Tina’s Kitchen Private Dining – A Refined Showcase of Technique and Ingredients

Tina's Kitchen Private Dining is helmed by Chef Tina, a Taiwanese chef trained at Le Cordon Bleu. She does not host private dining sessions regularly, usually opening her cosy home kitchen only a couple of times each month, so securing a dining slot felt especially fortunate. Priced at $188 per pax, we were treated to a thoughtfully curated 10-course dinner that showcased her culinary skills and training.

While the menu does not strictly focus on Taiwanese cuisine, it felt more like a personal culinary résumé — highlighting refined techniques, quality ingredients and elegant presentations, with subtle Taiwanese influences woven through the courses.

Filo Pastry Cone, Cream with Kaffir Lime Zest, Caviar by Nomad, Chives 4.2/5

Dinner began with a series of bite-sized snacks, starting with the Filo Pastry Cone topped with Kaffir Lime Zest Cream, Caviar by Nomad and Chives. Crisp and delicate, the filo pastry delivered a satisfying contrast of textures, while the citrusy cream and briny caviar came together harmoniously for a multi-sensory opening bite.

Amaebi Tartare, Avocado Cream, Ponzu Cured Egg Yolk, Microgreen 4.2/5

The Amaebi Tartare was paired with Avocado Cream, Ponzu Cured Egg Yolk and Microgreens. The natural sweetness of the amaebi was allowed to shine, complemented rather than overshadowed by the creamy avocado and savoury egg yolk.

Salmon Tartare, Cured Yolk Shredded, Tobiko, Edible Flower 4/5

Served atop toasted bread, the Salmon Tartare was finished with Cured Yolk Shredded, Tobiko and Edible Flowers. Each bite delivered a burst of oceanic flavours, with the tobiko adding pops of salinity and texture.

Foie Gras Chawanmushi, Truffle Sauce, Squid Ink Tuile 4.5/5

One of the standout dishes of the night was the Foie Gras Chawanmushi with Truffle Sauce, which reminded me of the excellent version at Shisen Hanten. The egg custard was smooth and silky, enriched by the luxurious truffle sauce. A Squid Ink Tuile accompanied the dish, providing a welcome textural contrast when broken and eaten together.

Edible Oyster Shell, Oyster, Champagne Sauce Foam, Green Oil, Edible Flower 4.5/5

Creativity shone through in the oyster course. A plump, briny Oyster was presented in an Edible Oyster Shell, topped with Champagne Sauce Foam, Green Oil and Edible Flowers. Visually striking and thoughtfully composed, the flavours were elegant and well-balanced.

King Crab Bisque, Torched King Crab, Saffron, Edible Flower 4.2/5

The King Crab Bisque was comforting and deeply flavourful, packed with robust crustacean sweetness. Infused with Saffron and garnished with Edible Flowers, the bisque was further elevated by a generous portion of Torched King Crab on the side for a fuller appreciation of the prized ingredient.

Beef Consomme, Slow-Cooked 4 Hour Beef Shin, Homemade Chilli Oil 4.2/5

Inspired by Taiwanese beef noodle soup, this course featured Slow-Cooked Beef Shin, braised for four hours until fork-tender. The accompanying Beef Consomme was light yet richly flavoured, and a few dollops of Homemade Chilli Oil added depth and warmth to the dish.

Uni Risotto, Torched Scallop, Smoked Cherry Chips 4/5

Next came the Uni Risotto, paired with a torched scallop, lightly smoked with cherry chips for a subtle smoky finish. While the dish was enjoyable, the uni flavour could have come through more prominently in the risotto itself.

Watermelon, Granita

A refreshing Watermelon with Granita was served as a palate cleanser, effectively refreshing and resetting the palate before the main course.

Wagyu Beef Cheek, Truffle Sauce, Glazed Veg Assortment 4/5

The main course featured Wagyu Beef Cheek, cooked until meltingly tender and served with truffle sauce and glazed vegetables. Rich, comforting, and well-executed, it was a satisfying centrepiece to the meal.

Hazelnut Tiramisu, Crumbs, Cacao Tuile 4/5

To conclude, dessert was a Hazelnut Tiramisu paired with Cacao Tuile for added crunch. Simple yet satisfying, it wrapped up the dinner on a pleasant and sweet note.

Tina's Kitchen Private Dining offers an intimate and refined dining experience that highlights Chef Tina's training and culinary finesse. With thoughtfully composed dishes, quality ingredients and elegant execution, it is a memorable experience — especially for those who appreciate technique-driven cuisine in a cosy home setting.


Tina's Kitchen Private Dining
Upper Bukit Timah Road Area
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Nearest MRT: Cashew (DT Line)

Man Fu Yuan @ Fraser House, a Luxury Collection Hotel - Ushers in The Year of The Horse with an Impressive Line-up of Seven Festive Set Menus

Man Fu Yuan at Fraser House by a Luxury Collection Hotel ushers in the Year of the Horse with an impressive line-up of seven thoughtfully curated festive set menus, starting from $168++ per person. Designed to cater to celebrations of all scales – from intimate family reunions to large corporate gatherings – the menus also include a refined vegetarian option, reflecting both inclusivity and finesse in their festive offerings.

Celestial Auspicious Yu Sheng 4/5

A definite showstopper of the season is the spectacular 88cm Celestial Auspicious Yu Sheng ($1,288++, serves up to 10), dramatically crowned with a 1.2m mythical horse in mid-leap, symbolising strength, vitality and boundless possibilities for the year ahead. Beyond its visual impact, the Yu Sheng impresses with its lavish selection of premium ingredients – abalone, rock lobster, ikura, crispy shredded dried Hokkaido scallop, salmon sashimi, crispy fish skin and auspicious condiments – tossed in a fragrant golden peach–passion fruit sauce and shallot oil. The combination delivers both textural contrast and a well-balanced sweet-tangy finish, making it a festive centrepiece worthy of the occasion.

Cantonese Lobster Soup, Crab Meat, Crab Roe, Premium Fish Maw 4.2/5

The luxurious bowl of Cantonese Lobster Soup is an umami-laden delight. Rich with crab meat, crab roe and premium fish maw, the broth carries deep crustacean sweetness, elevated further by the briny richness of the roe. The tender, gelatinous fish maw adds an indulgent textural contrast, making each spoonful comforting yet opulent.

Steamed Alaskan King Crab, Egg White, 15-Year Chinese Wine, Scallion 4.5/5

Another elegant seafood dish follows: Steamed Alaskan King Crab, served on a silky bed of egg white. Lightly perfumed with 15-year Chinese wine and finished with scallions, the dish highlights the crab's natural sweetness. The egg white, steamed with the crustacean, absorbs its essence beautifully, resulting in a refined, aromatic plate.

Salt-baked Chicken with Red Rice Wine, Dongjiang Style 4.2/5

The Salt-baked Chicken with Red Rice Wine is baked to tender perfection, retaining its succulence beneath a gently seasoned exterior. The addition of red rice wine enhances the aroma and adds a subtle fermented sweetness, lending depth and complexity to this comforting classic.

Steamed Silver Cod Fillet, Duo Garlic, 15-Year Preserved Radish, Superior Soya Sauce 4.2/5

A delicate showcase of technique, the Steamed Silver Cod Fillet highlights the fish's buttery richness and flaky texture. The pairing with duo garlic, aged preserved radish and superior soya sauce accentuates its natural sweetness, creating a clean yet deeply satisfying flavour profile.

Wuxi-style Braised Iberico Pork Belly, 18-Head South African Premium Dried Abalone 4.8/5

One of the standout dishes of the evening is the duo of Wuxi-style Braised Iberico Pork Belly and 18-head South African Premium Dried Abalone with broccoli. The pork belly, with its perfect ratio of fat to lean, is wobbly tender and melts in the mouth – indulgent yet not greasy. The abalone is equally impressive, cooked to tender perfection with a molten centre, a clear testament to the chef's mastery of this prized ingredient. This dish alone justifies the menu's premium nature.

Golden Fried Rice, Crispy Premium Spiky Sea Cucumber, Preserved Leek Sauce 4/5

As with all traditional Chinese banquets, the meal concludes with a comforting carbohydrate dish. The Golden Fried Rice is satisfying and well-executed, complemented by crispy premium spiky sea cucumber in preserved leek sauce. The sea cucumber offers a delightful firm, and bouncy texture, adding interest to this hearty finale.

Mandarin Kumquat Sorbet, Red Osmanthus Honey, Golden Bird's Nest 4.2/5

Wrapping up the meal is a light, refreshing dessert of Mandarin Kumquat Sorbet, paired with Red Osmanthus Honey and Golden Bird's Nest. Clean, aromatic and gently sweet, it provides a refreshing close to a rich and indulgent Lunar New Year feast.

Note: This is an invited tasting


Man Fu Yuan
Fraser House, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Level 2
80 Middle Road
Singapore 188966
Tel: +65 63387600
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

One Prawn Co @ New Bahru - A Modern Asian Seafood Restaurant That Challenges Traditional Flavour Pairings

From its humble beginnings as a hawker stall at Golden Mile Food Centre, One Prawn Co has undergone an impressive evolution under the bold vision of Chef Gwyneth Ang. After expanding into a dine-in space at Macpherson (later rebranded as Zhup Zhup), her adventurous culinary journey continues with a brand-new modern Asian seafood restaurant at Singapore’s latest lifestyle hotspot, New Bahru.

Fresh Ostra Regal Oysters and Lime Cheek 4.2/5

We started the meal with Fresh Ostra Regal Oysters ($36), which delivered sweet and briny flavours that filled the palate with the essence of the ocean. The lime cheek provided a subtle citrusy lift, enhancing the natural freshness of the oysters.

Beef Bulgogi and Bafun Uni 4.2/5

An unexpected yet harmonious pairing, the Beef Bulgogi and Bafun Uni ($24) was served atop a buttery, crispy toast. The rich umami flavours of the bulgogi and uni blended seamlessly, creating a bold, indulgent bite.

Seaweed Skate and Lime Crema 4.2/5

The Seaweed Skate ($12) was crispy on the exterior and moist inside, offering a meaty and satisfying bite. The lime crema added a refreshing zesty contrast, complementing the fish's natural flavours.

Dry-aged Hamachi, Kimchi, Puffed Rice 4.5/5

Though visually unassuming, this dish was a pleasant surprise. The tangy kimchi amplified the umami depth of the Dry-aged Hamachi ($26), while the puffed rice provided a light crunch, adding textural contrast to the dish.

Haricot Verts and Burrata 5/5

A highly recommended dish, the Haricot Verts and Burrata ($24) pairs sambal with burrata — an unexpected but genius combination. The spicy, umami-laden sambal beautifully complements the creamy, milky burrata. This dish was so good that I immediately recommended it to my friends as a must-order.

Coconut Chicken Broth, Prawns White Fungus 3/5

The Coconut Chicken Broth ($26) with prawns and white fungus fell short of expectations. The broth was too salty, overshadowing the sweetness of the coconut and chicken essence. That said, the fresh, perfectly cooked prawns were a highlight, boasting a crunchy and succulent bite.

Holy Haddock! - Signature Fish Burger 4.8/5

The star of the night was the Holy Haddock! – Signature Fish Burger ($24). A buttery toasted brioche bun sandwiched with a moist, flaky fish patty, elevated by a yuzu aioli that added a bright, citrusy touch. For an extra indulgence, diners can top up $75 for 30g of caviar, creating a next-level fish burger experience.

King Crab, Preserved Radish Butter, Green Chilli 4.2/5

The King Crab ($32 per 100g) was generously topped with preserved radish butter and green chilli, which beautifully complemented the sweetness of the crab meat. While the accompanying sourdough bread was a nice touch, there wasn't enough sauce to mop up, leaving us wishing for more of that flavorful buttery goodness.

Gindara, Seaweed Congee, Jujube 4/5

Instead of the crowd-favourite Lobster Poached Rice, we opted for the Gindara, Seaweed Congee ($20 per 100g), and Jujube. The smoky, crispy skin and fatty, flavourful flesh of the gindara were delightful. However, this dish is not recommended for children, as the fish contains many small bones. The smooth and creamy congee, infused with seaweed and jujube, added an extra layer of depth and comfort to the dish.

Tropical Fruits, Lime Mousse, Pavlova 4.2/5

To wrap up our meal, we indulged in the Pavlova with Tropical Fruits and Lime Mousse ($15). The light and airy pavlova was perfectly balanced — not overly sweet — with the tropical fruits adding a bright, juicy contrast. The lime mousse introduced a refreshing, zesty finish, making this a fantastic ending to the meal.

One Prawn Co's latest venture at New Bahru is an exciting fusion of Asian flavours with contemporary execution. Chef Gwyneth continues to push boundaries, offering creative dishes that challenge traditional flavour pairings while maintaining familiar comfort. The Haricot Verts and Burrata, Holy Haddock! Fish Burger and King Crab with Preserved Radish Butter are definite standouts, making this a must-visit for seafood lovers looking for something new and adventurous.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


One Prawn Co
New Bahru
46 Kim Yam Road
#01-10
Singapore 239351
Tel: +65 83660130
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Nearest MRT: Fort Canning (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Lunch: 11am - 3pm
Bites: 11am - 6pm
Dinner: 6pm - 10pm
Drinks: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Fort Canning MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to traffic junction River Valley Road and Clemenceau Ave. Cross the road and cut through UE Square to Unity Street. Turn right onto Unity Street and walk to Mohamed Sultan Road. Cross the road and walk to Kim Yam Road. Walk down Kim Yam Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Li Bai Cantonese Restaurant @ Sheraton Towers Singapore - Ushering in Lunar New Year with Festive Elegance

Li Bai Cantonese Restaurant at Sheraton Towers Singapore welcomes the Lunar New Year with an opulent lineup of festive dishes and reunion feasts, available from 1 January to 12 February 2023. Known for its refined Cantonese cuisine, Li Bai’s offerings this year are both traditional and creative, featuring premium ingredients presented with flair.

Crispy Eel, Australian Lobster and Hamachi Yusheng 4/5

Li Bai kicks off the celebration with a visually stunning Crispy Eel, Australian Lobster, and Hamachi Yu Sheng. Designed like a vibrant garden with an intricate snake motif in the centre, this dish pays homage to the Year of the Snake. The medley of crispy eel, succulent lobster, and fresh hamachi adds both texture and flavour, while the festive toss promises a year of abundance and prosperity.

Sauteed Bird's Nest with Crab Roe 4.2/5

The Sauteed Bird's Nest with Crab Roe is a winner for a nourishing and comforting start. The crab roe infuses the dish with a burst of umami, enriching the already delicate flavours of the bird's nest. This soup strikes a fine balance between indulgence and subtlety, making it a highlight for those who love refined Cantonese soups.

Steamed Alaskan King Crab with Egg White 4.5/5

A standout dish, the Steamed Alaskan King Crab with Egg White, combines the meaty Alaskan King Crab's sweetness with the steamed egg white's silkiness. Enhanced with a drizzle of superior soya sauce, this dish is luxurious yet comforting, showcasing Li Bai's ability to highlight the natural flavours of premium ingredients.

Braised 27-head South African Dried Abalone with Dried Oyster 4.5/5

The Braised 27-Head South African Dried Abalone with Dried Oyster is a true delicacy. The abalone is perfectly braised to tender perfection, paired with a flavourful sauce and complemented by the richness of dried oysters. The addition of greens adds a touch of freshness to balance the dish's richness. It is an excellent choice for those seeking a taste of indulgence this festive season.

Grilled Eel Claypot Rice with Chinese Sausage and Dried Shrimp 4.2/5

Paying tribute to the Year of the Snake, Li Bai presents Grilled Eel Claypot Rice. The eel's snake-like appearance makes it a symbolic addition to the menu. The eel is grilled to perfection over fluffy, fragrant rice and enhanced with savoury Chinese sausage and dried shrimp flavours. The crispy edges of the claypot rice add a delightful textural contrast, making this dish a comforting favourite.

Double-boiled Snow Fungus, Dried Apricot and Basil Seed 4.2/5

Refreshing and light, the Double-Boiled Snow Fungus with Dried Apricot and Basil Seed is an ideal dessert to cleanse the palate after a rich meal. The dried apricot's fruity sweetness complements the delicate snow fungus, while the basil seeds add a unique texture.

Nian Gao, Water Chestnut Cake 4/5

Rounding off the meal, the Nian Gao and Water Chestnut Cake are delightful treats. The Nian Gao is chewy and subtly sweet, symbolising progress and growth, while the Water Chestnut Cake is light and refreshing, providing a satisfying conclusion to the festive feast.

Li Bai Cantonese Restaurant delivers a stellar Lunar New Year dining experience with its thoughtfully curated menu of traditional and innovative dishes. Highlights like the Steamed Alaskan King Crab, Braised 27-Head South African Dried Abalone, and Grilled Eel Claypot Rice showcase the restaurant's finesse in elevating classic Cantonese flavours. Whether dining in or celebrating with takeaway, Li Bai is an excellent choice for ushering in a prosperous Year of the Snake.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Li Bai Cantonese Restaurant
Sheraton Towers Singapore
39 Scotts Road
Singapore 228230
Tel: +65 67376888
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Nearest MRT: Newton (DT Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 1130am - 230pm, 630pm - 1030pm
Sun: 1030am - 230pm, 630pm - 1030pm

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

FLUTES @ Guoco Midtown - Ushers in New Era at Iconic Heritage Venue

With 20 years of history, the award-winning and iconic FLUTES embarks on a new chapter with its relocation to Midtown House, the historic former Beach Road Station. The new space is elegant with a brand of timeless charm, and the design pays homage to the building’s colonial history, including thoughtful touches such as louvred panel windows. FLUTES's culinary direction is guided by Australian Executive Chef Peter Rollinson. The menu is European at heart, but it uses fresh Australian native ingredients and some local influences.

Snacks 4.2/5

We were welcomed with a pink panther guava mocktail, a cheeky reference to Midtown House's police station history. Snacks followed, consisting of three delectable bites: a smokey grilled skewer of BBQ Yumbah Abalone and kombu butter topped with shaved truffle, a warm and moreish Potato Croquette with Bafun Uni and Oscietra Caviar, and a more adventurous Kangaroo Tartare with beetroot and goat's cheese.

Sald of Alaskan King Crab 4.8/5

The first course was a beautiful Salad of Alaskan King Crab, rolled within delicate layers of velvety avocado, topped with a row of Ikura pearls and accented with horseradish and dill. Light, fresh and exquisitely balanced, this was an absolute pleasure to eat.

Aquna Murray Cod 4.5/5

The second course was also something from the sea — an excellent piece of Aquna Murray Cod with firm yet pleasingly flaky flesh. The skin was very crispy to contrast with the flesh, and the fish was served with a medley of spring vegetables and some smoked mussel butter.

Celeriac & Manjimup Truffle 4.5/5

The third course, Celeriac & Manjimup Truffle, was unique. The presentation reminds me of Kouign Amann! Incredibly, they managed to slice such thin layers of celeriac without breaking it. The entire roll of celeriac is made from a single unbroken long slice. The edges are crispy for a slight crunch and coated with a bit of sweetness. It is served with langoustine on the side, and Manjimup truffle shavings. I loved that vegetables were the highlight here, and the langoustine was a complement.

Gin & Tonic Granita 4.5/5

As a palate cleanser, we were served a Gin & Tonic Granita with kiwi & apple. As you probably already guessed, this was icy, sparkly and refreshing. The botanical flavours of the gin and tonic granita go well with the zesty fruitiness of kiwi and apple.

BBQ Zabuton Satsuma Gyu Skewer 5/5

The fourth course was a melt-in-your-mouth tender and flavourful BBQ Zabuton Satsuma Gyu Skewer. Slices of buttery, well-marbled beef are threaded onto a skewer and grilled to perfection. It was served with a light sauce that enhances the flavour of the wagyu and some beetroot slices for balance. There is also a welcome addition of some spice in the form of chilli padi! This creation is delicious and a convincing highlight of the tasting menu.

Jerusalem Artichoke Ice Cream 4.2/5

For the pre-dessert, I was excited to try the Jerusalem Artichoke Ice Cream. I have only had artichoke ice cream once before in Copenhagen, and I was happy to taste this unique confection again. With Manjimup black truffle and caramelised milk crumbs, it is subtly sweet yet also savoury, nutty, and earthy at the same time. It is certainly a departure from the usual ice cream experience, offering diners something more exploratory.

Strawberry & Lime Pavlova 4.2/5

Dessert was a bright summer treat of Strawberry & Lime Pavlova with Mascarpone and Calamansi Sorbet. There is a light and airy meringue, fluffy whipped mascarpone cream and lots of fresh strawberry cubes to balance the tartness of the calamansi sorbet.

Sweet Treats 4/5

Post-dinner, we were presented with Sweet Treats in a very cute box that looked like a fairytale book. Inside, there were Kaya Soy Bonbons, Yuzu Jube, and Rojak Flower Macarons. Playful local flavours rounded off the evening, and we finished everything even though we were stuffed!

The Degustation Dinner Menu is priced at $178++ per person, a showcase of Chef Peter's artistry and the season's finest produce. It takes diners through a repertoire of classic, harmonious flavours that delight the palate, executed with seasonal ingredients and skilful technique. However, Chef Peter also introduces a few more unique and innovative items to surprise and intrigue diners, adding an element of creativity to the dining experience — a delightful dinner that I will remember.

Wine lovers will also be pleased to know that FLUTES's wine list has been expanded to include a selection of sustainable and biodynamic wines. The wine list spans over 300 excellent wines and supports environmentally responsible vineyards. With a knowledgeable in-house sommelier, guests can be assured of a perfect wine pairing to complete the dining experience.

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.


FLUTES
Guoco Midtown
120 Beach Road
#01-02
Singapore 189769
Tel: +65 63388770
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (DT, EW Line), Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk to Tan Quee Lan Street. Turn left and walk down Tan Quee Lan Street to Beach Road. At Beach Road, cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Esplanade MRT station Take Exit F. Walk straight down Beach Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]