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
Facebook
Instagram
Website
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]

Alice Boulangerie @ Raffles City - Bakery by Day, Cosy Dinner Spot by Night

Alice Boulangerie has embarked on an exciting new chapter with the opening of its charming new outlet at Raffles City, designed to be a bakery by day and a cosy dinner spot by night. Featuring a refreshed all-day dine-in menu alongside a brunch selection, guests can look forward to hearty, deeply comforting dishes that uphold the high quality Alice Boulangerie is known for. The outlet also debuts the new bakery concept Fine Crumbs, which operates until 5:30pm and offers a delightful range of 25 creative types of sweet and savoury buns that appeal to both the eyes and the taste buds.

Tiger Prawn Toast 4.2/5

We started our dinner with the Tiger Prawn Toast ($22), where chopped tiger prawns are tossed in a creamy blend of Dijon mustard, mayo, yoghurt, and a dash of Tabasco, then generously layered over airy and soft house-made brioche toast.

Beef Tongue Skewers 4.2/5

A unique starter would be the grilled Beef Tongue Skewers ($22), which is charcoal-grilled with an ale glaze, then topped with green harissa and crispy chicken skin. There’s also a little hint of spiciness that adds an interesting kick to the dish.

Hokkaido Scallop Crudo 4.5/5

The Hokkaido Scallop Crudo ($24) was a standout, featuring sashimi-grade Hokkaido scallops dressed in a zesty ponzu, drizzled with laksa leaf oil, and served with julienned Thai green mango and red chilli to round off this bright and refreshing appetiser.

Grilled Spring Chicken 4.5/5

Honestly, between the two main courses we tried, we couldn't decide if we liked the chicken or the fish more because both are excellent and worth ordering. The Grilled Spring Chicken ($48) was very impressive for how tender and juicy it was. The meat is definitely not dry at all! A whole baby spring chicken is marinated overnight in an aromatic achiote pepper glaze and spice blend, then charcoal-grilled till perfection with a hint of smokiness. It's served with charred broccolini on the side, and also comes with two sauces: a garlic aioli and a sambal cincalok that is super addictive! It's quite a large portion, so this is good for sharing.

Aqua Pazza 4.5/5

The Aqua Pazza ($39) is equally good, featuring seared, flaky smoked black cod in a tangy tomato sauce brimming with black olives, pearl onions, capers and cherry tomatoes. If you enjoy puttanesca sauce, you will love this. There are also deep-fried fish strips reminiscent of childhood cuttlefish snacks.

We also got to try some of the buns from Fine Crumbs, where each bun is crafted with premium Japanese flour using the traditional Yudane method, which locks in moisture to create a soft, chewy texture. The dough undergoes a slow 12-hour natural fermentation, free from artificial additives or bread improvers, allowing flavours and structure to develop gently and naturally. From fermentation to proofing, every step is meticulously monitored to achieve the perfect light, airy crumb.

Mentaiko Prawn Bun 4/5

We tried two of the savoury buns, starting with the Mentaiko Prawn Bun ($5.2), a charcoal bun stuffed with chopped tiger prawns and tobiko, tossed in creamy mentaiko mayo, and paired with a refreshing purple cabbage slaw and a tomato slice for crunch and balance.

Bulgogi Beef Bun 3.8/5

Next was the Bulgogi Beef Bun ($5.7), where tender, marinated beef in a savoury-sweet glaze, paired with red and green chilli, roasted sesame and purple cabbage, all nestled in a soft, golden corn bun. Finished with a touch of mustard mayo, this hearty bun delivers familiar Korean-inspired flavours.

Black Sesame Peanut Mochi Bun 4/5

For the sweet buns, the Black Sesame Peanut Mochi Bun ($4.8) is a soft black sesame bun filled with rich black sesame paste and chewy mochi, topped with a generous coating of fragrant ground peanuts. It’s quite an interesting bite that honours local favourites.

Matcha Nama Chocolate 4.2/5

Matcha Nama Chocolate Bun ($6.5) is a green, fluffy matcha bun dusted with matcha powder and filled with a thick slab of luscious matcha nama chocolate and light mascarpone cream. This is great for the matcha lovers. I liked it a lot.

With 25 interesting flavours on the menu, we're definitely keen to come back and try more! Some of the other savoury buns that caught our eye include the Charred Corn Bun, Big Brekkie Bun with roasted bell pepper, scrambled egg and streaky bacon, Truffle Portobello Bun, Pesto Chicken Bun, and the Croque Monsieur Bun.

As for the sweet treats, the Strawberry Milk Loaf, Yuzu Meringue, and Chocolate Banana Tart are high on our list! Do note that Fine Crumbs Bakery only operates until 5.30pm, after which they focus on serving their dine-in menu and wine list.

Penned by Shermine. Through her pictures and stories, she shares her journey of savouring new flavours and experiences. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Alice Boulangerie
Raffles City
252 North Bridge Road
#01-22A
Singapore 179103
Tel: +65 8083 5315
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 930am - 1030pm
Fri-Sat: 930am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to destination (facing Raffles Hotel). Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Choon Hoy Parlor @ Arcade The Capitol Kempinski - Bringing A Delicious New Chapter to Singapore Soul Food

After a successful debut at Beach Road in May 2024, Choon Hoy Parlor has now found its new home at Arcade @ The Capitol Kempinski, sitting right next to Chef Dylan Ong’s other venture, The Masses. This latest iteration of the restaurant continues its heartfelt tribute to Chef Dylan’s beloved mother, with a concept rooted in nostalgic home-style cooking but given refined, modern interpretations.

Roti Bakar 3.5/5

The humble kaya toast gets a modern lift with the Roti Bakar ($8.90). Crisp toast is layered with coffee butter and salted egg kaya, then crowned with smoked lumpfish caviar. While this twist on the traditional Hainanese breakfast is inventive, the fusion of flavours may not be for everyone, but it certainly makes for a conversation starter.

Oriental Charcuterie Board 4/5

One of the more surprising highlights is the Oriental Charcuterie Board ($25.90). This dish cleverly reimagines the Western classic with an Asian twist — think house-cured XO lap cheong, duck liver sausage, waxed duck, and kampot pepper sausage, all paired with crispy you tiao and tempeh. A trio of punchy sides, including pickled mango with belachan, achar, and fu ru (fermented beancurd) labneh, adds bright acidity and complexity.

Marinated Kingfish 4.2/5

Inspired by hawker-style yusheng, the Marinated Kingfish ($19.90) features sashimi-style kingfish tossed in a tangy, spicy dressing of chilli oil, calamansi, and She De Baijiu. Topped with endives and fresh herbs, this is a refreshing, elegant dish that still pays homage to its street food roots.

Buah Keluak Typhoon Soft Shell Crab 4/5

A bold twist on the classic typhoon shelter-style crab, the Buah Keluak Typhoon Soft Shell Crab ($25.90) features lightly battered and deep-fried soft shell crab topped with a heady mix of stir-fried aromatics — garlic, shallots, dried shrimp, fresh chilli, and the unmistakably earthy buah keluak. It’s a punchy, umami-laden flavour bomb with layers of texture that make each bite immensely satisfying.

Same Same But Different Pork Satay 4.2/5

The Same Same But Different Pork Satay ($16.90/$31.90) is a clever reimagining of satay as a DIY experience. Grilled pork is served with popiah skin wraps, pineapple jam, peanut sauce, and fresh herbs — think of it as satay meets Korean BBQ. It's fun, flavourful, and highly customisable.

Chye Ber aka Vegetable Ends 5/5

One of the standout dishes of the evening was the Chye Ber aka Vegetable Ends ($16.90). It reminded me of a similar rendition from Liu Fu Si Fang Cai, but this version takes it up a notch. The assorted vegetable ends are stewed until meltingly tender in a tangy, garlicky gravy made with tamarind, tomato, and dried chilli, enriched further with the richness of pig trotter. The result is a deeply comforting dish with an elevated, robust flavour profile.

Morel Silkie Chicken Consomme 4.5/5

The Morel Silkie Chicken Consommé ($14.90/$34.90) offers delicate clarity and depth. The double-boiled broth, infused with morels, cordyceps, and honey dates, is reminiscent of traditional Chinese herbal soups but elevated in its finesse.

Mocha Prime Pork Ribs 4.2/5

Taking cues from the classic coffee pork ribs, Mocha Prime Pork Ribs ($25.90) ups the ante with 15-hour sous vide ribs, a sticky coffee glaze, and a velvety Vietnamese egg coffee espuma. Finished with pistachios and cocoa nibs, this dish brings creativity and decadence in equal measure.

Assam Stingray 4.8/5

A new menu addition, the Assam Stingray ($39.90), impressed with its bright, tangy Malay-style gravy packed with tamarind, lemongrass, and lime juice. The stingray was tender, and the medley of vegetables — brinjal, tomato, okra, and pineapple — lent a balanced sweet-sour complexity. It is one of the most complete and compelling dishes on the menu.

Claypot Dry Laksa 4.2/5

The Claypot Dry Laksa ($18.90/$33.90) is one for laksa lovers seeking something novel. Cooked in a claypot for added wok hei, the dish delivers intense laksa rempah flavour, bolstered by cockles, prawns, beansprouts, and sinful pork lard. It's a satisfying, punchy reinterpretation.

Trio of Orh Nee 4/5

We wrapped up the meal with the Trio of Orh Nee ($12.90), a modern reinterpretation of one of Chef Dylan’s cherished childhood desserts. This playful version features a medley of yam, sweet potato, and purple potato, enriched with brown butter and maple syrup for added depth. Served with coconut ice cream, chewy taro balls, ginkgo nuts, and a delicate pork lard tuile, it’s a whimsical yet heartfelt tribute to a classic heirloom recipe.

Baijiu & Lychee 4/5

Finishing on a tropical note, the Baijiu & Lychee ($13.90) is a layered dessert of pineapple chutney, lychee salsa, foams and sorbets, brightened with perilla and cooled with coconut ice cream. It’s refreshing, well-executed, and slightly boozy in a good way.

Choon Hoy Parlor continues to shine in its new location at Arcade @ The Capitol Kempinski, delivering heartfelt, elevated renditions of familiar Asian comfort food. Chef Dylan Ong masterfully blends nostalgia with innovation, paying tribute to his mother’s home-cooked meals while introducing creative twists that surprise and delight. With its soulful flavours, thoughtful execution, and playful reinterpretations, Choon Hoy Parlor offers a dining experience that feels both personal and refreshingly modern — a true celebration of heritage with a contemporary edge.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Choon Hoy Parlor
Arcade @ The Capitol Kempinski
15 Stamford Road
#01-84A
Singapore 178905
Tel: +65 6266 0061
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 930pm

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

Xiao Hun Mian 大師兄銷魂麵舖 (Spicy Noodle SG) @ Raffles City - Taiwan’s Famous “Soul-Stirring” Spicy Noodles Debuts in Singapore

Taiwan's renowned Xiao Hun Mian 大師兄銷魂麵舖 (Spicy Noodle) has finally landed on Singapore shores, opening its very first outlet at Raffles City Shopping Centre. With 18 outlets across Taiwan and queues that can stretch up to two hours, this noodle brand has built a cult following for its handmade noodles paired with its signature Master Chilli Oil and a drop said to stir the soul.

At the heart of the menu is the Spicy Beef Soup Set ($24.80). While the beef soup is served on the side, the real highlight is the bowl of handmade Xiao Hun Noodles, tossed in a trifecta of sauces: the house-made Master Chilli Sauce, Master Chilli Oil, and a secret noodle sauce. It may look deceptively plain, but this bowl packs an intense, addictive flavour. The noodles themselves are next-level. It was chewy, springy, and undeniably slurp-worthy. We found ourselves ordering an extra bowl of just the noodles to relive that divine texture.

Spicy Beef Soup Set 4/5

The Spicy Beef Soup, made by simmering beef bones for over 6 hours, was comforting but fell a little short on intensity. While warm and soothing, it lacked the depth and boldness we were hoping for, especially when paired with the fiery kick of the noodles.

Mild Beef Soup Set 3.8/5

For those who prefer a gentler kick, there's the Mild Beef Soup Set ($18.80). The broth is cleaner and more refreshing, making it perfect for diners who prefer a milder experience but still want to enjoy the noodle experience.

Fried Dough Fritters 3/5

The sides here are worth exploring too. The Fried Dough Fritters ($4.50), better known as you tiao in our local context, are perfect for dunking into the beef soup, much like how Singaporeans enjoy them with Bak Kut Teh.

Garlic Cucumber 3.5/5

We also enjoyed the Garlic Cucumber ($3.80), a crunchy, chilled side dish that resets the palate between bites with its tangy, garlicky notes. Another worthy companion is the Spicy Braised Spongy Tofu and Soy Chip ($4.50), which delivers both texture and umami, making it a solid accompaniment to the main noodle sets.

Spicy Braised Spongy Tofu and Soy Chip 3.8/5

Overall, Xiao Hun Mian offers a satisfying introduction to Taiwanese-style spicy noodles with standout textures and bold flavours. While the broth could use a little more punch, the noodles themselves are truly the soul of the dish, justifying the hype and long lines back in Taiwan. It's definitely worth a try for fans of beef noodles, spice lovers, and curious foodies alike.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Xiao Hun Mian 大師兄銷魂麵舖
(Spicy Noodle SG)
Raffles City
252 North Bridge Road
#B1-38 
Singapore 179103
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]