much better. The fish was buttery, flaky and beautifully cooked, while a drizzle of EVOO further enhanced both its richness and silky texture. The roasted cauliflower purée was well-seasoned and complemented the fish nicely, though a starchy accompaniment might have provided a more satisfying foundation for the dish.

Valrhona Cloud Mousse 3.5/5

Dessert continued Foura’s wellness philosophy. The Valrhona Cloud Mousse ($22) was finished tableside with a sprinkle of sea salt, granola and a drizzle of EVOO. The oil’s grassy, robust character and pleasantly bitter finish introduced an unexpected layer of complexity that elevated the chocolate mousse.

Soy Milk Panna Cotta 2.5/5

The Soy Milk Panna Cotta ($18), conceived as a healthier alternative to the classic Italian dessert, was smooth and delicate. However, it did not distinguish itself enough from an everyday soy pudding. Replacing the black sesame topping with a rich black sesame paste could have added greater creaminess, depth and nuttiness, giving the dessert a more indulgent finish while remaining true to its health-conscious concept.

While the dishes felt as though they could have been more compelling and better expressed the restaurant’s distinctive concept, the overall vision is well realised. The beautifully designed space, together with its immersive wellness experiences, creates a unique dining destination that goes beyond the food, making Foura an interesting addition to Singapore’s dining scene.

Photos and words by Si An. A homebody who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, the smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


Foura
18 Marina Garden Drive
#01-23
Singapore 018953
Tel: +65 9155 5123
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Nearest MRT: Bayfront (CC, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bayfront MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Bayfront Plaza. From Bayfront Plaza, walk to the destination. Journey time is about 8 minutes. [Map]

Madeleine's @ Aperia Mall - Madeleine’s Original Portuguese Egg Tarts Returns with a Modern Macau Cha Chaan Teng Twist

Nearly two years after its quiet departure, Madeleine’s Original Portuguese Egg Tarts makes a rather unexpected comeback to Singapore’s F&B scene. This time, the revival comes with a youthful energy led by 18-year-old baking enthusiast Vernice Olivia Ong. Working closely with the brand’s original founder, she honours its legacy while steering it into a new chapter — reimagined as a modern Macau cha chaan teng-inspired concept at Aperia Mall.no GST.

What was once a humble takeaway bakery has now evolved into a casual dine-in space, Madeleine at Aperia Mall, offering a wider menu of comforting Macanese-inspired fare, all kept accessible with wallet-friendly pricing and no GST.

Original Egg Tart 3/5

Working closely with Madeleine’s original founder to preserve the brand’s heritage while introducing it to a new generation of diners. Under the original founder’s guidance, the Original Portuguese Egg Tart ($2.50) is naturally the star attraction. Having learnt the original recipe and techniques directly from the founder, Vernice aims to preserve the nostalgic flavours many remember. However, on this visit, the execution felt slightly off. The custard appeared overbaked, taking on a curdled texture rather than the desired silky smoothness. While the pastry retained its signature flakiness, it lacked that crisp, buttery bite that elevates a good egg tart. It’s a decent rendition, but one that still needs fine-tuning to reach its full potential.

Gula Melaka Egg Tart 3/5

A localised twist comes in the form of the Gula Melaka Portuguese Egg Tart ($2.80). Infused with caramelised palm sugar, this version fares slightly better. The custard here was more balanced in texture, avoiding the overbaked consistency of the original. That said, the gula melaka flavour could be more pronounced to truly deliver that rich, smoky sweetness that defines the ingredient.

Pork Chop Bun 3/5

Beyond pastries, the Pork Chop Bun ($5.90) channels classic Macau street-food vibes. Sandwiched between toasted buns, the pork chop is paired with mustard-seed sauerkraut and a sweet shoyu glaze. While the meat wasn’t the most tender, it carried decent seasoning and flavour. It’s a satisfying, no-frills bite, though it stops short of being particularly memorable.

Minchee Rice 2/5

The Minchee Rice ($10.90), often regarded as a staple Macanese comfort dish, comes with minced meat and a hidden onsen egg beneath it. Meant to be mixed together for a harmonious bite, the dish felt rather pedestrian in execution. While hearty in concept, it lacked depth and excitement, coming across as overly simple and underwhelming compared to expectations.

Pan-Roasted African Chicken 3.5/5

A stronger showing comes from the Pan-Roasted African Chicken ($9.80). This signature Macanese dish — influenced by Portuguese colonial history — features tender chicken coated in a rich, aromatic sauce made with peanut butter, coconut milk, and spices. The chicken was flavourful and tender, and the addition of a fried egg and quinoa made it a well-rounded, hearty meal. At under $10, it delivers solid value and stands out as one of the better dishes on the menu.

Madeleine’s Original Portuguese Egg Tarts’ return is both nostalgic and refreshing, especially with a young owner at the helm breathing new life into the brand. While the intention to preserve heritage while innovating is commendable, the execution across some dishes still requires refinement — particularly the signature egg tarts that built its reputation. That said, there is clear potential here. With time and consistency, this revival could very well find its footing and win over a new generation of diners while rekindling fond memories for returning fans.

Note: This is an invited tasting session.


Madeleine's
Aperia Mall
#01-54
12 Kallang Avenue
Singapore 339511
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Nearest MRT: Lavender (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 730am - 6pm
Sat-Sun: 730am - 7pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Lavender MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to the traffic junction of Kallang Road and Lavender Street. Cross the road. Turn left onto Lavender Street. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]