Morsels @ Dempsey Hill - Chef Petrina Launches new Menu 3.0 showcasing Skilful Blend of Eastern and Western Influences

I recently returned to Morsels to experience its new Menu 3.0. The innovative new creations will delight fans of Chef Petrina's cooking style, which seamlessly incorporates East and West influences with fermented sauces.

Aka Ebi Tartare 4.2/5

We started our dinner with the Aka Ebi Tartare ($18). The red shrimp is tossed in a mixture of green grape raisin and raspberry gochujang, paired with a crispy nori cracker. This dish offers a multi-textural enjoyment, with each bite bursting with vibrant flavours.

Hokkaido Scallop Carpaccio 4.2/5

Next up was the Hokkaido Scallop Carpaccio ($28). Light, bright, and vibrant, the scallops are tossed in aguachile and paired with a smooth cannellini bean puree, making for a refreshing and delightful appetiser.

Whipped Burrata 4/5

The Whipped Burrata ($22) comes with glazed baby carrots, Brazil nuts, and a kale salad. The burrata is creamy and luxurious, while the glazed baby carrots add a nice sweetness and crunch. The fresh kale provides a crunchy bite, making this dish a well-balanced starter.

Duck Dumplings 4/5

We then had the Duck Dumplings ($30), served in brodo stock, paired with fermented garlic mash, and finished with juniper kombu oil. The dumplings were flavourful and satisfying, and the brodo added depth to the dish.

Galician Octopus 3/5

The Galician Octopus ($42) is grilled to a perfect char, resulting in a tender and bouncy texture. It comes with farfalle pasta tossed in squid ink assam sauce. While each component is delightful on its own, the combination did not quite gel together for me.

Mangalica Pork Loin 4.5/5

For the mains, we had the Mangalica Pork Loin ($44). The clean-tasting pork was tender and succulent. However, the accompanying pulled pork tortellini felt a bit unnecessary, with the skin being slightly dry from sitting too long. It seemed the chef wanted to showcase different ways to enjoy the beautiful pork or offer a replacement for the usual carbs like mash and fries.

BVP Quail 5/5

The BVP Quail ($50) was a standout dish. I thoroughly enjoyed the rub, which gave the tender quail a delicious flavour coat. It was paired with smoked corn miso cream and lacto-fermented baby corn, adding complexity to the dish.

Morsels Signature Milo Tiramiso 5/5

We ended our meal with a must-try dessert, Morsels Signature Milo Tiramiso ($17). This unique take on the classic tiramisu incorporates Saratoga dark rum and shiro miso for a deliciously sweet ending that left us thoroughly satisfied.

Morsels' new Menu 3.0 continues to impress with its creative and flavourful dishes. Highlights include the Aka Ebi Tartare, Hokkaido Scallop Carpaccio, Mangalica Pork Loin, BVP Quail, and the delightful Milo Tiramiso. Chef Petrina's skilful blend of Eastern and Western influences and her innovative use of fermented sauces make dining at Morsels a memorable experience.

Note: This is an invited tasting


Morsels
25 Dempsey Road
#01-04
Singapore 249670
Tel: +65 62663822
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Nearest MRT: Napier (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm
Sun: 1130am - 3pm
(Closed on Sun dinner and Mon Full Day)

Direction:
1) Alight at Napier MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk to bus stop at Opposite Botanic Gardens (Stop ID 13011). Take bus number 7, 75, 77, 105, 106, 123 and 174. Alight 2 stops later. Take the flight of stairs up to Dempsey Hill. At Dempsey Road, turn left and walk to the open-air carpark in front of block 25. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Nanjing Impressions (南京大牌档) @ Plaza Singapura - Transporting One Back To The Old Nanjing Dining Scene

Stepping into Nanjing Impressions at Plaza Singapura is like walking into a filming studio set in the olden days of China - Luminous lanterns hanging from the rafters, lacquered tables and wooden furnishings, servers in traditional Chinese costumes. Also known as the Heavenly Kitchen of China, Nanjing Impressions sets to preserve and expand the culinary heritage of Nanjing. Till date, it has about 40 outlets across China, with Singapore being their first outpost.

Honey Glazed Stuffed Lotus Root 4.5/5

I have really fond memories of Chinese fine dining which I have had the privilege to experience a few years ago during my business trips to China. One dish that really sticks was their sweet stuffed lotus root. You could have it as a cold dish or as a dessert. Their Honey-glazed Stuffed Lotus Root ($12.80 per portion) is one of the best I ever had. Stuffed with glutinous rice and slow-cooked in pear-honey syrup, it attains a stickier and chewier texture than any other I have tried. For those that is curious, it tastes like of our Nian Gao. It's no wonder that their version has been recognised with a Chinese Heritage Traditional Snacks award.

Sesame-scented Beancurd Julienne 4.5/5

Many may mistaken Sesame-scented Beancurd Julienne ($11.80 per portion) as a noodles dish, when the strips of 'noodles' are actually dried beancurd skilfully shredded by the chef, dressed with special sauce. It's amazing how I could pick the strands of beancurd up with my chopsticks.

Nanjing Chilled Vegetarian Delights 3.5/5

Another must try refreshing cold dish is their Nanjing Chilled Vegetarian Delights. Traditionally served during Chinese New Year for every Nanjinger, it consists of 10 assorted shredded vegetables, symbolising 十全十美. Crunchy texture, lightly salted and seasoned yet appetising.

Jinling Signature Salted Duck 4.2/5

Jinling Signature Salted Duck ($16.80/small; $32/medium; $62/big) is a dish that dates as far back as 1400 years ago during the Southern Dynasty which the ancients named Nanjing as Jinling. There were many recipes developed among the Nanjing Chefs who cooked ducks, of which the uniquely seasoned and brined duck has been nominated to be the best representation of the 'flavors of Six Dynasties'. Before the dish arrives on your table, it has undergone a 10-step process of seasoning, a spiced brine, hanging, drying and back seasoning in the brine pot. The best way to savour this delicacy is pairing it with the mellow sweetness of their brewed Chinese wines.

Summer Yellow Wine with Red Dates ($18.80 per 250ml pot) and Winter Rice Wine ($18.80 per 250ml pot). Perhaps, for the first time, you could drink like a ancient swordsman!

Celestial Roast Duck Dumplings 4/5

Take a break from Xiao Long Bao and switch to their Celestial Roast Duck Dumplings ($6.80/ 3pcs). They weren't gamey at all and were pretty juicy. Though we weren't served the vinegar and ginger, I believe you could ask for it.

Poached "Lion's Head" Meatball 4/5

Another popular Jinling Snack is the Poached “Lion’s Head” Meatball ($13.80 per portion). The soup is light with meaty sweetness. Diced by hand to distribute the fat and lean meat evenly, the giant meatball was then steamed for six hours. It was so tender that it fell apart easily and readily in my mouth. A delicate texture and flavour that I didn't expect from a Chinese meatball.

Baby Rooster Stew with Special Sauce 3.5/5

For mains, we tried Baby Rooster Stew with Special Sauce served with Crispy Sesame Bun ($23.80 per portion). It tastes similar to our local Chinese 3-cup chicken, a safe choice for first time diners.

Osmanthus-scented Steamed Sponge 4/5

Osmanthus-scented Steamed Sponge ($4.80/3pc) is a lady's favourite. It has a texture of nian gao, slightly sweeten and beautifully scented with osmanthus. I would love to have it with a pot of good Chinese Tea.

Madam Chiang's Nutritious Beauty Porridge 3.5/5

One thing I learn about authentic Chinese cuisine is that I cannot walk into a restaurant and expect the usual taste of our local Chinese food. One good example is their sweet stuffed lotus, another would be the Madam Chiang’s Nutritious Beauty Porridge ($6.80 per portion) which is sweet. Cooked with sweet soy milk, lily bulbs and Chinese yam, it was kind of disconcerting at first but it completed my meal as a dessert.

With Nanjing Impressions, I get to once again enjoy Chinese fine dining style and delicate cuisine at a pretty affordable prices, without having to travel all the way to China. Come here with an open mind and appreciate the dishes prepared with masterful knife works and culinary skills.

Written 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.



Nanjing Impressions (南京大牌档)
Plaza Singapura
68 Orchard Road
#04-46/51
Singapore 238839
Tel: +65 63527877
Nearest MRT: Dhoby Ghaut (CC Line, NE Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction: 

1) Alight at Dhoby Ghaut MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]