Showing posts with label .Station: Orchard Boulevard. Show all posts
Showing posts with label .Station: Orchard Boulevard. Show all posts

Sunday, April 12, 2026

Cafe Quenino @ Artyzen Hotel Singapore - New Concept: Build Your Table The Way You Like. Any Plates, Any Combination

CafeQueninoMar2026-19

Set within the stylish enclave of Artyzen Singapore, Cafe Quenino introduces a refreshed dining concept that reimagines Singapore's beloved "tze char" culture in a contemporary Orchard setting. Anchored by the philosophy of "tze char comfort for today's table" and a communal format of "plates for the table, shared your way", the experience encourages diners to curate their own feast from a diverse menu of Southeast Asian flavours.

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The ordering format is straightforward and convivial. Guests can choose from 3, 5, or 7 plates, paired with sides depending on the selected tier — much like ordering a spread at a traditional tze char establishment. Dishes span starters, mains, larger plates and desserts, all designed for sharing in the middle of the table.

- 3 Plates + Choice of 2 Sides: $88
- 5 Plates + Choice of 3 Sides: $138
- 7 Plates + Choice of 4 Sides: $188

For our visit, we opted for the 5-plate format, with a balanced spread of 2 appetisers, 2 mains, and 1 dessert.

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Heirloom Tomato Salad 4.2/5

We started with the Heirloom Tomato Salad, a vibrant medley of coloured tomatoes paired with buffalo mozzarella, basil, shallots and a black vinegar dressing. It was light yet refreshing, whetting the appetite with its bright acidity and clean flavours.

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King Salmon Sashimi 4.2/5

Another starter, the King Salmon Sashimi, impressed with its generous portion and quality. The salmon was fresh and buttery, elevated by chilli and black bean accents, while a squeeze of calamansi added a zesty lift that brought the dish together beautifully.

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Pineapple Assam Prawn 4.2/5

Moving on to the mains, the Pineapple Assam Prawn delivered robust flavours. The prawns were complemented by cherry tomatoes and okra, all coated in a tangy, spicy tamarind sauce. The balance of sweet, sour, and heat worked harmoniously, highlighting the prawns' natural sweetness.

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Ayam Percik 4/5

The Ayam Percik featured half a spring chicken, offering a hearty portion perfect for sharing. The chicken was tender and sat atop a bed of aromatic percik sauce, finished with an onion herb salad that added a fresh contrast.

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French Fries with Aioli 4.8/5

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Garlic Roasted Baby Potato Curry Leaves 4.2/5

To complement the mains, we had the Coconut Basmati Rice, which paired especially well with the richly flavoured dishes. The French Fries with Aioli turned out to be a standout — crisp on the outside, fluffy within, and highly addictive. The Garlic Roasted Baby Potato with Curry Leaves offered a more aromatic alternative, with earthy notes enhanced by the fragrance of curry leaves.

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Coconut Pandan Burnt Cheesecake 3.8/5

The meal ended with the Coconut Pandan Burnt Cheesecake, a localised take on the classic dessert. Infused with pandan and accompanied by coconut whipped cream and grated coconut gula melaka, it delivered familiar flavours. However, the texture leaned denser than expected, lacking the molten centre that would have elevated the indulgence.

Overall, the new concept at Cafe Quenino successfully captures the essence of communal tze char dining while presenting it in a polished, modern format. The flexibility to mix and match dishes across categories makes it an appealing option for groups, offering both variety and a sense of familiarity with a contemporary twist.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Cafe Quenino
Artyzen Singapore
9 Cuscaden Road
Level 1
Singapore 249719
Tel: +65 6371 6020
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard Boulevard (TE Line), Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 12 midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard Boulevard MRT Station. Take Exit 1. Walk to Cuscaden Road. Turn right onto Cuscaden Road. Walk down Cuscaden Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Orchard MRT Station. Take Exit 11. Walk down Orchard Boulevard towards the Four Seasons Hotel. Take the walkway beside the Four Seasons Hotel to Cuscaden Road. Walk to the junction of Cuscaden Road and turn left onto Cuscaden Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 10 minutes. [Map]

Sunday, April 5, 2026

Tea Lounge @ Conrad Singapore Orchard - Art of Chocolate, An Indulgent Afternoon of Valrhona-infused Delights

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Tea Lounge at Conrad Singapore Orchard has launched a decadent Weekday Afternoon Tea in collaboration with Valrhona, featuring a curated selection of pastries and cocoa-infused creations crafted with Valrhona's signature couverture chocolates.

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We started with a warm, creamy, indulgent Hot Chocolate, though a more bittersweet profile might have made for a better opening given the sweets ahead.

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Finger Sandwiches

The tier of savoury finger sandwiches was nothing short of elegant and satisfying. The ratio of soft, fluffy bread to fillings was spot on. The Devilled Mimosa Sandwich offered a classic egg mayo filling, while the Cured Cucumber Sandwich delivered a pleasant savoury crunch. The Smoked Salmon Sandwich with Caviar was mouth-filling and luxurious, while the Smoked Roasted Chicken Sandwich leaned more towards a shaved ham sandwich, though still delectable with its tender bite.

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Vanilla Moist Layer Cake

The tea cakes and pastries tier showcases some of Valrhona's key couverture chocolates, including Guanaja 70% that goes into making the Vanilla Moist Layer Cake. I learnt that Guanaja 70% is regarded as the world's first intensely bitter chocolate with 70% cocoa, when it was first introduced in 1986!

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Crémeux and White Miso Tart

The Crémeux and White Miso Tart stood out the most for me. It features Matcha inspiration, made with Kagoshima matcha and cocoa butter. The savoury white miso tart also draws on umami, reinforcing the creation's Japanese flair. Among the sweets, I thought this had the most balanced sweetness.

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Raspberry Crémeux and Coco Biscuit features Opalys 33%, known for its pure white colour and velvety texture. Coconut is infused into the pastry as well, imparting a gentle tropical note. The Hazelnut Travel Cake is a vegan-friendly cake made using Amatika 46%, Valrhona's first vegan couverture. The nuttiness of the cake came through beautifully. Roasted Buckwheat Mandola is created with Hukambi 53% milk chocolate and elevated with a nutty crunch from roasted buckwheat.

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Mushrooms Royale and Dark Chocolate Quiche

In between, we were also served Mushrooms Royale and Dark Chocolate Quiche, both of which were among my favourite items. The dark notes of the pastry tart complemented the creamy and savoury filling especially well. The scones are served with clotted cream, salted caramel chocolate jam, strawberry jam, and calamansi curd.

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Scones

In addition to the Classic Plain, there is also the Manjari 64% Chocolate and Candied Orange Zest Scone. Studded with chunks of luscious Manjari 64% chocolate in every bite, it was delicious enough to enjoy with just the clotted cream.

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Sweet Risotto

Sweet Risotto was served à la minute, with a choice of three flavours — dark chocolate, raspberry, and matcha. During our visit, guest Pastry Chef Arief Rusli of Valrhona was in residence at Tea Lounge, and we had the privilege of having him finish our risotto with a pepper-spiked mousse. Its contrasting peppery note offset the milky sweetness of the risotto, creating a more balanced and nuanced finish.

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Beyond the existing selection of teas and coffee, you can also customise your own Gryphon tea at a dedicated tea station with a variety of ingredients to choose from.

Art of Chocolate is available Mondays to Fridays from 30 March to 10 July 2026, 12pm to 5pm.

Pricings
$54++ per adult
$27++ per child with selection of tea and coffee
An additional $50++ per adult for free-flow prosecco and wines
An additional $70++ per adult for free-flow champagne and wines

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.


Tea Lounge
Conrad Singapore Orchard
Lobby Level
1 Cuscaden Road
Singapore 249715
Tel: +65 67253245
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard Boulevard (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 5pm
Sat-Sun: 12pm - 215pm, 3pm - 515pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard Boulevard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Turn right and walk down Cuscaden Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 3 minutes.[Map]

Saturday, February 21, 2026

Tanglin Cookhouse @ Tanglin Mall - All-New 90-Minute Nasi Lemak Buffet

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Tanglin Cookhouse, known for its contemporary colonial cuisine, has recently launched a brand new Lemak & Co. à la carte Nasi Lemak Buffet. This 90-minute experience offers unlimited servings of 15 classic local nasi lemak dishes, spanning appetisers, mains, and desserts.

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Emping Chips with Sambal Belacan

We began with Emping Chips with Sambal Belacan. The crisp belingo crackers, with their subtle bitterness, proved to be the perfect vehicle for the piquant housemade sambal.

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Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce & Condiments 3.8/5

Next came the Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce & Condiments. While the chicken was well-marinated and tender, it lacked the defining smoky char typically associated with satay. The peanut sauce was decent, though I personally prefer a more savoury profile.

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White Rojak Quinoa Salad 4.2/5

The White Rojak Quinoa Salad was my favourite appetiser. Its refreshing mix of jicama, cucumber, and quinoa, tossed in a fragrant ginger flower dressing, made it an excellent palate cleanser and a welcome contrast to the richer dishes.

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Ayam Goreng Berempah 4.2/5

For mains, the Ayam Goreng Berempah featured succulent spice-rubbed fried chicken topped with moreish rempah crumbs.

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Braised Beef Rendang 3/5

The Braised Beef Rendang, made with slow-braised beef cheek infused with coconut, galangal, and spices, was somewhat disappointing. Some pieces were tender and delicious, while others leaned dry. The gravy also came across slightly too sweet.

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Sambal Barramundi with Cincalok 4.5/5

The Sambal Barramundi with Cincalok was my favourite. The pan-seared fish was moist and flaky, crowned with salty fermented shrimp that beautifully enhanced the fish’s natural sweetness.

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Turmeric Coconut Rice 5/5

The true highlight of the buffet, however, was the Turmeric Coconut Rice. This basmati coconut rice, infused with turmeric, was delightfully fluffy and aromatic. Honestly, even when paired simply with a fried egg, sambal chilli, and peanuts, it was satisfying enough to stand on its own.

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Yam “Orh Nee” 4.2/5

To round off the meal, the Heritage Gula Melaka Sago Pudding offered a light and refreshing finish, with fragrant palm sugar and coconut. For something more indulgent, the warm Yam “Orh Nee” with Candied Ginkgo Nuts stood out. Unlike some versions that can be overly oily, this one was thoughtfully balanced and well executed.

Lemak & Co. is available all day, Monday to Wednesday, at $29.90++ per pax (min. 2 pax, with one drink per person), from 11am onwards.

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.


Tanglin Cookhouse
Tanglin Mall
163 Tanglin Road
#01-106
Singapore 247933
Tel: +65 6235 9382
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard Boulevard (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 9am – 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard Boulevard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk straight down Grange Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 3 minutes. [Map]

Monday, August 11, 2025

Quenino @ Artyzen Singapore - Launches A New La Carte Menu

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It was a pleasure to return to Quenino at Artyzen Hotel, which has just been recognised as a MICHELIN-selected restaurant. Guided by Melbourne-based Chef Victor Liong and led by Chef Su of Indian-Chinese heritage, Quenino offers a richly layered, multicultural dining experience with a strong Asian focus. We were there to enjoy the latest iteration of their menu. We were pleased to find out that in addition to their Discovery Menu ($200++ per guest), Quenino has also introduced an à la carte menu, giving diners the freedom to curate their own experience.

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Quenino Prelude- Tamarillo Tart 4/5

The first bite of the Quenino Prelude is the Tamarillo Tart, where a crisp tartlet is topped with tamarillos from the Cameron Highlands, paired with rasam gel, balonglong and chilli caviar. I liked that they showed us the actual Tamarillo fruit to smell and touch!

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Quenino Prelude- Spiced Yam Dumpling 4.2/5

The second bite is a Spiced Yam Dumpling, drawing inspiration from both Indian vadai and Chinese dim sum wu kok. Encased within its crisp, golden shell is a savoury filling of prawns and poached oysters, enhanced with oyster kijap.

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Octopus 4/5

Next came a beautifully plated salad starring Australian Octopus, loosely inspired by Sotong Kangkong. Instead of kangkong, however, the dish features a medley of locally sourced herbs and flowers such as pea tendrils and sweet potato leaves. It is finished with sweet soy sauce espuma, tempeh cream, green mango and Jicama terrine, crispy fish snacks, and macadamia nuts, giving us a playful, textural dish that is both vibrant and intriguing.

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Indonesian Mud Crab 4.5/5

The next course of Indonesian Mud Crab was one of my favourites of the evening, a bold and flavourful take on both the hairy crab and the local classic white pepper crab. On top of the egg white custard is rich mud crab and roe, turmeric white peppercorn sauce, fragrant deep-fried shallots, puffed grains, and a savoury touch of cured egg yolk.

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Amur Caviar 4.2/5

For something more indulgent, you can opt for the Amur Caviar (supplement +20), sourced from Yunnan, China. It’s elegantly served on a silky bed of dragon chive custard, with scallop mousse, razor clams, and a touch of fermented chilli. A luxurious dish for true caviar lovers, but personally, I found the Indonesian Mud Crab course more memorable.

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Green Lip Abalone 4.8/5

The Green Lip Abalone resembles a piece of Yong Tau Foo, but with a creative twist. Instead of stuffed beancurd, the abalone is filled with prawn and green chilli, then delicately wrapped in veiled bamboo fungus. It's served with a rich brown butter sauce infused with Chinese Angelica herbs. A fusion dish where East meets West, executed flawlessly.

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Peach and Young Gingerflower Popsicle 4.2/5

As a palette cleanser, we were served a Peach and Young Ginger Flower Popsicle topped with cured and candied peach, edible flowers, and served on a dish of dry ice. It was a light and sweet floral interlude that was both visually pleasing and refreshing.

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Stone Axe M9 Wagyu Striploin 5/5

Every dish had been delicious thus far, but the highlight for me was this Stone Axe M9 Wagyu presented with Variations of Garlic. The Stone Axe M9 Wagyu Striploin was juicy, tender, and delightfully marbled, but what truly made the dish outstanding and unique was the imaginative presentation of garlic in five distinct forms. There was jungle garlic dust, a tangy pickled garlic sprout salad, airy black garlic foam, and Quenino’s house green garlic chilli sauce, playfully presented in a fast-food-style packet.

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Adding a local touch, the dish also came with a warm pink garlic broth inspired by Bak Kut Teh, the beloved herbal pork rib soup. A very clever celebration of garlic that complemented the Wagyu beautifully and gave guests a lot of personal choice as to how to best enjoy their beef.

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“Fried Rice" 4.8/5

Another standout on their menu is the “Fried Rice”, a creative reinterpretation inspired by three Southeast Asian rice dishes: Fried Rice, Mui Fan, and Nasi Ulam. Guests are presented with condiments carefully arranged in a ring. There is ham floss, house-made X.O. sauce, Chinese olive relish, pickled bean sprouts, cucamelon, spring onions, coriander, garlic sesame crumbs and fried moringa leaf. The rice is then ladled into the centre, inviting guests to sample each condiment with the rice individually, before mixing it all up to enjoy.

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Green Chilli Ice Cream 4.2/5

The Green Chilli Ice Cream dessert draws inspiration from Chef Su’s Chinese New Year traditions and the familiar ingredients she often finds at home during the festive season. It features pineapple, almonds, and bakkwa, while the ice cream delivers an extra creamy texture due to the inclusion of yoghurt and cheese.

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Petit Fours and Mignardise 4/5

The Petit Fours and Mignardise showcase the effort put into the curation of the menu, right down to the very last bite. First, we have a crispy waffle infused with black sesame and sea salt, drizzled with fragrant shallot oil. Then, there is a tartlet inspired by Minjiang kueh, but featuring corn, peanut and salted egg yolk instead. On a bed of edible cocoa, we also had Kumquat and Sour Plum Sweets, as well as Bittersweet Chocolate Bonbons filled with rich black sesame paste, crafted in collaboration with Singaporean pastry chef Janice Wong.

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As with my first visit to Quenino, the food remains unique and deeply flavourful, thoughtfully crafted with a deep respect for local ingredients and familiar tastes. The elegant ambience makes it an ideal setting for a special occasion, and with the introduction of their à la carte menu, there’s now even more reason to consider Quenino for your next night out.

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


Quenino
Artyzen Singapore
Level 4
9 Cuscaden Road
Singapore 249719
Tel: +65 6371 6030
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard Boulevard (TE Line), Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue: 6pm - 1030pm
Wed-Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Sun and Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard Boulevard MRT Station. Take Exit 1. Walk to Cuscaden Road. Turn right onto Cuscaden Road. Walk down Cuscaden Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Orchard MRT Station. Take Exit 11. Walk down Orchard Boulevard towards Four Seasons Hotel. Take the walk path beside Four Seasons Hotel to Cuscaden Road. Walk to the junction of Cuscaden Road and turn left onto Cuscaden Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Sunday, July 27, 2025

Cafe Quenino @ Artyzen Singapore - The Heart of SG60: A Celebration of Local Flavours

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Back at Cafe Quenino in Artyzen Singapore, I returned for the July and August instalment of The Heart of SG60, a heartfelt culinary initiative commemorating Singapore's 60th birthday. This monthly series unites the hotel with seven beloved local culinary icons: Chef Inderpal Singh of Meh'r, Chin Mee Chin, Keng Eng Kee Seafood, Goobybakes, Abundance, Red House Seafood, and Cake Inspiration. Each month features a rotation of guest chefs and heritage brands to celebrate Singapore's vibrant food identity.

For August, diners are treated to a rare opportunity - a one-off collaboration menu featuring all participating guest chefs in one communal meal. At $65++ per pax, the Communal Set Menu presents six mains (choose four) along with starter, appetiser, and dessert, all served in a nostalgic tingkat-style.

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'Hei Zho' Prawn Toast 4/5

A crowd favourite from the July menu makes a return: the 'Hei Zho' Prawn Toast from Keng Eng Kee Seafood. Deep-fried white bread sandwiches a luscious prawn mousse, paired with a house-made tomato jam. Each bite hits with a satisfying crunch, followed by the briny sweetness of prawns and the jam's tangy-sweet finish. It is a refined twist on a zi char classic.

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Make-your-own Roti Kirai 4.2/5

We kick off with a fun and interactive start, featuring the Make-Your-Own Roti Kirai. The roti kirai is paired with pulled pork rendang, braised jicama, sambal ikan bilis, and baby gem lettuce. Guests are encouraged to roll it all up, taco-style, for a medley of textures and bold, layered flavours, a creative nod to Malay heritage cuisine.

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Beef Kut Teh Ravioli 4.8/5

The standout dish of the night is the Beef Kut Teh Ravioli, a brilliant creation from Abundance. Taking inspiration from Taiwanese beef noodles, the ravioli is generously stuffed with tender beef short rib and bathed in a robust herbal broth. Topped with crispy fried mee sua, it offers a modern, East-meets-West interpretation of local comfort food with stunning depth and umami.

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Seafood 'Paofan' 4/5

From Red House Seafood, the Seafood 'Paofan' is delicately balanced with a clear yet flavourful broth and puffed rice for texture. Prawns and baby scallops add sweet, oceanic richness. A piece of seared milkfish with a squeeze of calamansi on the side offers a zesty, tangy contrast – comforting yet elevated.

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Salted Egg Prawn 4.5/5

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Hainanese Beef Brisket 4/5

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Seafood Black Pepper Masak Kicap 4.8/5

With the opportunity to pick four out of six mains, we also tried the Hainanese Beef Brisket from Chin Mee Chin, a hearty and tender rendition reminiscent of classic Hainanese stews. Seafood Black Pepper Masak Kicap by Chef Inderpal Singh of Meh'r, where bold pepper heat and sweet soy meld in a rich, savoury seafood dish. Salted Egg Prawn, another creation from KEK, is served zi char-style with the creamy, grainy salted egg yolk clinging to the prawns. All mains are accompanied by fragrant Coconut Basmati Rice and a herbal, aromatic Nasi Ulam-style Wild Rice, both designed to complement the variety of dishes on the table.

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Kaya Mille-feuille 4.8/5

Dessert brings on nostalgia with the Kaya Mille-feuille, in collaboration with Chin Mee Chin. This modern reimagining layers Chin Mee Chin’s iconic kaya with mango lychee compote and coconut ice cream, sandwiched between crisp pastry sheets. A creative yet respectful homage to the old-school cream cracker, this dessert is both playful and deeply sentimental.

Cafe Quenino's SG60 initiative continues to impress, not just with its culinary creativity but with its authentic spirit of collaboration and tribute to Singapore's rich food culture. For those looking to rediscover beloved local flavours through a new lens, this August menu is not to be missed. With each month promising new highlights, Cafe Quenino is fast becoming a must-visit for anyone passionate about Singapore food, both old and new.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Cafe Quenino
Artyzen Singapore
9 Cuscaden Road
Level 1
Singapore 249719
Tel: +65 6371 6020
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard Boulevard (TE Line), Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 12 midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard Boulevard MRT Station. Take Exit 1. Walk to Cuscaden Road. Turn right onto Cuscaden Road. Walk down Cuscaden Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Orchard MRT Station. Take Exit 11. Walk down Orchard Boulevard towards Four Seasons Hotel. Take the walk path beside Four Seasons Hotel to Cuscaden Road. Walk to the junction of Cuscaden Road and turn left onto Cuscaden Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]