Yàn (宴) @ National Gallery Singapore - Savour the Flavours of Autumn with Yàn’s New Seasonal Nourishing Menu

Savour the flavours of Autumn with Yàn's new seasonal nourishing menu from 1 September to 31 October 2023. Marrying Yàn's forte in Cantonese cuisine and the spirit of the changing season, the restaurant's chefs have thoughtfully put together new selections that are wholesome and nourishing.

The menu offers both an a la carte list (from $12) and a 6-course set menu ($138 per diner, min. of 2 diners). We had the opportunity to sample dishes from both menus.

Mini Buddha Jumps Over the Wall 4.2/5

While the name says "mini", the portion of the Mini Buddha Jumps Over the Wall ($78 a la carte/part of 6-course set menu) was far from that. The comforting clear broth was a result of an eight-hour double boiling process. It features quality ingredients, including an Australian three-head whole abalone, sea cucumber, ginseng, pig's tendons and shiitake mushrooms.

Upon serving, the Australian three-head whole abalone is carefully separated from the pot, ready to be prepared as a second dish.

Australian Three-Head Whole Abalone 4.5/5

In its second preparation method, the Australian Three-Head Whole Abalone is thoroughly braised in oyster sauce and shrimp roe to enhance its presented flavours further. The abalone, cooked this way, was incredibly tender and carried the rich umami notes wonderfully.

Crispy Whole Quail 4/5

Inspired by the traditional Crispy Skin Chicken - Cui Pi Ji, Yàn has crafted its rendition featuring quail. The Crispy Whole Quail ($38 a la carte/part of 6-course set menu) is fried to a delicate crisp. It's served with minimal salt, pepper, and five-spice powder condiments, allowing the meat to take the spotlight.

Pan-fried Venison Steak with Chef’s Special Sauce 4/5

Another featured meat dish is the Pan-fried Venison Steak with Chef's Special Sauce ($12). This dish is a tribute to the 1970s period when Cantonese chefs explored adapting Western dishes to Cantonese palates. The New Zealand venison fillet is marinated in a special sauce mixture before being pan-fried and served with the reduced marinade.

Steamed Eel with Minced Garlic and Shredded Mandarin Peel 4.5/5

A unanimous favourite at the table was the Steamed Eel with Minced Garlic and Shredded Mandarin Peel ($20/100g a la carte/part of 6-course set menu). The intentional choice of eel aligns with its 'nourishing' theme and is thoughtfully deboned to pair with minced garlic, shredded Xin Hui mandarin peels and a Cantonese-style housemade light soy sauce. The peels were an interesting addition, with its bitter and citrusy notes.

Double-boiled Almond Cream Served in a Mini Pumpkin 4/5

We ended our meal with a nourishing dessert, the Double-boiled Almond Cream Served in a Mini Pumpkin (Part of $138 Set Menu). I am not a fan of almond creams, but I appreciated how fresh-tasting it was, with a mild sweetness and a lighter consistency.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Yan Restaurant (宴)
National Gallery Singapore
1 St Andrew's Road
#05-02
Singapore 178958
Tel: +65 63845585
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit D. Turn left and walk down North Bridge Road. Turn left onto Coleman Street. Walk down Coleman Street. Walk to destination. Journey time around 5 minutes. [Map]

TEMPT Gastrobar @ Purvis Street - 5-Sensory Gastrobar to Tantalise Your Taste Buds

TEMPT at Purvis Street is a captivating gastrobar that skillfully blends cross-culture cuisine, thanks to the talented Chef-owner Candice Leong, also known as The Gluttonous Temptress. With a focus on merging traditional techniques and modern preparation methods, TEMPT creates a delectable culinary journey that embraces the best of both worlds.

The ambience at TEMPT is nothing short of alluring, with a sultry and mischievous vibe that teases the senses. As you step in, French jazz and deep house tunes from Candice's personal playlist set the mood, creating a symphony that beautifully complements and contrasts the raw, exposed industrial interior. Located within a stunning 1893 heritage two-storey shophouse at 31 Purvis Street, TEMPT effortlessly blends historical charm with contemporary grittiness, making it a unique and delightful dining destination.

Schexy Schmalz & Churned Konbu Butter with sourdough 3.5/5

Our gastronomic adventure began with Sourdough ($16) paired with TEMPT's Schexy Schmalz, a homemade rendered pork lard with crackling and Churned Konbu Butter. Sinfully delicious, the rendered pork lard perfectly complemented the sourdough, creating a delightful indulgence.

Hokkaido Scallop Carpaccio 4/5

Next up was the Hokkaido Scallop Carpaccio ($24), accompanied by a scoop of wasabi-creme fraiche gelato and a shio koji nagaimo-jalapeno-caper salsa. The dish was light, refreshing, and expertly balanced to bring out the sweetness of the scallop.

Kangaroo Tartare 3.8/5

The Kangaroo Tartare ($28) was a standout option for those seeking an adventurous palate. The rich and intense kangaroo meat, balanced with toasted quinoa, pickled yellow beets, and shoyu garlic puree, provided an explosion of flavours that pleasantly surprised the taste buds.

Oxtail Croquettes 4/5

The Oxtail Croquettes ($18 for 3pc) were a delightful treat, boasting a crispy breadcrumb coat and a tender and flavorful oxtail meat interior. Paired with laksa leaf chimichurri, the croquettes were a harmonious blend of texture and taste.

Puffed Beef Tendons 4.2/5

The Puffed Beef Tendons ($24 for 3pc), topped with Jamon Iberico and Kaluga caviar, were a crispy delight that perfectly combined textures and flavours, offering a delightful treat for the palate.

5-Ingredient Creamy Lobster Broth 4.2/5

The 5-Ingredient Creamy Lobster Broth ($22) was a rich and intensely flavoured delight, enhanced by the aroma of curry leaves and served with lobster carpaccio (+$16), making it a must-try dish on the menu.

Gnaughty Gnudi 4.2/5

Gnaughty Gnudi ($24), gnocchi-like dumplings made with ricotta cheese and incorporating Ku Chye (garlic chives) and spinach, were a unique and pillowy-textured delight. The sage butter, semolina sauce and grated parmigiano beautifully complemented the dish.

Venison Loin 4/5

The Venison Loin ($38), cooked to a perfect pink, was paired with charred mustard greens and in-house fermented ume plum. While some found the venison slightly gamey, I enjoyed its flavour, especially when paired with the fruity notes of the fermented ume plum.

Coquelet 4.2/5

The Coquelet ($42), a whole French baby chicken deboned and stuffed with sticky rice and chestnut, showcased a fusion of Western and Asian influences. With sides like jamon and edamame, the dish was a delightful marriage of flavours.

Deep-fried  Baby Corn in Husk 2.8/5

The Deep-fried Baby Corn in Husk ($18 for 5pc), charred and crunchy, paired with konbu caramelized cream, was a visual and textural delight, even though I personally preferred sweeter corn.

Tempt's Adult "Bounty" Bar 4.2/5

To end the meal on a sweet note, we savoured Tempt's Adult "Bounty" Bar ($16), an enticing treat made with coconut cream and Malibu coconut liqueur encased in a dark chocolate shell. The dessert was like a heavenly ice cream encased in a divine dark coconut shell.

Overall, TEMPT's culinary experience was a journey of creativity and flavours, artfully curated by Chef Candice Leong. The innovative cross-cultural dishes showcased a perfect balance between authenticity and modernity, making TEMPT a captivating destination for food enthusiasts seeking a unique and memorable dining experience.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


TEMPT Gastrobar
31 Purvis Street
Singapore 188608
Tel: +65 8299 7382
Instagram
Nearest MRT: Esplanade (CC Line), Bugis (DT, EW Line), City Hall (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu, Sat: 5.30pm - 12midnight
Fri: 12pm - 3pm, 5.30pm - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk to traffic junction of Bras Basah Road and Beach Road. Cross the road and walk down Beach Road. Turn left onto Purvis Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Cut through Raffles City Shopping Centre to traffic junction of Bras Basah Road and North Bridge Road. Cross the road and walk down North Bridge Road. Turn right onto Purvis Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 7 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit C. Cut through Bugis Junction and walk to North Bridge Road. Cross the road and walk down North Bridge Road. Turn left onto Purvis Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 7 minutes. [Map]
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Honbo @ CHIJMES - Hong Kong's Homegrown Award Winning Burger Joint Opens In Singapore

Honbo, the award-winning home-grown burger joint hailing from Hong Kong, has arrived at CHIJMES with its first overseas outpost in Singapore. Serving American-style burgers crafted in-house by hand, Honbo's rendition uses its own imported corn-fed USDA Double Gold Beef directly from Wisconsin, USA, and paired with house-made potato milk buns, sauces and toppings. Notably, the potato milk buns are made from a patented all-natural exclusive recipe developed with renowned artisanal baker Eric Kayser, using only hand-mashed potatoes prepared in-house.

HONBO 1.5 4.5/5

Each patty is made with beef ground fresh daily in-house and only smashed on a flattop griddle upon order. The menu offers 2 types of patties - crispy (which is smashed thin patties) and thick. The HONBO Burger ranges from a single crispy patty all the way to four patties, with HONBO 1.5 ($23) being the most popular. It has three crispy patties, cheese, pickles, onion, and house sauce. Sourced from 36-month-old Holstein and Angus breed cattle that is valued for its deeper depth of flavour, the beef patty undeniably stood out with tantalising beefy notes. The fluffy potato buns were stars in their own right, with a tasty buttery crust and could hold their shape even under the weight of the ingredients. I love how the sharp and acidic raw onions and pickles cut through the richness with a tang.

The Gold Standard 4.2/5

The thick patty is showcased in the style of a basic Hamburger ($15) of a single thick beef patty, followed by a Cheeseburger range of single, double and The Gold Standard ($28). We had The Gold Standard, a double Cheeseburger with additional Applewood smoked bacon, complemented with pickles, onion, lettuce, and house sauce. While this was just as scrumptious with added freshness from the lettuce, I prefer the Honbo 1.5 as it offers an ideal bun-to-patty ratio.

To amp up the Honbo experience, try your burgers with the exclusively developed hot Flagrant Smash Sauce.

Scallop Burger 3.8/5

Limited for 3 months only, the Scallop Burger ($26) is an interesting option, comprising sashimi grade Hokkaido scallops dressed with Honbo's own piquant wasabi Pico De Gallo concoction. This was delectable with juicy scallops, but I prefer my burger to be more indulgent and sinfully delicious, like the above!

Chilli Fries 3.8/5

Sweet Potato Fries 3.8/5

For sides, the Chili Fries ($15) is highly raved for its robust chilli topping, which is for sale too! My all-time favourite Sweet Potato Fries ($8) took on a different look with a thick cut and a sugary crust. This unexpected touch of sweetness provided a delightful contrast to the savoury notes of the burgers, making them even more irresistible. I reckon they will be great with the chilli topping too.

Photos and words by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Honbo
CHIJMES
30 Victoria Street
#01-09
Singapore 187996
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line), Bras Basah (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Cut across Raffles City Shopping Centre to Bras Basah Road. At the junction of Bras Basah Road and North Bridge Road, cross the road to Chijmes. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Bras Basah MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk southwards towards Victoria Road. At the junction of Bras Basah Road and Victoria Road, cross the junction to Chijmes. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

15 Stamford by Alvin Leung @ The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore - Unveils New Tropical Sunday Champagne Brunch

15 Stamford by Alvin Leung at The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore announces the launch of their brand new Tropical Sunday Champagne Brunch. Held every Sunday, the brunch experience presents a buzzing atmosphere with live entertainment, thematic cocktails, and a wide variety of live stations serving modern Asian classics and mouth-watering grilled meats and seafood.

A highlight of any buffet spread is the cold seafood section. At 15 Stamford by Alvin Leung, guests have the luxury of feasting on the freshest Baby Lobsters, Tiger Prawns, Crayfish, Blue Mussels, Little Neck Clams and Seasonal Oysters, paired with unique condiment choices such as Thai assam vinaigrette, yuzu ponzu, cilantro and lime emulsion.

Sashimi lovers are in for a treat as they can indulge in a selection of the highest quality grade sashimi. The spread features tantalising options such as Tuna Akami, Hiramasa Kingfish, and Norwegian Salmon. Each piece of sashimi is a testament to the freshness and impeccable quality of the ingredients.

Various finest artisanal cuts grace the Charcuterie and Cured Fish Station. These include Beef Bresaola, Mortadella Bologna Pistachio and Jamón Ibérico De Bellota. Guests can also savour Hot Smoked Salmon and Smoked Haddock, both served with side options such as horseradish cream, Lilliput capers, marinated olives, and anchovies.

Save room for dishes from the Pasta & Noodles section. Make your own pasta with a choice of capellini, fettuccine or macaroni, to be cooked a la minute in sauces such as the luscious aged cheddar cheese sauce, Asian aglio olio with a mild spicy kick, classic basil pesto, decadent black truffle cream, and the fusion yellow curry cream. 15 Stamford's Signature Laksa will also be available in the noodles section for a bowl of rich, slurping goodness.

15 Stamford by Alvin Leung caters to a diverse range of taste preferences with its selection of local Asian delights. The inclusion of dishes like Sweet and Sour Prawns, Stir Fried Baby Kailan, Black Pepper Chicken, and a variety of dim sum items such as Siew Mai, Har Gow, and Chicken Char Siew Pau adds a delightful touch to the buffet spread.

The Tropical Sunday brunch would not be complete without Grill Carving and Rotisserie Spit Roast sections. Guests can look forward to succulent meats and seafood chargrilled to perfection. Pile your plates high with the Rotisserie Chicken, Hokkaido Pork Belly Char Siew, Angus Beef Rump Cap, Angus Beef Flank, and Angus Beef Ribeye freshly carved from the grill alongside spit-roasted Wild Red Snapper, Honey Glazed Ham, and Pasture Fed Lamb Leg. Amplify the flavours of the fork-tender meat with an array of sauces: adobo butter sauce, wood-smoked barbeque sauce, Asian chimichurri, Sarawak black pepper sauce, mentaiko hollandaise, and cilantro olive.

Round off the brunch on a sweet note with a selection of desserts. Guests can choose between three ice cream flavours: Chocolate Fudge, Thai Coconut, and Calamansi. There is also a Chocolate Fondue with roasted almonds, Valrhona chocolate balls, and seasonal fruits for dipping.

Not to be missed are the meticulously crafted treats such as Yuzu Meringue, Matcha Financier, Lemon Purple Velvet Mousse Cake, Pandan Fudge Cake, Assorted Macarons, and Peranakan Kueh.

Happening every Sunday, 15 Stamford by Alvin Leung's Tropical Sunday Brunch starts at $188++ with free-flowing cocktails, wines, beer, and Telmont Reservé Brut Champagne Brut; $218++ for Telmont Rosé Champagne; $248++ for a Billecart Rosé; or $268++ for Billecart Blanc de Blancs.

For booking enquiries, please contact +65 6715 6871 or email reservation.15stamford@kempinski.com. For more information, visit www.kempinski.com/singapore or follow them on Instagram for updates.

Photos and words by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food, and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting.


15 Stamford by Alvin Leung
The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore
15 Stamford Road
Singapore 178906
Tel: +65 6715 6871
Facebook
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Website
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 10.30pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A or D. Walk to traffic junction North Bridge Road and Stamford Road. Cross the road. Walk down Stamford Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

La Dame de Pic @ Raffles Singapore - Enliven The Tastebuds With Masterfully Crafted Creations Capturing The Emotions Of Spring In Multi-Course Dining Experience

La Dame de Pic at Raffles Singapore showcases the best of Spring's produce in its latest menu, celebrating the season's finest offerings. The Spring menu features a range of vibrant and delicate flavours, with new and refreshed signature dishes that perfectly capture the season's essence. In addition, guests can enjoy the taste of Spring's quintessential produce, including green and white asparagus, which adds to the overall bloom of the season.

The exquisite spring menu draws on Chef's creativity. It is presented as a 4-course menu Exploration (S$188++ per guest) during lunch on Fridays, as well as a 6-course menu Experience (S$248++ per guest) and 7-course menu Elegance (S$348++ per guest) for both lunch and dinner. Of the four amuse bouche, my favourite is the minimum tart topped with bafun uni.

Green Asparagus 4/5

As asparagus is in season, we also had the Green Asparagus for amuse bouche. I understand the asparagus was marinated overnight with sea salt to gently "cook" it while retaining its raw and tender texture. The seasonal ingredient is enhanced with ginger, wasabi's spiciness, and rocket and matcha's bitterness.

Kuruma Tiger Prawn 4.2/5

Next is the Kuruma Tiger Prawn resting on a bed of smoked burrata and topped with oscietra caviar. If I am not wrong, it is paired with a light and refreshing tomato broth that brightens the taste profile. It even comes with deep-fried prawn head, which can be eaten like a snack.

Les Berlingots 4.2/5

A iconic dish at La Dame de Pic is the Berlingots which is given its own local twist. The green-coloured triangle shaped pasta parcels are filled with pea puree, elevated with a sake and pepper leaf beurre blanc and roasted pistachios.

Langoustine 4.2/5

The Langoustine is presented at the dining table in a custom-made trolley and enhanced with freshly-grated cedrat. I have never seen such a huge aromatic French citrus fruit. A light tempura-like coating around the langoustine gives it a delightful textural contrast, accompanied by a moreish bite of romaine lettuce and nori.

A4 Wagyu Tenderloin 4.5/5

The A4 Wagyu Tenderloin is cooked using a time-honoured technique known as 'a la ficelle' giving it a beautiful tender texture. What I found interesting was using a clear consomme-like sauce for the beef instead of the usual rich brown-based sauce. It is a good pairing, allowing the beef's flavour to shine more.

Pre-Dessert Yogurt Espuma with Blood Orange and Pistachio 4.2/5

Brillat-Savarin 4.2/5

We had the Yogurt Espuma with Blood Orange and Pistachio for pre-dessert before moving to the Brillat-Savarin for dessert. It is like a cheese course served as a dessert with a brioche. It is served with jackfruit and orange blossom. However, the jackfruit brings a tad of bitterness to the finish, which I didn't enjoy.

Chocolate Mint Mousse

The Chocolate Mint Mousse was not only pretty in presentation but beautiful in taste too. On the plate, you can find different components, such as coconut panna cotta and sorbet. I am not much of a dessert person, but I cleaned the plate. It just showed how good it is.

Petit Four

Last but not least, we ended the Spring menu with the Petit Four for a wonderful meal.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


La Dame de Pic
Raffles Hotel Singapore
1 Beach Road
Singapore 189673
Tel: +65 63371886
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line), Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:

Lunch (Fri-Sat): 12pm - 145pm

Dinner (Tue-Sat): 630pm - 845pm
(Closed on Sun and Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit F. Walk to the junction of Beach Road and Bras Basah Road. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time is about 3 minutes. [Map]

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