Butcher's Block @ Raffles Hotel Singapore - Unveils Autumn IMUA Wood-Fire Tasting Menu

Back at Butcher’s Block at Raffles Hotel Singapore, I returned to experience the new Autumn IMUA Wood-Fire Tasting Menu, priced at $178++ per person. Helmed by Chef Jordan Keao, the tasting menu showcases his culinary philosophy through the art of wood-fire cooking, whole-animal butchery and a zero-waste approach to ingredients. Drawing inspiration from his Hawaiian roots, Chef Jordan brings together premium produce, bold flavours and the primal appeal of cooking over an open fire, creating a dining experience that celebrates both craftsmanship and sustainability.

Brioche Bread 4/5

We kicked off the meal with the Brioche Bread, which has become a signature at Butcher’s Block. Soft, fluffy and delightfully pillowy, the brioche had a tender crumb that made it an inviting start to the meal. Its gentle richness and buttery aroma set the tone for the courses that followed.

Blackmore Farms Wagyu Beef Pipikaula | Beef Fat Fried Rice 4.2/5

The opening snack, Blackmore Farms Wagyu Beef Pipikaula, delivered an immediate punch of flavour. Inspired by pipikaula, a traditional Hawaiian-style dried beef preparation, Chef Jordan elevates the humble snack with premium Blackmore Farms Australian full-blood Wagyu rump. The beef is marinated in a house-made garlic shoyu blend, aged for up to two months, lightly cured and dried before being finished over the wood fire. The result is a deeply savoury piece of Wagyu with concentrated beefy flavours, a hint of smokiness and a satisfying chew. It is paired with a compact cube of crispy fried rice, prepared using rendered beef fat from the trimmings of the same Wagyu. The rice delivers a crisp exterior and a savoury richness that complements the tender beef beautifully. This small but flavour-packed bite exemplifies the restaurant’s whole-animal butchery and zero-waste philosophy.

Bluefin Tuna Poke Tartlet | Premium Osetra Caviar 4.2/5

Another bite-sized creation draws inspiration from the Hawaiian staple of poke. Premium sushi-grade Bluefin Tuna is diced and seasoned, then nestled inside an intricately patterned, crisp tartlet shell. A generous topping of premium Osetra caviar adds a luxurious finishing touch. The tuna offers a rich, buttery texture, while the delicate pastry provides a pleasing crunch. The caviar adds a refined brininess, with each pearl popping gently on the palate to enhance the tuna's natural richness. This elegant interpretation of poke transforms a familiar Hawaiian dish into a refined one-bite indulgence.

Lomi Lomi 4/5

Chef Jordan’s interpretation of Lomi Lomi reimagines the traditional Hawaiian preparation into a refreshing seafood course. Rather than the classic combination of salted salmon, tomatoes, and onions, this version features jewel-toned beet-cured Bluefin tuna and delicate smoked Kanpachi, arranged with a lightness that lets the seafood take centre stage. The beet cure lends the Bluefin tuna a striking colour and subtle earthy notes, while the smoked Kanpachi introduces a gentle smokiness that ties the dish back to the restaurant’s wood-fired cooking. At the centre is a quenelle of tomato sorbet, accompanied by clear tomato water that brings a clean, savoury acidity to the plate. A drizzle of aromatic marigold oil adds a delicate floral note, rounding out the dish with a refreshing finish. The interplay of cool seafood, bright tomato and gentle smoke makes this a lighter interlude in the tasting menu, offering a welcome contrast to the richer meat courses.

Huli-Huli Dry-Aged Duck 4.5/5

The Huli-Huli Dry-Aged Duck showcases two preparations of duck, allowing diners to appreciate different textures from the same ingredient. The duck breast is slow-roasted over the wood fire and glazed with a house-made Huli-Huli sauce, inspired by the Hawaiian tradition of turning and grilling meat over a flame. The glaze lends the duck a savoury-sweet character, complementing the rich flavour developed through dry-ageing and wood-fire cooking. Japanese curry spice adds a gentle warmth, while the kabocha purée provides a smooth, naturally sweet counterpoint to the meat. For contrast, the duck leg is prepared as a katsu. Coated in a crisp crust, it offers a satisfying crunch before giving way to tender, flavourful meat within. Serving both the roasted breast and crispy leg on one plate makes this a particularly enjoyable expression of duck's versatility.

Smoked Arctic Char 4.2/5

The Smoked Arctic Char brings a comforting fish-and-rice combination into a more refined setting. The fish is lightly seasoned to preserve its natural flavour, with smoking lending subtle depth without overwhelming its delicate character. It rests on limu congee, a nod to the Hawaiian affinity for seaweed, while a bed of cauliflower froth adds a light, creamy element. A piece of crispy fish skin provides textural contrast, and premium Osetra caviar contributes a delicate brininess that complements the seafood. The combination of tender fish, comforting congee and airy cauliflower creates a balanced course that feels both familiar and luxurious. It also shows how Chef Jordan incorporates elements of his Hawaiian heritage into a contemporary tasting menu.

Lumina Farm Lamb Trio 4.5/5

The Lumina Farm Lamb Trio celebrates three different cuts of lamb on a single plate: leg, saddle and rack. Each cut offers its own character, allowing diners to appreciate the differences in texture and flavour across the animal. Cooked over the wood fire, the lamb develops a beautifully caramelised exterior while retaining its natural juiciness. The leg offers a hearty, meaty bite, while the saddle provides a tender texture and the rack delivers a satisfying balance of meat and richness. To accompany the trio, pumpkin purée introduces a gentle sweetness that complements the lamb’s savoury notes. Mint brings a refreshing herbal lift, while crème fraîche adds a subtle tang and creamy finish. Together, the accompaniments keep the plate from feeling too heavy, allowing the lamb's flavour to remain the focus.

Pumpkin Pie 4/5

For dessert, the Pumpkin Pie takes a deconstructed approach to the familiar autumn favourite. Instead of a conventional pastry pie, the dish celebrates the natural sweetness of kabocha, or Japanese pumpkin, known for its dense flesh and nutty flavour. The pumpkin is transformed into a velvety-smooth purée, with gentle spices adding warmth and depth. Wood-fire cooking lends another layer of character, bringing out the pumpkin’s natural sweetness. Pumpkin seeds provide a nutty crunch, creating a welcome textural contrast against the smooth purée. It is a restrained yet comforting finish to the meal, allowing the seasonal ingredient to shine without relying on excessive sweetness.

The Autumn IMUA Wood-Fire Tasting Menu at Butcher’s Block offers an engaging showcase of Chef Jordan Keao’s culinary philosophy, bringing together the bold flavours of Hawaiian-inspired cooking, premium ingredients and the distinctive character of wood-fire preparation. At $178++ per person, the Autumn IMUA Wood-Fire Tasting Menu offers diners a premium tasting experience that goes beyond conventional fine dining, with the open fire playing an integral role in the flavour and identity of each course.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


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]

Kai Garden @ Marina Square - FREE Signature Peking Duck with $288 Spend

I was back at Kai Garden at Marina Square with my foodie friends for dinner recently, and this time I took the opportunity to check out some of its ongoing promotions. The one that caught our attention was the Peking Duck Promotion; diners can get a FREE Signature Whole Peking Duck (U.P. $128) with a minimum spend of $288 on a single receipt. If you enjoy a good Peking Duck feast, this promotion is worth considering, especially when dining with friends or family.

Signature Crispy Peking Duck 4.5/5

The Signature Crispy Peking Duck ($128++) is one of my favourites in Singapore, featuring beautifully crisp skin and succulent duck meat. What sets it apart is the selection of five colourful wraps – Original, Pumpkin, Spinach, Bamboo Charcoal and Beetroot – paired with five dipping sauces: Traditional, Black Pepper, Sesame, Seafood and Special Mixed, allowing diners to customise each bite.

The highlight is undoubtedly the crispy skin, which delivers that satisfying crackle while retaining its rich flavour. Wrapped together with the accompanying condiments and your preferred sauce, each bite offers a balance of crispiness, savouriness and fragrance. I like having the flexibility to mix and match the wraps and sauces, creating different combinations throughout the meal.

Beyond the crispy skin, I particularly enjoy the remaining duck meat, which is chopped into pieces after the skin is shaved off. The meat is succulent and flavourful, making it just as enjoyable as the skin wrapped with the accompanying condiments. Note that you need to pre-order the Peking Duck to enjoy the promotion.

Baked BBQ Honey Pork Pastry 4.2/5

The Baked BBQ Honey Pork Pastry ($9.80) was another highlight and one of the better versions I have tried. The pastry features a rich, buttery crust with delicate, flaky layers that break apart beautifully with each bite. The exterior is tender rather than overly hard, yet sturdy enough to hold the generous filling.

Inside, the barbecue pork filling strikes a pleasing balance between sweet and savoury. The honey glaze adds fragrant sweetness without becoming cloying, while the generous portion of tender, moist barbecue pork makes every bite satisfying. The contrast between the flaky pastry and the juicy filling makes this a dim sum item I would happily order again.

Fish Maw Soup in Stone Pot 4.5/5

The Fish Maw Soup in Stone Pot is another signature offering at Kai Garden. Served bubbling hot in a preheated stone pot, the soup arrives with an enticing aroma and stays warm throughout the meal. The broth is thick and velvety, with a rich, savoury depth that suggests hours of slow simmering. Its gelatinous texture gives it a luxurious mouthfeel, while the fish maw is thick, plump, and spongy, soaking up the broth's flavours beautifully.

The soup comes with a crispy deep-fried dough stick on the side. I like dipping it directly into the hot broth, allowing the crunchy exterior to absorb the savoury soup. As it softens, the dough stick takes on the rich flavours while providing a contrasting texture to the smooth broth and tender fish maw. It is a comforting dish that is particularly enjoyable to share at the table.

Braised Radish with Fish Maw and Shark's Fin 4.8/5

Another premium Cantonese offering is the Braised Radish with Fish Maw and Shark's Fin. The dish centres on a deeply savoury superior broth. The broth is rich and aromatic, with a golden hue that reflects its concentrated flavour. The radish is particularly enjoyable, braised until tender enough to absorb the broth's essence. Rather than retaining a sharp, raw radish flavour, the chunks soften and become juicy, releasing the savoury broth with every bite. The fish maw adds a pleasingly gelatinous texture, while the delicate strands of shark's fin contribute to the dish's luxurious presentation. Together, the ingredients create a comforting Cantonese-style braise that showcases the depth of flavour achieved through slow cooking.

Stir-Fried Asparagus, Gingko Nuts, Wild Fungus 4.2/5

After the richer dishes, the Stir-Fried Asparagus, Gingko Nuts and Wild Fungus ($24) provided a welcome change of pace. The asparagus was cooked to retain its vibrant green colour and crisp bite, allowing its natural sweetness to shine through. The gingko nuts added a mild, slightly bitter note, while the wild mushrooms brought an earthy flavour to the dish. Black fungus, with its distinctive crunchy, slightly gelatinous texture, added another layer of contrast. Lightly seasoned and not overly heavy, this vegetable dish offered a refreshing balance to the table's more indulgent offerings. I appreciated the ingredients' freshness and crunch, making it a good accompaniment to the Peking Duck and braised dishes.

Signature Fried Rice 4.2/5

We rounded off the meal with the Signature Fried Rice, a familiar staple that is easy to overlook but can make a difference to the overall dining experience. The rice grains were well separated, with a texture that was moist on the inside yet relatively dry on the outside. It was not greasy, letting the rice flavours come through without feeling too heavy after the preceding dishes. What made the fried rice more interesting was the addition of rice crackers on top. These introduced a light, crispy crunch that contrasted nicely with the soft rice grains, adding texture to every spoonful. It was a satisfying way to round off our dinner.

With the Peking Duck Promotion offering a complimentary Signature Whole Peking Duck (U.P. $128) when diners spend $288 in a single receipt, it is a good opportunity for those planning a gathering over a Cantonese feast. Just remember to pre-order the Peking Duck and check the promotion's terms and conditions when making your reservation. Kai Garden at Marina Square remains a great option when you are looking for Cantonese cuisine with signature dishes to share over a meal with friends and family.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Kai Garden
Marina Square
6 Raffles Boulevard
#03-128A/128B
Singapore 039594
Tel: +65 62504826
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Nearest MRT: Esplanade (CC Line), Promenade (CC, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 330pm, 6pm - 11pm
Sat-Sun: 11am - 4pm, 6pm - 11pm

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

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

Prego @ Fairmont Singapore - A Journey Through Campania Wine Dinner

PREGO at Fairmont Singapore recently hosted a six-course Campania wine dinner, A Journey Through Campania, featuring Mastroberardino wines and celebrating Campania's renowned wines and culinary traditions. Curated by Chef Davide, the six-course experience focused on the ingredient-driven simplicity and fresh Mediterranean seafood of Southern Italy.

Pizza Fritta

Bellavista Franciacorta Alma Gran Cuvée Brut

The evening began with a panipuri-shaped Pizza Fritta, a moreish bite of creamy Stracciatella with a savoury kick from anchovies, accented with lemon zest. It was paired with Bellavista Franciacorta Alma Gran Cuvée Brut, a premium Italian sparkling wine from Lombardy, crafted using the traditional bottle-fermented method similar to Champagne.

Panzanella di Mare

Mastro Campania Bianco IGT 2024

The main menu began with Panzanella di Mare, a classic Campania-style salad that offered an enjoyable interplay of textures, with chunky mixed Mediterranean seafood and crunchy Friselle bread. Tropea onions and baked Piennolo tomatoes brought sweetness, while celery and basil added freshness. I paired it with the bright, medium-bodied Mastro Campania Bianco IGT 2024.

La Genovese

Radici Fiano di Avellino DOCG 2019

My favourite of the evening was the following course, La Genovese, a family-style dish we learnt was born of scarcity, when adding a generous amount of onions to meat helped bulk up a meal. The eight-hour-cooked onion and beef ragu was unctuous, with sweet, jammy onions and beef that had fallen completely apart. The rigatoni was cooked just al dente, holding up well to the rich sauce. Balancing the course beautifully was Radici Fiano di Avellino DOCG 2019, a Campania white known for its crisp acidity.

Riso e Cozze

Mastro Rosso Campania IGT 2024

Next came Riso e Cozze. What stood out for me about this Carnaroli risotto was the heady black pepper and tomato 'Impepata' sauce, which accentuated the meaty black mussels. The risotto was a little undercooked for my liking, but the sauce's punchy flavours made for an on-point pairing with Mastro Rosso Campania IGT 2024.

Polpo alla Luciana

Radici Taurasi DOCG 2019

Concluding the savoury courses was a stunning Polpo alla Luciana, a traditional Neapolitan stew of octopus leg cooked in a vibrant tomato sauce, savoury and tart with a substantial amount of capers and olives. Because stewed octopus can be relatively mild, the punchy sauce gave the dish plenty of character, while creating a delicious contrast with the decadent, buttery mashed potatoes. Holding up to the richness of the dish was the bold and relatively intense Radici Taurasi DOCG 2019.

Il Babà

The sweet ending to the wine dinner was Il Babà, a traditional Babà soaked in Limoncello syrup, offering a bright, citrusy finish to the meal.

A Journey Through Campania was part of Prego’s wine dinner series held in collaboration with Mastroberardino. The six-course dinner was priced at S$138++ per person.

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.


Prego
Fairmont Singapore
80 Bras Basah Road
Level 1
Singapore 189560
Tel: +65 64316156
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line), Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Tue, Thu-Fri: 12pm - 230pm, 3pm - 1030pm
Wed: 12pm - 2pm
Sat-Sun: 1215pm - 230pm, 3pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT Station. Take Exit A. Cut through Raffles City Shopping Centre and walk to the destination. Journey time is about 3 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Esplanade MRT Station. Take Exit G. Walk to destination. Journey time is about 3 minutes. [Map]

Linkus (临家) Singapore @ Suntec City - A Taste of Minnan Heritage in the Heart of Singapore

If you have ever found yourself craving the refined, ingredient-driven comfort of Minnan (Hokkien) cuisine without the flight to Fujian, a new culinary landmark has quietly taken root at Suntec City. Linkus (临家), a celebrated institution founded in Xiamen in 2004 with over two decades of heritage, has officially opened its first international outpost in Singapore.

Stepping away from the bustling mall corridors into the restaurant’s dark-wood, lantern-lit dining hall feels less like entering a typical mall eatery and more like being welcomed into a neighbour’s home—true to their name, “Linjia” (临家). Moving beyond the familiar local Hokkien favourites, Linkus invites diners to rediscover the roots of Minnan cuisine, which champions natural flavours over heavy seasoning. With accolades such as the “Golden Wutong” award under its belt, expectations are naturally high. Here’s how it fares.

Xiamen Tusundong Jelly 厦门土笋冻 4.2/5

Xiamen Tusundong Jelly 厦门土笋冻 ($3.50) may be a bold introduction for the uninitiated, but it is also one of the most culturally authentic offerings on the menu. A traditional chilled snack from Xiamen, Tusundong is crafted using marine sipunculid worms, commonly known as sand worms, harvested from coastal mudflats. The preparation is meticulous. The worms are thoroughly cleaned before being boiled, releasing natural collagen into the broth. Once cooled, the liquid sets into a clear, firm jelly with the worms suspended inside. The result is a visually intriguing dish with a cool, bouncy “QQ” texture. Each bite delivers a gentle crunch from the worms, reminiscent of bamboo clams, paired with a savoury, tangy dipping sauce that lifts the overall profile. Surprisingly refreshing and texturally fascinating, it is an adventurous start that pays off.

Original Flavour Native Pork Soup 临家土猪肉汤 4/5

The Original Flavour Native Pork Soup 临家土猪肉汤 ($12.90) is a seemingly simple dish, yet one that embodies the soul of Minnan cooking. This clear, unadorned soup highlights Linkus’ “farm-to-table” philosophy, using high-quality native pork (土猪肉) prized for its depth of flavour. Slow-boiled with patience, the broth emerges crystal clear yet deeply flavourful, carrying a natural sweetness that lingers on the palate. There are no heavy seasonings or embellishments; it’s just pure, honest cooking. The pork pieces are tender yet retain a pleasant bite, free from any gamey notes. It is comforting, restorative, and quietly impressive in its restraint.

Buddha Jumps Over the Wall in Original Broth with Shark Fin 佛跐墙原汤烧鱼翅 4.5/5

Buddha Jumps Over the Wall in Original Broth with Shark Fin 佛跐墙原汤烧鱼翅 ($58). Instead of the traditional, lavish medley associated with Buddha Jumps Over the Wall, Linkus presents a refined interpretation focused on the broth itself. Using the essence of the original dish as a base, the soup delivers a rich, collagen-laden depth without the full extravagance. The shark fin adds a delicate, slightly crisp texture, beautifully absorbing the luxurious broth. This approach allows diners to experience the iconic dish’s signature richness at a more accessible price point, while retaining its essence of indulgence and sophistication.

Braised Pork Wonton with Taiwan Daylily 台湾黄花菜煮肉燕 4.5/5

The Braised Pork Wonton with Taiwan Daylily 台湾黄花菜煮肉燕 ($22.90) showcases one of Fujian cuisine’s most prized delicacies — Rouyan (肉燕). Unlike conventional wontons, the wrapper here is crafted from a hand-pounded mixture of lean pork and sweet potato starch, resulting in a translucent, paper-thin skin with a distinctive “snappy” bite. The texture is silky yet resilient, offering a refined mouthfeel that sets it apart. Filled with seasoned pork and served in a light, savoury broth, the dish is further elevated by the addition of Taiwan daylily. The vegetable introduces a subtle floral sweetness and gentle crunch, balancing the richness of the meat. Each bite is layered, delicate, and deeply satisfying.

Quanzhou Mee Sua with Fritters 泉州舌尖面线糊 5/5

The Quanzhou Mee Sua with Fritters 泉州舌尖面线糊 ($19.90 Small) is arguably the heart and soul of the menu. This dish is a masterclass in comfort food. Unlike typical noodle soups, the mee sua here is simmered until it dissolves into a thick, velvety, almost porridge-like consistency. The result is a rich, starchy broth that is smooth, warming, and incredibly soothing. The addition of You Tiao (fried dough fritters) is essential—crisp on the outside yet airy inside, they soak up the broth while retaining structure. The interplay between the silky noodles and the crunchy fritters creates a deeply satisfying textural contrast. Simple in appearance but profound in execution, this is a must-order.

Hand-Picked Crab Meat with Amaranth 手剥蟹肉浸苋菜 4/5

The Hand-Picked Crab Meat with Amaranth 手剥蟹肉浸苋菜 ($25.90) exemplifies how humble ingredients can be elevated through thoughtful execution. The vibrant amaranth greens, known for their earthy sweetness and striking magenta hue, are gently simmered in a light broth. Topped with generous portions of hand-picked crab meat, the dish achieves a delicate balance between land and sea. The sweetness of the crab enhances the greens’ vegetal notes, while the broth remains light and clean, allowing both elements to shine. Nutritious, elegant, and comforting all at once.

Puff Pastry Curry Snow Beef Steak 酥皮咖喱雪花牛排 4.2/5

The Puff Pastry Curry Snow Beef Steak 酥皮咖喱雪花牛排 ($32.90) is a creative fusion that bridges Minnan sensibilities with Southeast Asian influence. This dish presents a marbled “snow beef” steak encased in a golden puff pastry. The pastry is light, flaky, and buttery, shattering delicately with each bite. Inside, the beef is tender and succulent, slow-cooked to a melt-in-the-mouth texture. Paired with an aromatic curry sauce, the dish delivers layers of flavour, from the richness of the beef to the warm spice of the curry, while maintaining a balanced profile. It is indulgent without being overwhelming.

Linkus (临家) brings something refreshingly different to Singapore’s dining scene, not just another Chinese restaurant, but a thoughtful revival of Minnan culinary heritage. Its strength lies in its restraint, allowing premium ingredients and time-honoured techniques to take centre stage. From the adventurous Tusundong Jelly to the deeply comforting Mee Sua, the menu offers both discovery and nostalgia. While some dishes may challenge the uninitiated, they ultimately reward with authenticity and depth. For those willing to explore beyond familiar flavours, Linkus offers a meaningful and memorable dining experience.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Linkus (临家) Singapore
Suntec City
3 Temasek Boulevard
#01-436
Singapore 038983
Tel: +65 8985 7888
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Promenade (CC, DT Line), Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 5pm - 930pm

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]

Baia @ Esplanade Mall - Rooftop Dining with Marina Bay Views and Mediterranean Fare Under $30

Baia at Esplanade Mall is a rooftop dining lounge bar by the ilLido Group. It has recently revamped its menu, introducing a refreshed lineup of Mediterranean dishes available for both lunch and dinner. The menu is thoughtfully structured, spanning bar bites, starters, mains, and desserts, with concise selections for each course. All food and cocktails are kept under $30, alongside a rotating three-course weekday lunch set ($28++), which further enhances its appeal for daytime dining.

Hamachi Tartare 4.5/5

We started with an elegantly plated Hamachi Tartare ($16), topped with salmon pearls. The dressing was vibrant and herbaceous, with acidity, and the saltiness of the ikura complemented the diced hamachi, creating a bright and tantalising start.

Duck Samosas 4.8/5

Moving on to richer flavours, we had the Duck Samosas ($18) with whipped foie gras and pistachios, as well as the Mezze Platter ($24). The duck filling in the samosas was deeply satisfying, reminiscent of a duck rillette. At the same time, the slightly funky whipped foie gras was velvety and luscious, adding depth and mouthfeel to each bite.

Mezze Platter 5/5

The Mezze Platter was particularly moreish, featuring six distinct dips — from whipped feta and avocado hummus to muhammara (roasted red pepper dip), baba ganoush, and tzatziki with olives and pickled peppers. Each component was vibrant and flavourful, making the platter highly addictive. The pita, aromatic and fluffy, is worth an additional order ($8) to fully enjoy the dips.

Pacific Halibut 3.8/5

For mains, the Pacific Halibut ($26) was served with pumpkin bisque and topped with maitake mushrooms. While the fish fillet was rather bland, the pumpkin bisque lent a subtle crustacean sweetness, while the maitake added a pleasant chew and earthy depth.

Grilled Octopus 4.5/5

The Grilled Octopus ($29) came glazed with a lip-smacking cowboy butter, a compound butter zingy with garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and spices such as smoked paprika, cayenne, and chilli flakes. The octopus was well-executed with a nice char, and the addition of Brussels sprouts provided a delectable textural bite and balance to the dish.

Knickerbocker Glory 5/5

Dessert was a satisfying throwback in the form of a Knickerbocker Glory ($18). Originating in the 1920s, this classic layered ice cream sundae is traditionally served in a tall conical glass with a long spoon and is particularly popular in Great Britain and Ireland, I learnt. Baia’s version struck a nice balance of sweetness and fruitiness, layered with fresh cream, vanilla ice cream, mango, and raspberries, and topped with mini cheesecakes and macarons for an indulgent finish.

Baia offers a relaxing view of Marina Bay paired with a beautifully designed interior, making it well-suited for both daytime and evening dining. Their cocktail menu is also worth exploring, featuring a mix of familiar classics and creative house signatures.

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.


Baia
Esplanade Mall
Level 4
8 Raffles Avenue
Singapore 039802
Tel: +65 9173 8182
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Mon: 1130am - 12midnight
Tue-Thu: 1130am - 1am
Fri-Sat: 1130 - 2am

Direction:
1) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit B or D. Walk to Raffles Avenue. Cross the road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 8 minutes. [Map]