Lobby Bar @ Sheraton Towers Singapore - Exquisite Oriental-themed Afternoon Tea Featuring Sweet and Savoury Bites

The time-limited Oriental Soirée Afternoon Tea at Lobby Bar of Sheraton Towers was one of the most memorable afternoon teas I’ve had recently. Drawing inspiration from the iconic Shanghai Tang “Chinese Garden” home collection, the set features a delightful array of savouries and sweets crafted with oriental nuances. It also continues to embrace classic afternoon tea elements such as scones and sandwiches.

Available from now to 31 December 2023, the afternoon tea is priced at $88 per person and $150 per pair. Guests ordering the afternoon tea will receive an exclusive memento – limited edition Sheraton Towers Singapore x Shanghai Tang postcards and a Shanghai Tang voucher (10% off regular items and redemption of a mini room spray), available while stocks last.

Welcome Drinks

For Welcome Drinks, opt for a glass of Moscato, Lychee Oolong Mocktail (+$7) or Passionfruit Mint Cocktail (+$11). I did not manage to try their house Moscato, but my dining companions were huge fans of it.

Li Bai’s Special 4.8/5

We were strongly recommended to begin with two exquisite creations from the award-winning Li Bai Cantonese Restaurant - the Bird’s Nest Almond Egg White Tart and Mini Chilli Lobster Bolo Bun.

Both were stellar, with the former featuring a generous bird's nest topping and flaky tart base and the latter boasting a crusty exterior and mildly spicy filling. It's best to savour these bites freshly served while they are still warm.

Silken Tofu with Shoyu Salmon Roe and Roasted Sesame Yuzu Dressing 4.2/5

We continued with the savouries and had the Silken Tofu with Shoyu Salmon Roe and Roasted Sesame Yuzu Dressing first. The tofu was smooth, while the nutty sauce was light and refreshing.

Savoury 4/5

Other savoury items included the Smoked Salmon Blini with Szechuan Pepper Crème Fraîche and Smoked Caviar, Free-range Truffle Chicken Sandwich, and Duck Rillette Brioche with Hoisin Sauce. I especially enjoyed the crème fraiche in the Smoked Salmon Blini for its unique subtle peppercorn notes.

Creamy Crabmeat and Peppercorn Gournay Cheese Choux 4/5

Our final savoury dish was the Creamy Crabmeat and Peppercorn Gournay Cheese Choux. Across all the savouries, I appreciated how the flavours were paired harmoniously and did not overpower.

High Mountain Oolong Brûlée 4.2/5

The first sweet item we reached out for was the High Mountain Oolong Brûlée with Valrhona Caraïbe 66% and Li Bai’s Candied Cashew. It had a marriage of tea notes, nuttiness and chocolate richness.

Osmanthus Black Sesame Macaron 4.8/5

The Osmanthus Black Sesame Macaron was easily crowned as my favourite piece. These shells boasted the perfect slight crunch right on the outside and a chewy texture within. The filling sandwiched between the macaron halves had the most fragrant and wonderfully nutty profile.

Da Hong Pao and Kumquat Sablé Breton 4.5/5

The Da Hong Pao and Kumquat Sablé Breton had a cute ladybug sitting atop them. Here, there were distinct tea notes with a lingering floral sweetness.

Ispahan Sphere 4/5

Encased in a thin white chocolate shell, I found the Ispahan Sphere a tad sweeter than I would prefer, though it still served as a decent treat.

Jasmine Mango Pomelo Tartlet 4.5/5

The Jasmine Mango Pomelo Tartlet is a must-try for mango pomelo sago fans! The delicate bite offers a burst of mango sweetness in the best possible way. It’s mildly sweetened and has a generous portion of pomelo bits on the base to balance off.

Scones 4/5

No afternoon tea is complete without scones. In addition to the classic Madagascar Vanilla Scone, the oriental twist is evident in their Chinese Chicken Sausage Scone. Homemade Roselle Preserve and Lemon Clotted Cream accompany these crumbly treats. Remember to complement them with a complimentary cup of coffee or TWG tea of your choice!

Dessert 4/5

To conclude the afternoon, you can choose between the Oolong Tea Ice Cream or Osmanthus Sorbet. While I found both lovely regarding the fragrant tea flavours infused within, the slightly icy textures were a minor drawback.

Enjoy an exclusive 15% promotion if you are a Citibank cardmember. To make a reservation, contact Lobby Bar at +65 6839 5625, drop an email to lobbybar@sheratonsingapore.com or confirm your table via https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/sinsi-sheraton-towers-singapore/dining/.

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.


Lobby Bar
Sheraton Towers Singapore
G Floor
39 Scotts Road
Singapore 228230
Tel: +65 6839 5625
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Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Newton (DT, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 12midnight
Afternoon Tea: 2pm - 5pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Newton MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walk down Scotts Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Li Bai Cantonese Restaurant @ Sheraton Towers Singapore - Bountiful Beginnings With A Lavish Array Of Festive Staples And New Auspicious Treats.

Li Bai Cantonese Restaurant at Sheraton Towers Singapore celebrates Lunar New Year with a line-up of auspicious reunion feasts from 2 January to 5 February 2023.

Bird's Nest and Lobster Yu Sheng 4/5

Toss to a new height with the new Bird's Nest and Lobster Yu Sheng ($298/$338). The Chinese salad platter features premium bird's nest and Boston lobster meat accompanied by a medley of quintessential ingredients like pomelo, yam, sweet potato, white radish, carrot and pickled ginger.

Sauteed Bird's Nest with Crabmeat and Conpoy 4.2/5

The Sauteed Bird's Nest with Crabmeat with Conpoy is a luxe enjoyment, sweetened by the crabmeat and conpoy.

Steamed Grouper Fillet with Garlic, Ginger and Spring Onion 4.5/5

The Steamed Grouper Fillet with Garlic, Ginger and Spring Onion is a gorgeous and delicious dish. Painstakingly deboned, the moist and succulent fillet is given a lift in taste profile with the pairing of garlic, ginger and spring onion.

Braised Australian Greenlip Abalone and Dried Oyster 4.2/5

Another auspicious dish on the menu is the Braised Australian Greenlip Abalone and Dried Oyster paired with greens and fat choy. The firm yet tender texture of the greenlip abalone will delight both the young and old.

Stewed Fish Noodles with Alaskan Crab Meat and Diced Shrimp 4.8/5

Li Bai's Stewed Fish Noodles with Alaskan Crab Meat and Diced Shrimp is a must-have. The noodles made with fish paste have a unique soft and bouncy texture. It even comes with a hint of wok hei, evident from the burnt surface of the noodles.

Nian Gao, Water Chestnut, Double-boiled Peach Gum 3.5/5

Wrapping up our meal is a trio of Chinese desserts - Nian Gao, Water Chestnut, and Double-boiled Peach Gum with American Ginseng, Red Dates and Snow Lotus Seeds to end the dinner on a sweet note.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Li Bai Cantonese Restaurant
Sheraton Towers Singapore
39 Scotts Road
Singapore 228230
Tel: +65 67376888
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Newton (DT Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 1130am - 230pm, 630pm - 1030pm
Sun: 1030am - 230pm, 630pm - 1030pm

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

Buona Terra @ Scotts Road - Tranforming Italian Cuisine Into A Contemporary Work Of Art

I am actually surprised that Buona Terra located at Scotts Road has been around since 2012. It has been 8 years, and I only knew of the restaurant when it was awarded its first one Michelin star in 2019. Having passed the beautiful black and white colonial bungalow along Scotts Road on many occasions, it never occurred to be the restaurant is actually located at the cosy wing of the bungalow, hidden from the urban jungle in Orchard area.

Crispy Potato and Cod Fish Mousse 4/5

I had the Buona Terra Experience 5-course Menu ($178) for lunch. The lunch started with 3 snacks item and a basket of housemade bread which comprises of Onion Foccacia, Dried Tomato Soft Roll and Sourdough.

Butter Cone with Scallop Tartare and Caviar 4.5/5

Tomato Ball 4.2/5

The three snack items are Crispy Potato and Cod Fish Mousse, Butter Cone with Scallop Tartare and Caviar, and Tomato Ball. I was really impressed with what I see and taste so far. I was sharing with my dining companions, I didn't feel like I am dining in an Italian restaurant, it felt more like a French restaurant.

Snail Ragu with Martini Sabayon 4/5

The amuse bouche is Snail Ragu with Martini Sabayon. The creamy sabayon is actually is a mixture of cream, egg yolk and four kinds of pepper (Jamaican, Javanese, Indian and Sarawak). It is even smoked with applewood chips just before servicing.

Beef Carpaccio with Porcini Mushrooms 4.8/5

The Beef Carpaccio with Porcini Mushrooms uses Kagoshima Wagyu Sendai A5 Sirloin. A lot of prep work is behind the beautiful dish. The wagyu is coated in seasoning and chilled in the chiller for a couple of hours. The rub is then washed off, and the wagyu is then chargrilled and smoked with cherry wood before leaving it in the freezer. It is then thinly sliced for serving.

Seared Scallop, Jerusalem Artichoke, Sea Asparagus and Anchovy Sauce 4/5

Next from the sea, we have the Seared Scallop paired with Jerusalem artichoke, sea asparagus and anchovy sauce. The live Hokkaido scallop is super huge, plump and sweet.

Tagliolini with Crab and Caviar 4.5/5

A staple in Italian cuisine is their pasta. Made inhouse is the Tagliolini which has a firmer bite compare to others. The texture of the pasta really stands out for me. The texture reminds of the Chinese Ee Mian texture.

Chargrilled Dry Aged Mieral Pigeon with Figs and Pumpkin, Amaretto and Moscato 4.2/5

The Chargrilled Pigeon is from Mieral, France dry-aged for 10 days and served in two ways. I am not sure whether it is due to the dry-ageing, I find that it has a deeper flavour. In fact, you don't get that liver-like taste which most diner may dislike.

Salted Milk Ice Cream, Dulce De Leche, Italian White Truffle 5/5

Diners can choose to add on $50 for the pre-dessert with 5g of white truffles. The Salted Milk Ice Cream with dulce de leche is topped with shaved Italian white truffle. Ice cream and white truffle is an unusual pairing, but the combination tasted heavenly.

Pear and Ricotta Cheesecake 4/5

Dessert is Pear and Ricotta Cheesecake which is beautifully presented with a scoop of pear sorbet. What I enjoyed is the multi-textural and flavours in each bite.

Fruit Gelee

Baci di Dama

Wrapping up the 5-course meal is a trio of Fruit Gelee, Baci di Dama and Cannolo. The fruit gelee reminds me of my childhood day. My favourite goes to the cannolo for its delightful crunch and nuttiness.

Cannolo

As this is the white truffle season, diner can choose to add them to enhance any dish at $88 for 10g or $10 per gram. For wine lovers, Buona Terra boasts a collection of over 250 labels include vintages and limited bottles that are rarely available commercially, earning the restaurant recognition among the 5 top wine lists for Italian wines in Singapore.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Buona Terra
29 Scotts Road
Singapore 2282244
Tel: +65 67330209
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line), Newton (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri & PH: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm
Sat & PH: 6pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Newton MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right onto Scotts Road. Walk down Scotts Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 mins. [Map]

2) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop opposite Orchard Road (Stop ID 09023). Take bus number 124, 143, 162, 167 or 972. Alight 2 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 mins. [Map]

The Song of India @ Scotts Road - The Lesser Known Value For Money Weekday Buffet Lunch And Sunday Buffet Lunch

The Song of India at Scotts Road has been known for its Michelin-starred fine Indian dining. While the exquisite Indian cuisine is what many seek for, The Song of India also offers fuss-free weekday buffet lunches ($36.90) and Sunday buffet brunch ($46.90).

Salad and Chaat 3.5/5

Situated in a charming, old colonial bungalow, its tranquil site was simply perfect for a Sunday brunch. Starting my brunch with my usual greens, my good old salad plate was definitely spiked with much more zest and tang with elements such as Raita and Goan Brinjal Pickle. The popular street food Chaat was available too.

Tomato Shorba 3.5/5

I fell in love with this super tangy tomato and coriander broth at my previous tasting at Melt, Mandarin Oriental Singapore. This Tomato Shorba was less thick, but it was equally punchy. Its sourness made my face puckered up at times, but that is what made it so addictive.

Chillas 3/5

For some wholesome breakfast pancakes, there is a Live Chef's Food Station that serves Chillas, a savoury pancake made with gram flour, spices and herbs. I like its chewy texture, which allows me to enjoy its spiced flavours more.

Bhindi Tomato Malasa 4/5

Mirch Ka Salan 4/5

From the Mains, it was my first time trying Bhindi Tomato Malasa and Mirch Ka Salan, and I love them both! Although both were rather heavy dishes, there was a touch of tanginess in both dishes that balanced that richness. Mirch Ka Salan was especially memorable with its deep fried green chillies, which gave a kick of fieriness in every bite. That will leave you wanting for more.

Lamb Roganjosh 3.5/5

Another item worth raving about is the tender and mouthwatering Lamb Roganjosh. Best served with its Vegetarian Dum Biryani.

Butter Chicken 3/5

Fish Biryani 3/5 and Bengal Prawn Curry 3/5

Familiar dishes include Butter Chicken, and seafood options are available as well, such as Fish Biryani that was loaded with chunks of tandoori fish, and Bengal Prawn Curry.

Dum Potato Banarasi 3/5

Kadai Panner 3/5

The range of mains also covers a few meatless dishes such as Dum Potato Banarasi and Kadai Panner.

Sweets 3.8/5

Somehow, when comes to Indian cuisine, mixing in some sweets in between bites just makes the meal even more delish. I did that with Dried Fruit Rice Kheer and Baked Gulab Jamum. Both had the right level of sweetness. I usually shy away from the Gulab Jamum, but these cardamon sweet treats were perfect with my cup of Masala Tea.

And to go with all that curries, other than rice, you have freshly made naans that made all things finger-licking good.

The Sunday Buffet Brunch is also suitable for families as children under 12 dine for free. As it is Chef Mural’s philosophy and passion to spread the richness and diversity of regional Indian cuisine, menus are changed weekly to reflect a ‘journey through India’ through the dishes.

Words and photos 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.


The Song of India
33 Scotts Road
Singapore 228226
Tel: +65 68360055
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Newton (DT Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Newton MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Newton MRT station (Stop ID 40189). Take bus number 5, 54, 124, 128, 143, 162, 167, 171, 518 or 700. Alight one stop later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about  6 minutes. [Map]