Butcher’s Block @ Raffles Hotel Singapore - Welcomes The Season of Renewal With Spring IMUA Tasting Menu

At Butcher's Block, the latest Spring IMUA tasting menu celebrates the restaurant's signature wood-fired cooking, whole animal butchery, and zero-waste philosophy. Showcasing seasonal produce alongside returning favourites, the multi-course experience is complemented by thoughtfully curated wine pairings.

Big Eye Ahi Poke Tartlet

Blackmore Farms Wagyu Beef Pipikaula

The meal began with the Big Eye Ahi Poke Tartlet. Crowned with premium Osetra caviar, the bite-sized snack whetted the appetite with intense savouriness and a creamy finish. Alongside were ribbons of Blackmore Farms Wagyu Beef Pipikaula, complemented by moreish Beef Fat Fried Rice that delivered deep, umami-rich notes.

Grilled Green Asparagus

Smoked Ahi Pâté

The next appetiser featured slices of Grilled Green Asparagus paired with lacto-fermented white asparagus. Smoky and earthy, the dish was balanced by a panna cotta at the base, made with asparagus stems, which also added a subtle creaminess to the mouthfeel. Accompanying this was a Smoked Ahi Pâté, crafted with gently smoked tuna belly. A crunchy, burnt leek churro, savoury with a hint of sweetness, formed the tart base, slathered with the pâté and topped with slices of smoked Japanese saba. Each bite delivered layers of texture and flavour, with full-bodied richness.

Lomi Lomi Kombu-Cured Big Eye Ahi

The following course, Lomi Lomi Kombu-Cured Big Eye Ahi, offered a punchy, citrusy, and herbaceous flavour profile that lifted and complemented the delicately Hawaiian-cured fish.

Western Plains Kalua Pork

Next came the Western Plains Kalua Pork, a colourful representation of the traditional Hawaiian dish. Rolled in savoy cabbage, the pork was succulent, carrying a bold, salty punch and a distinctive smokiness. Balancing its hearty taste were velvety sweet potato purée and luscious coconut cream, which added a gentle sweetness and rounded out the flavours.

Huli-Huli Dry-Aged Duck

The Huli-Huli Dry-Aged Duck is one of the restaurant's signature courses, conceptualised to showcase different parts of the Malaysia-sourced duck. For this season, the plate featured 21-day dry-aged duck breast, served alongside a duck leg foie gras terrine and a duck liver parfait tartlet topped with duck heart bushi. The level of thought and craftsmanship behind the dish was impressive. Turning the duck heart into a bushi was particularly intriguing, underscoring the restaurant's commitment to its zero-waste philosophy.

Japanese Kinmedai

The next course highlighted Japanese Kinmedai, featuring a lightly grilled 3-day dry-aged fillet. It was topped with a layer of flavoursome nduja gratin made from the trimmings of the Blackmore Farms cattle that Butcher's Block brings in, and finished with a seaweed and fennel beurre blanc. The interplay of flavours was interesting, with the smoky richness of the nduja complementing the fish's heightened oceanic flavours.

Blackmore Farms Full-Blood Wagyu Beef

The final main course, Blackmore Farms Full-Blood Wagyu Beef, served as a fitting finale. The dish delivered an intensely smoky Wagyu meatloaf alongside dry-aged, koji-marinated beef. Completing the plate was an indulgent potato mille-feuille fried in beef fat rendered from the same Blackmore Farms cow, tying the dish back to the restaurant's whole-animal ethos.

Blooming of Spring

Blooming of Spring, a refreshing combination of compressed cucumber, cantaloupe sorbet, and Monkey's Milk, was served as a palate cleanser.

Memoir

The dinner experience concluded with Memoir, a dessert inspired by the chef's personal journey. The composition brought together ponzu gelée, nori ice cream and caramel. An interesting detail about this dessert is the chef's discovery that blending nori with milk produces a flavour reminiscent of matcha, a nuance reflected in the dessert's flavour profile.

The Spring IMUA tasting menu is available from now until 30 May 2026 and is served at both lunch and dinner. For a more elevated experience, you may opt for the Dom Pérignon Prestige Pairing.

Spring IMUA Tasting Menu
Lunch: S$168++ per guest
Tailored Wine Pairing: S$138++ per guest
Dinner: S$228++ per guest
Tailored Wine Pairing: S$168++ per guest
Dom Pérignon Prestige Pairing: S$408++, served for the whole table
Booking Link: https://www.sevenrooms.com/explore/butchersblock/reservations

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.


Butcher's Block
Raffles Hotel Singapore
Raffles Arcade
328 North Bridge Road
#02-02
Singapore 188719
Tel: +65 6337 1886
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line), Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Lunch (Wed-Sat): 12pm - 230pm
Dinner (Tue-Sat): 6pm - 930pm
(Closed on Sun and Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to the junction of North Bridge Road and Bras Basah Road. Cross the road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit F. Walk to Beach Road. Cross the road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

FOC Restaurant @ Keong Saik - Reintroduced Signature Spanish Dishes That Defined A Decade in Singapore

FOC Restaurant has settled comfortably into its new home along Keong Saik Road, 6 months after relocating from its original space. The long-standing Spanish establishment continues its legacy of Catalan hospitality, serving bold flavours and refined plates that have defined the restaurant in Singapore for over a decade.

As the Lunar New Year festivities wind down, it’s a good time to take a break from reunion feasts and rediscover the vibrant flavours of Spain. With its cosy ambience, thoughtfully crafted dishes and well-balanced cocktails, FOC makes for a lovely spot for date nights, celebratory gatherings or a relaxed evening out.

Foie Gras Terrine & Ahrenka Caviar in Crispy Phyllo 5/5

Sea Urchin, King Crab & Tarragon Butter on Toast 3.5/5

We started the evening with two snacks. The Foie Gras Terrine & Ahrenka Caviar in Crispy Phyllo ($20 / 2pcs) was an instant highlight. The buttery foie gras terrine is sandwiched between a delicate, crispy phyllo shell and crowned with briny Ahrenka caviar. Each bite delivers a rich, indulgent contrast of textures that is crisp, creamy and luxurious.

Next was the Sea Urchin, King Crab & Tarragon Butter on Toast ($32 / 2pcs). While lighter in comparison, it carries a deep umami flavour from the sea urchin and sweet king crab, complemented by aromatic tarragon butter. It was enjoyable, though slightly overshadowed by the decadence of the foie gras bite.

“Huevos Rotos” Japanese Egg 4/5

Argentinian Prawns ‘al Ajillo’ 4.5/5

For tapas, we tried two classics. The “Huevos Rotos” Japanese Egg ($22) is served with crispy potatoes, Iberico ham, piquillo peppers and a light foam. Breaking the egg over the potatoes creates a comforting, creamy mix of textures. While the dish was enjoyable, we wished the smoky sweetness and spice from the piquillo peppers came through a little more prominently.

The Argentinian Prawns ‘al Ajillo’ ($32), on the other hand, was a standout. The prawns are cooked in a fragrant garlic sauce and paired with a spicy white bean emulsion that adds creaminess and depth. The sauce was so addictive that we happily mopped up every last drop with toast.

Seafood ‘Senyoret’ Paella 4/5

No Spanish meal is complete without paella, and the Seafood ‘Senyoret’ Paella ($54) delivers a generous spread of seafood including Carabinero red prawns, Hokkaido scallops and squid. The seafood was impressively fresh and sweet, and the flavours were well-balanced throughout the dish. We personally would have liked the rice to be slightly more al dente with a more pronounced socarrat (the prized crispy layer at the bottom), but overall, it remains a very solid and satisfying paella.

Suckling Pig with Cabbage ‘Trinxat’ 4.5/5

Another highlight of the evening was the Suckling Pig with Cabbage ‘Trinxat’ ($12 / 100g). The pork was incredibly tender, with beautifully crisp crackling skin that provided a satisfying contrast in texture. There was a slight gaminess to the meat, though the accompanying sauce and the earthy cabbage trinxat helped balance the flavours nicely. It’s a dish that showcases the richness and rustic charm of traditional Spanish cooking.

Flaming Grand Marnier Baba 4/5

To end the meal, we had the Flaming Grand Marnier Baba ($16) served with vanilla ice cream and confit orange. The dessert is theatrically finished tableside, flambéed with whisky while guests are warned about the robust alcohol kick. The baba itself is wonderfully soft and fluffy, soaking up the fragrant liqueur while remaining moist and airy inside. Paired with the creamy vanilla ice cream and citrusy orange, it makes for a lovely dessert to share.

FOC’s new Keong Saik space feels intimate, polished and welcoming. We were seated at the counter, which allowed us to watch the chefs in action, which is a delightful experience for food lovers who enjoy seeing the craft behind the dishes.

With its cosy atmosphere, attentive service and consistently well-executed Spanish cuisine, FOC remains a wonderful spot for special occasions, date nights or relaxed gatherings over good food and drinks. For those looking to visit during the day, FOC also offers a Weekday Lunch Promotion: a 3-course set lunch for $56++, with 1 diner free for every 4 guests, making it an attractive option for group lunches.

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


FOC Restaurant
32 Keong Saik Road
Singapore 089139
Tel: +65 6206 5810
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Nearest MRT: Outram Park (EW, NE, TE Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 12pm - 1130pm
Fri-Sat: 12pm - 12midnight
Sun: 6pm - 1130pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk straight towards Kreta Ayer Road. Turn right onto Keong Siak Road. Walk down Keong Siak Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Walk straight down Neil Road to Keong Saik Road. Turn right onto Keong Saik Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 3 minutes. [Map]

Honō 焱 Omakase @ International Plaza - Most Theatrical Omakase Experience in Singapore

Honō 焱 Omakase is arguably one of the most theatrical omakase experiences in Singapore now. Built around the concept of the “Magic of Fire,” guests are invited on a multi-sensory dining journey where flames, smoke, and Japanese culinary techniques create a visually captivating performance alongside each dish.

This presentation style may not appeal to purists who prefer a more traditional, understated omakase experience. Still, it offers a novel and exciting approach for diners who enjoy that touch of theatrics and dramatic presentation with their meal.

For lunch, Honō 焱 Omakase offers two menus priced at $138 and $168. Dinner features more elaborate experiences and premium ingredients, with the $238 Supreme Omakase and the $268 Ultimate Omakase.

Chawanmushi 4.2/5

In some restaurants, guests may be given a shot of dashi to start. Here, we were served a bowl of Chawanmushi with foie gras, Ikura, and mushrooms as a warm introduction to the evening.

Appetiser 4/5

The appetiser plate arrived shrouded in wispy plumes of mystery, created with the use of dry ice. It featured three small bites: baby eel, prawn tempura, and yuba topped with uni and caviar. Decorative popcorn was scattered across the plate, which turned out to be edible as well, adding a playful touch to the dish.

Baby Abalone

This Baby Abalone dish arrived covered by a paper cone, and we were given a match to light it. As the cone burned away, complete with a sprinkle of gold dust for added flair, it revealed a bowl of stewed baby abalone with pumpkin, mushrooms, and broccoli. The chef then ladled over a tasty, savoury sauce. Drama aside, it was a hearty and satisfying dish that I enjoyed very much.

Sashimi 4/5

The sashimi course was presented in a wooden box filled with billowing smoke. When the lid was lifted, it revealed an assortment of fresh cuts: Amberjack, Seabream, and premium fatty Tuna Belly, all topped with gold dust for good measure.

Tempura 4/5

The tempura course was one of my favourites, featuring deep-fried Amberjack accompanied by shiso leaf tempura, pumpkin purée, green pepper, and garlic chips. Happily, the fish was perfectly fried, crisp on the outside while remaining moist and flaky inside.

Sushi 4.2/5

What followed was a curated series of sushi courses: the delicate Kinmedai with Kombu, the tender Sea Robin, brightened with a hint of yuzu; warm, fatty Aburi Engawa topped with nutty mullet roe; and Botan Ebi paired with rich foie gras.

Uni 4.5/5

For the next course, be ready to use your hands: the chef gently places Uni on the back of your palm, then blows a shimmering, delicate bubble over it, turning the bite into a fleeting balancing act.

Chutoro 4.5/5

The next presentation gave us some edible jewellery: the chef presented each of us with a ceramic ring, placed a decadent Chutoro sushi topped with caviar on the flat top, and finished with a generous sprinkle of gold dust. A proposal we were happy to accept (and eat).

Wagyu Truffle Somen 4.2/5

The Wagyu Truffle Somen was also presented with a cloud of dry ice and smoke. It was a delight, with silky somen strands paired with tender, melt-in-your-mouth wagyu, a classic flavour combination that I love.

Clam Soup 4.2/5

To finish, the Hamaguri Clam with clear soup was simple yet satisfying. The clam was large and tender, and its natural brininess enriched the light, flavourful broth.

Dessert was presented on an elevated platform, with a carbon ring below ignited to create a magical, sparkling effect. We enjoyed a Monaka with Goma Ice Cream, along with premium Melon and White Strawberries. The combination was very pleasing. My tip is to eat the fruits first, to fully appreciate their sweetness before enjoying the ice cream.

Overall, this was a fun and interactive omakase experience, and the food was enjoyable. The theatrical elements added a lot of visual flair and creativity, though at times they shifted focus from the flavours themselves. Skill and care were evident in each dish, but the many details, such as spraying gold dust, pumping smoke, and lighting fires, kept the chefs quite busy, which, in a way, distracted them from the focus on the chef’s craft and the quality of the ingredients.

Perhaps it reflects the need to maximise every aspect of a dining experience, from flavour to presentation and entertainment, all at once. In Singapore’s highly competitive dining landscape, such theatrics may well be necessary to stand out. In any case, it made for a lively and engaging meal and would make for a nice special occasion celebration.


Hono Omakase
International Plaza
10 Anson Road
#01-50A
Singapore 079903
Tel: +65 9822 1722
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm
Sun: 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 3 minutes. [Map]

Wenzhou Mansion @ Tanjong Pagar Road - First Jiangsu-Zhejiang Fine-Dining Restaurant in Singapore Dedicated to Wenzhou Cuisine

A new expression of refinement arrives at Wenzhou Mansion, Singapore's first and only Jiangsu-Zhejiang fine dining restaurant dedicated exclusively to Wenzhou cuisine. Opened in Tanjong Pagar in August 2025, the establishment presents the culinary traditions of Wenzhou through time-honoured intangible heritage techniques and the natural flavours of East China Sea seafood. Wenzhou cuisine is one of the four major schools of Jiangzhe cuisine, itself recognised as one of China's eight great culinary traditions. Wenzhou Mansion is guided by Mr Li Chuhua, an officially recognised Intangible Cultural Heritage inheritor of Wenzhou cuisine. Drawing on decades of experience, he curates the menu around experience-driven techniques, from handling live seafood to home-style braising and lightly fermented preparations.

Sliced Wenzhou Kailan 温州芥兰片 4.2/5

We began with a series of cold appetisers, starting with the Sliced Wenzhou Kailan ($28). At first glance, the dish resembles cucumber slices, but it is actually crafted from the Kailan stem. Lightly pickled in a sweet-and-sour marinade, the stems offer a crisp bite with a bright, balanced tang that is both refreshing and moreish.

Shredded Chicken with Jellyfish 海蜇手撕鸡 4.2/5

The Shredded Chicken with Jellyfish ($68) features tender shredded chicken paired with jellyfish for a lovely textural contrast. High in protein and low in fat, the dish reflects the harmony of coastal food culture, where land and sea ingredients meet. This dish is notably light and refreshing.

Coriander with Sakura Shrimp 樱花虾皮拌香菜 4/5

In the Coriander with Sakura Shrimp ($25), sweet, crisp sakura shrimp are combined with aromatic notes of coriander. This clean, thoughtfully composed dish is designed to reset the palate, though it may be an acquired taste for those who do not enjoy coriander.

Raw Marinated Wenzhou Swimming Crab 温州江蟹生 4.5/5

A signature of Wenzhou-style raw marination, the Raw Marinated Wenzhou Swimming Crab ($128/portion) features live swimming crab prepared with traditional techniques. Often praised as the "ice cream of the sea," the flesh is delicately tender and refreshingly chilled. Cured in an in-house blend of sauces and spices, this is a highly appetising alternative to Teochew or Korean raw crab versions.

Duck Tongue & Fish Cake Platter 温州鸭舌拼鱼饼 3.5/5

The Duck Tongue & Fish Cake Platter ($58) offers two traditional staples. The Fish Cake, made from minced East China Sea fish and pork fat, is steamed to a springy, savoury finish. The Duck Tongues are braised and then sun-dried, offering a rich soy-braised aroma. In the Wenzhou dialect, "duck tongue" sounds like a phrase meaning "to earn and prosper," making it a popular auspicious starter at banquets.

Wenzhou Fish Ball & Pork Wonton Soup 温州鱼丸肉燕汤 分位 4/5

The Wenzhou Fish Ball & Pork Wonton Soup (from $35) showcases culinary craftsmanship through a traditional pounding technique. The springy bite of the fish balls contrasts beautifully with the smooth, slightly crisp pork dumplings. The texture of the pork dumplings reminded me of local fish skin dumplings (魚皮餃).

Large East China Sea Yellow Croaker with Scallion Oil 葱油东海特大黄鱼 4/5

The Large East China Sea Yellow Croaker with Scallion Oil ($158 for regular / $398 for large) features an ingredient revered as the "gold of the sea". Prized for its garlic-clove–shaped flesh, the fish is lightly steamed to preserve its silken texture. It is finished with fragrant scallion oil, bloomed in hot oil to draw out its inherent sweetness.

Home-style Braised Mantis Shrimp with Shredded Radish 家烧虾姑萝卜丝 4.2/5

The Home-style Braised Mantis Shrimp with Shredded Radish (Seasonal Price) is a comforting dish brimming with everyday warmth. The highlight is the delicious, addictive sauce, best absorbed by the shredded radish.

Steamed Roe Crab with Minced Pork and Pumpkin 南瓜肉饼蒸青膏蟹 4/5

The Steamed Roe Crab with Minced Pork and Pumpkin ($378) is served with claypot rice. As it steams, the seafood juices meld with the rich savouriness of Iberico pork, infusing the soft pumpkin below with layered, harmonious flavour.

Crispy Baby Roasted Duck with Peppercorn 大红袍花椒小乳鸭 4.5/5

A standout was the Crispy Baby Roasted Duck with Peppercorn ($98). It is unique to see duck prepared in a roasted pigeon style, a technique I haven't encountered in other Chinese restaurants in Singapore. Crispy on the outside and juicy within, it carries the aromatic, gentle numbing heat of Da Hong Pao peppercorns.

Stir-Fried Beef with Wild Chinese Chives 沙葱炒牛肉 4.2/5

In the Stir-Fried Beef with Wild Chinese Chives ($78), wild sand scallions from the Gobi Desert are wok-fired at high heat with tender beef. The result is a fragrant harmony of crisp and succulent textures.

Pea Shoots with Seaweed in Superior Broth 紫菜上汤豌豆苗 4.5/5

The Pea Shoots with Seaweed in Superior Broth ($38) is a delicate vegetarian "double fresh" dish. The silky, briny seaweed pairs perfectly with the springtime sweetness of the crisp pea shoots.

Wenzhou Stir-fried Rice Noodles 温州炒粉干 4/5

The Wenzhou Stir-fried Rice Noodles ($28 Small / $48 Large) are soft and supple with a gentle chew. The rice vermicelli effectively absorbs the aromas of the accompanying ingredients, resulting in a deeply savoury finish.

Glutinous Rice Balls with Water Chestnut Dessert 汤圆马蹄爽 4.2/5

To end, the Glutinous Rice Balls with Water Chestnut Dessert ($12 per serving) offers a refreshing sweetness. The crisp water chestnuts balance the rich, chewy dumplings, leaving a light, springy finish on the palate.

Overall, Wenzhou Mansion offers a rare and refined look at a heritage cuisine seldom seen in such detail in Singapore. The focus on seafood freshness and intangible cultural techniques makes it a must-visit for lovers of regional Chinese fare.

Note: This is an invited tasting


Wenzhou Mansion
60, 62, 64 Tanjong Pagar Road
Singapore 088481
Tel: +65 9697 1668
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Cross the road to Duxton Road. Walk down Duxton Road. Turn left onto Duxton Hill towards Tanjong Pagar Road. Turn right onto Tanjong Pagar Road and walk to the destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road. Turn right and walk to the destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]