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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

French Fries with Aioli 4.8/5

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.

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
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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 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]

Ginger.Lily @ Hilton Singapore Orchard - Latest Botanical Afternoon Tea: From Root to Bloom

Nestled within Hilton Singapore Orchard, the serene tea lounge of Ginger.Lily offers a tranquil retreat amidst the bustle of Orchard Road. With its airy, conservatory-inspired interiors and lush botanical accents, it provides a lovely setting to savour their latest Botanical Afternoon Tea: From Root to Bloom, for an afternoon of elegant pastries, chit chat and warm brews.

Botanical Afternoon Tea: From Root to Bloom 4.2/5

This seasonal afternoon tea is presented by Executive Sous Chef Cindy Khoo in collaboration with premium French dairy brand Président Professionnel and Meilleur Ouvrier de France (MOF) chef-confectioner Gabriel Le Quang. Inspired by the journey "from root to bloom", the menu draws on nature's forms and flavours to create dishes that are both gorgeous and quietly inventive.

Guests enjoy free-flow coffee and an artisanal Pryce tea selection, a delightful opportunity to sample a variety of brews throughout the afternoon. And for a little extra charm, the tea experience comes with complimentary stickers featuring hand-drawn illustrations by local artist @pwendraws.

Bergamot Gougère

First, we were served a light bite of Bergamot Gougère, aromatic and delicate. The baked choux puff was airy, topped with a crisp Gruyère cheese crust and shaved cheese. An easy and enjoyable bite to start the afternoon.

Savouries tray

Next, a pretty silver 3-tiered stand of savouries arrived at the table. I enjoyed this course a lot, as the selection offered a refreshing departure from typical afternoon tea fare. I also appreciated that the bites were less bread-heavy than on their previous menu, making each piece light enough to leave room to savour the sweets that followed.

Cured Trout Crêpe

Delicate crêpes rolled into neat layers around Cured Trout, finished with a light shichimi cream. Popped this into my mouth, and it was gone in one bite.

Tartiflette Croquette with Curry Pearls

Inspired by the classic Alpine dish, this Croquette combines Reblochon cheese, Hokkaido potatoes, and caramelised bacon into a crisp golden ball. The filling is indulgent and hearty, while the Japanese curry pearls bring a subtle spice that cuts through the richness.

Fungi Gyoza

A highlight was the Fungi Gyoza, filled with locally farmed mushrooms and béchamel, where the earthy umami of the mushrooms was enhanced by the sauce's creamy richness.

Smoked Duck Chip

Dainty cubes of citrus-marinated smoked duck are paired with bright orange segments and a touch of yuzu, all balanced on a delicate rice paper chip. The crisp base contrasts with the tender duck, and the citrus adds freshness to the flavours.

Shrimp Toast

Marinated shrimp atop crisp, golden toast, finished with sriracha mayonnaise. Tiny lime pearls add bursts of tangy brightness, and together they make for a delicious toast. The prawn-to-toast ratio was very good.

Braised Wagyu Brûlée

Another highlight was the Wagyu puff pastry braised with Ginger. Lily's house-blend dark chocolate, an unexpected pairing that worked surprisingly well, the bittersweet chocolate adding depth to the buttery, flaky pastry and tender wagyu. This course is presented with a touch of theatre, prepared tableside with some flames.

Sweets resin case

The sweets were just so pretty, showcased in a clear resin case by Singapore social enterprise JOJOMAMA, adorned with colourful pressed dried flowers. Each cake inside resembled a miniature edible sculpture.

Top Tier: Matcha Swan, Rose & Olive Oil

The Matcha Swan caught my eye immediately. Shaped gracefully like a swan, it features airy matcha Chantilly, a crunchy pistachio praline, and fresh raspberries perched delicately on its back.

The Rose & Olive Oil cake had an interesting flavour combination. Fragrant rose is paired with lychee and raspberry compote. Crafted to resemble a pink rose, it is stunning, though the olive oil made it a slightly acquired taste.

Second Tier: Chocolate & Pomelo, Président's Cheesecake

I was pleased to have at least one chocolate dessert on the menu, and Chocolate & Pomelo offered just that. The tart is flaky filo dough, filled with chocolate cream, layered with tangy citrus gel and fresh pomelo. This was my favourite sweet of the afternoon.

Meanwhile, the Président's Cheesecake features a smooth pink-glazed exterior and showcases creamy Camembert, perfectly complemented by sweet-tart blueberry compote.

Third Tier: Pear & Shiso barquette, Japanese Strawberry & Dill

The Pear & Shiso barquette was fragrant with lemon curd, coconut cream barquette, fresh pear, and shiso, blending sweet, tart, and herbal notes in every bite that left me feeling pleasantly uplifted.

The Japanese Strawberry & Dill combines light citrus sponge with Japanese strawberry compote and dill pearls, though I found it a bit too sweet for my liking.

Bottom Tier: Scones

I was at this point getting a little too full to finish eating the scones at the table, and took home the Vanilla & Cranberry Seed Scones. They were delicious after being warmed up, and paired really well with the yuzu strawberry confit, citrus vanilla confit, and clotted cream.

An afternoon at Ginger.Lily is time well spent, with professional, friendly service and an afternoon tea that is charming to look at, and a pleasure to eat. For this particular menu, though, the savouries were the highlight for me, outshining the sweets. I left the tea lounge feeling refreshed and relaxed.

Time: 12pm to 5.30pm (last seating for walk-ins at 4.30pm) Please note each table is reserved for a two-hour seating.
Price: $65++ per diner, with coffee and tea served throughout
MOËT & CHANDON IMPÉRIAL BRUT CHAMPAGNE: additional $15 ++ for a glass or $65++ for a bottle

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.


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 the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

Dancing Crab @ Orchard Central - Introduces a Limited-Time $60 Combo Bag Bundle

Seafood feasts just got a lot more value-packed at Dancing Crab. Known for its lively American-style seafood boils and hands-on dining experience, the popular restaurant is rolling out a limited-time $60 Combo Bag Bundle that’s perfect for sharing. Available from now till 28 February, this deal lets diners enjoy a generous spread of seafood, sauces, sides and desserts. If you’ve been looking for an excuse to revisit Dancing Crab (or try it for the first time), this might just be it.

#2 Combo Bag 4/5

The #2 Combo Bag ($60++), ideal for 2–3 diners, comes loaded with a satisfying mix of fresh prawns, hamaguri clams, half-shell scallops, sweet corn and Arabiki chicken sausage. What makes the experience even better is the ability to choose three sauces from Dancing Crab’s signature range. We went with the World Famous Signature Cajun, White Pepper Cream, and the new Garlic Chilli Crisps Sauce.

Cocktail Shrimp Salad with Zesty Lemongrass Dressing 4/5

Truffle Fries 3.8/5

For sides, we picked the Cocktail Shrimp Salad with Zesty Lemongrass Dressing and Truffle Fries. The salad was a pleasant surprise - light, refreshing and packed with texture. The zesty lemongrass dressing cuts through the richness of the seafood, while the crunchy granola adds a satisfying bite. Honestly, this is one dish I wouldn’t mind having as a meal on its own. The Truffle Fries were enjoyable but slightly overshadowed by other sides later in the meal. There are stronger contenders on the menu.

Hokkaido Cheesecake Creme Brulee 3.8/5

For dessert, we opted for the Hokkaido Cheesecake Crème Brûlée, with the alternative being the Gâteau au Chocolate Cake. This dessert surprised us in a good way! Creamy, smooth and indulgent with a nicely torched top. It leans on the sweeter side; if the sweetness were toned down slightly, it would be close to perfect.

Crab Cakes 4/5

We also add on other dishes to our meal. The Crab Cakes ($26.80) are made with generous amounts of fresh crab meat and coated in a crisp panko crust. Each bite delivers a balanced mix of crab sweetness and exterior crunch. Well-executed and comforting, this is a safe yet satisfying order for crab lovers.

Lobster Roll 4/5

The Lobster Roll ($58.80) features chunky pieces of fresh Boston lobster tucked into a soft buttery bun. Sweet, juicy and indulgent, it’s a straightforward dish done right. But the real star here? The sweet potato fries on the side are crispy, addictive and far more memorable than the truffle fries. I’ll definitely be choosing these on my next visit.

Ultraviolet Berry Lemonade & Southern Iced Sweet Tea

To wash everything down, we tried the Ultraviolet Berry Lemonade ($5.80), made with freshly squeezed lemon juice and blue pea flower, and the Southern Iced Sweet Tea ($5.80), a refreshing blend of Earl Grey and English Breakfast tea topped with mint. Both drinks are light and refreshing and pair well with the heavier seafood dishes.

The $60 Combo Bag Bundle at Dancing Crab is a solid value, especially for those who enjoy variety and communal dining. With generous portions, flexible sauce choices and the inclusion of sides and desserts, it’s a well-rounded feast without breaking the bank. Available till 28 February for dine-in only, this deal is ideal for casual catch-ups, family meals, or a fun, messy seafood night out. If you’re a fan of bold flavours and hands-on dining, this is one promotion worth checking out before it ends.

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


Dancing Crab
Orchard Central
181 Orchard Road
#07-14/15
Singapore 238896
Tel: +65 6509 1878
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit C or D. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 3 minutes. [Map]

All Hands Café @ Telok Ayer - Boeuf Reopens as All Hands Cafe Serving Housemade Shokupan, Matcha Desserts and Speciality Drinks

All Hands Café in Telok Ayer sports a vibrant blue exterior, a brand new concept by the same team behind the former steakhouse, Boeuf, which once occupied the same space. The beautifully renovated shophouse is modern with charming heritage touches.

Transitioning from its steakhouse roots, the team has reimagined the menu to spotlight freshly baked Shokupan (Japanese milk bread) in creative variations. Alongside the signature bread, diners can also look forward to matcha-based desserts, speciality drinks, and more.

Signature Shokupan 4/5

The Signature Shokupan ($8.94) is a playful twist on our beloved local kaya toast breakfast. It comes with two sous-vide eggs, topped with furikake and kombu-infused soy sauce, and is accompanied by your choice of bread flavour: Kaya Butter Snow, Milo Dino, or Peanut Butter & Jam.

Unlike the typical Shokupan known for its soft, pillowy texture, All Hands’ version omits eggs, resulting in an airier crumb that’s less moist, but still pretty enjoyable.

DIY Shokupan 3.8/5

The DIY Shokupan (from $8.94) lets you build your own toasts with a range of bases and toppings. Start with options like Egg Mayo, Crispy Sunny Side Up, Buttery Scramble, Smash Avo, or Cheesy Tomato, and layer on add-ons such as parma ham (+$6), candied bacon (+$4), sous-vide chicken breast (+$5), or sautéed mushrooms (+$4).

Here we tried the Egg Mayo Garlic Prawn combination, which came with lots of prawns, but I wished it was a little less saucy overall.

Burrata with Parma Ham 4.2/5

If you prefer ready-made options, Open-Faced Shokupan creations are available too. The Burrata with Parma Ham ($14.49) had a hidden layer of green pesto that paired well with the burrata and savoury Parma ham. The addition of compressed tomatoes added a pop of sweetness. Each open-faced toast comes with fries or salad. I’d recommend the crispy fries, which were seasoned perfectly.

We also heard that the A5 Sukiyaki ($28.49) is another delicious option, alongside Kimcheesy ($16.49) and Smoked Salmon Berry ($16.49).

Specialty Drinks

Among their speciality drinks, we tried the eye-catching Blue Spirulina Matcha ($8.49) and the Peanut Butter Hojicha Latte ($8.49). We much preferred the matcha for its surprisingly pleasant combination.

Matcha Brûlée Basque Cheesecake 4/5

Moving to their house-made desserts, the rich Matcha Brûlée Basque Cheesecake ($6.49) would appeal to cheesecake lovers. We liked the prominent matcha notes and the thin caramelised top.

Matcha Banana Pudding 3.8/5

On the other hand, we wished the Matcha Banana Pudding ($6.49) had come in a larger portion with stronger pandan notes, as we expected based on its menu description. However, the matcha cloud that came along was lovely.

Fans of Boeuf will be delighted to know that the cafe has kept a part of its steakhouse legacy with a dedicated menu section, “Keeping the Best of Boeuf”, featuring Boeuf’s Best Selling Rossini Tenderloin, Boeuf’s Bourguignon, and Steak Tartare.

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.


All Hands Café
159 Telok Ayer Street
Singapore 068614
Tel: +65 9863 1626
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 8am - 5pm

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

2) 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]