SARAI @ Tanglin Mall - Refreshed Thai Fine Dining Experience With A Sleek New Interiors

SARAI is a fine dining Thai restaurant located at Tanglin Mall, helmed by Chef de Cuisine Lisa. In conjunction with its sleek new interior looks, the restaurant has put together a new menu and a curated beverage programme with in-house cocktails and mocktails infused with Thai influences to go with Thai food.

Amuse Bouche - Lab Gai 3/5

We had the Exploration Lunch Menu ($58 per pax) comprising an Amuse Bouche, Starters, Mains and Desserts. Teasing our appetite is the Lab Gai, a bite-size cucumber cup filled with spicy and sour minced chicken salad, whetting our appetite.

Starters - Nam Prik Ma Kae 2.5/5, Tod Mum Hu Plee 3.5/5

For the starters, we had the Nam Prik Ma Kae, a refreshing and textural stack of endives, Thai cucumber and jicama topped with tomato chilli dip. The other starter is the crispy Tod Mum Hu Plee. The assorted banana blossom cake is deep-fried to golden brown and paired with a spicy dip.

Tom Klong Pla 4/5

For the mains, it is a set meal on its own. It comes with a bowl of soup, a plate of rice, vegetable and protein. The sweet, spicy and tangy Tom Klong Pla comprises smoked barramundi and sweet leaf bush. It is a bowl of goodness packed with robust flavours.

Pad Hed Rum Gap Dog Pak Pang 4/5, Panang Nua Yang 4/5

The other two items, Pad Hed Rum Gap Dog Pak Pang and Panang Nua Yang are plated together with the fragrant steamed rice. The Australian Wagyu was perfectly grilled to a delightful, tender bite paired with panang curry sauce. The stir-fried Dou Miao flowers with assorted Mushrooms complete the hearty and comforting plate of rice.

Pla Hmug Nung Ma Naw 4.2/5

For the mains, diners can choose either the Australian Wagyu or Steamed Squid. If you are not into beef, you can go for the Pla Hmug Nung Ma Naw, steamed squid stuffed with roe sac with chilli lime garlic sauce. The flavours are brighter and sharper compared to the wagyu.

Jelly Bi Tuey 4/5

We ended the three-course lunch meal with Jelly Bi Tuey for dessert. The Pandan Panna Cotta with Coconut Foam was smooth and creamy, while the crispy lotus-shaped cracker provided extra texture enjoyment.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


SARAI
Tanglin Mall
163 Tanglin Road
#03-122
Singapore 247933
Tel: +65 67370818
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Nearest MRT: Orchard Boulevard (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 1030pm

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

Garden At One-Ninety @ Four Seasons Hotel Singapore - Floral Weekend Afternoon Tea by Nicolai Bergmann

Nicolai Bergmann, celebrity florist and Floral Art Director at Four Seasons Hotel Singapore, collaborates with Garden@One-Ninety and presents a Floral Weekend Afternoon Tea by Nicolai Bergmann. Renowned for his unique style that blends Scandinavian and Japanese design, be enthralled by his sophisticated floral arrangements as you delight your taste buds with botanical-inspired sweets and floral-inspired craft cocktails.

Botanical-inspired Sweets

Surrounded by a hand-arranged wreath of fresh flowers, the Afternoon Tea set features a medley of botanical-inspired sweets crafted by Pastry Chef Audrey Yee - Pu-Er Tea-infused Mandarin Crémeux, Osmanthus-Peach Puff, Elderflower-Lemon Panna Cotta, Yuzu-Matcha Cake, Manjari Nama Chocolate Truffle and Violet Macaron.

Pu-Er Tea-infused Mandarin Crémeux

I find the Pu-Er Tea-infused Mandarin Crémeux really adorable. Encased at its core is a sweet, tangy mandarin jam, which balances the sweetness of the cremeux. Another of my favourite is the bitter-sweet Manjari Nama Chocolate Truffle.

Savoury Collection

Scottish Smoked Salmon served in Mini Brioche

The savoury collection was delicious, with a handcrafted selection of sandwiches. I like the luscious Scottish Smoked Salmon served in Mini Brioche, and the other vegetarian-friendly ones fared just as well, such as the Truffle and Portobello Mushroom and Tomato and Green Olive on Wholemeal.

Vanilla and Blackcurrant Scones

Halfway through the bites, you will have freshly baked Vanilla and Blackcurrant Scones served to you, accompanied by homemade Lemon Balm Curd, Strawberry-Rose Preserve and Devonshire Clotted Cream.

Floral-inspired Craft Cocktails

Complete the experience with floral-inspired craft cocktails by Bar Manager Gabriel Carlos and Head Bartender Sophia Kang. Served in exquisite glass teapots, you may try the floral gin-forward Hanami or a whisky-based Apple Blossom.

Floral Weekend Afternoon Tea by Nicolai Bergmann ($68/pax) with a choice of craft cocktails and a choice of tea or freshly brewed coffee. Available on weekends from now till June 2022, served from 2pm to 5pm.

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.


Garden@One-Ninety
Four Seasons Hotel Singapore
190 Orchard Boulevard
Singapore 248646
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 8am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 11. Walk straight down Orchard Boulevard Road. Walk to destination. Journey time is about 6 minutes. [Map]

Le Fusion @ Robertson Quay - Contemporary Tinkering With A Unique Twist of Ingredients

Le Fusion at Robertson Quay is a chic restaurant and bar opened by husband and wife duo. The duo has put together an array of modern Chinese dishes inspired from the travel around the world.

Focaccia Rose Mantou 3/5

Diners at Le Fusion will be greeted with the Focaccia Rose Mantou. Similar to the bread and butter served at a Western restaurant, the mantou is made from a blend of pumpkin and original flour with hints of oregano paired with vinaigrette dressing on the side.

Rougle Foie Gras 4/5

An unusual pairing is the Rougle Foie Gras ($25). The pan-seared foie gras rest atop a bed of Chinese glutinous rice, elevated by the tangy mandarin orange-infused in-house sauce. The combination may sound weird, but surprisingly it is pleasantly balanced with a refreshing touch.

Imperial Double Boiled Soup 4.5/5

The Imperial Double Boiled Soup ($28) is Le Fusion's luxe rendition of the traditional Buddha Jump Over the Wall. The nutritious soup which has been double-boiled overnight is packed with richness drawn from the essence of the premium ingredients such as abalone, scallop, dried oyster and a myriad of Chinese herbs. I would recommend having a sip of its original taste before adding the Nu Er Hong Rice Wine, which gives the soup a new taste profile with an added tinge of sweetness.

Crispy Pork Belly Mantou 3.5/5

A delightful dish on the menu is the Crispy Pork Belly Mantou ($12). The slow-roasted succulent pork belly with crispy crackling skin is sandwiched between soft fluffy mantou with a mix of marinated salted vegetables, mayonnaise and crushed peanuts. While I enjoyed the dish, I thought the sweet and spicy Thai chilli sauce may be a better alternative to the mayonnaise.

Braised Abalone Seafood Rice 3.8/5

The Braised Abalone Seafood Rice ($38) is an "atas' version of the Chinese Mui Fan. The rice is drenched in a special savoury consomme and comes with a medley of seafood such as Tasmania 6-head abalone, scallops, fish, squids, mussels and prawns.

Trio Pasta 3/5

Still on carbo is the colourful Trio Pasta ($38). The trio pasta flavours are green pesto, red chilli crab and sesame squid ink. While it is pleasing to the eyes, it doesn't really translate to the taste.

Crispy Pork Roulade 3.5/5

Moving to the meats, we started with the Crispy Pork Roulade ($32).  The pork belly is stuffed with a mixture of uncased sausage meat and roasted in the oven. The result is a succulent interior with a crisp, crunchy exterior. It is paired with baby tomato soaked overnight in Shanghainese plum wine, deep-fried mantou and piquillo yuzu emulsion.

Asian Crusted Provencal Lamb Rack 4/5

Coated with breadcrumbs and Provencal herbs is the Asian Crusted Provencal Lamb Rack ($46). I enjoyed the rub on the lamb rack, giving it a beautiful flavour complementing the tender lamb rack.

Tsingtao Beef Fillet 3.5/5

Lastly, we have the Tsingtao Beef Fillet ($42) which has been tenderized through 12-hour infusion with Tsingtao beef. While the meat is cooked to perfect tender, I didn't like the bitterness beer taste that distracted me from appreciating the natural sweetness of the meat. What stood out was actually the cauliflower pommes mash at the side. It was so soft and delicious.

Le Fusion Chendol 3/5, Panna Cotta with Sweet Glutinous 3/5

Wrapping up the dinner we have the Le Fusion Chendol ($14) and Panna Cotta with Sweet Glutinous ($14). I preferred the panna cotta over the chendol. The chendol lacked the coconut milk fragrant and gula melaka bittersweetness. I also think the restaurant needs to reconsider how the desserts are served. Though it looks elegant in a glass, it is hard for the diners to get to the ingredients to enjoy the dessert.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Le Fusion
The Pier at Robertson Quay
80 Mohamed Sultan Road
#01-7/8/9
Singapore 239013
Tel: +65 63639966
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Nearest MRT: Fort Canning (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 5pm - 1am
Sun: 4pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Fort Canning MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to traffic junction of Clemenceau Ave and River Valley. Cross the road. Turn left and walk down Clemenceau Ave. Turn right onto Unity Street. Then left onto Merbau Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Chinese New Year Offerings

For the upcoming Lunar New Year gatherings, usher in the Year of Rat with less traditional feasts, but nothing short of an abundant celebration. At The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore, depending on whether you are with families, friends or partners, choose from full course sets or ala carte items offered by 15 Stamford by Alvin Leong and all six outlets at Arcade @ The Capitol Kempinski Hotel.

Yu Sheng 2.5/5

The 4-course/5-course Chinese Lunar Set Menu ($138/$158 per pax) by 15 Stamford by Alvin Leung start off with Pat Chun Vinegar Cured Fjord Trout “Yu Sheng” with Lime Salt, Honey Plum Dressing. The Salmon slices have been treated beforehand and can be rather salty, especially when there wasn't enough vegetable slaw to balance the preserved conditions. To keep it light and refreshing, be more careful when dressing your Yu Sheng with the plum sauce.

Australian Abalone Ceviche 3/5

This particular Chinese Lunar Set Menu takes on a contemporary twist to the traditional festive dishes, such as Australian Abalone Ceviche. For somebody who doesn't quite appreciate the usual braised Abalone, I find this take on the ingredient quite interesting, although the vinaigrette was a tad too acidic.

Eight Treasure Rice Pudding with Frozen Dried Longan Red Date 4/5

One other dish we tried on the menu is the dessert. While we craved for a soul-warming Hor Yip Fan (Lotus Leaf Wrapped Rice) in this chilly weather, in place we had a Lotus Leaf Wrapped Eight Treasure Rice Pudding, but for a sweet ending! Flambe with Lychee Wine, the sweet and warm sticky rice along with the Frozen Dried Longan Red Date will sum up your feast perfectly.

Thai Fish Maw Soup 4/5

From Chalerm Thai, its 6-course CNY Festive Special ($88 per pax) features a classic Thai Fish Maw Soup. The soup was quite well seasoned, and biting into the gelatinous fish maw does make one feel nourished.

Soy Sauce Glazed Pork Belly 4.5

When it comes to pork, you can be assured that Frieda will deliver. My favourite of the evening is probably this Soy Sauce Glazed Pork Belly ($26) by Frieda. The pork belly was well caramelised at all sides and edges, with the accompanying salty and savoury sliced waxed meat sausages lending an extra layer of flavours. It comes with rice, but as the glaze is so well balanced without any overdose of saltiness or flavours, I reckon beer or even wine will be a much better accompaniment to indulge in this dish.

Bak Kwa & Roasted Duck Pizza 2.5/5

La Scala Ristorante also has its own version of what makes an auspicious CNY dish - Bak Kwa & Roasted Duck Pizza ($28) with plum and BBQ sauces. Coming from La Scala Ristorante, this pizza was quite a letdown. The sauces overwhelmed all the ingredients, including the mozzarella cheese which some of us even missed it. Given the good pizza dough, the pizza could have been a lot more refine and enjoyable with a more thought-out combination and presentation of the toppings. Perhaps the roasted duck slices could have been more elegantly portioned on the pizza, with coin-shaped bakkwa, and definitely a lot fewer sauces.

Abalone Golden Beancurd with dried Oyster, Fatt Choy, Spinach 3.5/5

For corporate bookings, you will be hosted at The Atelier by the Capitol Kempinski Banquet, offering 4 types of set menus in both individual plating and family-style format. One of the dishes from the Family Style 6-course Chinese set ($1,088 for 10pax) is the Abalone Golden Beancurd with dried Oyster, Fatt Choy, Spinach in superior brown sauce. Each individual ingredient was quite well treated, and their respective flavour combines to form a very pleasing CNY dish.

Cheng Tng Panna Cotta 4/5

Mandarin Orange Ivory Chocolate Mousse 3/5

Menus include very delicious desserts such as Mandarin Orange Ivory Chocolate Mousse with Salted Peanut and the most beloved sweet of the evening, Cheng Tng Panna Cotta. This is like a new sensation after all the hype around chendol.

Written and photography 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.


The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore
13 Stamford Road
Singapore 178906
Tel: +65 63688888
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

One-Ninety @ Four Seasons Hotel - Festive Celebrations At Its Best

With less than a month to Christmas,  One-Ninety at Four Seasons Hotel has lined up a series of classic dining menus and lavish buffets, as well as gourmet takeaways for the festive celebrations.

Fresh Seafood on Ice 4.8/5

Christmas is a time of giving and sharing, and what best is to have the Fresh Seafood on Ice to share with family members and friends. Accompanying is the cocktail sauce, horseradish cream and marie rose sauce which brightens the sweetness of the seafood. This is only available during Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve Semi-Buffet Dinner and Christmas Day Brunch.

Winter Squash Soup with Goat Cheese 3.5/5

For something homely and comforting is the Winter Squash Soup with Goat Cheese. Mix reviews from the table. Some likes it sweeter whole others appreciate the natural flavour of the winter squash lifted by the goat cheese when eaten together.

Ricotta Tortellini with Truffle Mushroom Sauce 4/5

It is a joy to receive gifts during Christmas and what best gift is this little parcels filled with ricotta and paired with truffle mushroom sauce. What I enjoyed most is the delightful texture encasing the creamy ricotta. The Ricotta Tortellini with Truffle Mushroom Sauce is available only during Semi-Buffet Lunch and Christmas Day Brunch.

Oven-Roasted Organic Turkey with Chestnut Stuffing 4/5

A must-have in every Christmas dinner is the turkey. Not to be missed at Four Seasons Hotel is the Oven-Roasted Organic Turkey with Chestnut Stuffing which uses a house-secret recipe, prepared for 18 hours before roasting, The turkey is stuffed with chestnuts and served with homemade bread, chestnut stuffing and condiments. This is also available for the festive takeaways.

Asian Spices Glazed Ham with Lemongrass and Pineapple Raisin Sauce 4.2/5

The Asian Spices Glazed Ham with Lemongrass and Pineapple Raisin Sauce is a new rendition of the well-loved festive ham. A perfect balance of local spices and herbs, for that festive indulgence. This is available only for festive takeaways.

Cherry Panna Cotta 3.5/5

Valrhona Chocolate Pot de Creme 4.5/5

Moving to the desserts, we have the Cherry Panna Cotta, Valrhona Chocolate Pot de Creme and Pumpkin Pie. I love all three desserts. If only I have the stomach space to clean all up. The Cherry Panna Cotta while light and delicious, would be more enjoyable if it is smoother and creamier. As for the Valrhona Chocolate Pot de Creme, it is rich with a bittersweet aftertaste. Fans of chocolate will love it.

Pumpkin Pie 4.2/5

Usually eaten during Thanksgiving, the Pumpkin Pie is not to be missed. With a delectable pumpkin-based custard filling in a buttery pie shell, this is the perfect after-meal sweet treat for the festive celebration.

Holiday Cookies and Sweets 4/5

In the spirit of giving, you can let the hotel's Gift Professionals put together an impressive gift or design your own Yuletide Hamper. With an extensive selection of signature goodies, traditional treats and festive sweets such as Nicolai Bergmann Signature Preserved Flower Box, Chombost Salami from Lyon, Marron Glacé, Musical Box with Fine Oblaten Lebkuchen (German cookies) and a variety of Panettones to select from, a Four Seasons Yuletide Hamper is perfect for business associates and loved ones.

These festive takeaway items will be available from 12 November to 24 December 2019 at the Festive Desk (Lobby Level) of Four Seasons Hotel Singapore, 10.00 am to 7.00 pm daily. An advanced order of three days is required. For orders and enquiries, speak with us at (65) 6831 7253, email festiveseason.sin@fourseasons.com or visit http://bit.ly/FSSIN-XmasGoodies2019

Godmama @ Funan - Presenting Godma And Mama's Heirloom Recipes Anew

Godmama at Funan is a modern Peranakan restaurant and bar. Stemming from the initial idea of preserving an heirloom recipe of egg skin popiah which is passed down from one of the co-owners' Godma and Mama. The concept eventually evolved into one that serves not only the egg skin popiah but also includes the classic Peranakan dishes, a mod-Peranakan brunch and cocktails.

All Star Egg Skin Popiah 4/5

Our dinner started with the All Star Egg Skin Popiah ($6.50), recreated using Godma’s family recipe. It takes 4 hours to prepare the jicama stew. Despite its dark colour, the jicama was quite balanced in flavour, and there was still a light crunch to it. Toppings include cucumber strips, lettuce, crispy garlic bits, coriander, sprouts and tiger prawns, which made it all the more satisfying for me as a popiah lover.

Ngoh Hiang 3.8/5

Next up was Ngoh Hiang ($11.90). The filling is a blend of fresh prawns, minced meat and water chestnut seasoned with five-spice. I like that it was not overly seasoned with spices, and it was of a looser mix that was moist and juicy. The chilli cuka at the side was punchy, which made the meat roll even more appetising.

Babi Assam 3.8/5

Babi Assam ($13.90 as part of the Executive Lunch Set; $18.90 for dinner) is Head chef’s signature dish. The pork belly is simmered in a spicy and tangy tamarind stew. The melt-in-your-mouth pork belly was the highlight for sure, and the gravy was robust without being too salty.

Ayam Buah Keluak 3/5

Although the menu states that the Ayam Buah Keluak ($15.90 as part of the Executive Lunch Set; $19.90 for dinner) is a stew, it appeared to be more of a braised dish. Presented in a more contemporary manner, you get two tender chicken thighs and buah keluak which are infused with fresh root spices of galangal and turmeric. I love that the nuts are served as a whole, which allows me to enjoy its flavours on its own. However, the meat did not seem to have taken in the flavours of the sauce. This mild version of Ayam Buah Keluak may sit well with diners who are not that into buah keluak.

Sambal Udang 2.8/5

One of the seafood choices is Sambal Udang ($17.90 as part of the Executive Lunch Set; $23.90 for dinner). The tiger prawns are tossed in a weak sambal sauce that lacked zest. My prawns were dry too.

Nyonya Chap Chye 4/5

Godmama's Nyonya Chap Chye (available as part of the Executive Set Lunch; $13.90 a la carte) is refined with prawn bisque as the base for braising the vegetables.

Sticky Red Date Pudding 4/5

The desserts left a much deeper impression than their main dishes. Turning a traditional drink of Longan Red Date into a dessert, the Sticky Red Date Pudding ($9.90) is served hot with longan tea glaze and vanilla ice cream. It was this dessert that made me overate that evening.

Pulut Hitam Panna Cotta 3.8/5

The jiggly Pulut Hitam Panna Cotta ($8.90) was light with a mellow sweetness. I love the chewy pulut hitam resting underneath the panna cotta especially.

Gingerflower Lychee Sorbet 2.8/5

A much lighter option would be Gingerflower Lychee Sorbet ($10.90). Sorbet tends to be overly sweetened to compensate for the lack of creaminess, which was the case here as well.

Godmama may not have dived into the complexity of Peranakan cuisine, but it allows diners to have a glimpse of the flavours in a relatively more casual and fun manner.

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.


Godmama
Funan
109 North Bridge Road
 #04-07
Singapore 179105
Tel:+65 69700828
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun- Thu: 10am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit D. Turn left and walk down North Bridge Road. Cross the road at the junction of North Bridge Road and Coleman Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]