The Masses @ Arcade The Capitol Kempinski - Celebrates The Festive Season with 7-Course Chef Menu Priced at $68.90 per pax

The Masses is ringing in the festive season with a playful, French-Asian inspired Christmas and New Year menu that showcases Chef Dylan’s signature flair for bold flavours, familiar comforts, and unexpected twists. We were invited to preview the 7-Course Chef Menu (from $68.90 per pax) and their seasonal beverages. What unfolded was a lively mix of colours, textures and creative pairings that will spark conversation around the table.

The Jingle Juice and The Grinch 3/5

We began with two festive drinks created specially for the season - The Jingle Juice and The Grinch. The Jingle Juice ($7.90/glass or $17.90/jug) is a refreshing cranberry-apple mocktail brightened with lime and mint. It tastes exactly as cheerful as it looks, making it an easy pick for non-alcohol drinkers. The Grinch ($18/glass or $49.90/jug), on the other hand, is a melon-liqueur and Prosecco cocktail that arrives in a gorgeous sparkling green. Visually enticing, though we found the flavour slightly muted compared to its vibrant appearance.

Home Made “Rainbow” Brioche 4/5

Louis Oyster 3.8/5

Gougeres 3/5

The meal opens with a trio of breads and snacks, and the standout for us was the Home Made “Rainbow” Brioche, which came warm, crusty, and beautifully speckled with pecans and prunes for added dimension. Slightly dense but very satisfying, especially when paired with the accompanying umami butter.

The Louis Oyster, topped with Bloody Mary, lime and a rim of smoked chilli salt, brings acidity and spice, though subtly. The Gougeres, stuffed with black truffle and finished with melted comté and kumquat, were adorable and aromatic, but flavour-wise leaned milder than expected.

Wagyu Beef Tartare 3.5/5

Kawaebi Pasta 4.2/5

Foie Gras 4.2/5

Among the four starter options, our table sampled three. The Wagyu Beef Tartare surprised us with the clever addition of nashi pear, which added crunch and gentle sweetness to balance the beef. The Kawaebi Pasta was easily the most memorable, packed with “prawn mee” umami thanks to Penang laksa prawn stock, minced pork, confit lemon, kawaebi shrimp and tiger prawn. What the menu didn’t mention but elevated the dish tremendously was the pork lard hidden within.

If you want something indulgent, the Foie Gras (+$15) is a worthy upgrade. Generously portioned, luscious and beautifully complemented by cranberry mostarda, petite apple and poultry jus.

Duo Irish Duck 3.8/5

Halibut 4/5

We continued with all three main options. The Duo Irish Duck features a flavourful confit portion and a tender duck breast, which is slightly gamey for my palate but still well-executed. The carrot-tangerine purée was bright, though the purple cabbage purée felt less cohesive, and we ultimately preferred the duck enjoyed on its own.

The Halibut was the favourite among us! A moist, clean-tasting fillet sitting atop a luxurious shellfish fondue hidden underneath. Elegant, balanced and something I would return specifically to order.

Wagyu Petite Tender 4/5

For beef lovers, the Wagyu Petite Tender (+$15) is a satisfying upgrade. The meat is fork-tender, but the true scene-stealer is the much-talked-about potato pavé that we absolutely couldn’t get enough of. While the miso aubergine purée added depth, it didn’t particularly enhance the wagyu itself.

Blood Orange Granita 3.8/5

A refreshing interlude arrives before desserts: the Blood Orange Granita, which reminded us of a refined take on mango-pomelo dessert. The combination of mango sorbet and pomelo works as a bright palate cleanser after the richer courses.

Chestnut Crème Caramel 3/5

Truffle & Tulakalum 3/5

There are two dessert choices. The Chestnut Crème Caramel brings together chestnut ice cream, gingerbread spice and spiced honey under a crème brûlée. Individually, each element is enjoyable, but together the flavours didn’t harmonise as well as expected.

The Truffle & Tulakalum is undoubtedly unique, with a heavy focus on truffles. The truffle ice cream, however, was a touch oily, likely due to truffle oil, but the Valrhona dark chocolate ganache and mousse were rich and well executed.

In true Chef Dylan fashion, the festive menu is creative, bold and peppered with unexpected pairings that make dining here a lively experience. While not every component landed perfectly for us, the menu offers variety, value and conversation-worthy dishes especially for festive gatherings with friends and loved ones.

Aside from the 7-Course Chef Menu, diners can also opt for a 10-Course Communal Menu ($68.90 per pax, min. 3 pax) and a 2-Course Lunch Menu (from $30.90 per pax) if you’re planning a daytime get-together.

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


The Masses
Arcade @ The Capitol Kempinski
13 Stamford Road
#01-84
Singapore 178905
Tel: +65 6518 4988
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 1130am - 1030pm
Sun: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit B. Cross the road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

A Taste of Ireland - A Month-long Campaign Celebrating The Finest Irish Produce

In celebration of St. Patrick's Day, Bord Bia (The Irish Food Board) presents "A Taste of Ireland" — a month-long campaign running from 15 March to 10 April 2025. This campaign showcases the finest Irish produce through exclusive menus prepared by some of Singapore's most beloved restaurants — Cygnet by Sean Connolly, Carnaby, Santi's, Sarnies, and Mandala Club. Diners can indulge in exquisite Irish-inspired dishes featuring premium ingredients such as grass-fed Irish beef, duck, shellfish, and spirits, specially curated to celebrate Ireland's rich food heritage.

Janey Mackers

Our evening began with a welcome drink, Janey Mackers, crafted by Carnaby. It was a creative concoction featuring Teeling Small Batch Whiskey blended with wild strawberry jam, potato milk, and lemon. It was refreshing and well-balanced and set the tone for the meal ahead.

Tastes of the Atlantic 4/5

The appetiser, "Tastes of the Atlantic" by Cygnet, featured an Irish oyster trio. The Dubliner stood out with its luscious, creamy Guinness Avonmore cream, while the Celtic Crunch was utterly moreish — a perfectly fried oyster sandwiched between buttery, crisp toast.

The Gaelic Feast 5/5

For the main course, we enjoyed "The Gaelic Feast" by Carnaby — a hearty Irish Angus Beef Short Rib braised with Teeling Small Batch Whiskey and Coke, served alongside buttery champ and baby heirloom carrots. The short rib was incredibly succulent and tender, with a slight jiggle as it was placed on the table. Every bite was infused with the deep, bold flavours from the braise, making it truly memorable. The champ, a traditional spring onion mash, was sinfully buttery and perfectly complemented the rich, flavourful meat.

Báinín Pudding 4/5

Summing up the evening was a decadent Báinín Pudding by Cygnet — a warm, homely bread and butter pudding served with velvety Avonmore Irish cream vanilla sauce. This comforting dessert provided the perfect sweet ending to an unforgettable dining experience.

If you're looking for a unique dining experience this St. Patrick's season, visit Cygnet, Carnaby, Santi's, and Sarnies for "A Taste of Ireland."

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.