The Black Pearl @ Odeon 333 - A New Roof Top Chinese Restaurant Offering Contemporary Take on Yue Cuisine

The Black Pearl, the latest Chinese restaurant to open at Odeon 333, presents a contemporary interpretation of 'Yue' cuisine, encompassing various sub-cuisines of the Greater Canton region. Located on the rooftop of Odeon 333, the lavish interior boasts a panoramic city view, featuring a main dining hall, three modular private dining rooms, a stylish bar, and an exclusive Chef's Table.

Crispy Shrimp Rice Roll 4.2/5

The meal begins with a taste of the dim sum menu, highlighted by the Crispy Shrimp Rice Roll ($18). The red hue comes from blending uncooked red rice into the flour mixture, giving the rice roll a vibrant touch. It is wrapped around a deep-fried Vietnamese rice paper fritter filled with prawn and asparagus, complemented by a house-blended soy sauce. The contrast between the smooth rice roll and the crispy interior creates an enjoyable textural experience.

Black Pearl Truffle Wild Mushroom Dumplings 4.2/5

Another standout is the Black Pearl Truffle Wild Mushroom Dumplings ($9 for 3pc). Wrapped in delicate dumpling skin and finished with edible gold shimmer, the filling consists of stir-fried chopped flower mushrooms, water chestnuts, asparagus, and carrots mixed with truffle paste and mushroom powder, enhancing the dish's earthy notes.

Black Pearl Signature Pork Knuckle Jelly 4/5

Moving on to appetisers, the Black Pearl Signature Pork Knuckle Jelly ($26 for 6pc) presents a modern take on traditional Teochew pork trotter jelly. Moulded into a sphere shape and covered in a jelly layer made of Spanish balsamic vinegar and squid ink, it delivers a burst of flavour in every bite.

Otah Mousse in Cones 3.5/5

Inspired by Southeast Asian grilled fish paste, the Otah Mousse in Cones ($9 per portion) features deboned Spanish mackerel blended with egg white, fresh cream, and coconut milk. It is steamed and piped into petite charcoal-tinted cones, paying homage to the traditional method of grilling otah over charcoal. Garnished with crispy salmon skin, it provides an extra layer of texture.

Shunde Style Slow-cooked Fish in Thick Broth topped with Crispy Fish Skin 5/5

A crowd favourite, the Shunde Style Slow-Cooked Fish in Thick Broth ($22 per pax) boasts a creamy and flavourful broth enhanced by thinly sliced kaffir lime leaves. This dish is packed with premium ingredients, including sliced red grouper, fish maw, luffa, black fungus, jade fungus, bamboo shoots, dried scallops, fish skin, and shredded ginger for a comforting finish.

BBQ Premium Iberico Char Siew 3.8/5

The BBQ Premium Iberico Char Siew ($38) is smoked with thyme, giving it an extra aroma. While most diners enjoyed it, the cut was a bit too fatty for my preference.

The Black Pearl Peking Duck 4/5

The Black Pearl Peking Duck ($108) is roasted with lychee wood in a German-made oven for a consistently crisp skin. Served with housemade pancakes, osmanthus flower, sugar, Peking duck sauce, scallions, and cucumber, this dish is a solid choice. For an additional $18, the remaining duck meat can be prepared in three styles: Salt and pepper, Wok-fried Yee Mee with Mustard Green, or Diced Duck with Osmanthus Flower and Lettuce.

Crispy Scale New Zealand Cod with Pineapple & Spices Signature Sauce 4.5/5

The Crispy Scale New Zealand Cod with Pineapple & Spices Signature Sauce ($28 per pax) offers a delightful combination of crispy, pan-seared cod with moist, buttery flesh. The accompanying spicy pineapple sauce enhances the dish with tropical, sweet, and spicy notes.

Crispy Roasted Pig Stuffed with XO Glutinous Rice 4.2/5

A celebratory dish, the Crispy Roasted Pig stuffed with XO Glutinous Rice ($208 Half/ $398 Full), is topped with caviar. The glutinous rice, cooked with housemade XO sauce, Chinese sausage, and liver sausage, is well-seasoned with a 13-spice powder blend, perfectly complementing the crispy roasted pig.

Hakka Braised Tofu Stuffed with Minced Pork 4.5/5

Highlighting The Black Pearl's culinary diversity, the Hakka Braised Tofu Stuffed with Minced Pork ($28) features a soft tofu block filled with minced pork paired with a flavourful braising sauce. This dish, based on Chef Dee's maternal grandmother's recipe, offers a taste of nostalgia and homely comfort.

Poached Nai Bai with Superior Broth 4.2/5

A simple yet hearty dish, the Poached Nai Bai with Superior Broth ($24) retains its crunch and is enhanced by a rich broth topped with goji berries and deep-fried shredded dried scallops.

Teochew Pan-fried Hor Fun with Seafood 4.5/5

A surprising favourite, the Teochew Pan-Fried Hor Fun with Seafood ($28), features broad rice noodles wok-fried with fish sauce, preserved radish, bean sprouts, prawns, and scallops. The inclusion of Japanese Mangetsu eggs adds layers of flavour and aroma, while the pancake-like presentation makes it visually appealing.

Pumpkin Sago with Coconut Milk 4.2/5

Ending the meal on a sweet note, the Pumpkin Sago with Coconut Milk ($8 per pax) blends Japanese pumpkin with fresh cream and coconut milk for a smooth consistency. The inclusion of pumpkin cubes and sago adds a pleasant texture, and diners can enjoy it chilled or hot.

While The Black Pearl delivers well-executed and delicious dishes, many of them can be found in other Chinese restaurants across Singapore. The restaurant succeeds in offering a comfortable dining experience with quality ingredients and refined cooking techniques. However, it is still in search of a unique identity to truly stand out as a gem in Singapore's competitive Chinese dining scene. Nonetheless, with its prime location, stylish setting, and diverse menu, The Black Pearl is undoubtedly worth a visit for those looking to indulge in contemporary Cantonese cuisine.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


The Black Pearl
Odeon 333
333 North Bridge Road
#07-11/12
Singapore 188721
Tel: +65 6022 1022
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line), Bras Basah (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 10am - 12pm (Dim Sum Brunch)

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Cut through Raffles City Shopping Centre to Bras Basah Road. Walk to traffic junction of Bras Basah Road and North Bridge Road. Cross the road and walk down North Bridge Road to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Bras Basah MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Bras Basah Road. Turn left and walk down Bras Basah Road. Turn left onto North Bridge Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Mansion 7 @ Tanjong Pagar - Exquisite Dim Sum and Classic Cantonese Creations with Innovative Twists

Mansion 7 is a relatively new Cantonese restaurant located in the outdoor car park next to Tanjong Pagar MRT. It offers creative twists on classic Cantonese dishes while maintaining the use of high-quality ingredients and exquisite presentation.

The space is well-suited for gatherings and business meetings. The staff was enthusiastic about ensuring our comfort and knowledgeable about their food.

Chicken Wing Stuffed with Bird’s Nest and Crab 4.2/5

We started with an off-menu special: Chicken Wing Stuffed with Bird's Nest and Crab. While the filling was milder than we expected, its natural flavours shone through, complemented by a crispy exterior.

椒盐活鮑魚 Salt & Pepper Live Abalone 4.5/5

The 椒盐活鮑魚 Salt & Pepper Live Abalone (Seasonal Price) was such a treat. The abalone was perfectly tender with a slight crunch, coated in an addictive chili seasoning. Both my dining partner and I agreed it was one of the best abalone dishes we’ve had recently.

潮州金鱼饺 Angel Goldfish Dumplings 4.2/5

Next, dim sum dishes arrived, beginning with the beautifully presented 潮州金鱼饺 Angel Goldfish Dumplings ($11 for 3). Wrapped in delicate skin, the filling of mushrooms, lemongrass, and crab meat was unexpectedly tangy but harmonised well.

七号公馆樱花虾饺 Mansion 7 Fresh Prawn Dumpling 4.5/5

We moved to the steamed items, starting with their signature 七号公馆樱花虾饺 Mansion 7 Fresh Prawn Dumpling ($9 for 3). The thin skin was on point and carried within it juicy prawn chunks.

芋茸流沙包 Taro 'Lava' Buns 3.8/5

The 芋茸流沙包 Taro 'Lava' Buns ($9 for 3) were slightly too sweet for our liking, and we wished for a stronger yam flavour.

冲绳黑糖叉烧包 Okinawa Brown Sugar Char Siew Bun 4.2/5

In contrast, the 冲绳黑糖叉烧包 Okinawa Brown Sugar Char Siew Bun ($9 for 3) fared a lot better. I am not usually a fan of char siew buns due to how sweet they can get, but Mansion 7’s rendition is well-balanced, featuring a subtle brown sugar fragrance and smoky char siew.

脆炸麻婆豆腐卷 Si Chuan Mapo Tofu Beancurd Rolls 4/5

The 脆炸麻婆豆腐卷 Si Chuan Mapo Tofu Beancurd Rolls ($9), while slightly oily, delivered a bold spice and crunch. The map tofu filling alone would be perfect with white rice.

杏香百花萝卜糕 Carrot Squid Paste Cake 4.2/5

Mansion 7's inventive twists on dim sum can be seen in many dishes, such as the 杏香百花萝卜糕 Carrot Squid Paste Cake ($10). This dish features carrot cake layered with squid paste, served with a side of Thai sweet chilli sauce.

Lobster in Salted Egg and Butter Cream Sauce 4/5

Apart from dim sum, Mansion 7 also offers a wide range of live seafood, vegetables, barbecue meats and more. We had the Lobster in Salted Egg and Butter Cream Sauce (Seasonal Price) and while the lobster was very fresh, I personally preferred a strong salted egg flavour. Other flavours are available to order, including steamed in HK style, sashimi style, wok-baked with truffle sauce and more.

梁祝鸳鸯蝴蝶酥 Love Story of Thousand Layer Butterfly Puff 4.2/5

Moving on to desserts, we began with the visually stunning 梁祝鸳鸯蝴蝶酥 Love Story of Thousand Layer Butterfly Puff ($11). Its delicate, flaky layers enclosed a mildly sweet sweet potato filling.

开心果麻糍 Homemade Pistachio Mochi 4.2/5

We enjoyed the 开心果麻糍 Homemade Pistachio Mochi ($9) as well even though the mochi skin was not chewy type we expected. It was generously stuffed with crushed pistachio filling, being nutty and fragrant.

招牌北海道3.6现烤芝士塔 3.6 Hokkaido Cheese Tart 4.2/5

My favourite dessert was the 招牌北海道3.6现烤芝士塔 3.6 Hokkaido Cheese Tart ($13). These tiny bites were amazing, with oozy lava-like cheese filling contained in an extremely light and flaky tart shell. The cheese was rich but not overpowering.

雪莲子鸡蛋茶 Mt. Fresh Picked Chinese Herbal Egg Treasure Tea 3.8/5

Finally, we tried the 雪莲子鸡蛋茶 Mt. Fresh Picked Chinese Herbal Egg Treasure Tea ($8), a unique traditional dish of hard-boiled quail eggs infused in a tea base with Chinese herbs and spices. This was more of an acquired taste.

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.


Mansion 7
30 Maxwell Road
#01-03
Singapore 069114
Tel: +65 6038 0295
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 8am - 1030pm
Sat-Sun: 9am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walk down Peck Seah Street.Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

5 On 25 @ Andaz Singapore - Usher in the Year of the Snake with Auspicious Lunar New Year Dishes, Refined Set Menus and New Takeaway Goodies

Ushering in the Year of the Snake, 5 ON 25 at Andaz Singapore introduces an array of auspicious Lunar New Year dishes, refined set menus, and festive takeaway goodies, available from 13 January to 12 February 2025. Curated by Executive Chef Martin Satow, Head Chinese Chef Lim Hong Lih, and their culinary team, the offerings highlight thoughtfully sourced ingredients while staying true to authentic Cantonese flavours.

5 ON 25 Signature Yusheng ($88/$148 Dine-in/Takeaway) features luscious slices of house-smoked sustainable Ora King Salmon from New Zealand, crispy fried yam, candied nuts, and a tangy plum dressing. For an indulgent upgrade, add-ons are available: Sustainable Canadian Lobster Meat ($78), Sustainable Surf Clam ($28), Crispy Whitebait ($20), and Crispy Salted Egg Yolk Fish Skin ($20).

Dim Sum 4.5/5

Highlights from the special Dim Sum lunch menu include the Truffle, Pumpkin & Water Chestnut Dumpling, Shrimp & Crab Dumpling, Crispy Taro Fritter with Chicken Sustainable Prawns & Mushroom. Both dumplings boasted soft, chewy skins with juicy fillings, while the taro fritter had a light, airy crust that paired beautifully with the creamy taro and well-seasoned interior.

Buddha Jumps Over The Wall 4.5/5

Buddha Jumps Over The Wall is a nourishing soup prepared with a dash of premium yellow rice wine from Mansong Wine Estate and simmered over low heat. Packed with tender herbal chicken, abalone, fish maw, sea cucumber and dried scallops, it was comforting and flavourful with depth and richness.

Stuffed Morel Mushrooms 3.5/5

Available during lunch and dinner, Stuffed Morel Mushrooms ($68) is a limited-time special. Filled with sustainable shrimp mousse and water chestnuts, the presence of Yunnan black truffle enhanced the earthy flavour of the mushrooms. Chinese yam and edamame complemented the dish with added texture and flavour.

Mapo Tofu 2.8/5

5 ON 25's rendition of Mapo Tofu combined two colours of beancurd and was elevated with sea cumber and fish maw. While its firmer tofu and a much more pronounced peppercorn flavour deviated from traditional map tofu with firm beancurd, it offered a different experience of enjoying the dish.

Turbot 4.5/5

Live seafood selections offer farmed Turbot. We had it steamed Hong Kong style, showcasing the fish at its best with buttery texture and delicate sweetness.

Master Stock Braised Barley-Fed Beef Short Rib & Baby Abalone 4.5/5

Master Stock Braised Barley-Fed Beef Short Rib & Baby Abalone was noteworthy. It featured fork-tender short ribs that were unctuous and flavorful, coated in a savoury, sweet, and malty sauce.

Wu Liang Ye Flambéed Claypot Baked Jasmine Rice 4/5

The Wu Liang Ye Flambéed Claypot Baked Jasmine Rice was a showstopper with its dramatic tableside flambé presentation. Topped with braised jade tiger abalone, Cantonese cured sausage, Romanesco and rice crisp, every bite was an interplay of flavours and textures, and the amount of moreish scorched rice crust achieved made it even more satisfying.

Mandarin Entremet 4.5/5

Dessert was well-considered and exquisite — Mandarin Entremet ($16), which delighted with airy pineapple sponge cake, light vanilla mousse, glutinous rice, and black rock sugar.

Six set lunch and dinner menus are available from $98 per person, served in the main dining hall or private dining suites – Emerald (up to 12 guests, minimum spend of $1,800) and Ruby (up to eight guests, minimum spend of $1,200).

For restaurant reservations and takeaway orders, please call + 65 6408 1228 or visit https://www.hyatt.com/andaz/sinaz-andaz-singapore/dining/5-on-25.

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.


5 On 25
Andaz Singapore
5 Fraser Street
Level 25
Singapore 189354
Tel: +65 64081228
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (DT Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 12pm - 230pm, 6-1030pm

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

Summer Pavilion @ Ritz-Carlton Singapore - Usher in the Year of the Golden Snake at Summer Pavilion

Celebrate Lunar New Year in style at the one-Michelin-starred Summer Pavilion, where exquisite Cantonese cuisine takes centre stage. This festive season, the restaurant offers a selection of six- to eight-course set lunch and dinner menus, priced from S$158 per pax, available from 13 January to 12 February 2025.

Prickly Sea Cucumber Yu Sheng 4/5

Like every traditional Lunar New Year feast in Singapore, the meal begins with a Yu Sheng tossing, symbolising prosperity and abundance for the year ahead. This year, Summer Pavilion unveils an innovative Prickly Sea Cucumber Yu Sheng, elevating the classic dish with a unique touch.

Steamed Lobster Meat, Egg White, Black Caviar 4.5/5

The meal is then introduced with a duo of amuse-bouche. First is a vibrant Sautéed Prawn paired with cashew nuts, dried chilli, and balsamic pearls, a delightful mix of crunch and tang. Following this is the luxurious Steamed Lobster Meat with Egg White and Black Caviar, a refined interpretation reminiscent of a decadent chawanmushi.

Dim Sum Platter 4.2/5

The Dim Sum Platter impresses with a trio of expertly crafted items: a Steamed Scallop Dumpling, a Poached Prawn Dumpling in Black Vinegar, and a Pan-fried Roasted Duck Bun. Each bite showcases different cooking techniques — steaming, poaching, and pan-frying—highlighting the restaurant's finesse and skill.

Double Boiled Chicken Soup 4.5/5

Next is a comforting Double-boiled Chicken Soup featuring premium ingredients such as fish maw, Matsutake mushrooms, dried scallops, and soaked Nostoc algae. This nourishing soup epitomises the hallmark of Cantonese cooking: balance and depth.

Steamed Dong Xing Grouper Fillet 4.5/5

A signature from Chef Cheung, the Steamed Dong Xing Grouper Fillet is delicately paired with luffa gourd and black fungus. The perfectly steamed fish is tender and sweet, with a light broth that enhances the grouper's natural flavours.

Steamed Vermicelli, King Scallop Caviar, Crab Roe and Egg White 4.8/5

The highlight of the night is the Steamed Vermicelli with King Scallop, Caviar, Crab Roe, and Egg White. This silky, slurp-worthy dish is served in a rich, savoury broth that draws comparisons to Shanghai Crab Roe Noodles. Every element, from the smooth vermicelli to the decadent broth, creates a harmonious and addictive dish that leaves a lasting impression.

Chilled Superior Bird's Nest, Pear, Osmanthus 4.5/5

The meal concludes with the Chilled Superior Bird's Nest, served with osmanthus-infused poached pear. This light, refreshing dessert provides the perfect sweet ending to a luxurious Cantonese feast.

Osmanthus Jelly 4/5

Finally, petite fours are served in the form of Osmanthus Jelly and Osmanthus Sachima — delicate bite-sized treats that add a lovely, nostalgic touch to the dining experience.

Osmanthus Sachima 4/5

Diners celebrating the first 15 days of the Lunar New Year at Summer Pavilion will receive exclusive Ritz-Carlton red packets and a pair of mandarin oranges per reservation. Vegetarian Yu Sheng and Pen Cai are available for takeaway for those looking to host celebrations at home.

For reservations, please call +65 6434 5286 or email rc.sinrz.summerpavilion@ritzcarlton.com.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Summer Pavilion
Ritz-Carlton Singapore
Level 3
7 Raffles Avenue
Singapore 039799
Tel: +65 64345286
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Nearest MRT: Promenade (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 630pm - 1030pm

Direction:
Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]