Racines @ Sofitel Singapore City Centre - The Brand New Ultimate Racines Brunch Buffet, Turf & Tide Edition

Saturday brunch gets a new Surf & Turf spin at Racines with the latest edition of its Ultimate Racines Buffet Brunch: Turf & Tide Edition. Available every Saturday from 12.30pm to 3pm until 31 October, the buffet brings together a generous selection from both land and sea — from fresh seafood on ice and sushi to grilled meats, whole fish, local favourites and, of course, a very tempting dessert spread.

Cured Salmon with Chilli and Yuzu Ponzu

Assorted Sushi and Maki

Poached Prawns

Seasonal Freshly Shucked Oyster

Sea Whelk

We started with the seafood and Japanese selection, featuring Cured Salmon with Chilli and Yuzu Ponzu, assorted Sushi and Maki, Poached Prawns, freshly shucked Seasonal Oysters and Sea Whelk. There’s a good variety of seafood on ice, and more importantly, everything we tried was very fresh. The oysters were a little smaller than we would have liked, but they made up for it with a pleasantly sweet flavour. The poached prawns were another easy pick, especially if you are the kind who can happily spend half your buffet attacking a mountain of seafood. The assorted sushi and maki also make for a nice start to the meal, though with everything else waiting, we would definitely recommend pacing yourself!

Nyonya Fish Maw Soup (Hu Pioh)

Seafood Chowder

There were two soups available during our visit — one Western and one Asian. Unfortunately, the Seafood Chowder was one of the weaker dishes for us. We found it a little too diluted, and the only seafood we really found in our bowls was clams. The Nyonya Fish Maw Soup, on the other hand, was almost exceptional. It was packed with ingredients and had a lovely consistency without being overly starchy. If we had to nitpick, all it needed was some black vinegar and white pepper on the side, and we would have been very happy.

Signature Rojak

Gado-Gado Salad with Peanut Sauce

Beyond the usual suspects such as Caesar Salad and Classic Prawn Cocktail, two items stood out to us — the Signature Rojak and Gado-Gado Salad with Peanut Sauce. The Signature Rojak comes pre-mixed with plenty of fresh fruits, making it refreshing and surprisingly easy to keep eating. We also enjoyed the Gado-Gado, especially since you can DIY your own bowl with as much of that rich, nutty peanut sauce as you like.

Classic Seafood Otak-Otak

Charred Cumin Lamb Ribs

Slow-Roasted Macka’s Beef Striploin

Grilled Red Snapper in French Bouillabaisse

This is where the Surf and Turf theme really comes through, with the grill section featuring a mix of meats and seafood, including Charred Cumin Lamb Ribs, Slow-Roasted Macka’s Beef Striploin, Grilled Red Snapper in French Bouillabaisse, and Seafood Otak, alongside chicken, prawns, and other fish selections. And I have to say, Racines really does its cooked food very well. The Charred Cumin Lamb Ribs were especially inviting with that smoky, spiced exterior, while the Slow-Roasted Macka’s Beef Striploin makes a satisfying choice for the meat lovers. The Grilled Red Snapper is also quite a centrepiece on the buffet line. Served whole in a French bouillabaisse with mussels, it’s one of those dishes that immediately catches your eye as you walk past.

Crabmeat Fried Rice

Whole Nyonya Assam Curry Seabass

Now, I know what everyone says: don’t waste precious stomach space on rice at a buffet. But hear me out. The Crabmeat Fried Rice with Egg Whites, Prawns, Sakura Ebi and Tobiko is really yummy! There are generous chunks of crabmeat throughout, while the Sakura Ebi and tobiko add even more seafood flavour and texture. Seriously, please don’t skip this one.

Another dish worth trying is the Whole Nyonya Assam Curry Seabass. The fish was fresh and meaty, while the gravy was rich and lemak with that familiar tangy-spicy Assam curry flavour. This is definitely one for those who enjoy stronger local flavours.

DIY Noodle Bar

If you somehow still have room, there is also a DIY Noodle Bar, with two noodle options rotating weekly. During our visit, the choices were Kelantan Style Laksa and Creamy Tom Yum Seafood Noodles. Both looked extremely tempting but, unfortunately, we had to make the difficult buffet decision to save whatever stomach space we had left for dessert. And looking at the dessert spread, I think we made the right decision.

Durian & Coffee Tiramisu

Coconut & Blue Pea Flower Jelly

Assorted Choux Puff

Baked Burnt Butter Pandan Cake

Ondeh Ondeh Cake

Assorted Traditional Nyonya Kueh

Assorted Traditional Nyonya Kueh

Fritter Bar (Cempedak, Banana and Ubi Keledek)

The dessert section is probably one of the most visually impressive parts of the buffet. There is a glorious selection covering Western cakes and bakes, local flavours and traditional favourites, including Durian & Coffee Tiramisu, Coconut & Blue Pea Flower Jelly, Assorted Choux Puffs, Baked Burnt Butter Pandan Cake, Ondeh Ondeh Cake, Traditional Nyonya Kueh, Pulut Hitam Gelato and Signature Bubur Cha Cha.

There were hits and misses amongst the desserts, but visually, almost everything looked too good not to try. I particularly like that Racines doesn’t just fill the dessert counter with the usual chocolate cakes, cheesecakes, and pastries; there is a strong local influence throughout the selection.

The Fritter Bar is another dangerous addition, with freshly fried cempedak, banana and ubi keledek. Because apparently after an entire buffet, we still need fried cempedak.

Teh Tarik

Besides the usual coffee and tea, there is also free-flow Teh Tarik. It was fragrant, smooth and, most importantly for us, not overly sweet. It is a simple addition, but a very welcome one, especially after all the rich food and local desserts.

Overall, the Ultimate Racines Buffet Brunch: Turf & Tide Edition offers a good variety for a leisurely Saturday brunch, particularly if you enjoy having both seafood and cooked dishes rather than a buffet that focuses heavily on just one or the other.

The restaurant itself is also a lovely space for a long weekend meal, with full-height glass windows bringing in plenty of natural light.

The brunch is priced at $108++ per adult and $54++ per child. There is currently 40% off adult prices with DBS, OCBC, Citi, JCB and Maybank cards for up to eight persons, while ALL Accor+ Explorer members enjoy 1-for-1 on adult prices for up to eight persons.

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


Racines
Sofitel Singapore City Centre
Level 5
9 Wallich Street
Singapore 078885
Tel: +65 64285000
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 7am - 1030am, 12pm - 3pm, 530pm - 10pm

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

Bon Broth @ Raffles City - An Elevated Premium Hotpot Experience

Bon Broth by Chef André Chiang at Raffles City brings a refined spin to the familiar hotpot experience, blending French culinary precision with the deep, nourishing traditions of Asian double-boiled soups.

Instead of heading straight to the table, diners first visit the dedicated Broth Bar, where a soup sommelier introduces the different flavour profiles and helps you choose your broth. You can choose from eight: Sauerkraut, Signature, Herbal, Satay, Suki, Hokkaido, Laksa, and Mala. But don’t be too quick to judge them by their names; some taste quite different from what you might expect.

The broths are made with pure fish, beef, pork, or chicken bones, simmered for up to 16 hours to extract marrow and collagen.

The kitchen also avoids pre-made stocks or broths left sitting around; each pot is prepared to be enjoyed at its peak. The result is a broth rich and flavourful enough to enjoy entirely on its own. In fact, traditional hotpot dipping sauces and condiments aren’t really necessary here. We were simply offered soy sauce with freshly cut red chillies.

Deluxe Set

Premium Set

We tried both the Deluxe Set ($110++ per person) and Premium Set ($138++ per person), paired with the Mala and Signature broths. The Mala has an authentic Chengdu-style flavour that is spicy, fragrant and slightly numbing without overpowering the ingredients. The Signature, on the other hand, features a Pickled Chilli broth with Sichuan green peppers, giving it a gentle numbing sensation and lovely fragrance.

Both sets include six seafood items, three meats, an assortment of fresh vegetables, and a small platter of Fish Dumpling, Handmade Shrimp Paste, and Braised Beef “Three Treasures”.

The Deluxe Set includes Sea Bass, Hokkaido Fan Scallop, Mussel, Tiger Prawn, Squid and Clam, alongside Wagyu Beef Short Ribs MB3, Duroc Pork Collar and Australian Lamb Shoulder.

The Premium Set steps things up with more premium ingredients, including Cod Fish, Rock Lobster, South African Abalone, Tiger Prawn and Clam, accompanied by Japanese Kagoshima A4 Wagyu Sirloin, Duroc Pork Neck, and Duck Breast.

Everything was incredibly fresh, and the portions were much more generous than we expected. We were actually surprised that we couldn’t finish everything!

One service detail we particularly loved was the de-shelling service. Our rock lobster was taken back into the kitchen and returned completely de-shelled and beautifully plated. It’s a small touch, but one that makes the whole hotpot experience feel considerably more luxurious.

For dessert, we were recommended the Pink Guava Sorbet with Preserved Shiso Plum ($12) and Sichuan Ice Jelly with Osmanthus and Japanese Melon ($12). Both were light and refreshing, exactly what we needed after such a substantial meal. The tart, fruity Pink Guava Sorbet was especially refreshing and somehow made us feel a little less full after all that food!

Bon Broth is certainly not your everyday hotpot experience. The space is beautiful and elegant, the ingredients are fresh and generous, and there’s a sense of refinement in everything from choosing your broth at the Broth Bar to having your lobster de-shelled and returned beautifully plated.

At $110++ to $138++ per person, it sits firmly in the premium hotpot category, but the experience feels equally premium. What stood out most for us was that the broth isn’t simply the base for cooking the ingredients. It is very much one of the stars of the meal. A good choice for a special occasion, an indulgent dinner, or simply when you’re in the mood for hotpot with a little more finesse.

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


Bon Broth
Raffles City
252 North Bridge Road
#03-01
Singapore 179103
Tel: +65 83807434
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 3pm, 530pm - 10pm

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

Pulsii French Bistro @ Tras Street - $19.80 Steak Frites Lunch Special

Nuzzled among the heritage shophouses of Tras Street, Pulsii French Bistro is a chic yet unpretentious dining spot that brings a touch of Parisian bistro charm to the edge of the CBD. Helmed by Chef Daisuke Yoshikawa, whose culinary experience includes time in Michelin-starred Japanese kitchens, the restaurant presents a menu that marries classic French techniques with Japanese ingredients and a distinctly modern approach.

The menu ranges from approachable small plates to more substantial mains, with dishes showcasing Chef Daisuke’s precision and affinity for open-fire cooking. For the weekday crowd, Pulsii also offers a 2-course set lunch at $20 or $35, making it an attractive option for a leisurely yet reasonably priced meal.

One of the biggest draws, however, is the Steak Frites Lunch Special at just $19.80++. Available from Monday to Saturday, only 20 portions are offered each day, so early arrival is recommended.

Bread and Yuzu Cheese Spread 3.5/5

We started with some Bread and Yuzu Cheese Spread, a simple yet pleasant bite to ease into the meal. The bread provides a soft, comforting base while the yuzu-infused cheese spread adds a gentle citrusy brightness, giving the otherwise creamy spread a refreshing lift.

Shima Aji Carpaccio 4.5/5

The Shima Aji Carpaccio ($24) makes a light, refreshing starter. Thick slices of Japanese Shima Aji are served with ponzu and mustard vinaigrette, pairing the fish’s naturally clean, subtly sweet flavour with pleasant acidity. The Shima Aji has a firm yet delicate texture, while shaved fennel stem and microcress add freshness and a slight crunch. The mix of Japanese ingredients with French-style presentation gives the dish a refined yet uncomplicated character, keeping the quality of the fish as the focus.

French Onion Gratin Soup 4.2/5

A comforting classic, the French Onion Gratin Soup ($16) is built around onions slowly cooked down until deeply caramelised, sweet, and jammy. The resulting broth is rich and intensely savoury, with the natural sweetness of the onions shining through. Topped with toasted bread and a generous layer of melted cheese, the soup delivers plenty of textural contrast — from the bubbling, gooey cheese to the bread that soaks up the deeply flavoured broth. It is hearty without being overly complicated, and certainly one for those who enjoy the comforting flavours of traditional French bistro cooking.

Lamb Skewer 4/5

The Lamb Skewer ($20) takes a more rustic direction, with the lamb cooked directly over an open woodfire flame. The high heat creates a nicely charred exterior while helping to retain the meat’s natural juices. The smoky notes from the woodfire add depth, giving the lamb a robust grilled character without overwhelming its natural flavour. Served with Japanese egg yolk, the yolk’s richness provides a creamy accompaniment to the smoky lamb, making this a satisfying small plate to share.

Japanese Kinmedai 4.2/5

For the mains, the Japanese Kinmedai ($58) showcases Chef Daisuke’s Japanese-French approach particularly well. Kinmedai, a prized deep-sea Japanese fish, is known for its rich, fatty flesh and delicate texture. Here, the fish is cooked over an open woodfire, allowing the skin to develop a beautifully charred exterior while keeping the flesh tender and moist. It is served with savoy cabbage tapenade and a dry vermouth cream sauce, which brings a combination of earthy, vegetal and creamy flavours to the plate. The smoky char from the fire complements the fish’s richness, while the sauce adds another layer of savouriness without masking the Kinmedai’s delicate character.

Steak Frites 4.2/5

Pulsii’s standout value proposition is its Steak Frites Lunch Special at $19.80++. Available Monday to Saturday at lunch, the special includes a 250g steak, crispy fries, and a seasonal green salad with Pulsii’s signature dressing. Only 20 portions are available each day, first come, first served, until sold out.

For the price, the portion is particularly generous. The steak is cooked over an open flame, leaving a nicely seared, charred exterior while keeping the centre tender and juicy. The open-fire cooking also lends the meat a subtle smokiness that works particularly well with the classic bistro-style preparation. The accompanying shoestring fries are crisp and golden, providing the essential crunchy counterpart to the juicy steak. A fresh seasonal salad rounds things off, adding some acidity and freshness to cut through the richness of the meat and fries.

Mille-Feuille with Vanilla Ice Cream 4.2/5

To end, the Mille-Feuille with Vanilla Ice Cream ($15) offers a classic French dessert with a satisfying play on textures. The puff pastry is baked until crisp, buttery and caramelised, creating delicate layers that shatter with each bite. Sandwiched between the pastry are smooth, creamy layers that contrast beautifully with the pastry’s crispness. Served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, the dessert gains another dimension as the cold, creamy ice cream slowly melts into the warm pastry. The combination of buttery pastry, creamy filling, and vanilla makes for a comforting, indulgent finish without feeling excessively heavy.

For those working around the CBD, the $20 or $35 2-course set lunches make Pulsii worth considering for a weekday meal. At the same time, the $19.80++ Steak Frites is particularly hard to overlook for its generous 250g portion and limited daily offering.

With its stylish setting, approachable pricing and a menu that blends French and Japanese influences, Pulsii French Bistro offers a refreshing dining option along Tras Street — whether you’re dropping by for a quick business lunch or settling in for a more leisurely meal.

Note: This is an invited tasting.



Pulsii French Bistro
55 Tras Street
Singapore 078944
Tel: +65 96898407
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 2:15pm, 6pm - 11pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Tras Street. Turn right onto Tras Street. Walk down Tras Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 2. Turn left and walk down Tanjong Pagar Road. Turn left onto Tras Street. Walk down Tras Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]