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)

Bhoomi by Milind Sovani @ Orchard Towers - A Celebration of India's Gastronomic Traditions with Modern Touch

Chef Milind Sovani's latest culinary venture, Bhoomi, located at Claymore Drive, is a heartfelt tribute to India's diverse culinary heritage. Designed to highlight the robust spices of North India and the coastal delights of the Konkan region, Bhoomi showcases age-old recipes alongside contemporary inspirations from Chef Milind's extensive travels across India. The result is a thoughtful menu that celebrates India's gastronomic traditions with a modern touch while focusing on sustainability and healthy meals through organic, locally sourced ingredients and traditional cooking methods.

Kulthachey Kalan 5/5

The meal began with Kulthachey Kalan, a comforting soup crafted from horsegrain (huligey) sourced from rural Konkan. Light yet flavourful, it was seasoned with warming spices and a hint of heat—perfect for awakening the palate.

Bhima Onion and Avocado Kebab 4.8/5

Another starter, the Bhima Onion and Avocado Kebab featured pan-seared patties of avocado, Nasik white onion, and handmade cheese. The patties were beautifully seared, creating a delightful contrast between the crispy exterior and the creamy interior. A delicate balance of sweetness and savoury notes, enhanced with finely chopped onions and spices, made this a standout dish.

Ultimate Chicken Tikka 4.5/5

From the charcoal-grilled specials, the Ultimate Chicken Tikka was a crowd-pleaser. Marinated using an authentic recipe from Delhi's Daryaganj, the chicken was beautifully succulent and packed with robust flavours. The smoky char from the grill added a delightful depth, while a hint of lemony acidity provided a refreshing lift. Although slightly on the saltier side, it remained a satisfying and well-executed dish.

Koila Butter Chicken 4.5/5

Moving on to curries, the Koila Butter Chicken was one of Bhoomi's star offerings. Slow-cooked in a claypot over a charcoal pit, the curry was rich and indulgent yet skillfully balanced with layers of spices and nuanced flavours.

Lahsooni Palak Paneer 4/5

Vegetarian-friendly options like the Lahsooni Palak Paneer and Mewadi Panchmeli Dal were equally noteworthy. The Lahsooni Palak Paneer featured a light garlic-tossed spinach puree, delicately seasoned to enhance the dish's natural flavours. The chargrilled cottage cheese cubes were soft, creamy, and milky, complementing the spinach beautifully.

Mewadi Panchmeli Dal 5/5

Meanwhile, the Mewadi Panchmeli Dal, made with Rajasthan's five lentils and served with smoked chilli and ghee tadka, was a spice and texture masterclass, offering depth and consistency.

Garlic Naan and Gluten-free Seeded Amaranth Roti

To accompany these curries, we had Garlic Naan and the gluten-free Seeded Amaranth Roti, the latter particularly impressed with its nutty undertones and aromatic toasted seeds.

Gud Ki Rasmalai 4.5/5

Ending the meal was a dessert originating from the Bengali region - Gud Ki Rasmalai. This dessert featured soft and spongy Bengali-style rasmalai, made with sugar-free palm jaggery. The sponginess was achieved by kneading milk solids separated from boiling milk with vinegar. Infused with quintessential flavours of cardamom and rose water, it was another sophisticated representation of Indian culinary traditions.

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.


Bhoomi by Milind Sovani
1 Claymore Drive
#01-05
Singapore 229594
Tel: +65 6225 4221
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk towards Wheellock Place via ION. Exit Wheellock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Cross the road at the traffic light junction and turn left towards Royal Thai Embassy. Walk down Orchard Road towards the junction of Orchard Road and Claymore Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

27 Degrees West @ Orchard Road - Mumbai's Millon-followers Celebrity Chef Varun Inamdar Brings a Melting Pot of Indian Flavours to Singapore

Mumbai's celebrated celebrity chef, Varun Inamdar, popularly known as "Mumbai's Chocolate Prince," has opened his first Indian restaurant outside India — 27 Degrees West. Nestled in Singapore, the restaurant offers a unique culinary experience that blends traditional Indian flavours with contemporary techniques. The name "27 Degrees West" pays homage to India's geographic positioning relative to Singapore. With dishes that reflect the rich diversity of Indian cuisine, 27 Degrees West delivers a memorable dining experience.

Chicken 65 4.8/5

We kicked off our meal with a classic — Chicken 65 ($15), a beloved South Indian dish. Tender chicken chunks were seasoned with an aromatic blend of spices. Though it might seem like a simple chicken dish, the depth of flavours and the expert seasoning elevated it to something much more special, making it a solid start to the meal.

Togarashi Tossed Bhindi Jaipuri 4/5

The Togarashi Tossed Bhindi Jaipuri ($15) was unexpectedly addictive! This dish is a modern take on Jaipur's famous chaats, featuring crispy fried okra sprinkled with a dash of shichimi togarashi. The highlight was the accompanying 72-hour fermented beetroot chutney ketchup, which added a zesty, tangy depth of flavour. I loved the chutney so much that I wished they sold it by the bottle!

Crabmeat Thecha Thermidor 4.5/5

A crowd favourite, the Crabmeat Thecha Thermidor ($35), truly showcased Chef Varun's philosophy of blending traditional Indian flavours with modern techniques. This luxurious dish features fresh crabmeat from India's coastline, paired with Thecha, a popular chilli-garlic condiment from India. The dish was rich yet perfectly balanced, and the bold flavours worked harmoniously.

Bagara Baingan 4.2/5

The Bagara Baingan ($28), originating from the royal kitchens of Hyderabad, is a dish that surprised me in the best way possible. Smoky eggplants are served in a creamy, nutty sauce alongside crispy starfruit chips for a bit of crunch. It's a unique dish I had never tried before, but it opened my eyes to new possibilities for eggplant. It's definitely one to remember!

Smoked Lamb Rack, Beliram 4/5

Next, we had the Smoked Lamb Rack, Beliram ($55) — a nod to Maharaja Ranjit Singh Ji's legendary royal dish, 'Gosht Beliram'. The lamb rack was marinated with Kolhapuri masala and roasted to a tender, smoky perfection over an open flame. It was served with a rich Punjabi Beliram gravy paired beautifully with the perfectly cooked lamb.

The 'Varun Inamdar' Butter Chicken 4.5/5

Perhaps the most anticipated dish of the evening was The 'Varun Inamdar' Butter Chicken ($29). This is Chef Varun's signature recipe, popularised by millions of views on his YouTube channel, now available right here in Singapore. The chicken was incredibly succulent and simmered to absorb the creamy, tangy, and rich flavours of the butter chicken gravy. It lived up to the hype.

Assorted Naan 3/5

To soak up the rich gravies of the meal, we ordered the Assorted Naan ($6), which came in various flavours such as plain, garlic, butter, cheese, black pepper, and even truffle! It is the perfect vehicle for the rich sauces that accompany the dishes.

Jowar Khichdi 4.2/5

A personal favourite of mine was the Jowar Khichdi ($25), a unique "no rice" porridge made with nutrient-dense millets and desi ghee. The dish, inspired by Chef Varun's grandmother, was both hearty and comforting, with layers of complex spice that made each bite more intriguing than the last. It's a dish you could enjoy on a cold, rainy day or when you crave something warm and nourishing.

Coconut Kulfi 4/5

For dessert, we indulged in the Coconut Kulfi ($15), a nostalgic treat that combines creamy coconut ice cream with grilled pineapple and pomegranate molasses. The addition of passion fruit added a refreshing tang, balancing the sweetness of the kulfi perfectly. A lovely dessert to end the meal.

Chocolate Mess 4/5

Lastly, we couldn't pass up the Chocolate Mess ($15), a dessert that Chef Varun famously created for the Obamas. This decadent dish features a rich dark chocolate ganache mixed with tart cranberries and raspberries. The result is an indulgent yet well-balanced dessert that any chocolate lover would adore.

27 Degrees West truly lives up to its promise of offering a melting pot of Indian flavours with Chef Varun Inamdar's signature touch. The menu is a delightful journey through both classic and contemporary Indian cuisine, with some dishes reinvented to surprise and delight. Whether it is the tender Smoked Lamb Rack, the comforting Butter Chicken, or the refreshing Coconut Kulfi, 27 Degrees West delivers on both flavour and experience. For anyone looking to explore Indian cuisine with a modern twist, this restaurant is worth a visit.

Note: This is an invited tasting


27 Degrees West
362 Orchard Road
Singapore 238887
Tel: +65 91000949
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Housr:
Sun-Thu: 1130am - 11pm
Fri-Sat: 1130am - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk towards Wheellock Place via ION. Exit Wheellock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Cross the road at the traffic light junction and walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Follow the walkway to Shaw House. At Shaw House, go to ground level. Walk to Orchard Road. Turn right and walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutres. [Map]

Tiffin Room @ Raffles Hotel Singapore - Celebrates The Rich Traditions Of The Festival of Lights

From 20 October to 3 November 2024, Tiffin Room at Raffles Hotel Singapore celebrates the Festival of Lights with a special Diwali set menu curated by award-winning Chef de Cuisine Kuldeep Negi. The menu showcases a vibrant array of dishes that represent the diverse flavours of India, spanning from the North to the South, East to West. Complementing the culinary experience, Raffles' resident sommeliers have curated a selection of alcoholic beverages to pair with the meal.

Makai Matar Chaat 4/5

The meal commenced with two appetizers. From West India came the Makai Matar Chaat, a delightful medley of sweet corn, green peas, onions, and tomatoes, brought to life with tangy tamarind and herbaceous mint chutneys.

Khumani Mugh Kebab 5/5

Next was the Khumani Mugh Kebab, a tandoor-grilled chicken leg from Uttar Pradesh in North India, tender and rich in spices with a smoky finish, served alongside refreshing yoghurt rice for balance.

For the mains, the dishes were served in the Tiffin Room's signature tiffin boxes, accompanied by an assortment of Garlic Naan, Butter Naan, and the moreish Kashmiri Naan. Nutty and sweet-savoury with pistachios and cranberries, the Kashmiri naan was the perfect pairing for the flavourful curries.

Murgh E Lazeez 4.5/5

The main courses featured regional specialities. From Hyderabad came Murgh E Lazeez, a stuffed chicken breast in a light, well-balanced gravy of onion, chilli, tomato, and cashew nuts. The chicken was tender and infused with the aromatic stuffing.

Erachi Ularthu 4.5/5

Next was Erachi Ularthu, a Keralan-inspired lamb chop stir-fry with caramelized onions, coconut, fennel seeds, and curry leaves. The rich and onion-sweet gravy paired harmoniously with the tender lamb.

Kadhai Lobster 4.2/5

Kadhai Lobster, inspired by Punjabi cuisine, featured a robust tomato curry infused with bell peppers and coriander. Although slightly salty, the lobster was succulent and satisfying.

Moradabadi Fish Biryani 4/5

The Moradabadi Fish Biryani, a take on the biryani from Uttar Pradesh, presented slices of fried pomfret fish buried in fragrant rice, garnished with mint and coriander. While delectable, the version from last year, featuring fresh tomatoes, was preferred for its simplicity and enhanced the rice's flavour.

Diwali Sweets 4.5/5

Dessert was a well-balanced trio of traditional Diwali Sweets paired exquisitely with 1985 Dalva Port wine. The Akhrot Halwa was a sweet, nutty indulgence made from walnut pudding with mixed nuts. The Kaju Strawberry Katli, a slightly creamy cashew fudge blended with strawberries, offered a Southern Indian twist, while the Besan Till Burfi, a chickpea flour and coconut confection, delighted with its comforting sweet finish.

The Diwali dining experience will be available for lunch and dinner in both non-vegetarian (S$122++ per guest) and vegetarian (S$110++ per guest) options from 20 October to 3 November 2024, with a wine pairing option to elevate the dining experience (S$88++ per guest).

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.


Tiffin Room
Raffles Hotel
1 Beach Road
Singapore 189673
Tel: +65 63371886
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Lunch: 12pm - 130pm
Dinner: 630pm - 9pm

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. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Tiffin Room @ Raffles Hotel - Return of The Wondrous Flavours of Holi

Tiffin Room at Raffles Hotel is once again presenting Holi Festival Specialities, exclusively crafted by award-winning Chef de Cuisine Kuldeep Negi, at the historic Tiffin Room. The Wondrous Flavours of Holi will be available from 18 to 31 March 2024 for both lunch and dinner.

Stuffed Yellow Lentil Dumplings 3.5/5

Our dinner began with Chef Kuldeep's Welcome Dahi Gujia (Stuffed Yellow Lentil Dumplings With Sweet Yogurt, Tamarind And Spicy Mint Chutney), a beloved North Indian snack, involves lentils ground and shaped into a half-moon gujiya, generously adorned with yoghurt, tamarind chutney, coriander mint chutney, and an array of Indian spices. Combining the chutneys and spices resulted in an explosion of flavours - a delightful interplay of sweet, tangy, and savoury notes infused with aromatic undertones. The addition of nuts provided an enjoyable textural contrast to the chaat. Personally, I would have preferred a bit less of the tamarind chutney, as it leaned towards the sweeter side.

Pickled Spicy Tandoori-Grilled Chicken Wrap 4/5

Next is the Achari Murgh Tikka Kathi Roll, featuring Pickled Spicy Tandoori-Grilled Chicken Wrap served with Beetroot, Radish And Onion Salad. The chicken was tender and flavourful with a heady blend of spices, which was quite nicely balanced by the herbaceous mint chutney and the side salad.

Pan-Seared Black Cod 4.5/5

The Main Course was served in its classic tiffin set. Tawa Masala Fish was the crowd's favourite, featuring Pan-Seared Black Cod in a Special Blend Of Spices, Onion And Tomato Masala. The tangy and fruity sweetness of the masala complemented the inherent richness of the cod.

Boneless Chicken Leg 4/5

Murgh Madras is a crowd pleaser with tender Boneless Chicken Leg in curry rich in mustard seed and spices.

Pahadi Gosht 4.2/5

Pahadi Gosht is a rare treat that serves Himalayan-style Lamb Chop Curry with Fresh Herbs And Spices. The lamb was delightfully tender, and this more robust form of curry proved to be a good pairing with the meat's flavours.

Yellow Lentil Curry 3.5/5

The Tiffin set also includes Shahi Dal, a curry made with Yellow Lentil with Black Beans and Red Kidney Beans. I enjoyed the textural interplay of the various beans and lentils, but I prefer a more spice-forward curry that tastes bolder.

Tomato Mint Pulao 5/5

Butter Naan and Laccha Parantha 5/5

Despite the curries being the main focus, the Tomato Mint Pulao, Butter Naan, and Laccha Parantha truly stole the spotlight for me. The Tomato Mint Pulao was a delight, featuring light and fluffy basmati rice infused with the fragrant essence of mint and cardamom, punctuated by sweetness from softened fresh tomatoes. Both the naan and parantha proved equally satisfying, boasting the desired texture and a rich, buttery flavour that added a layer of joy to the overall dining experience.

Dessert 3/5

The Dessert is a platter of Makai Halwa, Gujia, and Gur Para (Sweet Corn Halwa, Traditional Sweet Dumplings Stuffed With Coconut And Dried Fruits, and Jaggery Bites). However, I found these selections a bit too heavy for a dessert course after the fairly rich dishes. Perhaps a lighter option would have provided a more balanced and refreshing conclusion to the meal.

Options of 2 glasses and 4 glasses alcoholic beverages pairing are available as well.

Photograph and written 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.


Tiffin Room
Raffles Hotel
1 Beach Road
Singapore 189673
Tel: +65 63371886
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Lunch: 12pm - 145pm
Dinner: 630pm - 845pm

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. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]