Ginger.Lily @ Hilton Singapore Orchard - New Afternoon Tea Chapter, "A Symphony of Origins: Terroir and Bloom"

The next chapter in Ginger.Lily's storybook-inspired afternoon tea concept invites guests to discover "A Symphony of Origins: Terroir and Bloom", a collaboration between Michelin-starred Chef Adrien Descouls and Hilton Singapore Orchard's Executive Sous Chef Cindy Khoo. Inspired by the landscapes, traditions, and artistry that define their culinary journeys, this menu is a whimsical tribute to heritage and nature reimagined on the plate.

From savoury creations that echo the volcanic soils and rolling hills of Chef Adrien's native Auvergne, to delicate pastries where Chef Cindy infuses French precision with Japanese finesse, each bite tells a story of place, memory, and imagination. Together, they present an afternoon tea experience that is both refined and poetic, a celebration of origins transformed into flavours that linger.

Afternoon tea at Ginger.Lily is available in two seatings, 1:00pm to 3:00pm and 3:30pm to 5:30pm. The experience is priced at $78++ per diner and includes one glass of cocktail or mocktail and two pots of tea, with a minimum of two diners required. Guests are kindly encouraged to inform the team of any dietary restrictions at the time of reservation.

Tea Scent Bar

Before diving into the food, I must first share my love for the artisanal tea selection, thoughtfully curated with Pryce Tea. The offerings are pretty special, featuring floral and fruity blends such as Vanda Miss Joaquim, Pink Ginger.Lily, Forest Berries, Kyoho Oolong, and Shizuoka Muskmelon. There is a tea scent bar, where guests can smell the various tea blends before making a choice. Coffee is also available, with a regular selection of black coffee, Americano, Latte, Flat White and Cappuccino.

Peach Sour Mocktail

Guests are also treated to a welcome drink, either the Champignon "Mushrooms" Cocktail, an interesting blend of sous-vide shiitake, Lapsang Souchong tea, and Stranger & Sons gin, or the Peach Sour Mocktail, crafted with Hakuto peach oolong, slow-pressed guava, and yuzu. We opted for the mocktail, which was bright, refreshing, and a perfect start to the afternoon.

Huître - Oyster

To begin, we were served freshly shucked Oysters, delicately paired with floral tea jelly, lemongrass, and a hint of vin jaune.

Shepherds’ Truffle Broth

The next course was a heartwarming Shepherds’ Truffle Broth, where the velvety richness of Marabel potatoes blended with cheese, finished with fresh truffle shavings for an earthy, comforting, and luxurious touch.

Tartare de Bœuf

The Tartare de Bœuf features Fin Gras du Mézenc, a prized beef from the Auvergne region, paired with spiced tea and a roasted artichoke sabayon. Whilst this is of course meant to be served raw, I opted to have the beef cooked to suit my preference. It is a tasty, moreish appetiser.

Savouries In A Pink Box

The selection of savoury tea treats arrived in a charming pink, storybook-like box. On the top layer were the Pink Radish Flower Tarte, Cold-Smoked Trout, and Hen’s Egg with French Caviar, all of which I thoroughly enjoyed.

Pink Radish Flower Tarte

Cold-smoked Trout

The Pink Radish Flower Tarte was so pretty, and had vegetable top pesto as well as beurre noisette. The Cold-smoked Trout was a delicate finger sandwich with strained fresh cheese and some ikura.

Hen’s Egg with French Caviar

In particular, the Hen’s Egg with French Caviar was a luxurious miniature masterpiece, featuring a smooth vodka mousse crowned with exquisite French caviar, and with a whisper of umami from dashi.

Drawer of Sandwiches

In one of the drawers, there were heartier savoury options. There was the Seven-Grain French Baguette with Beef Ham and creamy Saint-Nectaire cheese, alongside the Slow-Cooked Veal Milk Bread Bun. However, there was too much bread for me, and this was quite filling.

Sweet Ending - In A Blue Box

The dessert selection was a charming array of inventive sweets, beautifully presented in a storybook-like box.

Plate of 4 Sweets

The Hakuto Peach Chouquette was a delicate puff, layered with herb gel, peach tea, and framboise jam, while the Pink Lady Macaron combined black sesame praline with a subtly tea-infused ganache. The Tarte aux Amandes with Avocado paired creamy avocado whip with tangy lemon crémeux for a surprisingly fresh twist, dressed with delicate purple edible flowers. There were also soft, fragrant Hojicha Honey Madeleines, glazed with a honey olive drizzle.

Hokkaido Potato Churros

I was very pleasantly surprised by the Golden Hokkaido Potato Churros, which were served hot and crispy, and tasted like a cross between French fries and sweet churros. These were super good! It was also served with a bright kumquat cream for dipping.

Berries en Fleurs Gâteau

The Berries en Fleurs Gâteau was a decadent composition of tea-infused crémeux, freeze-dried raspberries, and rich Botanique en Fleurs 68% house-blend chocolate.

Scones

No afternoon tea is complete without scones and Ginger.Lily offering features Tahitian Vanilla and Strawberry Scones, accompanied by passionfruit compote, lychee muscat marmalade, and rich clotted cream.

Overall, it was a thoughtfully curated afternoon tea experience, with lovely presentation, nuanced flavours, and a delightful play of floral and fruity notes that I really enjoyed. Warm and thoughtful service too from the team, who made our afternoon very enjoyable and relaxing.

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 MRT (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]

MoVida @ Raffles City - Affordable San Sebastian-Inspired Lunch Set from $29

Movida introduces a wallet-friendly San Sebastian-inspired lunch set, starting from just $29 – an attractive deal given its prime city centre location. Available daily from 12pm to 3pm, the set lets diners choose from 2 Tapas + 1 Main for $29, 4 Tapas + 1 Main for $35, or 5 Tapas + 1 Main for $40. Perfect for foodies looking to sample a spread of dishes in one sitting, this offering brings variety and value to the table.

We went with the 4 Tapas + 1 Main option, and since there were two of us, we managed to sample a total of 8 tapas. It gave us an excellent overview of the selection available.

Crab Crumpet 4/5 and Home-made Duck Rillette in Crumpet 4/5

The Crab Crumpet (+$2) was a delightful one-biter. It is light, fresh and elegantly paired with saffron emulsion and finger lime. Meanwhile, the Home-made Duck Rillette in Crumpet was richer and more flavourful, featuring confit duck, pipparas, gherkin and a touch of oriental mustard for contrast.

Tuna Tartare with Grilled Avocado 4/5

Tarteleta 4.2/5

Two tapas stood out in particular. The Tuna Tartare paired well with roasted avocado and a bright citrus dressing, a refreshing and well-balanced dish. The Tarteleta (+$2), a brik pastry tart filled with chicken liver parfait and verjuice, surprised us. Despite usually avoiding liver, this tartlet delivered a burst of flavour that was both rich and nuanced.

Anchoa 3.8/5

Pan con Tomate & Jamón 3.5/5

The Anchoa (+$2) – a Cantabrian artisan anchovy with smoked tomato sorbet – impressed with its quality and pleasant saltiness. However, as we shared it, the portion felt a little too small to savour fully. The Pan con Tomate & Jamón was classic but unremarkable, with a faint 'bad oil' aftertaste on the bread that distracted from the otherwise fresh components.

Croqueta Del Dia 4/5

Octopus with Panchetta 3/5

The Croqueta del Día, made with Manchego cheese, was a comforting and well-loved classic. Ask the staff about the daily flavour. On the other hand, the Octopus with Pancetta was a miss – the pancetta overpowered the octopus entirely, which got lost in the bite.

Gambas al Ajilio 3.5/5

Paella del Día 4/5

For mains, we tried the Gambas al Ajillo and Paella del Día. The gambas were fresh and crunchy but let down by burnt garlic, which left a bitter finish. The portion also felt a little small as a main, though the preceding tapas helped to fill us up. The highlight was the Paella, a squid ink version with calamari and fish. It is bold, briny, and well-executed.

Flan 3.8/5

Churros con Chocolate 3.8/5

For an additional $8, you can opt for dessert. Our pick is always the Churros, served with a chocolate sauce, but it was a bit too diluted for our liking. While the texture was crunchy, we missed the chewy centre we're accustomed to. The Flan, a creamy Spanish-style caramel custard, was pleasantly spiced and complemented by pestinos pastries that reminded us of masala chai. The third option available is a Spanish-style Rice Pudding.

Lychee Blossom and Aperol Spritz

Top up $4 for non-alcoholic beverages like Lychee Blossom or Shirley Temple, or $8 for alcoholic options such as Kalimotxo or Aperol Spritz. These make great pairings to round off your lunch.

Movida's new lunch set offers a solid, value-for-money experience that encourages exploration of Spanish flavours. While there were hits and a few misses, the variety and affordability make this a worthwhile option for a satisfying midday indulgence in the heart of the city.

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


MoVida
Raffles City
252 North Bridge Road
#03-43
Singapore 179103
Tel: +65 83808509
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Alegria @ Teck Lim Road - New Menu Brings Brazilian Flair and Filipino Soul Together

Alegria, located at the heart of Keong Saik district, specialises in Latin Asian cuisine reimagined with Asian and European influences. Their newly launched menu draws from Peruvian, Mexican, and Brazilian flavours, with unmistakable Filipino touches woven throughout.

Pão de Queijo 5/5

We started with a brilliant lineup of starters. The Pão de Queijo ($15), Brazil's iconic cheese bread, arrived warm and chewy, served with house-fermented basil butter. The herbaceous butter beautifully complemented the cheesy interior, making these morsels utterly moreish.

Coxinha 5/5

Next came the Coxinha ($16), a classic Brazilian chicken croquette and a first for me. I braced for a heavy, cheesy filling, but Alegria's version surprised me with its lightness. Encased in a crisp crust, the mashed potato dough encased a well-seasoned shredded chicken filling that had a subtle curry-like warmth. The balance of crunch, fluff and spice all come together in each bite, deliciously satisfying without being cloying.

Sisig Taco 4.5/5

Alegria truly shines with its tacos. Made fresh in-house from corn flour, the tortillas were soft, warm, and gently fluffy. The Sisig Taco ($19) offered a creative spin on the Filipino staple, topped with zesty salsa and a creamy dinakdakan sauce. While the pork belly had a tougher bite than expected, almost like fried pancetta, the flavour was spot on, savoury and vibrant.

Pescado Taco 4.5/5

The Pescado Taco ($19) showcased firm but tender and flaky Baja-style fried fish encased in a light, crisp batter. A zingy salsa and sweet charred corn brought brightness and contrast, while the chipotle mayo tied everything together with a smoky, creamy finish.

Seafood Moqueca 3.5/5

Among the mains, the Seafood Moqueca ($34) was a comforting Brazilian seafood stew, especially when paired with savoury sinangag rice. Vibrant with the flavours of capsicum and curry, the prawns were cooked just right. It was succulent and tender. However, the stew leaned noticeably sweet overall. A touch of acidity or heat helped cut through the richness and brought better balance to the dish.

Pollo Asado 5/5

The standout main was the Pollo Asado ($34), which consisted of a woodfire-grilled half chicken glazed in achiote and cilantro crema. Instead of grilling the chicken whole, it was portioned into three, allowing each piece to achieve deeper caramelisation and smoky char. Juicy and flavourful, it was elevated further by adding tangy pineapple kimchi that cut through the richness of the crispy skin.

Churros 5/5

We ended on a sweet note with Churros ($15) served with a Dulce de Leche dip. Perfectly fried, they were crispy outside and airy inside. These were among the best I've had, leaving a lasting impression.

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. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Alegria
18 Teck Lim Road
Singapore 088390
Tel: 82604742/62231553
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Nearest MRT: Outram Park (EW, NE, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 10am - 11pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk straight down New Bridge Road. Turn right onto Kreta Ayer Road. Walk down Kreta Ayer Road. Turn right onto Keong Saik Road. Walk down Keong Saik Road. Turn left onto Teck Lim Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Barrio Spanish Restaurant @ Hillcrest Road - Unpretentious Spanish Cuisine Ideal For Intimate Meals and Get Togethers

Tucked away on the peaceful and charming Greenwood Avenue, Barrio invites guests to celebrate the vibrant flavours of Spanish cuisine. The warm and convivial neighbourhood atmosphere enhances the experience, making it an ideal spot for both intimate meals and lively get-togethers.

Barrio’s special ‘Ceviche’ 4/5

We began our dinner with a selection of Tapas, and the first was Barrio's special 'Ceviche' ($22), which features marinated seabass soaked in a zesty blend of citrus juices. Barrio's version has more robust, punchy flavours than the usually lighter flavours of ceviche. There are also plenty of fresh ingredients, like diced onions, cilantro, and a hint of chilli. Very addictive crispy tortilla chips accompany the dish, which provides a satisfying crunch and a contrast to the marinated fish.

Barrio ‘Bikini’ Sandwich 4.5/5

We absolutely loved the Barrio 'Bikini' Sandwich ($20), which stars a winning combination of ingredients that come together very well - roast beef, cheese and black truffle. The tender slices of roast beef are succulent and packed with flavour, while the melted cheese provides a savoury creaminess that perfectly complements the beef.

Garlic Prawns 4.2/5

The Garlic Prawns ($30) captivated our senses as soon as the dish arrived at the table, filling the air with an irresistible aroma. Each large, juicy prawn is perfectly cooked and beautifully presented alongside a velvety, earthy hummus and a sprinkling of dried chilli. It is an interesting flavour combination that captures both the taste of land and sea. There's also some crunchy toast to mop up the hummus and garlic sauce.

Fideuà 4.5/5

Our interest was piqued by the arrival of a huge pan of Fideuà ($55 for small, $75 for large), the less often seen sibling of Paella. Originating from the coastal region of Valencia, Fideuà is an interesting twist on the traditional rice dish, using short noodles instead. As we eagerly dug in, we discovered that the noodles had indeed soaked up the rich flavours of the broth and other ingredients like the pork sausage and mushrooms. Whether you prefer this or the rice version will probably depend on what texture you enjoy. We found that the noodle version was softer and easier to bite, whilst the rice version usually has a more chewy texture with some crispy, charred bits. Other options exist for the Paella and Fideuà, such as seafood, squid ink or vegetables.

¼ ‘Cochinillo’ Suckling Pig 3.5/5

Moving on to the main meat dish, we were presented with an impressive platter of ¼ 'Cochinillo' Suckling Pig ($89, good to share between 3-4 pax), a culinary centrepiece that requires approximately 45 minutes of preparation time upon order and is also served with Panadera potatoes and Padron Peppers. With succulent meat and a golden-brown crispy skin, there is little to fault regarding the execution of the dish or its texture, but we found the taste of the suckling pig to be quite strong, which was not to our taste preferences. Perhaps true pork lovers will enjoy this dish more than we did.

Churros with chocolate 4.8/5

Churros ($14) are always a delightful end to a Spanish meal, and Barrio's version is everything I want in a churro. Each churro has a soft, slightly mochi-like centre, providing a satisfying chewiness that contrasts beautifully with the crisp, crunchy exterior. The churros are accompanied by the slightest sugar dusting and a rich, velvety chocolate dipping sauce that offers a decadent finish.

Barrio offers an unpretentious dining experience that captures the essence of community. The food is tasty, and the portions are generally good to share. Little wonder the restaurant was quite full when we visited, with groups of families and friends enjoying the evening and some delicious Spanish food.

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


Barrio Spanish Restaurant
73 Hillcrest Road
Singapore 288945
Tel: +65 8328 7467
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Nearest MRT: Tan Kah Kee (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Fri: 12pm - 230pm, 5pm - 1030pm
Sat-Sun: 1130am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tan Kah Kee MRT station. Take Exit A. Use the overhead bridge to Exit B. Walk straight to Hillcrest Road. Turn right onto Hillcrest Road. Walk down Hillcrest Road and make a left into Greenwood Avenue. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Fatt Choy Eating House (發財餐馆) @ Haji Lane - Enjoy Modern Singaporean Fare With Craft Beers and Sake

Fatt Choy Eating House at Haji Lane prides itself on its modern Singaporean fare, complemented by house-brewed beers and locally brewed sakes. Situated opposite its sister brand, Good Luck Beerhouse, Fatt Choy offers a well-curated menu that features small plates and bites that pair perfectly with drinks and classic local delicacies served in much heartier portions.

Pitan with Ice Lettuce 4.2/5

The vegetable dishes are meant to be as indulgent. We started with a refreshing Pitan with Ice Lettuce, which combined ultra-creamy Taiwanese Century Egg with a Pickled Ginger Dressing, providing a great contrast with the crunch of the Ice Lettuce. This dish hit all the right notes with its balance of creaminess and texture.

Wawa Cabbage with Fried Dace 4.5/5

The umami-packed Wawa Cabbage with Fried Dace ($12) brought a nostalgic flavour, with the fried dace sauce recalling the familiar taste of fermented black beans, albeit in a healthier version.

Masala Brussels Sprout 3/5

The Masala Brussels Sprout ($15) delighted with its chunky fried sprouts, but the masala sauce lacked depth and could have benefited from more tang and robustness.

Iberico Satay 3.8/5

The Iberico Satay ($15) featured grilled Secreto Iberico Pork skewers paired with Javanese Peanut Sauce and Pineapple Salsa. One of the tastiest skewers I had with all the sauce and zingy salsa, but a bit more grilling to render the fat and add a more robust char on the meat would have elevated the dish.

Singapore Fried Hokkien Mee 4.2/5

The signature dishes included Singapore Fried Hokkien Mee ($18) and XO Carrot Cake ($15). Although the wok hei was missing from the Hokkien Mee, it was still rich in flavour, loaded with various cuts of pork, squid, and a handful of crispy pork lard. The accompanying sambal was spot-on.

XO Carrot Cake 3.8/5

The XO Carrot Cake stood out for being generously coated with XO sauce, delivering a surprisingly well-rounded flavour with fried egg, beansprouts, and chives. However, the radish cake lacked caramelisation, likely due to being prepared with just a quick toss in the sauce.

KL Dai Lok Mee 4.2/5

KL Dai Lok Mee is a more elevated version of KL style Hokkien Mee, served in a claypot and adorned with mini abalones, offering a much celebratory vibe. There were also tender pork tendons in it, flavoursome with the sauce and adding even more textural bite to the noodles. Serving it in a claypot allowed the sauce to thicken and caramelise over time, enhancing the overall dish.

Kaya Ice Cream with House-made Churro 4.8/5

For dessert, Fatt Choy keeps it simple with one option and a delicious one: Kaya Ice Cream with House-made Churro ($12). This coconut cream-based kaya ice cream, housemade with fresh pandan, struck the right balance of sweetness and aroma and paired perfectly with the churro, which had a golden crust and a light, airy bite.

The restaurant also collaborates with a local sake brewery to offer a unique sake menu. We tried Utama The 2nd (Fresh on Tap) ($25) and the creamy, unfiltered Cempedak Cream Sake ($15), both of which complemented the food well.

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.


Fatt Choy Eating House
10 Haji Lane
Singapore 189203
Tel: +65 8128 0660
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit B or E. Walk to North Bridge Road. Walk down North Bridge Road to junction of North Bridge Road and Ophir Road. Cross the road and walk to Haji Lane. Turn right onto Haji Lane. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]