LUCE @ Frasers House - Unveils a Richer, More Immersive Dining Experience

Curated under the direction of Chef de Cuisine Giuseppe Di Caetano, Luce at Fraser House introduces a more indulgent and dynamic dining experience, marked by an expanded lineup of live stations and a deeper repertoire of dishes.

Seafood on Ice

The experience began the moment I stepped in, greeted by an impressive seafood-on-ice display showcasing premium selections such as Japanese oysters, wild-caught Australian spanner crab, and an array of seasonal shellfish.

Cold Cuts and Charcuterie

The Cold Cuts and Charcuterie Room is an ideal way to start, a dedicated space housing an extensive selection of artisanal cheeses from Italy and France, including a noteworthy 36-month-aged cheddar, alongside premium cured meats like the 18-month dry-cured Prosciutto di Parma.

Chilled Antipasti and Salads

Burrata

The spread includes a variety of chilled antipasti and salads, with burrata as a highlight. A sushi and sashimi selection is also available alongside.

Housemade Squid Ink Tagliolini

Pasta station

At the heart of Luce lies its Italian culinary tradition. One of the standout live stations features the Housemade Squid Ink Tagliolini, prepared tableside on a gueridon. Tossed with fresh river prawn and a fragrant kaffir crustacean bisque, the dish is finished in a signature Parmesan wheel for added depth and richness. The pasta station also offers choices such as Trofie, Cheese Ravioli, and Rigatoni, complemented by sauces like Guanciale Carbonara and slow-cooked Beef Bolognese.

Bone Marrow

Brandy and Mustard Marinated Angus Beef Striploin

From the live stations, the Brandy and Mustard Marinated Angus Beef Striploin is a notable highlight, served alongside indulgent open flame bone marrow, green asparagus, vine tomatoes, and a brandy rosemary sauce.

Louisiana Style Barbecue Pork Ribs

Pollo Limone

Rotational roasts add variety, including Louisiana Style Barbecue Pork Ribs with Grilled Pineapple and Pollo Limone, featuring free-range chicken marinated with Cajun spices and finished with a lemon-and-mushroom cream sauce.

Oven Baked Sustainable Barramundi

Amongst the Italian specialities, channelling the essence of coastal Italian cuisine, the Sicilian-style Whole Branzino, presented as an oven-baked sustainable barramundi, was moist and tender, scrumptious with capers, tomatoes, olives, and perfectly cooked potatoes that brought everything together beautifully.

Seafood Stew

Vegetable Stew

Comforting classics such as Il Caciucco di Mare, a robust mixed seafood stew, and Frecanto di Verdure, a full-bodied vegetable medley brimming with the vibrant flavours of black olives, oregano, capers, tomato, garlic, onion, and white wine.

Homemade Meatballs

For homely fare, the Homemade Meatballs in fresh basil and tomato marinara deliver familiar comfort. At the same time, the Ragout alla Genovese, featuring slow-braised Wagyu with durum wheat pasta, was a pleasing staple.

Signature Pork Lup Cheong e Gorgonzola Dolce Pizza

The Pinsa station dishes out freshly made pizzas that take centre stage, including a cross-cultural creation: the Chef’s Signature Pork Lup Cheong e Gorgonzola Dolce Pizza, where the savoury, smoky lup cheong is balanced by a cream-softened Gorgonzola.

Fraser House Signature Laksa station

Satays

Local favourites remain a strong draw, with Fraser House Signature Laksa and Grilled Chicken and Beef Satay continuing to impress, the latter particularly notable for its spice-forward marinade and aromatic depth.

Braised Pork Belly

The Asian selection features staples such as Mee Goreng, Dim Sum, and curries. However, the standout was undoubtedly the Braised Iberico Pork Belly with dried chilli and five spice, meltingly tender and richly flavoured.

Dessert Station

LUCE-misu

To conclude, the dessert station is nothing short of abundant. Expect a Valrhona Chocolate Fountain, an assortment of Nyonya kueh, and an elegant spread of cakes. The signature LUCE-misu is given its own dedicated live station, offering a decadent finale.

Visit www.lucesingapore.com to explore monthly exclusive dining privileges at LUCE. In celebration of the relaunch, guests are invited to enjoy 30% dining privileges on weekdays with LUCE30 and 25% dining privileges on weekends with LUCE25. For reservations, please contact the Dining Reservations team at +65 6825 1008 or email tlc.sinlb.luce@luxurycollection.com.

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.


LUCE
Fraser House, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Level 1
80 Middle Road
Singapore 188966
Tel: +65 6825 1008
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW, DT Line)

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

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

SABOR Cocina Y Tapas @ CHIJMES - A New Lively & Stylish Spanish Dining with Room for Refinement

Located within the charming grounds of CHIJMES, SABòR Cocina Y Tapas is a bold new addition to the dining scene, officially opening on 1 April 2026. Taking over the former space of Privé, this 100-seater Spanish concept is helmed by the team behind Duomo Ristorante. The restaurant offers a lively, communal dining experience, seamlessly transitioning from a laid-back daytime setting to a vibrant evening destination. Diners can choose between the sleek glass-enclosed dining hall or the picturesque alfresco courtyard, which comes alive at night with twinkling lights set against the historic chapel backdrop.

Bikini Sobrasada, Honey & Cheese 3.8/5

We started with the Bikini Sobrasada, Honey & Cheese ($18), a modern take on the classic Spanish pressed sandwich. Stuffed with sobrasada, a soft, paprika-spiced cured sausage. The sandwich delivered a rich, smoky depth, elevated by melted cheese. A drizzle of honey adds a distinct sweet note, giving it a sweet-savoury profile that leans away from the traditional version. While interesting, preferences may vary depending on whether one favours the classic savoury rendition.

Bread & Tomatoes 3/5

The Bread & Tomatoes ($12) pays homage to a Spanish staple. Featuring crisped crystal bread topped with ripe tomatoes, olive oil and salt, it celebrates simplicity and ingredient quality. However, the seasoning was a tad heavy-handed, slightly overshadowing the natural flavours.

Spicy Crab Croquette 3/5

Jamón Serrano Croquette 3/5

Moving on to the croquettes, both the Spicy Crab Croquette ($4/pc) and Jamón Serrano Croquette ($4/pc) boasted a crisp exterior with a molten, creamy interior. Unfortunately, the fillings lacked distinction, with neither the crab nor the jamón coming through clearly, leaving us underwhelmed.

Chicken Wings' Dirty Pepe' 3/5

The Chicken Wings' Dirty Pepe' ($18) takes inspiration from Madrid's iconic Casa Pepe. Deep-fried to a satisfying crisp, the wings are coated in a smoky, sweet-savoury glaze that is more balanced and approachable than the original's punchy saltiness. Interestingly, the flavour profile and glaze evoked Korean-style fried chicken, with its addictive sweet-savoury coating.

Grilled Wagyu Beef Paella 3.8/5

For a hearty centrepiece, the Grilled Wagyu Beef Paella ($48) offers a meat-forward take on the traditional dish. While flavourful, the rice leaned closer to a risotto-like consistency, lacking the coveted socarrat — the crispy caramelised crust that defines a well-executed paella.

Grilled Barramundi, Picon Sauce 4/5

From the grill, the Grilled Barramundi with Picon Sauce ($34) was well executed, with crisp skin and moist, flaky flesh. The accompanying mojo picón sauce added a punchy, smoky spice that complemented the fish beautifully.

Crispy Pork Belly, Green Apple 3/5

The Crispy Pork Belly, Green Apple ($36) featured tender meat but fell short on the crackling, with the skin turning out slightly rubbery rather than crisp. The green apple slaw, however, provided a refreshing acidity that helped balance the richness.

Potatoes 'Bravisimas' 4.5/5

One of the highlights of the meal was the Potatoes 'Bravisimas' ($16). This elevated take on patatas bravas features golden, crispy potatoes, fluffy inside, coated in a deeply addictive seasoning. It's the kind of dish that keeps you reaching for more.

Crema Catalana with Cookies 3/5

Churros with Chocolate 3.5/5

Ending on a sweet note, the Crema Catalana with Cookies ($14) impressed with its silky, citrus-infused custard and delicate caramelised crust. The addition of cookie crumbs beneath adds a delightful textural contrast. Meanwhile, the Churros with Chocolate ($12) delivered exactly what you’d expect — crispy on the outside, light within, and paired with a rich, indulgent chocolate dip.

Overall, SABòR Cocina Y Tapas brings an energetic Spanish dining concept to CHIJMES, with a strong emphasis on ambience and communal plates. While certain dishes could be more refined in execution, there are standout items that showcase its potential as a lively spot for gatherings over tapas and drinks.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


SABOR Cocina Y Tapas
Chijmes
30 Victoria Street
#01-33
Singapore 187996
Tel: +65 9611 9127
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nerest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line), Bras Basah (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 430pm - 12midnight
Fri-Sun: 12pm - 2pm, 430pm - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Cut across Raffles City Shopping Centre to Bras Basah Road. At the junction of Bras Basah Road and North Bridge Road, cross the road to Chijmes. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Bras Basah MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk southwards towards Victoria Road. At the junction of Bras Basah Road and Victoria Road, cross the junction to Chijmes. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ayam Goreng Berempah 4.2/5

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

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.

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.

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.

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]

Chen’s Kitchen @ Paragon Shopping Centre - Welcoming Lunar New Year With Festive Set Reunion Menus

For the upcoming Lunar New Year, Chen's Kitchen at Paragon Shopping Centre has introduced festive set Reunion Menus featuring its well-loved signatures alongside new dishes that will be added to the regular menu after CNY 2026.

Prosperity Yu Sheng 3/5

Double-boiled Lotus Root and Pork Rib Soup 3/5

The Blossom Set ($328++ for 4 pax) begins with a classic Prosperity Yu Sheng, followed by a comforting Double-boiled Lotus Root and Pork Rib Soup. The soup was simple, homely, and soothing.

Mapo Tofu Original 4.2/5

Three of Chen's Kitchen's signatures anchor this set. The Mapo Tofu Original did not disappoint, delivering umami-packed flavours with silky tofu that carried the sauce beautifully.

Sweet and Sour Barramundi 3/5

The Sweet and Sour Barramundi was delectable overall, though the fried exterior on the leaner parts of the fish leaned slightly thicker than preferred, resulting in more crust than meat. The sauce also skewed a little too sweet for my palate.

Mala Mayo Prawns 4.5/5

On the other hand, the Mala Mayo Prawns were succulent, elevated by a coating of mala mayonnaise on the exterior that delivered an indulgent, creamy mouthfeel.

Chen's Black Sweet and Sour Pork 4.8/5

Our family favourite was undoubtedly Chen's Black Sweet and Sour Pork. Each morsel was firm yet tender and deeply savoury, with a rich, well-balanced flavour that leaned more towards umami rather than tanginess.

Gongbao Chicken 4/5

The Gongbao Chicken was visually appealing, featuring tender, well-marinated chicken complemented by asparagus that added a refreshing crunch.

Szechwan French Beans with Mushrooms 4.5/5

The Szechwan French Beans with Mushrooms were thoroughly moreish, with crunchy beans paired with savoury minced meat, making it easy to keep reaching for more.

Double-Boiled Pear with Snow Fungus and Red Dates 3.8/5

To complement the flavoursome dishes, dessert is a refreshing chilled Double-Boiled Pear with Snow Fungus and Red Dates, offering a light and soothing finish to the meal.

4-Pax, 6-Pax and 8-Pax Reunion Menus are available for dine-in, takeaway and delivery

Promotions
Citi Cardmembers Exclusive — 20% Off CNY Set Menus (Valid from 9 Jan – 3 Mar 2026, excluding 16–18 Feb)
Early Bird Special — 15% Off for reservations by 31 Jan 2026 (10% Off 16–18 Feb)
Free Fortune Cat Blind Box with any set menu or Yusheng purchase
Angbao Giveaway (5 Jan – 3 Mar, while stocks last) with prizes including discounts on CNY sets, Yusheng offers, complimentary appetisers, or drinks

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.


Chen's Kitchen
Paragon Shopping Centre
200 Orchard Road
#B1-43
Singapore 238859
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line), Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 930pm

Direction:
1. Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to ground level. Turn left onto Orchard Road. Walk down Orchard Road. At the traffic junction of Orchard Road and Orchard Link, cross the road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 10 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 2 or 3. Proceed to the road level. Walk down Orchard Road until the junction of Orchard Road and Orchard Link. Cross the road and walk to Paragon. Journey time is about 12 minutes. [Map]