Pacific Emporium @ Pan Pacific Singapore - Launches Festive Afternoon Tea For The Festive Season

Celebrate the festive season with Pacific Emporium’s Festive Afternoon Tea, a thoughtfully curated spread of savoury bites, festive sweets, Christmas-inspired scones, and a choice of mains. The experience is complemented with TWG tea or coffee, with the option to add on a glass of champagne to amp up the celebratory mood.

We started with a complimentary welcome drink, Cinnamon Spark, a sweet-citrusy blend of cinnamon-honey syrup, fresh lemon juice, and aromatic bitters, which nicely set the tone for the afternoon.

Turkey Slider

Each guest gets to choose one main. The Turkey Slider featured a juicy turkey patty tucked between buttery brioche, layered with sweet caramelised onions and cheese.

Sampler of Festive Sausages

The Sampler of Festive Sausages, which included a Basil Pesto Bratwurst and Garlic Butter Sausage, was well-seasoned and juicy.

Salmon & Cheese Roulade

Lobster Salad

The savoury bites include festive creations. The Salmon & Cheese Roulade was a classic pairing of smoked salmon and cream cheese, while the Lobster Salad, cleverly presented as a local-inspired kueh pie tee, proved a delightful surprise.

Apple & Walnut Savoury Tart

Other savouries included Prosciutto e Melone, offering a light and refreshing contrast, and the Apple & Walnut Savoury Tart, which delivered a buttery, nutty bite with a hint of freshness.

Grilled Chicken Choux Bun

Breaded Ham & Cheese Sandwich

The Grilled Chicken Choux Bun was sweet-savoury and filling, packed with a creamy yet chunky chicken filling. Breaded Ham & Cheese Sandwich was served hot and pleasantly different from the usual cold tea sandwiches.

Hazelnut Passion Fruit Log Cake

The sweet treats this season leaned towards citrusy notes. The Hazelnut Passion Fruit Log Cake was nutty and fragrant, made with buckwheat sponge and layered with tart passion fruit curd.

Earl Grey Lavender Log Cake

The iridescent Earl Grey Lavender Log Cake intrigued with its Earl Grey Tanariva mousse, though the crunchy dark chocolate tended to dominate the overall flavour.

Apricot Dianduja Tart

Raspberry Rosella Choux

My favourites were the Apricot Dianduja Tart and Raspberry Rosella Choux. The tart struck the right balance of sweetness, with distinct yet harmonious chocolate and apricot flavours. The choux, on the other hand, had a spot-on tartness that beautifully balanced the sweetness.

Lemon Hazelnut Madeleine

Scones

The Lemon Hazelnut Madeleine was buttery with a gentle citrus lift, while the scones were served with clotted cream, cherry jam, and chocolate hazelnut spread. They were decent, though not particularly memorable.

Overall, Pacific Emporium’s Festive Afternoon Tea is a well-rounded option for a relaxed, festive catch-up. In particular, the sweet options stood out for their well-balanced flavours and sweetness.

Festive Afternoon Tea
17 November – 31 December 2025
First Seating | 1:00pm – 3:00pm, Second Seating | 4:00pm – 6:00pm

Mondays to Fridays
$68++ per person
$88 ++ includes a glass of Taittinger Brut Réserve

Saturdays & Sundays, and 25 December 2025 (Buffet-style)
Adult: $78++
Child: $39++ (6 to 12 years old)

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.


Pacific Emporium
Pan Pacific Singapore
7 Raffles Boulevard
Level 1
Singapore 039595
Tel: +65 68268240
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Nearest MRT: Promenade (CC Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
1st Seating: 1-3pm
2nd Seating: 4-6pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

The Soup Expert @ Suntec City - Brings Its Signature “Soup in a Pot” to Singapore

Renowned as the number one “Soup in a Pot” brand with over 7.5 million teapots served, The Soup Expert marks its first overseas debut at Suntec City, Singapore, this October. Best known for its nourishing Cantonese double-boiled soups served in charming individual teapots, the dining experience here is both comforting and symbolic. The soups are raised, poured, and shared in a gesture akin to a toast.

There are eight different double-boiled soups on the menu, priced between $10.90 and $14.90, each formulated with specific nourishing and health benefits in mind.

Chinese Dates Fig Root Chicken Soup 4/5

We started with the Chinese Dates Fig Root Chicken Soup ($10.90), a light and soothing broth said to support digestion and breathing. Brewed for four hours, the soup draws out a clean chicken essence, complemented by jujubes and fig root, both known for their fibre content and digestive benefits. Subtle, gentle, and easy to drink, this comforting everyday soup doesn’t overwhelm the palate.

Black Garlic Beef Bone Soup 4.2/5

The Black Garlic Beef Bone Soup ($13.90) offers a deeper and more robust flavour profile, designed to boost strength and vitality. The slow-simmered beef bone base is enriched with the caramelised, slightly sweet notes of black garlic, which is believed to energise the body and support immune health. Compared to the chicken soup, this version is richer and more intense, making it a satisfying choice for those who prefer a bolder bowl.

Blue Friend Fried Rice 3.5/5

The Blue Friend Fried Rice ($15.90) is a playful, tongue-in-cheek dish. Presented as a striking blue pyramid of Dongbei rice tinted with blue pea flower, it is tossed with edamame, cashews, and almonds for added texture. Putting the eye-catching colour aside, the flavour surprisingly resembles pineapple fried rice, minus the pineapple, thanks to the sweet notes from raisins and the nutty crunch.

Crispy Juicy Boneless Fish 3.8/5

A family-friendly favourite, the Crispy Juicy Boneless Fish ($12.90) delivers exactly what its name promises. Crisp on the outside and unexpectedly juicy within, the fish is coated in a sweet sauce that complements its delicate flesh. A squeeze of calamansi adds brightness, lifting the overall flavour and enhancing enjoyment.

Fruity Sweet & Sour Pork 4/5

The Fruity Sweet & Sour Pork ($16.90) turns out to be a pleasant surprise. Chunky pieces of tender, juicy pork are encased in a thin, crispy batter and coated with a well-balanced sweet and sour sauce. Served atop a bed of ice, the dish plays with hot-and-cold contrast. The addition of fruits like melon, kiwi, and blueberries gives it a refreshing, fruity finish that keeps it from feeling too heavy.

Cooker-Baked Dang Gui Chicken (Half) 4.5/5

Who serves a dish in a rice cooker? The Soup Expert does. The Cooker-Baked Dang Gui Chicken ($18.90 for Half / $36.90 for Whole) arrives dramatically in a rice cooker, and it’s easily one of the highlights of the meal. The chicken is marinated for over 10 hours in a secret recipe before being infused with angelica root (dang gui), red dates, and goji berries during cooking. The result is tender, flavourful poultry bathed in a nourishing broth. It is an excellent representation of Chinese culinary wisdom where food and medicine seamlessly intertwine.

Overall, The Soup Expert delivers a comforting yet distinctive dining experience that places wellness at the forefront without compromising on flavour. From its thoughtfully prepared double-boiled soups to its hearty cooked dishes, this concept feels both traditional and refreshingly novel in Singapore’s dining scene.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


The Soup Expert
Suntect City
3 Temasek Boulevard
#03-315/316/331
Singapore 038983
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Nearest MRT: Promenade (CC, DT Line), Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 3pm, 5pm - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 6 minutes. [Map]

Robata Akari @ Duxton Hill - Showcases Traditional Robatayaki with Premium Ingredients

Robata Akari, located along Duxton Hill, is a Japanese robatayaki-style izakaya that opened in September 2025. The restaurant centres on the traditional robatayaki grilling technique, where premium ingredients are slow-grilled over charcoal, offering diners an authentic, communal Japanese dining experience in a warm, inviting setting.

We went with the Special Menu ($189), which provided a well-paced journey through appetisers, sashimi, grilled items and hearty mains. There is also a premium menu at $289.

Chef's Selection of 3 Appetisers 3.5/5

The meal began with the Chef's Selection of 3 Appetisers, featuring Wagyu with Sea Urchin, Cream Cheese with Wasabi, and Potato Salad. Among the trio, the Wagyu with Sea Urchin stood out effortlessly. The rich marbling of the wagyu paired beautifully with the briny sweetness of the uni, delivering a luxurious bite that set the tone for the meal.

Chilled Starters - Japanese Salad with Colourful Vegetables

The chilled course was a Japanese Salad with Colourful Vegetables. Unfussy and straightforward, it was light and refreshing, allowing the natural freshness of the greens to shine through. It's a good light starter before the heavier courses.

Sashimi - Chef's Selection of Sashimi 5 Kinds 4/5

Next came the Chef's Selection of Sashimi 5 Kinds, comprising Salmon, Bonito, Tuna, Yellowtail, and Shrimp topped with Salmon Roe. Each slice was fresh and clean-tasting, showcasing high-quality seafood with a balanced mix of textures and flavours.

Deep-Fried - Seasonal Vegetable & Agedashi Tofu 4/5

For the deep-fried course, we had Agedashi Tofu paired with capsicum and Eggplant. The tofu was soft and silky inside, with a light exterior that absorbed the savoury sauce nicely.

Akari's Special - Premium Wagyu Shabu-Shabu/ Sukiyaki 4.5/5

The highlight of the Special Menu is undoubtedly Akari's Premium Wagyu, available as either shabu-shabu or sukiyaki. I opted for the shabu-shabu, which allowed the beautifully marbled wagyu to shine. The beef was incredibly tender, delivering a melt-in-the-mouth texture with rich, beefy flavours.

Robata-Grilled - Eggplant 2.5/5

A series of robata-grilled selections followed, showcasing the restaurant's robata-grilling techniques. The Eggplant paired with Bonito came first, with the skin removed to reveal a very soft interior. Unfortunately, this dish did not quite resonate with me, as the flavours felt relatively mild and the texture leaned towards the mushy side.

Robata-Grilled - Black Cod 3.8/5

The Robata-Grilled Black Cod fared much better, offering a rich, buttery flesh with a pleasing crisp on the skin.

Robata-Grilled - Salmon with Salmon Roe 3.8/5

This was followed by the Robata-Grilled Salmon topped with Salmon Roe, which was cooked precisely, resulting in a moist texture without being dry, reflecting good control over the grilling timing.

Robata-Grilled - Chicken Meatballs with Egg Yolk 3/5

Rounding off the robata items were the Chicken Meatballs with Egg Yolk; while flavourful, the texture was a little too soft for my personal liking, making it less memorable compared to the other grilled dishes.

Claypot Rice with Wagyu & Corn 3.8/5

The Claypot Rice with Wagyu & Corn was a comforting and satisfying dish. The rice was fragrant, infused with wagyu fat for added depth, while the corn introduced a pleasant sweetness and textural contrast.

Dessert - Sweet Potato & Vanilla Ice Cream 3/5

Dessert was Sweet Potato with Vanilla Ice Cream. The sweet potato was naturally sweet with light smoky notes from the fire, pairing nicely with the cold, creamy vanilla ice cream for a simple yet effective hot-and-cold contrast.

Black Throat Sea Perch 4.5/5

We also tried the Black Throat Sea Perch from the à la carte menu. Skewered and slow-grilled over charcoal in irori style, the fish was evenly cooked, moist, and naturally sweet, allowing its quality to shine without excessive seasoning.

Overall, Robata Akari delivers a refined robatayaki experience, with strong execution of its grilled items and premium ingredients, making it a noteworthy addition to Singapore's Japanese dining scene — especially for those who appreciate charcoal-grilled flavours executed with restraint and precision.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Robata Akari
10 Duxton Hill
Singapore 089594
Tel: +65 9647 5330
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Nearest MRT: Maxwell (TE Line), Outram Park (EW, NE, TE Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 5pm - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Cross the road and walk to Duxton Road. Walk down Duxton Road. Turn right onto Duxton Hill. Walk down Duxton Hill. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 3 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road and walk to Craig Road. Walk down Craig Road towards Neil Road. Turn left onto Neil Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 6 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to the staircase behind the open-air car park. Take the stairs to Duxton Plain Park. Turn right and walk down Duxton Plain Park. Cross the tunnel, take the stairs to the road level and walk down Neil Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time bout 6 minutes. [Map]

The Masses @ Arcade The Capitol Kempinski - Celebrates The Festive Season with 7-Course Chef Menu Priced at $68.90 per pax

The Masses is ringing in the festive season with a playful, French-Asian inspired Christmas and New Year menu that showcases Chef Dylan’s signature flair for bold flavours, familiar comforts, and unexpected twists. We were invited to preview the 7-Course Chef Menu (from $68.90 per pax) and their seasonal beverages. What unfolded was a lively mix of colours, textures and creative pairings that will spark conversation around the table.

The Jingle Juice and The Grinch 3/5

We began with two festive drinks created specially for the season - The Jingle Juice and The Grinch. The Jingle Juice ($7.90/glass or $17.90/jug) is a refreshing cranberry-apple mocktail brightened with lime and mint. It tastes exactly as cheerful as it looks, making it an easy pick for non-alcohol drinkers. The Grinch ($18/glass or $49.90/jug), on the other hand, is a melon-liqueur and Prosecco cocktail that arrives in a gorgeous sparkling green. Visually enticing, though we found the flavour slightly muted compared to its vibrant appearance.

Home Made “Rainbow” Brioche 4/5

Louis Oyster 3.8/5

Gougeres 3/5

The meal opens with a trio of breads and snacks, and the standout for us was the Home Made “Rainbow” Brioche, which came warm, crusty, and beautifully speckled with pecans and prunes for added dimension. Slightly dense but very satisfying, especially when paired with the accompanying umami butter.

The Louis Oyster, topped with Bloody Mary, lime and a rim of smoked chilli salt, brings acidity and spice, though subtly. The Gougeres, stuffed with black truffle and finished with melted comté and kumquat, were adorable and aromatic, but flavour-wise leaned milder than expected.

Wagyu Beef Tartare 3.5/5

Kawaebi Pasta 4.2/5

Foie Gras 4.2/5

Among the four starter options, our table sampled three. The Wagyu Beef Tartare surprised us with the clever addition of nashi pear, which added crunch and gentle sweetness to balance the beef. The Kawaebi Pasta was easily the most memorable, packed with “prawn mee” umami thanks to Penang laksa prawn stock, minced pork, confit lemon, kawaebi shrimp and tiger prawn. What the menu didn’t mention but elevated the dish tremendously was the pork lard hidden within.

If you want something indulgent, the Foie Gras (+$15) is a worthy upgrade. Generously portioned, luscious and beautifully complemented by cranberry mostarda, petite apple and poultry jus.

Duo Irish Duck 3.8/5

Halibut 4/5

We continued with all three main options. The Duo Irish Duck features a flavourful confit portion and a tender duck breast, which is slightly gamey for my palate but still well-executed. The carrot-tangerine purée was bright, though the purple cabbage purée felt less cohesive, and we ultimately preferred the duck enjoyed on its own.

The Halibut was the favourite among us! A moist, clean-tasting fillet sitting atop a luxurious shellfish fondue hidden underneath. Elegant, balanced and something I would return specifically to order.

Wagyu Petite Tender 4/5

For beef lovers, the Wagyu Petite Tender (+$15) is a satisfying upgrade. The meat is fork-tender, but the true scene-stealer is the much-talked-about potato pavé that we absolutely couldn’t get enough of. While the miso aubergine purée added depth, it didn’t particularly enhance the wagyu itself.

Blood Orange Granita 3.8/5

A refreshing interlude arrives before desserts: the Blood Orange Granita, which reminded us of a refined take on mango-pomelo dessert. The combination of mango sorbet and pomelo works as a bright palate cleanser after the richer courses.

Chestnut Crème Caramel 3/5

Truffle & Tulakalum 3/5

There are two dessert choices. The Chestnut Crème Caramel brings together chestnut ice cream, gingerbread spice and spiced honey under a crème brûlée. Individually, each element is enjoyable, but together the flavours didn’t harmonise as well as expected.

The Truffle & Tulakalum is undoubtedly unique, with a heavy focus on truffles. The truffle ice cream, however, was a touch oily, likely due to truffle oil, but the Valrhona dark chocolate ganache and mousse were rich and well executed.

In true Chef Dylan fashion, the festive menu is creative, bold and peppered with unexpected pairings that make dining here a lively experience. While not every component landed perfectly for us, the menu offers variety, value and conversation-worthy dishes especially for festive gatherings with friends and loved ones.

Aside from the 7-Course Chef Menu, diners can also opt for a 10-Course Communal Menu ($68.90 per pax, min. 3 pax) and a 2-Course Lunch Menu (from $30.90 per pax) if you’re planning a daytime get-together.

Photos and words by Jaslyn. An avid cook who lives to eat and travel for food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


The Masses
Arcade @ The Capitol Kempinski
13 Stamford Road
#01-84
Singapore 178905
Tel: +65 6518 4988
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 1130am - 1030pm
Sun: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit B. Cross the road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]