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

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.

'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.

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.

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.

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.

Salted Egg Prawn 4.5/5

Hainanese Beef Brisket 4/5

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.

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
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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]

Fi Woodfire Thai @ Shaw Centre - Modern Thai Restaurant Focusing On Woodfire-driven Dishes

Fi Woodfire Thai (ไฟ) is a modern Thai restaurant that focuses on using woodfire oven to create dishes that bring both familiarity and excitement. Newly relocated to the Shaw Centre earlier this month, Fi continues its signature woodfire cooking with an expanded menu.

Son-in-Law Eggs 4.5/5

We began our meal with a few new appetisers. A standout appetiser was the Son-in-Law Eggs ($10 for 3). Perfectly executed with crispy edges and oozy, lava-like yolks. The eggs were drizzled with a housemade strawberry tamarind glaze. I would have loved a bit more of that glaze to deepen the flavours.

Grilled Green Mango Salad 2.8/5

The Grilled Green Mango Salad ($12) offered a different take on a Thai classic, using mango chunks instead, and charred them over the woodfire. However, the intended smokiness didn't quite come through, and the grilling unfortunately softened the mango to a texture reminiscent of a non-crunchy apple. The dish overall was also too salty.

Watermelon with Fish Floss 3/5

The Watermelon with Fish Floss ($14), on the other hand, was far more refreshing. Topped with housemade tom yum–seasoned fish floss, the sweet-savoury contrast made it incredibly moreish. However, it felt like it was missing an element to make it more substantial as a dish.

Signature Moo Ping Pork Rib 5/5

The true highlights at Fi come from its woodfire oven, where meats and vegetables are grilled over lychee wood. A must-try is the Signature Moo Ping Pork Rib ($48 for 500g bone-in). Fall-off-the-bone tender, the ribs were richly charred with caramelised edges from rendered fat, giving both texture and flavour a boost. The accompanying nam jim jaew offered a tangy contrast that cut through the richness. I also enjoyed the side of char-grilled sticky rice cake glazed with coconut sugar, which paired well with the hearty meat.

French Poulet 5/5

As much as the ribs impressed, the French Poulet ($32 for half) may be even more crowd-pleasing. Incredibly succulent, it boasted clean, natural flavours. Fi uses organic GGTM French Poulet, freshly delivered daily from Toh Thye San Farm. The chicken is served with a bold chicken liver jaew, though alternatives are available if you prefer to skip the touch of gaminess.

Basil Minced Pork on Charred Eggplant 2.8/5

We also tried the Basil Minced Pork on Charred Eggplant ($18), which leaned a little too sweet and saucy, overpowering the eggplant. I also couldn't quite detect the basil in this rendition.

Pineapple Rice Stack 4/5

From the wok section, we had two hearty dishes, Pineapple Rice Stack ($24) and Drunken Noodles ($14). The fried rice was wholesome with shrimp, spicy chicken floss, crispy egg, and pineapple, which made it satisfying on its own. Hence, I found the topping of ikura and tobiko unnecessary and excessive.

Drunken Noodles 3.8/5

The Drunken Noodles, so named as they pair well with beer, delivered on their promise of rich flavours, packed with garlic, soy sauce, and chilli padi. While it was slightly too sweet for me, overall, I liked how generous it was, loaded with a hearty mix of shrimp, squid, straw mushrooms, baby corn, and long beans.

Fresh Mango with Butterfly Pea Sticky Rice 4.5/5

Desserts were refined and beautifully presented. The Fresh Mango with Butterfly Pea Sticky Rice ($12) paired two varieties of mango - Australian (in compote form) and Thai (fresh) - offering a contrast in both sweetness and texture, which worked perfectly with the butterfly pea-stained sticky rice.

Red Ruby 4/5

The Red Ruby ($12) was a great one to refresh the palate with its light and refreshing profile, delighting a mixture of handmade rubies, sago, strawberries, jackfruit, chia seeds, and coconut flesh, topped with a scoop of coconut gelato. However, the plating felt a bit too shallow for such a dessert.

Steamed Tapioca 4/5

The Steamed Tapioca ($12) may appear more straightforward, but it had a wonderfully sticky, starchy texture that was deeply satisfying.

All in all, while some dishes need more balance and refinement, the well-executed woodfire-driven dishes and some of the more intense flavours offered on the plates carve out a strong identity for Fi Woodfire Thai, which in turn allows the brand to establish a strong foothold at its new location.

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.


Fi Woodfire Thai
Shaw Centre
1 Scotts Road
#03-14/15
Singapore 228208
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours :
Daily: 1130am - 3pm, 5pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Take the underpass to Shaw House. Walk to ground level. Walk to Shaw Centre next door. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

The Tea Room and Patisserie @ St. Regis Singapore - An Elegant Summer Garden Sanctuary for Afternoon Tea

The St. Regis Singapore unveils The Tea Room and Patisserie, a serene retreat tucked away in a quiet corner of the hotel lobby. Inspired by the nearby Botanic Gardens, the space has been styled as an elegant summer garden sanctuary adorned in soothing hues of green and pink.

The Tea Room offers a tranquil escape for moments of indulgence and refined relaxation, complete with dainty bites and quiet, thoughtful brews. Here, afternoon tea is not just an activity but a time-honoured tradition, complete with elegant rituals and trimmings.

The Summer Garden Afternoon Tea at the Tea Room reflects the botanical theme of this newly renovated space. This lovely experience is priced at $65++ per person with a glass of Copenhagen Sparkling Tea or $ 95++ per person with a glass of R de Ruinart Brut Champagne.

The experience begins with the arrival of the tea trolley being rolled to your tableside. Here, guests may choose between a pot of tea brewed à la minute by a dedicated tea sommelier or a pot of Tanamera coffee, which uses Indonesian beans locally roasted in Singapore.

The teas are sourced from Taylors of Harrogate, renowned as the official tea supplier to the British Royal Household. Guests are encouraged to explore and smell the tea leaves before making their choice. I recommend the St Regis Singapore Blend, which is made exclusively for the hotel. This delicate blend of green and black tea features notes of white chocolate and nuts with a floral finish of rose and jasmine blossoms.

Savoury Canapés Box

Next is the arrival of a treasure box filled with a medley of four handcrafted savoury canapés, each one an expression of flavour and finesse, crafted in vibrant colours that visually delight.

Cucumber & Tomato Hummus Sandwich

St. Regis Tea-Infused Salmon Mosaic

It is recommended to begin with the lighter Cucumber & Tomato Hummus Sandwich, followed by the St. Regis Tea-Infused Salmon Mosaic, a smoked salmon bite layered with silky cream cheese and topped with mango pearls for a touch of sweetness.

Foie Gras Terrine, Shortbread, Raspberry Caviar

Goat Cheese Tart, Elderflower, Chervil

Moving on to bolder flavours, indulge in the rich Foie Gras Terrine, elegantly served on a buttery shortbread base and crowned with vibrant raspberry caviar, as well as the Goat Cheese Tart accented with elderflower and chervil. For those with dietary restrictions and preferences, it’s possible to request in advance for a replacement of the items.

Prawn Mousse, Beetroot Cone, Avruga

Presented separately from the rest of the box is the Prawn Mousse, which comes in a vibrant pink beetroot cone. It’s tasty but best enjoyed before the cone begins to soften.

Layer 1: Pear & Chocolate Vanilla, Pistachio Financier Cake

The sweet treats are elegantly presented on a classic three-tiered stand featuring a selection of desserts. Among them is the Pear & Chocolate Vanilla entremet, with pear jelly, rich chocolate cream, and crunchy chocolate royaltine. The Pistachio Financier Cake is really delightful, showcasing a nutty pistachio base paired with strawberry confit, smooth whipped ganache, and orange compote.

Layer 2: Jasmine Citrus, Tropical Garden Tartlet

The Jasmine Citrus offers a refreshing combination of yuzu cream, mandarin confit, smooth cream cheese mousse, and delicate jasmine ganache. Finally, the Tropical Garden Tartlet bursts with vibrant tropical fruit compote layered over a luscious fruit crêmеux and vanilla cream, all nestled on a buttery almond sable crust.

Layer 3: Macaron and praline

To conclude, the last layer houses a Vanilla Macaron and a Lime Caramel Praline. While the macaron was fragrant and enjoyable, the praline was too tart for my liking.

Another highlight of the experience is the scones trolley, offering guests unlimited servings of freshly baked scones. The selection includes the classic St Regis scone and a delightfully zesty lemon scone, which I especially enjoyed for the citrusy taste.

To complement the scones, guests will be spoilt for choice with four artisanal jams available: strawberry, blueberry, mango, and orange marmalade. Rich clotted cream is served alongside, including a special tin topped with passionfruit caviar for a unique and refreshing twist.

The Summer Garden Afternoon Tea at the Tea Room will certainly leave guests feeling royally pampered, with the impeccable service, the plush interiors and the luxury of enjoying soothing live music accompaniment by a talented harpist. The unlimited scones are also such a treat, especially with such a great selection of jams to try, but please note that no items from the afternoon tea can be taken away or packed to go, so it’s best to come ready to indulge on the spot.

If you don't have time for a full afternoon tea service, you can opt to visit The Patisserie, which is located just across from The Tea Room. This takeaway atelier offers freshly handcrafted whole cakes, petit gâteaux, and signature viennoiseries.

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.


The Tea Room and Patisserie
The St. Regis Singapore
29 Tanglin Road
Singapore 247911
Tel: +65 6506 6887
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Nearest MRT: Orchard Boulevard (TE Line), Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 9am - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk towards Wheelock Place via ION. Exit Wheelock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Continue onwards to Forum Shopping Mall. Walk further down to Orchard Parade Hotel. Turn left onto Tanglin Road. St Regis is just beside Tanglin Shopping Centre. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Orchard Boulevard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Turn left onto Cuscaden Road. Walk to Tomlinson Road. Turn left onto Tomlinson Road. Walk to Tanglin Road. Turn right onto Tanglin Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Waterfall Ristorante Italiano @ Shangri-La Singapore - Unveils a Revamped Menu Celebrating Southern Italian Flavours

Waterfall Ristorante Italiano at Shangri-La Singapore has introduced a newly refreshed à la carte menu featuring over 20 new dishes inspired by the culinary traditions of Puglia, the Southern Italian hometown of Chef de Cuisine Simone Loisi. The updated offerings blend timeless Italian classics with modern techniques, providing both loyal patrons and newcomers with a vibrant take on Italian dining.

Focaccia 4.2/5

We began our dinner with a warmly baked Focaccia, golden and crisp on the outside, yet moist and fluffy on the inside, with a gentle chew. The addition of olives and herbs elevated its aroma and flavour, offering a comforting and aromatic start to the meal.

Frittura Di Pesce 4.5/5

From the antipasti selection, the Frittura Di Pesce was a standout, an assortment of lightly battered and perfectly fried seafood, including baby cuttlefish, octopus, and prawns. The thin, crispy coating provided just the right crunch, while a squeeze of lemon and a dollop of aioli added brightness and creaminess that tied the dish together beautifully.

Orecchiette Al Ragu Di Braciole 4/5

For pasta, we opted for the Orecchiette Al Ragu Di Braciole. The small, ear-shaped pasta was cooked al dente, offering a satisfying bite. Its concave shape was ideal for holding the rich tomato-based sauce, which was deeply flavoured from slow-cooked pork, pecorino cheese, and fresh parsley. Each mouthful was a comforting balance of savoury and herbaceous notes.

Rustica 4/5

From the pizza selection, we chose the Rustica. Topped with mozzarella, goat cheese, thyme, honey, walnut crumble, and dried figs, it was an impressive harmony of flavours. The savouriness of the cheese paired delightfully with the sweetness of the honey and figs, while the walnut crumble added texture and earthiness. It is a well-executed, sweet and savoury finish.

Tiramisu Classico 4/5

To end the meal, we indulged in a trio of desserts: Tiramisu Classico, Cannoli Siciliano Fatto In Casa, and Torta Al Formaggio E Pistacchio.

The Tiramisu Classico was my personal favourite, featuring the classic elements of savoiardi ladyfingers, mascarpone, coffee, and cocoa powder, all perfectly balanced and executed with finesse.

Cannoli Siciliano Fatto In Casa 3.8/5

The Cannoli Siciliano Fatto In Casa featured a crispy homemade shell piped with sweetened ricotta, elevated by hints of orange zest, bitter chocolate chips, and crushed pistachios. It was rich, textured, and satisfying. The Torta Al Formaggio E Pistacchio was enjoyable, with a creamy texture and nutty undertones. However, the pistachio flavour could have been more pronounced to leave a stronger impression.

Totra Al Formaggio E Pistacchio 3/5

Waterfall Ristorante Italiano's refreshed menu is a warm tribute to Chef Simone Loisi's Southern Italian roots. With elevated classics, quality ingredients, and thoughtful execution of flavours, the restaurant continues to deliver an authentic yet refined Italian dining experience in an elegant resort setting.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Waterfall Ristorante Italiano
Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore
22 Orange Grove Road
Level One, Garden Wing
Singapore 258350
Tel: +65 62134398
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk towards Wheellock Place via ION. Exit Wheellock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Cross the road at the traffic light junction and turn left towards Royal Thai Embassy. Walk down to the end of Orchard Road. Turn right onto Orange Grove Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 23 minutes. [Map]

Cafe Quenino @ Artyzen Singapore - Celebrating SG60 with Local Flavours and a Nostalgic Kaya Collaboration

In celebration of Singapore's 60th birthday, Café Quenino at Artyzen Singapore launches The Heart of SG60, a six-month culinary campaign running from May to October 2025. This gastronomic journey pays tribute to local flavours, people, and stories that define Singapore's culinary identity. Each month features guest collaborations, heritage partners, and menus that showcase Singapore's diverse food culture in a uniquely local light.

For June, Café Quenino partners with the iconic Chin Mee Chin, the beloved East Coast confectionery celebrating its 100th anniversary. For the first time, Chin Mee Chin's famed kaya is now available beyond its flagship store, thanks to this exclusive, year-long collaboration.

A must-try from the bar is the Kaya Toastini ($26), part of the campaign's Spirit of Singapore cocktail programme curated by Senior Mixologist Sathya. Served in a nostalgic kopi cup with a slice of kaya butter toast (made with kaya from Chin Mee Chin), the cocktail blends Roberto Cavalli vodka, coffee liqueur, and kopi, striking a balance between bold, bittersweet, and creamy flavours. It's a playful yet nostalgic drink that bridges the heritage of traditional mixology with modern techniques. It is a true crowd-pleaser.

Ora King Salmon Sashimi 4/5

The meal begins with Ora King Salmon Sashimi, delicately paired with chilli and black bean, which give a punchy umami lift to the buttery salmon. A squeeze of calamansi brightens the flavours even more. It was light, refreshing, and appetising.

Heirloom Tomato Salad 3.5/5

Next is the Heirloom Tomato Salad, a simple yet flavourful medley of sweet heirloom tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, basil, and shallots, finished with a black vinegar dressing. Clean and vibrant, this dish is a palate refresher with just the right acidity to balance the richness of the main courses.

Ayam Percik 4/5

The Ayam Percik features tender chicken cooked in aromatic percik sauce paired with vibrant capsicum salsa and coconut basmati rice. The rice was a standout. It was fragrant and fluffy, garnering praise from diners. The percik sauce could be more robust and spicy to match the full-bodied profile it typically carries. A side of sambal or chilli dip would round out the dish nicely.

Hainanese Beef Brisket 4/5

As part of the collaboration, Chin Mee Chin reimagines the traditional Hainanese Beef Brisket in a modern light. The tender, slow-braised beef is paired with Café Quenino’s silky mashed potatoes, offering a comforting and creamy base. Accompanied by pickled onions and a crisp garden salad, the dish strikes a harmonious balance between nostalgic flavours and contemporary finesse—a thoughtful nod to heritage with a refreshing twist.

Kaya Mille-feuille 4.2/5

To end on a sweet note, the Kaya Mille-feuille is a nostalgic dessert that layers Chin Mee Chin's kaya, mango lychee, and coconut ice cream between crispy pastry. It evoked fond memories of childhood, reminiscent of kaya spread on cream crackers. It is a clever reinterpretation that respects tradition while adding new textures and flavours.

Café Quenino's "The Heart of SG60" series is more than just a dining experience. It's a celebration of memory, identity, and evolution. With Chin Mee Chin's heritage kaya now given a broader platform and new creative expressions, the campaign promises many more heartfelt stories and flavours in the months to come.

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]