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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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]

Experience The Magic of 'A Christmas Tale' at The Marmalade Pantry

Step into the enchanting world of 'A Christmas Tale' at The Marmalade Pantry and discover a festive feast that promises to make your celebrations truly special this holiday season. The bistro has unveiled an impressive lineup of tantalising treats and bundles catering to intimate gatherings and larger festivities, ensuring that everyone can savour the magic of the season.

[NEW] Roasted Maple Bourbon Turkey 4/5

New stars on the menu include the Roasted Maple Bourbon Turkey ($158+, 3.6kg). This succulent turkey boasts a unique blend of flavours derived from marination in bourbon, maple syrup, apple juice, mustard, and black pepper. To ensure that every inch of meat is infused with this delectable medley, the turkey is first sous vide, then roasted to perfection. The result is a taste masterpiece bound to steal the spotlight.

[NEW] Baked Maple Gammon Ham 4.5/5

Another standout newcomer is the Baked Maple Gammon Ham ($98+, 2kg). This classic ham presents a delightful interplay of sweet and savoury. The ham is marinated and sous vide in a reduction of maple syrup, honey, apple juice, yuzu juice, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. It's then roasted to a glorious glaze that makes every bite a flavour revelation.

[NEW] Porchetta 4/5

Porchetta ($108+, 1kg) is a dish that promises to take your taste buds on a journey. It combines the richness of unctuous meat with the irresistible crunch of crispy crackling. The pork belly is meticulously rubbed with a blend of herbs before being expertly rolled and roasted to a golden brown finish.

[NEW] Beef Short Ribs Bone-In 4.2/5

For beef fans, the Beef Short Ribs Bone-In ($108+, 1kg) is an exquisite choice. These fork-tender short ribs are seasoned with salt and pepper, browned, and then sous vide with thyme. A final searing imparts a smoky char, and they're served with roasted tomatoes for an unforgettable taste experience.

[NEW] Lemon & Dill Salmon 4.2/5

For seafood enthusiasts, the Lemon & Dill Salmon ($108+, 0.8kg) is a revelation. Norwegian salmon is meticulously cured overnight with lemon zest and dill before being slow-baked to a delightful, moist, flaky texture. A squeeze of roasted lemon adds a burst of brightness to every bite.

Roasted Harvests 4/5

Quinoa Salad with Prawns 4.2/5

Mac N' Cheese 4.5/5

The carvery delights are beautifully complemented by a selection of signature sides, including the ever-popular Mac N' Cheese ($25, 0.4kg), Quinoa Salad with Prawns ($28, 0.6kg), and Roasted Harvests ($25+, 0.6kg). These festive favourites are perfect for sharing and offer a comforting and hearty addition to your feast.

[NEW] Roasted Pumpkin 4.2/5

A new side making its debut this year is the Roasted Pumpkin ($25, 0.6kg). This dish exudes warmth and comfort, featuring the hearty flavours of roasted pumpkin delicately topped with toasted almond flakes.

[NEW] Merry Berry Cheese Log Cake 4/5

No Christmas celebration is complete without a delightful dessert. The Merry Berry Cheese Log Cake ($68+, 0.68kg) is a sweet and fruity indulgence. It features vibrant flavours of berries, including raspberry, blueberry, and strawberry, harmoniously blended with white chocolate crunch and rolled with cream cheese frosting to achieve a perfectly balanced taste.

[NEW] Nutty Noel Chocolate Log Cake 4/5

If you're a chocolate lover, the Nutty Noel Chocolate Log Cake ($68, 0.68kg) will surely satisfy your cravings. Crafted from rich 70% dark chocolate crème, chocolate macadamia crunch, and chocolate sponge, it's a luxurious and decadent treat bound to be a crowd-pleaser.

In addition to these tantalising takeaways, The Marmalade Pantry offers an unforgettable dining experience with The Yuletide Afternoon Tea. Available for dine-in, takeaway (self-collection), and delivery, this delightful tea experience is served at the Downtown outlet from 1 November 2023 to 7 January 2024, daily from 3pm to 6pm. The Anchorpoint outlet also offers this treat daily from 3pm to 6pm. An exclusive offering at The Marmalade Pantry Petite Bugis outlet from 1 November 2023 to 7 January 2024 is the Yuletide Petite Afternoon Tea Set, available for dine-in from 2pm to 5pm daily.

You can order The Marmalade Pantry's 'A Christmas Tale' festive gourmet highlights until 23 December 2023, 12pm, or while stocks last, at all outlets – The Marmalade Pantry ION, Downtown, Anchorpoint, Novena, as well as The Marmalade Pantry Petite Bugis, and through the online store. Collection is available for takeaway (self-collection) at The Marmalade Pantry Downtown and delivery from 1 to 26 December 2023. Pre-order with Mastercard® by 30 November 2023 to enjoy 15% off festive à la carte orders (not applicable for Festive Bundles) – use promo code "FESTIVE15" for online purchases. With a spend of $180 or an order of a festive bundle, you'll receive a limited edition The Marmalade Canvas Jute Tote Bag while stocks last. Each festive bundle also comes with rose gold disposable cutlery in the quantity specified for the highest serving size of the respective bundle.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


The Marmalade Pantry Downtown
Oasia Hotel Downtown
#01-01
100 Peck Seah Street
Singapore 079333
Tel: +65 63850741
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Ginger.Lily @ Hilton Singapore Orchard - Newly Refreshed Afternoon Tea Experience with Nikkei-inspired Delights

Embark on a four-part journey of Savoury, Sweet, Thirst and Take Me Home with Ginger.Lily's newly refreshed Nikkei-inspired Afternoon Tea menu. Thoughtfully curated by Director of Culinary Vijay and Executive Pastry Chef Cindy, they seek to bring diners to experience a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian flavours and ingredients.

A minimum of 2 diners per table is required, at $58++ per person for food only or $78++ per person for an additional glass of champagne. Included in the set is a choice of 2 hot teas per diner from an extensive range of 10 premium tea varieties.

If you prefer delicately flavoured teas like me, I would recommend Ginger.Lily's house blend, The Ginger.Lily. It is a specially put-together blend of tea leaves paired with goji berries and perfumed with mild florals and exotic fruits.

Welcome Drink

We were first served with a Welcome Drink of tangy-sweet pink guava and yuzu.

Nikkei-style Salmon 4/5

The trio of Nikkei Savouries started with an appetite lifter, the Nikkei-style Salmon. It had fresh cubes of salmon paired with crispy quinoa, cucumber strips and a generous pour of yuzu sauce.

Shishamo 4.2/5

Next, we had a fried piece of meaty Shishamo sandwiched between a lightly grilled mantou bun. It had a mild kick of heat from jalapenos and sriracha.

Sando 4.2/5

The last of this segment of savouries was the satisfying Sando, a well-fried chunky piece of Kurobuta pork laced with sweet tonkatsu sauce and black garlic aioli in bread.

Nikkei Nigiris 4/5

We were surprised to find out about this next part! Not only was it the first time for us to have sushi at an afternoon tea, but it was also carefully torched to finish by the chef at our tableside. The Nikkei Nigiris feature three pieces - the Foie-Gras, Maguro Chu-Toro and White Fish.

Nikkei Nigiris

While the sushi rice was a little more loose than we would prefer, we appreciated the freshness of each. The Maguro Chu-Toro was served with orange ponzu glaze and wasabi, while the White Fish had Shiromi chilli. My favourite was the melt-in-the-mouth Foie-Gras with a brush of ginger-flavoured teriyaki sauce.

Japanese Inspired Sweets 4.2/5

We moved into the Japanese-inspired sweets gorgeously presented in a layered turquoise drawer. Aside from the Red Tea Azuki Dorayaki and Scones, we were recommended to make our way through from the top to the bottom, progressing from the lighter to the more decadent flavours.

Matcha & Sudachi

Despite hoping for more intense matcha notes in the soft Matcha & Sudachi roll cake, it was a lovely, refreshing piece with tangy sudachi notes.

Japanese Mango Cheesecake, Muscat Anise Shortcake, Strawberry Miso Tart

Other featured sweets were the Japanese Mango Cheesecake, Muscat Anise Shortcake and Strawberry Miso Tart, which had an oozing filling of strawberry bits upon halving.

Mikan Cacao Pepper Choux, Sesame Finger Cookies, Hokkaido Potato Moelleux

The more assertive flavours are brought out in the unique Mikan Cacao Pepper Choux, nutty Sesame Finger Cookies and Hokkaido Potato Moelleux.

Scones 3.8/5

We ended off with an afternoon tea staple, scones. The Cranberry Scones and Vanilla Scones came in two pairs, accompanied by a side of strawberry apple jam, yuzu chocolate creme and clotted cream.

I found the scones a tad doughy, but I was particularly surprised to find myself enjoying the yuzu chocolate creme. I'm not usually a fan of a similar citrusy combination of chocolate and orange, but the yuzu here is distinctly bright and balanced off very well with the darker chocolate.

Nikkei Sour 4.5/5

I adored the new Nikkei Sour concocted in-house. It is part of a selection of Nikkei-inspired cocktails designed to pair with the refreshed afternoon tea pieces and their all-day dining. The Nikkei Sour is crafted using Matcha distillate and a Macchu Pisco base, boasting a light, fruity and citrusy profile.

Save a table for Ginger.Lily's afternoon tea at https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/sinorhi-hilton-singapore-orchard/dining/ginger-lily/. There are 2 seatings, with the first seating from 1pm to 3pm and second seating from 3.30pm to 5.30pm.

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.


Ginger.Lily
Hilton Singapore Orchard
Level 5
333 Orchard Road
Singapore 238867
Tel: +65 6831 6273
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 8am to 1am

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to ground level. Turn left onto Orchard Road. Walk down Orchard Road. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Portman’s Bar @ PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay - Enjoy Wellness-themed Afternoon Tea of Delectable Treats Made With Ingredients From Urban Farm

For a limited time till 30 June 2023, Portman's Bar at PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay has launched a special Wellness-themed Afternoon Tea set. The highlight of this set is not only on how the items are served in a luxurious-looking picnic basket but that the full selection of savoury and sweet treats are made with ingredients freshly harvested from the hotel's urban farm. These include fresh herbs, edible flowers and vegetables.

At $58 per pax (min. 2 pax), you can further sweeten your afternoon with a two-hour free flow of Taittinger Champagne at $68 or Prosecco at $38.

Indeed, the environment at Portman's Bar allows a time to relax, as it is surrounded by greenery and pleasant soft music in the background.

Beverages included in the set are free-flow of their coffee and chocolate options as well as a range of TWG Teas served by the pot. You can make swaps any time throughout the dining period. Other than the coffee options, I recommend skipping the Hot/Iced Chocolate and heading straight for the reliable TWG Teas.

Homemade Carrot Scone 4/5

The first item served was the Homemade Carrot Scone, with sides of clotted cream, grated carrot and orange jam to pair.

Picnic Basket

Right after the scones, we were presented with the Picnic Basket, which had seven types of savouries and four sweets delicately placed within.

Healthy Salmon Sandwich 4/5

We went for the Healthy Salmon Sandwich with sustainable salmon, cucumber and cream cheese between wholegrain bread. The bread was soft, while the salmon was fresh and lightly salted. It was a lovely piece to start with.

Nourishing Smoked Chicken Focaccia 3.8/5

Next was the Nourishing Smoked Chicken Focaccia. The smoked chicken and grilled zucchini made a good pairing. The focaccia was soft but slightly too moist on the bottom due to the dressing.

Savoury Scallop with Tomato Salsa 4.2/5

The Savoury Scallop with Tomato Salsa was a bright palate cleanser in shot glasses. There was a base of avocado, tomato salsa, scallop, and toast. The mix of savoury and tangy sweetness was refreshing.

Zesty Prawn Tartlet 4.2/5

My dining companion’s favourite was the Zesty Prawn Tartlet. The base had a nice and firm cookie-like texture, with a surprising combination of diced prawn, mango and pomelo.

Indulgent Lobster Roll 4.5/5

Aptly named the Indulgent Lobster Roll, the chunky and sweet lobster meat was dressed in mayonnaise sauce, topped with tobiko and sandwiched between buttery and lightly toasted brioche.

Mini Pie 3.8/5

While I enjoyed the creamy and earthy filling of leek, potato and sauteed mushroom in the Mini Pie, my dining companion and I felt they could be more generous. The pastry was average, lacking a crunch and buttery fragrance.

Impossible™ Meat Puff Pastry Roll 3.8/5

Similar to the Mini Pie, the puff pastry of the Impossible™ Meat Puff Pastry Roll could be better, but we quite liked the savoury Impossible™ meat filling.

Petite Mango Passion Fruit Gateaux 4.2/5

The Petite Mango Passion Fruit Gateaux was a likeable piece comprising mango, passion fruit, and Breton almond biscuits. It was not too sweet and had tangy notes.

Harmonious Panna Cotta 3.5/5

The Harmonious Panna Cotta featured vanilla and carrot-flavoured panna cotta with a candied carrot and pistachio biscotti. Unfortunately, I was not a big fan of the watery texture and how distinct the carrot notes were.

Peanut Coconut Praline Cake 4.2/5

If you are a fan of peanuts or nutty flavours, the pebble-looking Peanut Coconut Praline Cake is the one to look out for. The cake had a peanut praline emulsion that was rich but not cloying, with a surprise lemongrass jello in the centre, all built on a coconut sponge cake.

Sweet Wagon

On top of the scones and treats above, diners of the afternoon tea can also select from the Sweet Wagon, which offers an assortment of patisseries, macaroons, pralines and cookies.

Chocolate Tart 4.2/5

I recommend giving their Chocolate Tart a try. The tart base could be a tad thinner, but I loved the chocolate filling's intensity, richness and smoothness. It was not too sweet either.

Reservations should be made via phone call +65 6845 1119 or email at portmansbar.prsmb@parkroyalcollection.com. Any special dietary requests should also be made known upon reservation.

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.


Portman’s Bar
PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay
Level 4
6 Raffles Boulevard
Singapore 039594
Tel: +65 68451119
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Nearest MRT: Esplanade (CC Line), Promenade (CC Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1030am - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn right and walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

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