MinSuiZen·Raku (明水然・樂) Sentosa @ Amara Sanctuary Singapore - Taiwan’s "Hardest-to-Book" Teppanyaki Champion Opens "Secret Outlet" in Singapore

Following the success of its Cecil Street debut, the global omakase brand MinSuiZen·Raku (明水然・樂) elevates the experience at its new Sentosa location. Tucked away from the city’s rush and framed by Sentosa’s easygoing charm, MinSuiZen·Raku’s newest outpost feels less like a restaurant opening and more like an invitation to escape. Here, teppanyaki is reimagined as a creative playground, one where Japanese technique meets international influences, one exquisitely crafted course at a time.

The ambience is both elegant and intimate. Guests enter through a tranquil pebbled garden before arriving at a cosy dining room where the meal unfolds at an unhurried pace. For lunch, the Elegant Course is priced at $148++ and features 12 dishes. Dinner offers two tiers: the Premium Course at $198++ with 12 dishes, and the more indulgent Royal Course at $258++ with 14 dishes, showcasing the restaurant’s creative take on teppanyaki.

Dashi with Lime 4.2/5

On this occasion, we sampled both the Elegant Course and the Premium Course, each beginning on a gentle, comforting note. A teapot of warm Dashi served with a side of lime was served to start, easing us into the meal.

Appetisers 4/5

The meal began with a selection of appetisers. For the Elegant Course, this took the form of a burdock root dish. Those on the Premium Course were treated to a beautifully presented trio featuring the same Burdock Root, Mozuku Seaweed, and a Tamagoyaki with fish paste, giving it a denser, more savoury bite than the usual egg roll.

Red Sea Bream 4.2/5

This was followed by a fish course: Flounder for the Elegant Course and Red Sea Bream for the Premium Course. It was served with a flavourful sauce and accented with kombu, bonito flakes and delicate edible flowers for a refined finish.

Hokkaido Scallop 4.2/5

Next came one of my favourite dishes of the evening: a plump Hokkaido Scallop crowned with ikura and crispy shiso leaves, resting on a bed of specially handcrafted edamame mousse. The dish was served with a sauce infused with bonito dashi and a bright wasabi-yuzu dressing. A unique presentation of scallops, and very delicious!

Chawanmushi 4.5/5

This was followed by piping hot Chawanmushi with seaweed, a dish that epitomised simplicity and comfort. Silky and delicate, the steamed egg custard was smooth on the palate.

Tiger Prawn 4.2/5

Lobster 4.2/5

More premium seafood followed, with Lobster for the Premium Course and a generously sized Tiger Prawn for the Elegant Course. Both were plump and juicy, the meat highlighted by an intriguing sauce made from the roe, which added richness and depth to the dish.

Mango Sorbet 4.5/5

A palate cleanser then arrived in the form of a glass of icy Mango Sorbet. Light, refreshing and gently sweet, it cut through the richness of the preceding courses and refreshed the palate for the main courses to come.

Mini Beef Burger 3.8/5

With a touch of theatrics and flair, the meats were grilled for the next two courses. One of MinSuiZen·Raku’s signature creations is the Mini Burger: Chicken for the Elegant Course and Beef for the Premium Course, each paired with a crisp cheese tuile. The chicken burger was nice, while the beef version could have benefited from a little more sauce for a juicier bite.

Pork 4.5/5

Kagoshima A5 Wagyu 4.5/5

The main courses followed, each highlighting premium ingredients and meticulous preparation. For the Elegant Course, we enjoyed a succulent Pork dish that was tender and well-seasoned. The Premium Course featured Kagoshima A5 Wagyu, an indulgent cut renowned for its rich marbling and melt-in-the-mouth texture. It was served with a velvety sweet potato sauce and accompanied by roasted sweet potato, tender zucchini, and crispy garlic chips. Finishing touches of sea salt flakes and kombu-infused sea salt enhanced the natural richness of the wagyu.

Stir-fried Vegetables

The main course was rounded off with a medley of Stir-fried Vegetables, tossed with crunchy sesame seeds and savoury bacon pieces, all finished with a fragrant drizzle of truffle sauce.

Crabmeat Fried Rice 4.2/5

To conclude, we enjoyed the Crabmeat Fried Rice, presented with a touch of showmanship as the chef shaped it into a heart before serving. Hearty and flavourful, although I was really full by this point.

Matcha/Black Sesame Ice Cream

Dessert

For dessert, we enjoyed Matcha and Sesame Ice Cream. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, please let the staff know, as they will bring an additional dessert cake to celebrate your special day!

Overall, MinSuiZen·Raku is a fun Japanese Teppanyaki Omakase experience, and the Sentosa stands out for its refinement and influence. The courses are thoughtfully prepared, with creative touches and a nice balance of flavours, and the cosy, relaxed setting makes it easy to unwind. A nice choice for a special occasion!

Penned by Shermine. Through her pictures and stories, she shares her journey of savouring new flavours and experiences. Note: This is an invited tasting.


MinSuiZen·Raku (明水然・樂) Sentosa
Amara Sanctuary Singapore
14 Gunner Lane
Singapore 099566
Tel: +65 63223678
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Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 330pm, 530pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 1115am - 330pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk to the pickup point for the Amara Sanctuary Shuttle Bus. Journey time is about 10 minutes. Do check the Amara Sanctuary Official Website for the shuttle bus schedule. [Map]

2) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit C & E. Walk to Vivocity Level 3 to take the Sentosa Express monorail station. Take the monorail to Imbiah Station. Walk toward Village Hotel; continue to the end of the Mess Hall building. Walk to Gunner Lane, continue walking on Gunner Lane to Amara Sanctuary. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 15 minutes. [Map]

藝 Yì by Jereme Leung @ Raffles Hotel Singapore - Celebrates Reunion, Abundance, and Auspicious Beginnings

Chinese New Year dining at 藝 Yì by Jereme Leung is conceived as a refined culinary journey celebrating reunion, abundance, and auspicious beginnings. Rooted in time-honoured provincial Chinese cuisines, the festive offerings reflect Chef Jereme Leung's thoughtful approach to heritage cooking, where premium ingredients, precise techniques, and restrained elegance come together with symbolic meaning befitting the Lunar New Year. We experienced the Lunar New Year 2026 Opulent Set Menu ($258 per pax), a luxurious progression that balances tradition with finesse.

Prosperity Yu Sheng with Abalone, Hokkaido Scallop & Asian Pear 4.5/5

As with every Chinese New Year celebration, the feast begins with Lo Hei, a toss for prosperity and abundance in the Year of the Horse. The Prosperity Yu Sheng with Abalone, Hokkaido Scallop & Asian Pear is a refreshing and fruity interpretation, featuring plump, juicy Hokkaido scallops and tender slices of abalone. Asian pear adds a crisp sweetness, keeping the flavours light and well-balanced while allowing the premium seafood to shine.

Double-boiled Fish Maw Soup with Wild Dried Red Mushroom & Conpoy 5/5

A standout of the meal, the Double-boiled Fish Maw Soup with Wild Dried Red Mushroom & Conpoy is a comforting yet refined expression of patience and tradition. The slow-simmered broth is clear but deeply layered, carrying the natural sweetness and lingering umami of premium conpoy. The fish maw is supple and gelatinous, having absorbed the essence of the soup without losing its delicate bite, while wild dried red mushrooms contribute an earthy fragrance and gentle sweetness. Nourishing, elegant, and impeccably balanced, it is quiet luxury in a bowl.

Braised Pork Knuckle with Beancurd Skin stuffed with Minced Chicken 4.2/5

The Braised Pork Knuckle is indulgence done right. Slowly braised until fork-tender, the meat yields effortlessly beneath its glossy, collagen-rich skin, coated in a deeply savoury sauce with gentle soy-driven sweetness. Complementing it is the Beancurd Skin Stuffed with Minced Chicken, a pleasing play on textures comprising silky tofu skin enveloping a juicy, delicately seasoned filling that absorbs the braising sauce beautifully.

Steamed Spotted Garoupa, Bamboo Shoot & Matsutake Mushroom with Premium Soy Sauce 4.5/5

A study in restraint and elegance, the Steamed Spotted Garoupa is gently cooked to preserve its natural sweetness and moist, flaky texture. Crisp bamboo shoots provide freshness and crunch, while prized matsutake mushrooms lend a distinctive earthy aroma. Finished with a drizzle of premium soy sauce, the dish is clean, balanced, and refined, celebrating the beauty of simplicity done well.

Stir-fried Green Asian Lobster with Garlic & Shallot Crisps 4.5/5

The Stir-fried Green Asian Lobster is a bold yet refined showcase of premium seafood. Succulent lobster meat is perfectly stir-fried to retain its natural sweetness, lightly coated in fragrant garlic oil. Generous sprinklings of golden garlic and shallot crisps add irresistible crunch and aromatic depth, creating a rich, savoury dish that remains impeccably balanced and immensely satisfying.

Steamed Jasmine Rice & Millet with Preserved Meats & Japanese Pickled Yellow Radish 4/5

The Steamed Jasmine Rice & Millet with Preserved Meats & Japanese Pickled Yellow Radish is a comforting staple elevated with thoughtful details. The fragrant jasmine rice, blended with nutty millet, cooks up light and fluffy, while savoury preserved meats provide bursts of umami. Japanese pickled yellow radish offers refreshing sweetness and acidity, making each mouthful harmonious and quietly satisfying.

Double-boiled Bird's Nest with Almond Cream & Lotus Seeds 4.2/5

An elegant and soothing finale, the Double-boiled Bird's Nest with Almond Cream & Lotus Seeds features a soft, silky texture suspended in smooth almond cream, fragrant yet restrained in sweetness. Lotus seeds add a tender bite and subtle nuttiness, bringing balance and depth. Light on the palate and nourishing, it ends the meal on a refined, comforting note.

Steamed Japanese Kabocha Pumpkin "Nian Gao" with shredded Coconut, Crispy Pandan Milk Curd 4.2/5

The Japanese Kabocha Pumpkin Nian Gao offers a delightful twist on a festive classic. Naturally sweet kabocha pumpkin lends an earthy sweetness and vibrant hue, resulting in a soft, chewy texture that feels both nostalgic and indulgent. Freshly shredded coconut adds fragrance and gentle crunch. Alongside it, the Crispy Pandan Milk Curd delivers a playful contrast, a light, golden crust giving way to a soft, creamy centre infused with fragrant pandan. Crisp, aromatic, and indulgent in just the right measure, it rounds off the celebration beautifully.

Overall, dining at 藝 Yì by Jereme Leung for Chinese New Year 2026 is more than a meal — it is a thoughtfully curated celebration of reunion, prosperity, and tradition. Each dish balances elegance, flavour, and symbolism, from the auspicious Prosperity Yu Sheng to the comforting, indulgent desserts. The menu showcases Chef Jereme Leung's ability to honour heritage ingredients and techniques while modernising them, making it a memorable feast that resonates long after the last bite.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


藝 Yi By Jereme Leung
Raffles Arcade
328 North Bridge Road
Singapore 188719
Tel: +65 63371886
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 2pm, 6pm - 930pm

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

Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant (萬豪軒) @ Marriott Tang Plaza Singapore - A Reunion of Bountiful Prosperity

Set within Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel, Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant once again ushers in a luxurious Lunar New Year celebration. Renowned for its refined Cantonese cuisine and timeless sophistication, the restaurant marks the season with an opulent showcase of premium ingredients, meticulous craftsmanship, and exquisite flavours. This Year of the Horse, Wan Hao presents a series of curated multi-course menus and festive specialities that blend tradition with contemporary finesse.

We had the pleasure of experiencing the Celebrations of Abundance 6-Course Set Menu ($268.80++ per person, for 5-10 persons), served with their Tea-Smoked Grain-Fed Duck in place of the BBQ Suckling Pig with soft crepe. Though it comes at a premium, every course demonstrates careful curation, precise techniques and top-tier ingredients. From start to finish, each dish left a lasting impression.

Wan Hao Prosperity Yu Sheng 4.2/5

We began our dinner with the Wan Hao Prosperity Yu Sheng. Trust me when I say that this Yu Sheng is really loaded with lots of premium seafood, including Rock Lobster, Hokkaido Scallop, Japanese Yellowtail, Sturgeon Caviar, Salmon and Salmon Roe. Impressively presented in the shape of a horse for the media tasting, the enthusiastic Lo Hei was a festive start to the evening.

Tea Smoked Grain-Fed Duck 4.8/5

Next came the Tea-Smoked Grain-Fed Duck, a meaningful dish as duck symbolises good luck and good health during the Lunar New Year. Wan Hao’s rendition is elegantly conceptualised and perfectly executed. The duck is slowly marinated, then air-dried for 24 hours to achieve that crispy, golden skin and tender meat. It is finally finished with an aromatic smoke of osmanthus, Long Jing tea leaves, and sugarcane, giving it a subtly sweet, floral fragrance that is fantastic. This duck is also available for takeaway ($78 nett for half, $138 nett for whole).

Wan Hao Bird’s Nest Eight Treasures Pot 4.8/5

The Wan Hao Bird’s Nest Eight Treasures Pot is nothing short of impressive. What stood out immediately was the vibrant, collagen-packed broth. The pot was brimming with premium ingredients, featuring 5-Head South African Abalone, Sea Cucumber, Black Moss Dace Fish Bean Curd Skin Bag, Pork Tendon, Free-range Chicken, Japanese Shiitake Mushroom, Fish Maw, Prawns and more. Very indulgent and nourishing, I simply had to finish every drop of that delicious broth.

Stewed Lobster with Trio Onion in Spicy Superior Light Soy Sauce 4.5/5

The Stewed Lobster with Trio Onion in Spicy Superior Light Soy Sauce was another beautifully presented dish. The lobster was succulent with plenty of meat, absorbing the savoury depth of the superior light soy sauce while still retaining its natural sweetness. It highlights both the lobster's freshness and the Chef’s skill in harmonising flavours.

Cantonese Style Claypot Rice 4.5/5

Many at my table eagerly anticipated this Cantonese-style Claypot Rice, and it certainly delivered. Fragrant and aromatic, the rice is first mixed with foie gras and Superior Light Soy Sauce, creating a rich, tasty base. It is then served with cured duck, Chinese sausage, and Hong Kong Chye Sim, resulting in a delicious rice dish that delivers comforting, familiar flavours.

Trio of Desserts 4.2/5

Concluding on a strong note, the Trio of Desserts offers three sweet treats, each with its own delightful texture. The Red Bean Glutinous Rice Ball coated in shredded coconut was soft and satisfyingly chewy. At the same time, the Deep-Fried Sesame Ball with custard delivered the perfect contrast: crisp on the outside, warm and gooey within. Rounding off the trio, the Chilled Bird’s Nest with Snow Pear and Rock Sugar provided a light, refreshing, and icy finish.

Whether for family reunions or intimate celebrations, the menu delivers abundance and auspiciousness befitting the season.

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.


Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant (萬豪軒)
Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel
320 Orchard Road
Singapore 238865
Tel: +65 6831 4605
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Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11.30am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

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

Ce Soir Restaurant @ Portsdown Road — Where Childhood Memories Meet Modern Asian Fine Dining

An evening at CE SOIR feels like stepping into a quiet, deeply personal memory - one shaped by heritage, craftsmanship, and restraint. This modern Asian fine-dining experience is refined by Japanese sensibilities yet anchored in nostalgia, drawing on Chef Seth Lai's kampong childhood in Teluk Intan, Malaysia. Memories of gathering eggs, seaside markets, and home-cooked meals unfold gently across the menu, each course reading like a page from his culinary journal.

Tucked away atop a colonial black-and-white bungalow along Portsdown Road, CE SOIR is an intimate destination helmed by Chef Seth Lai, winner of the MICHELIN Guide Young Chef Award 2024. The restaurant offers an 8-course dinner menu priced at $228++ per person, designed to surprise without overwhelming.

Sparking Tea

The Sparkling Tea was an elegant way to begin, remarkably champagne-like, with delicate tea aromatics and a gentle effervescence. Light, fragrant, and not overly sweet, it set a refined tone for the meal ahead.

1st Snack - Obsiblue Prawn, Kinkan, Shiso 3.8/5

2nd Snack – Ankimo, Mandarin, Hazelnut 4.2/5

3rd Snack – Wagyu, Green Mango, Kaffir Lime 4/5

The meal began with three beautifully plated snacks, served together on a platter, each bite offering a distinct contrast in texture and flavour. While all three were enjoyable, the standout for me was the Ankimo. Beneath a delicate orange jelly hid rich monkfish liver, balanced cleverly by mandarin and hazelnut.

The Wagyu snack was another pleasant surprise, where the acidity of green mango and the fragrance of kaffir lime cut through the richness, leaving us wanting more.

Kanpachi 4/5

An elevated sashimi course featuring Kanpachi (Greater Amberjack) paired with crunchy rose apple, finger lime zest, and sesame. A subtle touch of prawn paste was introduced to evoke the familiar flavours of local rojak. It was a thoughtful reinterpretation that is familiar yet refined.

Wintermelon 5/5

This dish earned a rare full score from me. The Wintermelon soup arrived with an intense, mesmerising smoky aroma. Chef Seth shared that the pork belly used in the soup was smoked 8–9 times, 30 minutes each session, before being simmered together with peanuts, octopus and Zuwaigani (snow crab) for 12 hours. The result was deeply layered and comforting, with flavours that lingered long after each sip. Truly unforgettable.

Sawara 4/5

The Sawara (Spanish mackerel) sparked mixed feelings; the texture was unexpectedly delicate, almost poached, despite being grilled. It was a texture I had never experienced with mackerel before.
Interestingly, the highlight of the dish turned out to be the Hakusai (napa cabbage) on the side, grilled and layered with mushroom XO sauce, mussels and topped with fried beancurd skin. A tamarind sauce added a gentle tartness that tied everything together beautifully.

Signature Seaweed Bread 4.5/5

The homemade Signature Seaweed Bread is so good, we asked for seconds. Made with three types of seaweed, glazed with star anise, and finished with a sprinkle of sea salt. The bread was pillowy-soft inside, with a light crust on the outside. Best enjoyed immediately while hot.

Lobster 4.5/5

Served alongside the bread — and rightly so — this Lobster dish encouraged us to mop up every last bit of sauce. The flavour combination was unexpected yet harmonious: Tang Oh, chickpea miso, roasted kelp and yellow wine. It's one of those sauces that's difficult to describe, but impossible to forget.

Magret Duck 3.8/5

By this point, we were already about 70% full. The Magret Duck was the only dish that didn't quite resonate with me. While the duck was tender and well marinated, it leaned slightly gamey for my taste, and the Angelica root sauce lacked a stronger punch.

An optional $38 top-up for Kagoshima A4 Wagyu is available for diners who prefer an alternative.

South African Abalone 5/5

The last savoury course was a showstopper. South African Abalone, slow-cooked for 5 hours before grilling, achieved a beautifully tender texture. It was served alongside a comforting "fried porridge" made with 5 Grains, Sakura Ebi and Kyoto-style cucumbers for crunch. It's more like claypot rice for us, but either way, this is really delicious!

The table-side service of the rice had us salivating even before it was plated. Chef Seth joked that he salivates every time he prepares it too, and we understand why. The charred aroma and flavour were outstanding.

Nashi Pear 3.8/5

Dessert began with a modern interpretation of Cheng Tng. Osmanthus biscuit sat atop a parfait, paired with Nashi Pear, red date ice cream, candied cashew and a calamansi-brandy sauce. The matcha "leaf" added a visual flourish, while the sauce provided a gentle tang.

Black Sesame & Maltose 4/5

Inspired by the Malaysian snack Heong Peah, this Black Sesame & Maltose dessert captured its signature contrast with flaky, crunchy pastry with a sticky maltose centre. The addition of black sesame added depth without overpowering.

Kaya-Misu 4.8/5

We were glad to save this for last. Kaya-Misu featured homemade pale-green kaya and mascarpone, filled into a choux pastry and topped with a cocoa tuile. Chef Seth uses Marsala wine for the tiramisu tradition, which surprisingly paired beautifully with kaya. A comforting yet elegant finale.

CE SOIR is a reservations-only restaurant offering lunch and dinner, with a seasonal menu that changes every 3 to 4 months. The dining room is intimate, and the team is lean, but service is warm, genuine, and thoughtfully paced.

What I truly enjoyed was how fun the experience felt. Each dish became a little guessing game, where you tried to identify the inspiration, memory, or familiar flavour behind it before the story unfolded. The experience is enhanced by a charming jotter booklet, complete with illustrations and written narratives for every course, allowing diners to journey through Chef Seth's memories alongside the meal.

It's rare to find fine dining that feels this engaging and personal without being overwhelming. CE SOIR manages to be refined yet relaxed, thoughtful yet playful. Truly a place where storytelling, flavour and emotion come together beautifully.

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


Ce Soir Restaurant
5B Portsdown Road
Unit 01-03
Singapore 139311
Tel: +65 9177 9993
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Nearest MRT: One-North (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed: 630pm - 11pm
Thu-Sun: 12pm - 3pm, 630pm - 11pm
(Closed on Mon-Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at One-North MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to the bus stop opposite One-North MRT station (Stop ID 18151). Take bus number 191. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 8 minutes. [Map]