Fragment Private Dining - Modern Asian Cuisine meets European Influences

Our latest home private dining adventure brought us to Fragment Private Dining, helmed by Pristina Mok and her husband. One of the newest entrants into the private dining scene, Pristina only began hosting guests in 2024. She offers an eight-course menu featuring modern Southeast Asian cuisine with European influences. Her experience working at Skirt and Magic Square shines through in the thoughtfully curated dishes, blending familiar Asian flavours with refined Western techniques.

Shima Aji, Brown Crab, Radish Cake 4.2/5

The meal started on a strong note with a trio of small bites: Shima Aji paired with Bonito and Gu Chye, Brown Crab with curry and passionfruit, and Radish Cake topped with spicy bacon and uni. Each bite packed a punch, showcasing a beautiful interplay of flavours and textures. The fusion of Asian ingredients with European techniques was impressive, setting the tone for what was to come.

Beetroot & Persimmon 4.2/5

This light yet refreshing starter featured Beetroot and Persimmon, complemented by peanut dukkah and achar sorbet. The achar sorbet was a particularly clever touch, adding a tangy brightness that elevated the dish beyond the ordinary.

Aburi Sawara 4.2/5

Next, we were served Aburi Sawara, a prized Spanish mackerel known for its delicate flavour and buttery texture. It was presented in a Tom Kha broth — a Thai-inspired coconut milk-based soup — and further enhanced by adding Amela tomato, lending a delightful balance of creaminess and acidity.

Scottish Hand Dived Scallop 4.5/5

One of the most memorable dishes of the night was the Scottish Hand-Dived Scallop. Encased in an Otah (fish paste) filling and finished with a crispy exterior, it was paired with a curry emulsion. This unexpected yet well-executed combination worked wonderfully, bringing together the best of texture and bold Southeast Asian flavours.

Braised Lamb 4.8/5

This dish was an absolute standout. The Braised Lamb was served in a piquant black pepper sauce made from a unique blend of three different types of peppers. The sauce was so good that it came with a side of fluffy naan, perfect for mopping up every last bit. The rich, aromatic flavours made this one of my favourite dishes of the night.

Quail & Claypot Rice 4/5

For the mains, we had the Quail & Claypot Rice. The quail was perfectly grilled and accompanied by sambal belachan, mixed mushrooms, and black truffle. While not pictured, the meal also came with a small serving of claypot rice, ensuring that diners looking for a heartier bite got their fill of comforting carbs.

Whiskey & Coffee Malai Gao 4.5/5

The dessert course was just as impressive as the savoury dishes. The Whiskey & Coffee Malai Gao featured malted barley cream, dark chocolate sorbet, and sesame brittle. The combination of earthy, bitter, and sweet flavours worked in perfect harmony for a delightful and indulgent finish.

Pistachio Nougat, Hawthorn Tea 4.2/5

As a final touch, our meal ended with homemade Pistachio Nougat, accompanied by a cup of Hawthorn Tea infused with black lime and Yakult foam. It was a light, refreshing way to cleanse the palate and conclude a truly memorable private dining experience.

Fragment Private Dining is an exciting new addition to Singapore's private dining scene, offering a modern Southeast Asian menu with European influences that showcases chef Pristina Mok's creativity and expertise. From the impeccable execution of dishes to the warm, intimate setting, the experience is one that both food enthusiasts and adventurous diners will appreciate. Would I return? Absolutely. The thoughtfully curated menu and innovative flavour combinations make it a standout in the home dining space, and I can't wait to see how Fragment Private Dining evolves in the future.


Fragrment Private Dining
Clementi
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Nearest MRT: Clementi (EW Line)

Drunken Cat Private Dining - Japanese Cuisine Infused with Asian Influences

Drunken Cat Private Dining is one of the newer establishments that graces Singapore's home private dining scene. It brings a refreshing twist with its unique blend of Japanese cuisine infused with Asian influences. The majority of private dining menus typically feature Peranakan, Thai, or Chinese fare, making Drunken Cat a standout option for those looking for something a little different. Hosted by Amanda Loo, this dining experience offers a thoughtful and well-crafted six-course meal ($148nett per pax).

Nama Sotong 4.2/5

The meal kicked off with the Nama Sotong. Thinly sliced, fresh Aori Ika (Japanese bigfin reef squid) is served with a vibrant green curry-like sauce, giving the delicate squid a rich depth of flavour. The chamame (green soybeans) add a welcome contrast in texture, while the kabosu (a Japanese citrus) elevates the dish with a bright and zesty note. This light yet flavourful starter really sets the tone for the meal.

Summer Breeze 4.2/5

Following the sotong, we were treated to Summer Breeze, a refreshing dish featuring Aji (horse mackerel). The Aji, known for its strong flavour, is balanced by a coconut-based sauce that softens the fish's natural brininess. Crispy puffs were added to the dish, providing a delightful contrast in texture, rounding out this course in both flavour and crunch.

Green with Curry 4.2/5

The next course, Green with Curry, offers a trio of ingredients, each with a unique texture. Awabi (abalone), with its sweet and bouncy texture, takes centre stage, while lightly battered Kamo Nasu (Japanese eggplant) and Yamaimo (mountain yam) add both flavour and balance to the dish. The Japanese-inspired curry sauce ties everything together, offering warmth and spice without overpowering the delicate ingredients.

Challenger Tsukemen 4.5/5

The highlight of the evening was, without a doubt, the Challenger Tsukemen. Our group has dined at various home private dining establishments, but this was the first time we encountered tsukemen on the menu. This dish featured Hokkaido pork collar chashu, ajitama (soft-boiled egg), and handmade noodles that had the perfect bite. The broth was a masterful blend of kombu, katsuobushi, niboshi, and gyofun (dried fish powder), giving it an intense umami depth. The tare (dipping sauce) was uniquely infused with roasted Aji bones, creating a rich and memorable flavour profile. It was clear that each component was thoughtfully prepared, making this dish a standout.

Donabe of the Week 4.5/5

The Donabe of the Week was Wagyu Donabe with Mushroom. Cooked in a traditional claypot, the dish made a grand entrance, and the fragrant aroma of the rice mixed with the umami richness of mushrooms and wagyu beef filled the room. The dish was hearty, satisfying, and packed with flavour — definitely a highlight for those who enjoy rice dishes with a rich, earthy taste.

Dark and Sunny

The meal concluded with a dessert called Dark and Sunny, a medley of textures and flavours. The dessert featured a scoop of chocolate ice cream alongside cake, peanut candy, and pomelo, all served together with a zesty citrus sabayon. While I appreciated the creativity, I personally felt that there were too many components at play. However, the peanut candy stood out, providing a nostalgic crunch that paired well with the smoother elements of the dish.

Overall, Drunken Cat Private Dining offers a refreshing change from Singapore's typical home private dining offerings. The thoughtful blending of Japanese and Asian flavours created a unique and memorable dining experience. The Challenger Tsukemen was the star of the meal, while the Wagyu Donabe and the opening Nama Sotong further solidified the restaurant's innovative approach to private dining. For those looking to explore new culinary landscapes in the home private dining scene, Drunken Cat is definitely worth a visit.


Drunken Cat Private Dining
23 Akyab Road
Singapore 309978
Tel: +65 9008 4647
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Butcher's Block @ Raffles Hotel Singapore - A Homage to Butchery, Wood-fire, and Hawai'ian Spirit

Having visited Butcher's Block before, my return was met with heightened anticipation, eager to explore the new culinary direction spearheaded by Chef Jordan Keao. Hailing from Hawaii, Chef Jordan brings his rich heritage to the forefront, seamlessly blending the art of butchery with the mastery of contemporary wood-fire cooking. The result is a symphony of flavours that spotlight fine seasonal ingredients in all their intrinsic fullness.

Scallop, Parsnip Blini, Kumquat Kosho, Shiso 4.8/5

Embarking on the IMUA tasting menu, a gastronomic adventure awaited. The evening commenced with a trio of snacks that set the stage for what would come.

The Scallop is a delicately crafted dish featuring a plump scallop perched atop a parsnip blini adorned with kumquat kosho, scallop roe, puffed barley, and microgreens. The marriage of flavours and textural contrast showcased Chef Jordan's finesse.

Roasted Beetroot Tartlet, Taleggio 4.8/5

An unexpected yet delightful creation, the Roasted Beetroot Tartlet unfolded layers of flavour with Taleggio cream, fennel blossoms, and micro-planed roasted macadamia. It is a clever play of textures and flavours in every bite.

Korean BBQ Wagyu Tartare 4.2/5

A morsel of delight, the Korean BBQ Wagyu Tartare presented hand-chopped A5 Saga tenderloin and Wylarah striploin. Seasoned with dehydrated kimchi powder, cold-smoked sesame oil, and other exquisite elements, each bite was a burst of flavour.

Hokkaido Milk Parker Roll with Konbu Butter 4.8/5

A complimentary delight accompanying the IMUA menu, the Hokkaido Milk Parker Roll with Konbu Butter was a testament to classic recipes crafted with precision. Fluffy as an Asian milk bun left us craving for more.

Smoked Sashimi Poke, Kukui nut, Ogo Seaweed, Herb Dashi 4.2/5

A contemporary take on the traditional Hawaiian poke, the dish featured Smoked Sashimi Poke with Kukui nut, seaweed, and herb dashi. It is a visual and flavorful homage to Chef Jordan's hometown.

Dry-aged Duck, Black Garlic, Grilled dumpling 4.5/5

A masterpiece of Dry-aged Duck Breast, grilled to perfection and paired with crispy duck tongue and a pan-seared dumpling. Accompanied by black garlic puree and chive emulsion, it was a symphony of flavours and textures.

Mackerel, Starfruit Curd, Hokkaido Ymepirika Sushi Rice 4.5/5

Grilled Japanese Mackerel on Hokkaido Yumepirika sushi rice, enhanced with starfruit puree, Swiss chard achar, and a side of fish broth. A nod to Hawaii's culinary influences, this dish elevated the appreciation of grilled fish.

Wylarah Wagyu Australian Striploin 4.5/5

The pinnacle of the evening was the Wylarah Wagyu Australian Striploin MBS 8-9, grilled over wood-fire. Drizzled with beef jus and paired with Kabocha squash bone marrow puree, it was a celebration of marbling and melt-in-the-mouth perfection.

Pumpkin Pie, Burnt Marshmallow Ice Cream 4.2/5

A deconstructed Pumpkin Pie rounded off the meal with marshmallow ice cream, a five-spice biscuit, roasted pumpkin puree, coconut mochi, and fresh passionfruit. It is a light and vibrant dessert that leaves a sweet imprint. Lastly, the Petit Fours of Hazelnut Chocolate Bonbon, Lilikoi Pate de Fruit, and Charcoal Macaron—adding the perfect final notes to a memorable dining experience.

Chef Jordan Keao's culinary finesse, coupled with Butcher's Block's commitment to quality, resulted in an evening of gastronomic excellence, a testament to the evolving culinary landscape at this esteemed establishment.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Butcher's Block
Raffles Hotel Singapore
Raffles Arcade
328 North Bridge Road
#02-02
Singapore 188719
Tel: +65 6337 1886
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line), Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Lunch (Thu-Fri): 12pm - 230pm
Dinner (Wed-Sun): 6pm - 945pm
(Closed on Mon and Tue)

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

2) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit F. Walk to Beach Road. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Homura by Kai @ Orchard Plaza - A Hidden Yakitori Omakase Inside An Unassuming Shopping Mall

Homura by Kai, nestled discreetly on the third floor of Orchard Plaza, is a yakitori omakase haven awaiting discovery. This unassuming restaurant opens its shutters precisely at 6:30 pm, revealing a cosy space with 12 counter seats that provide a full view of the chef orchestrating his culinary magic over a charcoal pit.

I had the 18-course Yakitori Omakase ($188), which promises an array of flavours and textures. The feast includes 3 Appetisers, 13 Skewers, 1 Signature Ramen/Soup, and a Dessert. There's also a slightly more modest 12-course Yakitori Omakase available at $138.

Chawanmushi 4/5

We embarked on this journey with a delightful Chawanmushi. This Japanese classic presents a smooth and silky steamed egg bathed in dashi broth and adorned with a slice of chicken and a mushroom. It's a soothing prelude to the meal.

Spanish Mackerel 4.5/5

A highlight of the evening was the Spanish Mackerel. At first glance, it might appear straightforward, but upon closer examination, it reveals two distinct textures. The top layer is slightly grilled to a delicate crisp, while the other half is served as sashimi. This clever preparation combines two different textural experiences in a single bite.

Chicken Neck 4.2/5

Chicken Skin 3.5/5

Chicken Heart 4/5

We continued the journey through the diverse world of chicken skewers. The Chicken Neck surprised me with its pleasantly meaty bite, while the Chicken Skin was delightfully crispy. Chef Roy even meticulously trimmed away charred bits, ensuring no unpleasant burnt taste lingered. The Chicken Heart offered a delectably tender texture, showcasing the art of grilling different chicken parts.

Shirako 4.5/5

Moving on, we encountered Shirako, cod fish's milt, a delicacy in season. Chef Roy coated it with a sweet sauce and grilled it over charcoal, adding a slight crispness to the exterior and a smoky aroma, all finished with a hint of sweetness.

Zucchini 4.2/5

Mushroom 4/5

The exploration of skewers continued with a focus on vegetables. The Zucchini, kissed by the fire and lightly seasoned with salt, brought out its natural sweetness. The Mushroom was perfectly grilled, preserving its juicy core.

Chicken Oyster 4.5/5

Chicken Wing 4.2/5

Next in line were the Chicken Oyster, a prized part of the chicken located on the back near the hip joint, offering a moist, juicy, and slightly silky texture. The Chicken Wing, as one might expect, was packed with flavour due to its bone-in preparation.

Gingko Nuts 3.8/5

Gingko Nuts made an appearance, with their green hue resembling grapes, though the taste was quite different, offering hints of sweetness and nuttiness after grilling over charcoal.

Japanese Yam 2.8/5

Japanese Yam, however, was the least favourite. The skin-on grilling left it somewhat dry, with a lingering aftertaste that might not appeal to all palates.

Chicken Gizzard 4/5

Chicken Cartilage 4.2/5

The Chicken Gizzard and Chicken Cartilage provided a delightful crunch, demonstrating the versatility of various chicken parts. These skewers were a testament to how even less common parts can be transformed into delectable treats.

Chicken Liver 4/5

Chicken Liver followed, my personal favourite among chicken innards. Typically enjoyed with chicken rice, it presented a unique flavour profile after grilling, resembling pig's liver more closely than the usual boiled variety.

Tsukune 4.5/5

The Tsukune, seasoned ground chicken formed into oval shapes, was a beloved dish in Japanese cuisine. It showcased the art of grilling and flavouring meat to create savoury and slightly sweet bite-sized portions of grilled chicken.

Quail Egg 4/5

The omakase feast culminated with Quail Egg, grilled and seasoned with pepper. Unlike the usual tough texture of quail eggs, these retained a soft, runny centre, a testament to Homura's grilling skills.

Ramen 3.8/5

The savoury part of the meal ended with Ramen served with an onsen egg and seaweed. The broth, light yet rich, was the perfect ending to a fantastic feast. Finally, for the grand finale, a scoop of Ice Cream, available in Matcha, Black Sesame, or Vanilla, rounded off the dining experience.

Homura by Kai offers an exceptional yakitori omakase feast where each ingredient is expertly grilled to bring out its full flavour. The chef and service staff provide not only delicious dishes but also a warm and attentive dining experience. It was a truly enjoyable and memorable omakase dinner.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Homura by Kai
Orchard Plaza
150 Orchard Road
#03-16
Singapore 238841
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 630pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk to traffic junction of Orchard Road and Killney Road. Cross the road. Walk to Orchard Plaza. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]