1864 The Bar @ Sofitel Singapore City Centre - Sofitel x Sulwhasoo Launches a New Sulwhasoo Cafe Experience

Following the success of their previous ginseng-themed afternoon tea collaboration last year, Sofitel Singapore City Centre and Sulwhasoo have reunited to launch a new K-beauty and wellness-inspired pop-up café experience - the Sulwhasoo Café. Together, they invite guests to indulge in a journey of inner radiance and self-care.

Running from 17 May to 13 July 2025, the exclusive Sulwhasoo Café is open daily from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM at the hotel’s 1864 Lobby Lounge in Sofitel Singapore City Centre. This limited-time café concept blends the time-honoured principles of Korean holistic wellness with the refined techniques of French cuisine. Each dish draws inspiration from Sulwhasoo’s signature skincare range, with ingredients ranging from ginseng, collagen, jujube, Nashi pear, and mugwort.

The Sulwhasoo Café menu features eight dishes and two beverages, all available à la carte. However, for the best value, ordering a set menu is recommended. Guests can choose between a two-course menu ($45++), which includes a starter or dessert and a main course, or the three-course menu ($65++), which offers a complete experience with a starter, main course, and dessert.

To make the dining experience even more memorable, guests will receive complimentary Sulwhasoo beauty kits with qualifying spends:

· A three-piece Daily Routine Kit (worth $60) with a minimum spend of $40++.
· A four-piece Anti-Aging Kit (worth $110) when ordering the three-course set menu at $65++.

These gifts are available while stocks last, and qualifying spend applies only to items ordered from the Sulwhasoo Café menu.

Tuna Hwe 4.2/5

For starters, guests have the choice between two hot options and a cold option:

The beautifully plated Tuna Hwe ($28) features chopped tuna tossed in a spicy calamansi chojang, topped with a silky egg yolk gel, and complemented by perilla, sesame, and pine nuts. Crisp rice wafers accompany the dish, allowing diners to scoop the tuna on top for an added layer of texture.

Black Sesame & Ginseng Samyetang Pao Fan 4/5

The Black Sesame & Ginseng Samgyetang Pao Fan ($26) is a reimagined version of the traditional ginseng chicken soup. It's served pao fan-style, with a warm chicken collagen broth poured over a comforting bed of tender chicken slices, rice puffs, and leeks. It's easy to drink, very gentle and clean-tasting, although I prefer a more flavourful broth.

Creamy Kimchi with Tteok 4.5/5

My favourite starter of the three was the Creamy Kimchi with Tteok ($24), which takes its cue from Korean budae jjigae (army stew) but cleverly uses a zucchini stew base with gochujang to offer a vegetarian option for guests. Topped with a slow-cooked egg and parmesan and featuring crispy, chewy tteokbokki (rice cakes), the dish tastes more like a Korean interpretation of shakshuka. Very delicious and hearty

Doenjang Chicken with Yeonnibap 4.2/5

Moving on to the main courses, there are also three options on the menu: Doenjang Chicken with Yeonnibap, Blackened Salmon with Clam Doenjang, and a vegetarian Naengmyeon.

The Doenjang Chicken with Yeonnibap ($34) features tender slices of chicken marinated in fermented soybean paste. Accompanying the chicken is glutinous rice mixed with a medley of ginkgo nuts, adzuki beans, jujube, and pumpkin seeds, adding to its nutritional value and taste. The rice is aromatic and subtly sweet. Slices of tamagoyaki-style omelette round off this tasty dish.

Blackened Salmon with Clam Doenjang 4.5/5

The Blackened Salmon with Clam Doenjang ($38) is really good and is my favourite main course dish. The salmon flesh is moist and flaky, bathed in a beurre noisette, and it is accompanied by clams, sauteed daikon, and capers. It is a well-balanced and delicious combination.

Naengmyeon 3.8/5

The Naengmyeon ($30) features buckwheat noodles immersed in a chilled black goji berry broth, which lends the soup a vibrant purple hue. Toppings include slices of Nashi pear, purple cabbage, and a boiled egg. The broth is quite refreshing, and the noodles are nice and chewy. However, I must admit that cold noodles have never been my favourite food as I'll always prefer noodles in hot soup. Hence, this dish may appeal more to those who appreciate this Korean speciality.

Insam and Cointreau Gâteaux 4.2/5

For dessert, diners can choose between two elegant creations.

The first is an Insam and Cointreau Gâteaux ($22), a decadent treat made with dark chocolate subtly infused with Cointreau and mandarin orange gel and finished with ginseng (insam) dusting. Rich, bittersweet, and slightly citrusy, this dessert is a lovely choice for chocolate lovers.

Peach Collagen Consommé 4.2/5

The second option is an equally good Peach Collagen Consommé ($19), a nourishing bowl packed with wholesome, traditional ingredients. It features soft poached peach, peach gum, and white fungus, all steeped in a subtly sweet consommé. On the side, jujube walnuts add some crunch. This dessert will particularly appeal to those who enjoy light, healthy, and heritage-inspired sweets. While it’s served chilled by default, diners can also request it to be served warm.

There are also two interesting drink options: the cold Ssukcha Mango Fizz ($9) made with mugwort tea, mango, and tonic, and their take on the viral Korean classic of hot Dalgona Coffee ($9) with milk and whipped coffee foam.

Whether you're a skincare enthusiast, a fan of Korean cuisine, or someone looking for a unique dining experience, this limited-time pop-up is a fun option. The dishes show care in both presentation and ingredient pairing and will be especially enjoyable for those who enjoy lighter, health-focused flavours with a creative twist. With the added perk of receiving Sulwhasoo beauty kits with your meal, there's now even more reason to treat yourself!

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.


1864
Sofitel Singapore City Centre
Fifth Floor
9 Wallich Street
Singapore 078885
Tel: +65 6428 5000
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
High Tea: 2pm - 5pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right on Peck Seah Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Man Fu Yuan @ InterContinental Singapore - Four Hands Collaboration between Man Fu Yuan and Alma From 8 to 10 May 2025

An exciting Four-Hand Collaboration is coming up this May, presented by Executive Chef Aaron Tan of Man Fu Yuan and Executive Chef Yew Eng Tong of the Michelin-starred Alma by Juan Amador. This dining experience, Ties That Bind, will be available for three days only from May 8 to 10 2025, during dinner service at Man Fu Yuan Restaurant, located within InterContinental Singapore.

Chef Aaron Tan and Chef Yew Eng Tong share a deep personal friendship and mutual respect for each other's culinary craft. The resulting menu is thus designed to reflect their individual culinary stories while exploring their shared passion for gastronomy and innovation in the kitchen.

The Ties That Bind 7-Course Dinner Menu is priced at $268++ per person, with an optional wine pairing available for $98++ per person. Though it’s billed as a 7-course dinner, guests will actually enjoy 13 different creations, each offering an indulgent experience. It’s highly recommended to arrive hungry and ready to enjoy every bite!

沉默叉烧 Echoes of the Roast, presented by Man Fu Yuan and Alma by Juan Amador 4.2/5

To begin, the Amuse Bouche is a delightful five-part series starting with the first bite, Echoes of the Roast, is a nostalgic throwback of sorts — the very dish that ignited Chef Aaron and Chef Eng Tong's collaboration. It all began when the chefs experimented with ageing techniques applied to traditional Cantonese roast dishes. This creation features a 21-day dry-aged Iberico pork collar elegantly presented on a flower-shaped slice of rock melon. Imagine char siew with a deeper flavour — delicious!

籽籽生香 Multi-Seed Man Tou, Bak Kua Mayo, presented by Alma by Juan Amador 4.8/5

The Multi-Seed Man Tou with Bak Kua Mayo is an interesting take on what is usually a brioche dish. Instead, the dish features soft and fluffy Man Tou, with a texture reminiscent of a light, airy doughnut. The bak kua mayo perfectly pairs with the Man Tou, with a consistency similar to condensed milk, making it ideal for dipping rather than spreading. Against my better judgement and consideration for my stomach space, I had two helpings because it was so good!

浮海之珍 Seaweed Foie Bo Luo Bao, presented by Alma by Juan Amador 4/5

The third bite, the Seaweed Foie Bo Luo Bao, is a delicate bite-sized bo luo bao topped with a sliver of foie gras. The combination offers a little pop of umami and creaminess in your mouth. However, it is not my personal favourite, as I am not fond of foie gras in general.

蟹与皇 Imperial Tides, presented by Man Fu Yuan 4.5/5

Imperial Tides is a regally presented dish featuring flower crab. The delicate crab meat is shaped into little quenelles and mixed with crab roe, onion, and an aromatic ginger herb oil. Diners are provided with little spoons to enjoy the meat from the crab shells, and the roe and onion provide texture contrast to the smooth crab meat. The presentation, with accompanying dry ice and flowers, is as exquisite as its flavour.

珍珠满潮 Tide of Pearls, presented by Man Fu Yuan 4/5

Tide of Pearls offers a triple indulgence of oysters. It features a plump, chilled Canadian oyster complemented by premium oyster sauce and finely minced dried oyster. It's also topped with Ikura, creating a one-bite flavour experience that packs a punch.

鱻 Arctic Char, presented by Alma by Juan Amador 4.8/5

I was thoroughly impressed by the presentation of the Arctic Char, which looked like a stunning jewel. A signature dish of Alma, it embodies sustainability with a no-waste approach. Even the fish bones are transformed into fish sauce. The Arctic Char is complemented by refreshing watermelon and passionfruit salsa and topped with N25 caviar. Lovely edible flowers and micro herbs adorn the sides of the dish. It is just so pretty. I took my time to admire this piece of culinary art before tucking in.

金丝岩龙 Golden Silk Lobster, presented by Man Fu Yuan 4.8/5

It was followed by another masterful dish — the Golden Silk Lobster, presented on a plate resembling a pillow. This dish features deep-fried lobster stuffed with tobiko, with a hint of Sichuan spiciness, and topped with golden egg floss. It was remarkably delicious when paired with the velvety salted egg yolk sauce.

雪中之碳 A4 Snow-Aged Wagyu, presented by Alma by Juan Amador 4.5/5

The next dish, A4 Snow-Aged Wagyu, piqued our curiosity about the snow ageing technique. This method focuses on natural preservation and ageing in a cold, freezing environment, with the goal of achieving a delicate, clean taste. The Wagyu is also coated with charred leek, which was transformed into a black powder, a fermented black garlic puree, and a rich cocoa jus. I liked the black garlic puree, but I found the charred leek to slightly overpower the taste of the wagyu.

生米; 熟饭 Earth’s Legacy, presented by Man Fu Yuan 4.2/5

Earth's Legacy is a comforting glutinous rice dish with a duo of preserved cured meats, concluding the savoury dishes. The rice's aromatic, savoury taste and chewy bite deliver a feeling of tradition and warmth with each spoonful.

紫.苏.桃 Poached Peach, presented by Alma by Juan Amador 4.5/5

The Poached Peach is a creative and pretty dessert that reflects the soft loveliness of spring. A sweet poached peach is paired with delicate sakura espuma, a soursop sorbet, salted buttermilk sago, and a touch of red shiso. I usually find spring-themed desserts to be too sweet, so I particularly enjoyed the inclusion of the soursop sorbet to add tanginess and balance to this dish.

Petit Fours, presented by Man Fu Yuan and Alma by Juan Amador 4/5

To end off the entire experience, the Petit Fours feature three delightful confections: the First & The Last Cantonese Egg Waffle and the Eternal Affection Golden Osmanthus Praline, both presented by Man Fu Yuan, and the Verdant Harmony Pandan Financier which was presented by Alma by Juan Amador. Of the three, I found the egg waffle the most intriguing. It is filled with strawberry aioli and topped with chili chicken floss—a playful combination that works surprisingly well! On the other hand, my tablemate preferred the pandan financier, which combines the flavours of pandan and matcha into one bite.

It is clear that both chefs and their teams have gone all out to impress diners in terms of taste and presentation. It's a nonstop journey of creative, visually stunning dishes that keep surprising and delighting, each course showcasing the dedication and artistry behind every element of the meal. By the end of the meal, I was completely stuffed — it's also definitely a generous feast with lots to eat. Don't miss out on this special, limited-time menu; reservations are now open.

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.


Man Fu Yuan
InterContinental Singapore
Level 2
80 Middle Road
Singapore 188966
Tel: +65 63387600
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1145am - 330pm, 630pm - 1030pm

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

Butcher's Block @ Raffles Hotel Singapore - Refreshed Spring Menus Forged Through Fire, Rooted in Hawaiian Philosophies

I revisited Butcher's Block at Raffles Hotel Singapore to explore its refreshed Spring menus, showcasing the best of nature through produce sourced directly from the restaurant's local farm. Partnering with Singaporean indoor vertical farm, farmd, Butcher's Block demonstrates its commitment to food sustainability, reflecting the Hawaiian values of Aloha Aina (love of the land) and Malama Aina (to care for the land).

Hokkaido Milk Parker Roll, Konbu Butter 4.8/5

A signature delight, the complimentary Hokkaido Milk Parker Roll with Konbu Butter sets a high standard. The fluffy Asian milk bun paired with konbu butter is irresistible, though one might need to resist filling up before the main course.

Australian Lamb Tacos, Chermoula ($15 for 2pc) 4/5

The Australian Lamb Tacos ($15 for 2pc) present a delightful fusion of flavours and textures. Shredded lamb shoulder rests atop a crisp yellow endive leaf, accompanied by a vibrant medley of yuzu kosho, chermoula, pickled fennel, green apple, and coriander. Dusting green powder adds a pop of colour and an extra layer of flavour. Drawing inspiration from Mexican cuisine, the traditional tortilla is replaced with endive, offering a refreshing and crunchy vessel for the succulent lamb filling. This innovative twist is reminiscent of Korean barbecue, where grilled meats are often enjoyed wrapped in greens, known as 'ssam.' The result is a taco experience that balances bold flavours with fresh, crisp elements, creating a unique and memorable dish.

Western Plains Spam ($38 for 2pc) 4.2/5

Chef Jordan's rendition of the Western Plains Spam ($38 for 2pc) pays homage to the beloved Spam Musubi, a popular snack and lunch staple in Hawaii. Drawing inspiration from this iconic dish, Chef Jordan crafts his own version using premium ingredients and a touch of creativity. Instead of using store-bought spam, Chef Jordan takes the extra step to make the spam from scratch, using free-range pork sourced from Western Plains, Australia. The grilled spam is artfully sandwiched on top of a block of Yumepirika rice, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavours. Wrapped together with nori, reminiscent of Japanese onigiri, the dish offers a delightful combination of savoury, salty, and slightly sweet notes.

Australian Lamb, Carrot Brown Butter Puree 4.2/5

From the "Whole Animal Butchery" section of the a la carte menu, we indulged in the Australian Lamb ($55), showcasing this noble meat's versatility. The dish presents three distinct cuts of lamb — rack, leg, and saddle — each meticulously prepared in-house and cooked using three different techniques: grilling, smoking, and sous vide. The lamb rack, tender and succulent, boasts a perfect char from the grill, while the leg offers a smoky aroma and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, thanks to the careful smoking process. Meanwhile, the saddle, cooked sous vide, delivers unparalleled juiciness and tenderness, ensuring a memorable dining experience with every bite.

Pork Loin Char Siu, Pork Belly, Prosciuto Tuile 4/5

Pork Tomahawk 4.8/5

Another standout from the "Whole Animal Butchery" selection is the Whole Pig from Western Plains ($120), meticulously prepared in-house to showcase five distinct parts of the animal, totalling 350g of delectable meat. The five different cuts include the Tomahawk, Pork Loin, Pork Neck, Pork Belly, and Prosciutto Tuile. Among these, the Pork Tomahawk steals the spotlight, aged for at least 21 days before being expertly grilled with the skin on. The result is a pork dish that is impeccably clean in flavour and tender in texture, with a satisfying crunch from the puffed crackling on the skin. Another noteworthy preparation is the Pork Neck, executed in the Chinese Char Siu style, which exemplifies the diversity inherent in Hawaiian cuisine, blending various culinary influences to create a truly unique Hawaiian cuisine.

Rangers Valley Full-blood Wagyu OP Rib 4.5/5

From the expanded "Chef's Prime Selection" showcasing premium beef from Rangers Valley in New South Wales, Australia, we indulged in the Rangers Valley Full-blood Wagyu OP Rib ($480), accompanied by kabocha squash bone marrow puree. Aged for up to a week to enhance its flavour profile and boasting a marbling score of Mbs 9+, this exquisite cut is bursting with rich flavours. Its succulent meat is complemented by a delightful crust on the surface, achieved through the gentle kiss of an open flame.

Butcher's Block Farm Salad, Comte Cheese 4/5

To complement the delectable mains, we savoured a variety of sides, including the Butcher's Block Farm Salad ($14). This refreshing salad features a medley of fresh greens and herbs harvested directly from the restaurant's own indoor vertical farm. Tossed with a flavorful roasted garlic aioli and finished with grated comte cheese, each bite is a burst of vibrant flavours and textures, showcasing the essence of farm-to-table dining.

Grilled Asparagus, Potato Koji 3.5/5

Sourced from France, the seasonal White Asparagus is brushed with butter and delicately seasoned with lemon zest, lemon juice, and fleur de sel. The asparagus is lightly grilled to perfection. Paired with a delicate koji foam dusted with shiitake mushroom powder, each bite offers a harmonious balance of flavours and textures. The natural sweetness of the white asparagus is beautifully complemented by the buttery richness and tangy zest seasoning, creating a delightful dish.

Crispy Potato, Brown Butter Emulsion, Sunomono 5/5

Indulge in the irresistible Crispy Potato ($14) at Butcher's Block. These twice deep-fried smashed potatoes are a true sensation, boasting a perfect balance of crispiness and tenderness. Tossed in garlic butter and generously dusted with furikake and dehydrated kimchi powder, each bite bursts with layers of flavour. The garnish of fresh chives adds a refreshing touch, enhancing the overall palate experience. Despite being served alongside sunomono and brown butter emulsion, these potatoes shine on their own and are undoubtedly a must-order item for any visit.

Kinmedai 4.5/5

Transit from the land to the sea with the exquisite Japanese Kinmedai ($107) at Butcher's Block. This delightful dish features tender Kinmedai adorned with spring onions, marigold leaves, onion flowers, and fennel flowers, creating a symphony of flavours and textures. What truly surprises the palate is the ingenious use of Cantonese black bean sauce, showcasing the diverse culinary influences found in Hawaiian cuisine. This fusion of flavours highlights Hawaii's rich cultural melting pot, resulting in a truly unique and unforgettable dining experience. A side of Hokkaido Sushi Rice with Furikake is served to complete the dish, allowing diners to enjoy the succulent fish with the perfect accompaniment. This nod to Hawaiian dining traditions adds depth and complexity to the dish.

Grilled Squid Luau 3.8/5

Indulge in a modern twist on a traditional Hawaiian dish with the Grilled Squid Luau ($48) at Butcher's Block. This innovative reinterpretation features grilled squid, expertly cut into thin strips and seasoned with a tantalising blend of lemon chilli vinaigrette and chermoula. The squid is then paired with a Japanese taro leaves sauce, creating a harmonious fusion of flavours. To elevate the dish further, it is garnished with vadouvan spiced almonds, farmed radish, onion flowers, and fennel flowers, adding layers of texture and complexity. A drizzle of coconut cream provides a touch of richness and decadence, balancing the bright and refreshing flavours of the dish. While the flavours are undeniably bright and appetising, some diners may find the squid cut too thin to appreciate its texture fully.

Grilled Peach, Blood Orange Sorbet 4/5

Concluding our meal at Butcher's Block, we savoured the delightful Grilled Peach ($14) dessert. Nestled atop a bed of sable crumble, the Spanish white peach exuded a natural sweetness enhanced by a slow grilling process over a wood fire. This imparted a caramelised sweetness with a subtle hint of bitterness, adding depth to each bite. Complementing the grilled peach was a scoop of refreshing blood orange sorbet, providing a burst of citrusy flavour that balanced the sweetness of the fruit. The dish was further elevated with the addition of a delicate charcoal tuile, offering a subtle smokiness and a crisp texture. Garnished with fennel flowers and marigold leaves, the presentation was as beautiful as it was delicious, adding a touch of elegance to the dessert.

Overall, Butcher's Block continues to impress with its innovative dishes and commitment to quality ingredients. The Spring menus offer a culinary journey that celebrates the essence of nature and showcases the restaurant's dedication to sustainability.

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
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Website
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line), Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Lunch (Thu-Sun): 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]