5 ON 25 (五悦亭) @ Andaz Singapore - Refined Cantonese Dining Experience with Panoramic City Skyline View

The newly renovated 5 ON 25 at Andaz Singapore reopened in June. It offers a fresh array of inventive dishes that pay homage to traditional Cantonese cuisine with a modern twist. Perched on the 25th floor of the hotel, the restaurant boasts a comprehensive menu and a breathtaking panoramic view of the city skyline, making it a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

The culinary team is led by esteemed Chinese Head Chef Lim Hong Lih, who brings years of experience in Cantonese fine dining to the table. We had the pleasure of sampling several dishes, including both new creations and popular signatures. Most of the dishes pictured below were portions adjusted to tasting sizes.

Cantonese Style Roasted Cage-Free Cherry Valley Duck with Table Side Maotai Flambé 4.5/5

Our meal began with the 5 ON 25 Cantonese Style Roasted Cage-Free Cherry Valley Duck with Table Side Maotai Flambé ($88 for Half). Watching the chef meticulously slice the duck skin was a delightful prelude to the dish itself. For those who prefer without, the duck is also available without the Maotai Flambé at $49 for a half portion.

Served with freshly steamed skin wrappers, the duck comes with an array of condiments: sweet sauce, sugar, spring onions, cucumber strips, sweet melon strips, and hawthorn strips. While the skin wrapper was slightly thicker than I typically prefer, the crispiness of the duck skin was on point, enhanced by the smokiness from the Maotai flambé. The hawthorn strips, which I feared might be too sweet, turned out to be a harmonious complement.

Fried Australian Jumbo Quail Legs, Salt & Pepper 4.2/5

Next, the Fried Australian Jumbo Quail Legs, Salt & Pepper ($28) were served. Although a touch salty, the fried quail legs exuded a fragrant, garlicky aroma.

Crispy Shiitake Mushrooms, Osmanthus Honey Sauce 4/5

Accompanying the quail was the Crispy Shiitake Mushrooms with Osmanthus Honey Sauce ($15). These mushrooms had a satisfying crunch and were glazed with a sweet, floral osmanthus honey sauce.

Double-Boiled Grouper Soup 4.8/5

I absolutely loved the Double-Boiled Grouper Soup ($48). This creamy broth, infused with delicate fish maw and wolfberries, had a distinct peppery heat and was so rich in collagen that it left a luxurious, sticky mouthfeel. I can't imagine how this could be improved.

Braised Stuffed Sea Cucumber 4.5/5

The Braised Stuffed Sea Cucumber ($48) was another highlight. The sea cucumber, stuffed with a flavourful mixture of pork and shrimp, was served on a bed of sliced mushrooms and bathed in a rich Yunnan mushroom sauce. The sauce was particularly noteworthy, with its delicious numbing hints of peppercorns and an alluring smokiness.

Beetroot Fried Rice 4.8/5

5 ON 25's Beetroot Fried Rice ($38) is another dish you must try. The dish features a delightful play of textures with crunchy fried rice bits, preserved vegetables, green beans and Vietnamese tiger prawns. It was fried so fragrant and finished with slices of Hokkaido scallops placed on top. Even though my dining companion and I were pretty full at this point of the meal, we wiped the pot clean quickly.

Lotus Paste Sesame Pastry 3.8/5

We ended our meal with a selection of desserts. The Lotus Paste Sesame Pastry ($8 for 3 Pieces) featured sweet lotus paste encased in a buttery, flaky pastry.

Chilled Toasted Sesame Pudding and Apricot Egg Tart 3.8/5

A dessert platter followed, featuring two sets of sweets. The first was a Chilled Toasted Sesame Pudding and Apricot Tart ($15). We preferred the sesame pudding for its fragrant, nutty flavour and smooth, balanced texture. The second dessert was the decadent Grand Cru Chocolate Ice Cream ($20), infused with Wu Liang Ye Liquor, a good option for alcohol-based desserts.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


5 ON 25 (五悦亭)
Andaz Singapore
Level 25
5 Fraser Street
Singapore 189354
Tel: +65 64081228
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (DT, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11.30am - 2.30pm, 6pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 11.30am - 1pm, 1.15pm - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit E or F. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

La Table d'Emma @ Mercure ICON Singapore - Bringing Authentic Alsatian Flair to Club Street

Nestled in the heart of Singapore's bustling food scene, La Table d'Emma emerges as an unpolished gem, exuding the charm and warmth reminiscent of the French Alsace region. Founded by Chef Michael Muller, who has over two decades of culinary expertise, this quaint establishment bears the mark of his culinary mastery and the tender reminiscence of his childhood home adorned with delicate butterflies. Named after his beloved wife, Emma, the restaurant is a tribute to love, tradition, and gastronomic finesse.

As I stepped into the inviting ambience of La Table d'Emma, I was immediately enchanted by the subtle yet pervasive butterfly motifs adorning the walls and aesthetically shaped drop-lightings. The soft hues and elegant décor create an atmosphere of refined intimacy, setting the stage for a memorable dining experience.

Cracking Pork Skin 4/5

Sesame Sourdough 4.5/5

We started the meal with some complimentary Crackling Pork Skin and Sesame Sourdough snacks. Chef Michael explained how he painstakingly cleans the pork skin, boils it, and dehydrates it before deep-frying it. The thin and crispy Sesame Sourdough, which is made in-house, is also fragrant!

La Flemmakueche 4/5

Next, we had this pizza-like Alsace's delight with four variations. Chef Michael made all four variations in one portion for us to taste, but they are available individually on the menu for $20-$28. It is a great idea to taste all 4, and Chef Michael said he would consider putting this option on the menu. The four flavours are La Salmon Fume Maison (House-smoked salmon, capers and pickled red onion), La Champignons (Sauteed mushrooms and caramelized onions, Fromage blanc), La Tradition Onion/Lardons (Caramelized onions, savoury lardons, Fromage blanc), and La Gratinee A L'Emmental (Caramelized onions, savoury lardons and Emmental cheese).

Seafood Bun with Comté Crust 4.2/5

When Chef Michael served this to us, he told us the story of the creation. It goes back to when he was a chef at Facebook when the Seafood Bun with Comte Crust ($28) was created and named "Face-Bun". The crispy layer of Comté cheese resembles a polo bun! Once you break open that crispy top, you will find creamy scallops, prawns and crabmeat within the thin bread dough. The complimenting foamy clam chowder was light, even though we wish it were creamier since the cream with the seafood is also very light.

Soupe A L’Onion Gratinee with Gruyère Cheese 3.8/5

This classic French onion soup - Soupe A L'Onion Gratinee with Gruyère Cheese ($22) was a great palette cleanser at this point. The beef broth, sweet onions and herbs are light yet heavily fragrant at the same time. It is served with house-made sourdough croutons that add a slight hint of sourness, which is hearty and delightful. I wish there was a thicker layer of melted cheese on the top.

Les Bouchees A La Reine d’Emma 4/5

Les Bouchees A La Reine d'Emma ($34) is insta-worthy with the delicate puff pastry shaped into butterfly, which Chef Michael cheekily said, "this is edible butterfly". This dish was originally made by a queen's chef and Chef Michael's first dish made for his wife Emma. Served with veal, chicken and mushroom velouté that has a strong taste of white wine which we find it was a good balance with the buttery puff pastry.

Le Mille-Feuille Vanille Hazelnut Praliné ($20) 4/5

We ended our meal with this crispy and flaky Le Mille-Feuille Vanille Hazelnut Praline ($20) filled with vanilla crème patissière. The hazelnut praliné provides an extra crunch to every mouthful. We love the slightly burnt caramel taste, too. It was a nice, sweet ending to this meal.

Despite not trying other classic French mains like Duck Confit and Coq Au, the items we had were primarily delightful and unique. If you need help deciding what to order, you can opt for the 6-Course Chef's French Omakase, which you leave to Chef Michael for $120. Their menu is rather extensive, hence it will be ideal to order more items to share.

La Table d'Emma is having a special Father's Day promo on 16 June, where you can enjoy free-flow meats from $60++ per pax. More details can be found here - https://www.latabledemma.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Fathers-Day-Freeflow-Digital.pdf

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


La Table d'Emma
8 Club Street
#01-04
Singapore 069742
Tel: +65 81018691
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Chinatown (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 2pm, 5pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk down Cross Street. Turn left onto Club Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight down Pagoda Street to North Bridge Road. Cross the road and walk to Mohd Ali Lane. Walk down Mohd Ali Lane. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Lobby Lounge @ Conrad Centennial Singapore - The Return of the Strawberry Afternoon Tea Featuring Amaou Strawberries

As January heralds in the peak season of Amaou Strawberries of Fukuoka, Conrad Centennial Singapore's Lobby Lounge has recently relaunched its exclusive Strawberry Afternoon Tea. Also known as the "King of Japanese Strawberries," delight in Amaou's sweetness from now till 31 March 2024. The specially curated menu features fresh Amaou Strawberries sourced from Fukuoka, farmed under stringent guidelines to preserve their exceptional flavour and deep red hue appearance, and includes exquisitely crafted strawberry-centric delights for a complete Amaou experience.

Start your afternoon tea with Air Flown Japanese Strawberry with Valrhona Chocolate Dip while the chocolate is still warm. The classic pairing of chocolate and strawberries will create a perfect prelude to a relaxing afternoon. The Amaou strawberries, given their exceptional flavour, are just as indulgent on their own.

Whipped Brie

Fresh Strawberry Balsamic Bruschetta

The savoury items were delectable, with a well-considered blending of savoury ingredients and the sweet, fruity, fresh profile of strawberries. My favourite items were the Fresh Strawberry Balsamic Bruschetta and Whipped Brie. The bruschetta was layered with Citrus Cream Cheese, topped with sliced strawberries and seared duck, and sweetened with Cantaloupe Gel. The latter, featuring whipped brie, was topped with Balsamic Strawberry, Fruit Chutney, and Kiwis. The contrasting flavour notes and creamy mouthfeel amped up the lusciousness of the strawberries.

Strawberry, Mango, Scallop Tart

Strawberry, Mango, Scallop Tart was interesting with saltish Pickles and sweet Candied Orange. Again, the juxtaposition of the sweet and savoury notes of the ingredients was delicious, and in addition to that, this dainty pink tart was packed with textural crunch as well. The strawberry tart itself emanated a delightful whiff of strawberry aroma each time I took a bite of the tart.

Salmon Rillettes

Besides strawberries, Salmon Rillettes also highlights the use of Sustainable Caviar - Avruga caviar, distinguished by the Marine Stewardship Council's "Chain of Custody" certification.

Strawberry Meringata

Moving on to the sweets, the Strawberry Meringata was well-received by diners. A balance of creamy, fruity freshness and crunchy elements was put together using decadent double vanilla cream and tangy marinated strawberry spiked with crisped slow-baked Meringue.

Strawberry Shortcake

Strawberry Shortcake is a classic done right with softy and fluffy sponge cakes layered with Fresh Strawberries and Hokkaido Whipping Cream.

Strawberry Mint

Strawberry Mint was gorgeous in a bright red hue - this strawberry treat was filled with Fresh Strawberry Mint Compote encased within a layer of Vanilla Whip.

Tahitian Vanilla Whip

Tahitian Vanilla Whip, Strawberry Compôte is pretty with Strawberry Marmalade, Vanilla Ganache. Its sweetness was a bit too much for me.

Scones

Homemade Strawberry Scone and Raisin Scone didn't disappoint. It wasn't too buttery, with just a hint of sweetness. Hence, the accompanying clotted cream and Homemade Wild Strawberry Jam were the ideal spread for them.

The Strawberry Afternoon Tea is served at Lobby Lounge daily from 8 January 2024 to 31 March 2024 in two seating: from 1 pm to 3 pm and 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm, priced at $50++ per person on weekdays and $52++ per person on weekends, inclusive of a two-hour free flow of tea and coffee, with an option to include 2 hours of unlimited Prosecco at $28++. For more information or to make reservations at Lobby Lounge, please visit the website or call +65 6432 7483 / 7357.

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.


Lobby Lounge
Conrad Centennial Singapore
2 Temasek Blvd
Singapore 038982
Tel: +65 6432 7483 / 7357
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Nearest MRT: Promenade (CC, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
First seating: 1pm to 3pm
Second seating: 3:30pm to 5:30pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit B. Continue walking along Temasek Avenue to destination Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Le Matin Patisserie @ ION Orchard - Expanded Menu of French Fare with Crab Waffles, Brown Butter Artichoke Wedges, Soufflé Au Chocolat and More

Le Matin Patisserie first unveiled its new permanent space in ION Orchard earlier in February this year and has now launched an expanded menu of French fare that is available every Wednesday to Sunday, for brunch from 11am to 2.30pm and dinner from 6pm to 9pm.

The exciting new selections continue to tap on Chef-Owner Mohamed Al-Matin's vast expertise in fine pastries and French techniques, putting together options from entrées, mains, sides to desserts.

Salade 4/5

For a light start, consider the Salade ($12). This dish features a combination of fresh baby spinach and arugula, along with roasted and fresh beets, mixed citrus, and pine nuts.

Brown Butter Artichoke Wedges 4.2/5

Despite its unassuming appearance, the Brown Butter Artichoke Wedges ($16) proved to be addictive. Crafted with nutty confit Jerusalem artichoke, it comes with a refreshing dip of lemon thyme aioli.

Bread & Butter 4.2/5

I absolutely adored the Bread & Butter ($9) dish, especially the earthy and rich fermented porcini butter served alongside two soft cubes of whole-wheat milk buns.

Crab Waffles 4.5/5

Seafood enthusiasts should not miss the Crab Waffles ($20.90). The heart-shaped crunchy waffles are made with seafood butter and dusted with nori for an added layer of fragrance. Spread on the chilled crab tartare and smoked taramasalata dip for a luxurious bite that is rich in umami, creaminess, and herbaceous notes all at once.

Fish & Chips 4.5/5

The Fish & Chips ($35.90) also left a lasting impression. Enjoy the entire battered Haddock fillet, which was not only fresh and substantial but also accompanied by an edamame mash, yuzu tartare, and thinly crusted fried potatoes. The edamame mash was a novel twist done well.

Lemon Thyme Madeleines 4.2/5

These delightful Lemon Thyme Madeleines ($12.90) are baked to order, offering a fresh and petite-sized treat that pairs perfectly with your tea or coffee. Infused with the bright flavours of lemon and thyme, they make for a delightful sharing side, especially when dipped in the herby fir syrup cream.

The texture may become denser as it cools. Hence, I recommend enjoying it warm for the best experience!

Soufflé Au Chocolat 4.5/5

The 20-minute bake time for the Soufflé Au Chocolat ($18.90) was well worth the wait. Featuring a fluffy, soft dark chocolate soufflé, hazelnut praline, and reduced milk ice cream, it promises an indulgent treat.

Mangosteen & Lychee Granita 4.5/5

For a more refreshing option, the delicately crafted Mangosteen & Lychee Granita ($14.90) is the one to go for. It features a unique and harmonious combination of mangosteen sorbet, lychee granita and lemongrass bubbles.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Le Matin Patisserie
ION Orchard
B2-49
2 Orchard Turn
Singapore 238801
Tel: +65 6509 8801
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Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT (NE, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]