Showing posts with label Black Cod. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Black Cod. Show all posts

Friday, November 1, 2024

Ju Kyu Singapore @ Telok Ayer Street - Modern Japanese Restobar Catering to Various Occasions Booasting an Eclectic Menu

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Located in Telok Ayer, Ju Kyu offers a modern Japanese dining experience within an enigmatic space adorned with sakura blossoms and vibrant Japanese motifs. The restaurant caters to various occasions, boasting a full menu ranging from skewers to tapas, small plates, rice dishes, noodles, mains, and desserts. Handcrafted cocktails with a Japanese twist are also one of the key offerings of Jyu Kyu.

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Skewers 3.8/5

Grilled over Bincho-tan charcoal in a traditional Japanese Konro, Jyu Kyu's skewers are a highlight of the menu. We enjoyed a selection that included Pork Belly Enoki ($5.50), Beef Striploin ($6.50), Asparagus ($4.50), and Grilled Corn ($6.50). Each item had a well-executed caramelisation, but the Pork Belly Enoki stood out for its juicy, flavorful bite. The Grilled Corn, dusted with house spices, had great flavour but could have benefitted from a plumper corn cob.

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Chargrilled Squid 3.8/5

The Chargrilled Squid ($22), grilled with care and served with sambal chilli and lime, had a lovely balance of flavours, though the squid could have been juicier for a more satisfying bite.

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Chawanmushi 4/5

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Cold Tofu 4.5/5

We tried the Cold Tofu ($14) from the tapas selection and Chawanmushi ($7.80). The marinated tofu was topped with ikura and furikake, with the marination seemingly infused with century egg, adding an excellent funky depth. The Chawanmushi, brimming with ikura, also surprised us with its generous fillings of salmon and mushrooms.

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Uni & Crab Cracker 4/5

For a unique small plate, the Uni & Crab Cracker ($26) offered a mix of creamy crab rillettes and uni, topped with ikura and served on crispy rice paper puffs. The coriander infusion was subtle, but the contrast between the creamy filling and the crunchy base was delightful.

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Unagi & Eggplant Rice 4.5/5

Under the Rice selection, the Unagi & Eggplant Rice ($26) was a standout, combining smoky, caramelized teriyaki eggplant with perfectly grilled eel. The smokiness of the eggplant added a surprising depth to the otherwise familiar unagi rice bowl, elevating the dish with texture and flavour.

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Pork Belly Tonkotsu Ramen 4.8/5

A surprise hit was the Pork Belly Tonkotsu Ramen ($26). Despite not being a ramen speciality shop, Jyu Kyu delivered a bowl of rich, creamy pork broth hearty with tender chashu served slightly charred, a beautifully marinated ajitsuke tamago, and nicely cooked noodles.

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Miso Black Cod 3.8/5

For Mains, we tried the Miso Black Cod ($34), served with spinach goma-ae was decent but felt like it could use a bit more refinement. While the pairing with goma-ae was thoughtful, the dish didn't quite reach the same heights as other mains.

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Ju Kyu's beautifully decorated interior, featuring sakura-filled ceiling and Japanese illustrations, provides the perfect backdrop for a drink or two. Their curated cocktail menu offers aesthetically pleasing beverages that excite your eyes and palate.

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.


Ju Kyu
198 Telok Ayer Street
Singapore 068637
Tel:: +65 8819 8000
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 1130am - 230pm, 5pm - 11pm
Fri: 1130am - 230pm, 5pm - 1130pm
Sat: 5pm - 1130pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Turn left and walk down Telok Ayer Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk to Telok Ayer Street. Turn left onto Telok Ayer Street. Walk down Telok Ayer Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Wednesday, October 2, 2024

Hevel @ Keong Saik Road - Honest Modern European Cuisine, with a Focus on Communal Joy, Seasonal Integrity, Wrapped in Heartfelt Hospitality.

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Dinner at Hevel offers a very polished experience from start to finish. The culinary team, led by Chef Stefan Liau, have crafted a memorable Chef's menu that showcases a thoughtful blend of familiar, comforting flavours alongside unexpected, playful pairings.

Priced at $138++ per person, the menu consists of six courses featuring eleven dishes, each carefully designed to whisk diners away on a culinary journey. The atmosphere exudes sophistication from the moment you sit down and sets the mood for a cosy dinner date or a gathering with close friends.

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Cashew Cream, Kelp, and Banana Tart 4.5/5

Our first snack was a Cashew Cream, Kelp, and Banana Tart. It may sound like an unusual combination, but it comes together beautifully. The fermented cashew cream is rich and creamy, with sweet, slightly nutty, and savoury notes.

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Foie Gras 4.5/5

The second snack features delicate Foie Gras marinated in fragrant ginger flower, creating a luxurious and aromatic experience. The foie gras is silky and rich, with a velvety texture that melts in your mouth. The ginger flower adds a unique floral note, balancing the richness of the foie gras.

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Victorian Lamb Tartare 4.2/5

The third snack is a Victorian Lamb Tartare, a treat showcasing finely diced, tender lamb that is seasoned to perfection with a hint of spice. It is topped with caviar and placed atop a crispy potato hash.

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Custard 4.8/5

Next up is the Custard, which has chawanmushi paired with a creamy sauce. While the previous three snacks are more playful in flavour, this dish falls into the realm of comfort food. The custard is beautifully fragrant with the use of thyme and chives. Accompanying it is a smooth buttermilk sauce, tender scallops, crispy sunchoke chips, and a touch of caviar.

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Crudo 4/5

The next four dishes were presented together to provide a communal experience. It's a good idea that allows diners to interact, taste more dishes, as well as decide some of the sequence of their meal.

We enjoyed Kingfish prepared in two distinct styles. The first was Crudo, where a tangy verjus and fragrant dill complemented the fresh, delicate fish. The addition of zesty grapefruit slices added a bright, citrusy kick that balanced the dish perfectly.

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Tartare 4.2/5

The second preparation was a Tartare of smoked Kingfish with smoked mussels. This dish was served in a charming and crispy little candied tart, which provided a delightful contrast in sweetness and crunch.

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Rye Soft Roll 3.8/5

We also had a Rye Soft Roll, which was served delightfully warm. While rye doesn't make for a pillowy soft roll, the earthy flavour of rye went really well with the unique Sakura Smoked Butter. You will definitely taste the smokiness of the butter, which is very enjoyable. We also used the bread to mop up some of the other sauces from the other three dishes.

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Octopus 4.5

The last of the communal dishes was an Octopus dish served with Piquillo peppers and the interesting salsify, which is a root vegetable belonging to the dandelion family. It is also known as the Oyster plant because it offers a mineral-like flavour when cooked. The octopus is well prepared and tender, and the sauce adds a vibrant touch that enhances the dish.

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Black Cod 4/5

After the four communal dishes comes a choice of main course - Black Cod or Maple Leaf Duck ($14++ supplement required).

The Black Cod is first seared in a pan and then finished in the oven, resulting in a slightly smoky exterior and crispy skin, while the buttery, flaky flesh inside stays moist and succulent. It's a delightful, classic choice if you're in the mood for seafood.

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Maple Leaf Duck 4.5/5

However, the Maple Leaf Duck would be my pick for the main course. The duck was remarkably tender and juicy, the skin was nice and crisp. Accompanying the duck was a velvety parsnip purée, adding a creamy, earthy element.

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Roasted Grains 4.5/5

For the final savoury dish, we were presented with a hearty bowl of Roasted Grains, in this case, barley, which offered a nutty flavour and a pleasing chewy texture. The dish was both comforting and indulgent, topped with tender, shredded confit duck leg. The sauce, crafted from white onion and cream, was really delicious and fragrant, and the dish was also topped with truffle and sage. One of the best aspects of this dish is that you can request a second serving if you still have room in your stomach. This generous option ensures that you leave completely satisfied.

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Smoked Hay 2.8/5

The final dish on this tasting menu was the Smoked Hay dessert. However, I wasn't particularly fond of this flavour combination. While it's quite impressive that it manages to capture the flavour of smoked hay, after a rich meal, I was looking for something sweeter or more refreshing to round out the experience.

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Hevel also offers a thoughtfully curated wine pairing programme priced at $98++ and a cocktail pairing option for $78++. The wine pairing we tried features an exquisite selection sourced from handpicked small-batch producers, showcasing a range of unique and high-quality wines. This selection highlights the artistry of these boutique wineries and emphasises a celebration of fortified wines, which add depth and complexity to the dining experience.

Overall, Hevel is an excellent choice for those wanting to enjoy quality cuisine in a stylish and vibrant setting.

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


Hevel
1 Keong Saik Road
#01-04
Singapore 089109
Tel: +65 9622 6679
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Nearest MRT: Outram Park (EW, NE, TE Line),  Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu: 6pm - 1030pm
Fri-Sat: 6pm - 11pm
(Closed on Mon-Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk straight towards Kreta Ayer Road. Turn right onto Keong Siak Road. Walk down Keong Siak Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Walk straight down Neil Road to Keong Saik Road. Turn right onto Keong Saik Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 mintues. [Map]

Friday, September 27, 2024

PS.Cafe @ One Fullerton - Celebrates its 25th Anniversary with Blast from the Past Menu

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PS.Cafe celebrates its 25th anniversary with a special "Blast from the Past" menu, available from September 1 to 30. The menu revives five of the café's most beloved dishes from over the years, priced at $25 each, with a dessert and a handcrafted cocktail for $12.50 each.

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Chicken Tau Kwa Burger 3/5

We began with the Chicken Tau Kwa Burger ($25) from the anniversary menu and the Pecorino Cauliflower Gratin ($15) from the current menu. The Chicken Tau Kwa Burger debuted in 2006 at PS.Cafe's Paragon branch features tender chicken breast sandwiched between two fried tau kwa, dressed with tangy dried chilli oil. It's a high-protein, visually appealing dish, but it tasted and felt rather functional than satisfying.

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Pecorino Cauliflower Gratin 4/5

The Pecorino Cauliflower Gratin was a delightful side, with well-roasted cauliflower florets in béchamel, seasoned with garlic and sesame crumbs. However, I felt that a bit more cheese could have added extra depth and richness.

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King Prawn Paella 3/5

Another item from the special menu, the King Prawn Paella ($25), leaned more towards a Pearl Barley risotto than a traditional paella. That said, the texture of the pearl barley, combined with chunks of chorizo and sweet corn, offered a chewier bite than the usual bomba rice, adding an enjoyable textural twist to the dish.

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Miso Black Cod 3/5

We tried the Miso Black Cod ($42) from the current menu with Grilled Pumpkin, Cha Soba, and Greens. Unfortunately, the fish itself wasn't at its best, and the miso flavour was lacking. The tasty accompanying sides made up for it.

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Lemon Steamed Pudding 2.5/5

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Double Chocolate Blackout Cake 4/5

For dessert, the special Lemon Steamed Pudding ($12.50) was a lemon steamed cake served with homemade lemon custard sauce and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It was overly sweet for my taste. In contrast, the classic Double Chocolate Blackout Cake ($18) had a better balance of bitter-sweetness and indulgence.

For opening hours and reservations, kindly visit www.pscafe.com

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.


PS.Cafe
One Fullerton
1 Fullerton Road
#02-03B/04
Singapore 049213
Tel: +65 6708 9288
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Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 10am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT. Take Exit A or B. Walk to Clifford Centre and then Change Alley. Take escalator to level 2. Cross the road using the OUE Link. Turn left towards Fullerton Bay Hotel. Walk to towards the bay and destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Friday, August 23, 2024

The Lobby Lounge @ InterContinental Singapore – Reimagined Flavours of Japan Afternoon Tea

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Timeless elegance with teatime affair at The Lobby Lounge as Executive Pastry Chef Jason Goh and his talented culinary team bring back the crowd-favourite Flavours of Japan Afternoon Tea following its successful debut last year. The updated menu reimagines classic Japanese sweet and savoury delights that marries traditional Japanese flavours with modern culinary artistry.

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Japanese Lobster Salad Sandwich 4/5

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Seafood Inari with Shoyu Ikura 3.8/5

There are 4 savoury items, and our favourite was the Japanese Lobster Salad Sandwich, which was really flavourful, and we loved the overall texture. The Seafood Inari with Shoyu Ikura has great potential with Hokkaido Scallop, Jumbo Lump Crab, Octopus, Seasoned Wakame, Salmon Roe and Wasabi-Yuzu Dressing but the sweet tofu pocket overpowered all the ingredients. The other 2 items were the Baked Miso Black Cod, which was a little too salty for our liking, and the Charcoal Barbeque Eel Quiche, which has a nice flavour but is a little dry.

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Scones: English Buttermilk and Ichida Hoshigaki / Charcoal Barbeque Eel Quiche

Scones are one item we always look forward to during an afternoon tea. The classic Buttermilk Scones are buttery and perfect with clotted cream. The other 2 condiments to go with the scones are Sakura Peach Preserves and Strawberry-Mint Marmalade. Even though we can't taste the mint, we prefer the Strawberry-Mint Marmalade over the Sakura Peach Preserves. As for the Ichida Hoshigaki Scones, made with dried Japanese persimmon, have a slightly bitter aftertaste, which we are not a fan of.

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The afternoon tea set includes a good selection of TWG Tea or Coffee. However, note that it is only one serving. If you order a tea, you may refill hot water.

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Yuzu Kumquat Mame (in shot glass) 3/5 and Japanese Matcha Roll 3.5/5

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Okinawan Tartlet 3/5

The Sweet Fancies look so pretty we didn't know where to start! Our favourite has to be the Kurogoma Ryokucha Mousse, which actually is just a simple black sesame cream on a genoise sponge, but it is so soft and light, and the fragrant black sesame is such a delight; it was unexpected! Chef Jason told us that he was trying to mimic soba for the black sesame cream part, it's cute. The Japanese Matcha Roll made with roasted almond sponge was rolled with a light hojicha mascarpone cream but sandwiched with 2 pieces of white chocolate, which made it a little too sweet.

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Mizu Shingen Mochi 3.5/5

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Kurogoma Ryokucha Mousse 4/5

The Okinawan Tartlet has good potential, but the tart shell was too bitter for our liking, overpowering the Okinawan sweet potato crème, and the caramelised macadamia wasn't sweet enough to balance it out. Mizu Shingen Mochi, the once viral raindrop cake, was paired with Japanese black honey (we thought it was Okinawa's famous black sugar at first) and kinako (soybean powder). It was fun to eat but nothing surprising. You may adjust your preference for sweetness with the amount of black honey.

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Enjoy the free flow of sorbet and gelato, with two flavours rotating daily. We had the Mixed Berry Sorbet and Vanilla Gelato.

Flavours of Japan Afternoon Tea is available daily till 12 November 2024 at $65++ per person on weekdays and $70++ per person on weekends. Add on $28++ for one flute of champagne. There are 2 seatings available at 1pm-3pm and 3.30pm-5.30pm.

Photos and words by Jaslyn. An avid cook who lives to eat and travel for food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


The Lobby Lounge
InterContinental Singapore
Level 1
80 Middle Road
Singapore 188966
Tel: +65 68251008
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1-3pm, 330pm - 530pm

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

Tuesday, August 20, 2024

Nobu @ Four Seasons Hotel Singapore - Launches new "Taste of Nobu" Bottomless Weekend Brunch

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Nobu at the Four Seasons Hotel Singapore has introduced an enticing "Taste of Nobu" weekend brunch, allowing diners to indulge in unlimited servings of Nobu’s signature creations. This semi-buffet brunch concept pairs exquisite dishes with free-flow beverage options, providing an experience that epitomizes luxury and indulgence.

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Upon arrival, diners are greeted by a visually stunning counter spread where Nobu’s skilled chefs prepare a variety of sushi rolls, sashimi, cold dishes, and salads right before your eyes.

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Some standout items from the counter include the Yellowtail Jalapeño, Umami Chicken Wing, Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna, and Sashimi Salad with Matsuhisa Dressing. Each dish is meticulously crafted, offering bursts of flavour that are irresistible. However, with so many delectable options on offer, I recommend exercising some restraint to save room for the hot dishes, which are prepared à la minute and served directly to your table.

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Rock Shrimp Tempura with Creamy Spicy Sauce 4.5/5

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Shojin Tempura 4/5

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Nasu Miso 3.5/5

The hot dishes at Nobu are nothing short of spectacular, beginning with the Rock Shrimp Tempura with Creamy Spicy Sauce, Shojin Tempura, and Nasu Miso. Among these, the Rock Shrimp Tempura was the star, with tender shrimp encased in a thin, crispy coating and tossed in an addictive, creamy, spicy sauce that left me yearning for more.

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Scallop Wasabi Pepper 3.5/5

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Black Cod Miso 4.5/5

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Salmon Steak Yuzu Butter Soy 4.2/5

Moving on to more substantial dishes, the Scallop Wasabi Pepper, Black Cod Miso, and Salmon Steak Yuzu Butter Soy offer a true taste of Nobu's signature dishes. The portions are generous, with each dish being almost a complete meal on its own. The Black Cod Miso and Salmon Steak particularly stood out, with flavours so well-balanced and satisfying that they alone are reason enough for a return visit.

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F1 Japanse Beef and Mushroom Toban Yaki 4.2/5

The pinnacle of the brunch experience was the F1 Japanese Beef and Mushroom Toban Yaki. Served sizzling on a hotplate, the dish features tender slices of premium beef resting on a bed of mushrooms, all cooked in a sweet and savoury sauce that begs to be paired with a bowl of rice. The beef was succulent and perfectly cooked, making this dish a must-try for any beef lover.

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Nobu’s weekend brunch also features a decadent dessert room that showcases the brand's popular Nobu-style Cheesecake along with handcrafted desserts such as Green Tea Flan, Chocolate Miso Cream Puff, and Yuzu Meringue Tarts. Each dessert is an indulgent treat, perfectly rounding off the brunch with a sweet and satisfying finale..

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To complement the exceptional food, Nobu Singapore offers bottomless alcohol packages at an additional charge. These packages feature premium Taittinger champagne, Nobu Matsuhisa white wine, red wine, and sake, as well as craft cocktails. One of the beverage highlights is the Nobu Junmai Daiginjo, an exclusive sake available only at Nobu restaurants. This medium-bodied sake is smooth, crisp, and complex, with delicate floral notes that pair beautifully with Nobu's dishes, offering a truly immersive and luxurious dining experience.

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"Taste of Nobu" Weekend Brunch
• Priced at SGD 168++ per person, inclusive of free flow of juices, soft drinks, teas and selected mocktails
• Additional SGD 60++ per person for an upgrade to the Classic beverage package, which includes a free flow of selected sake, champagne, wines and beers
• Additional SGD 168++ per person for an upgrade to the Luxe beverage package, which consists of a free flow of selected sake, champagne, wines, beers and craft cocktails

For those seeking a sophisticated brunch experience, Nobu’s weekend offering is an indulgent way to spend a leisurely afternoon with flavours that linger long after the meal is over.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Nobu Singapore
Four Seasons Hotel Singapore
190 Orchard Boulevard
Singapore 248646
Tel: +65 6831 7653
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 11. Walk straight to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]