Excitement filled the air as I stepped into Alma by Juan Amador, eager to explore the new chapter under the helm of Executive Chef Yew Eng Teng. With a remarkable career quietly etched in Michelin-starred kitchens and the prestigious role of the winning Team Captain for Singapore at the Culinary Olympics 2014 in Germany, Chef Yew brings a wealth of experience and accolades. His journey extends beyond national borders, with participation in various international competitions further highlighting his culinary prowess.
Cauliflower Tartlet 5/5
The 8-Course Dinner ($248++ per pax) unfolded with two snack bites, starting with the Cauliflower Tartlet. Delicately crafted with raw cauliflower, creme, and marinated raw seafood in a pie tee cup, it danced with flavours of white shoyu, fried white kombu, salted finger, and arctic char skin crisp.
Takoyaki Potato Gratin 4.2/5
Following suit is the Takoyaki Potato Gratin, inspired by the dish created at the esteemed Bocuse d'Or competition. This delightful morsel is a symphony of flavours, blending potatoes, cream, and Parmesan, encasing a core of pink garlic-infused cream. Adorned with a dab of black garlic, it's a testament to Chef Yew Eng Teng's artistry and ingenuity.
Blue Fin Tuna 4.8/5
An exquisite presentation graces the palate with the Blue Fin Tuna at Alma by Juan Amador. A delicate "fish bone" potato crisp sits atop a grilled squid ink brioche, housing luscious tuna tartare adorned with smoked mayonnaise and truffle parfait. The culinary ballet unfolds as flavours and textures dance in harmony, a testament to Chef Yew Eng Teng's culinary finesse.
Artic Char 5/5
The meticulously crafted Artic Char undergoes a flavourful journey. Brined and seasoned, it transforms into a roulade through sous vide cooking, encased in a layer of pickled radishes and sushi vinegar jelly. Sliced into perfection, it is crowned with N25 hybrid caviar and passionfruit gel, resting on a vibrant watermelon and salsa bed. The result is a symphony of bursts, amplifying this cold-water fish's mildly sweet and pristine essence. Chef Yew Eng Teng orchestrates a palate-pleasing masterpiece.
Egg 4.5/5
The Egg course takes center stage. A sous-vide 65-degree egg, bathed in hollandaise, accompanies sautéed cep with chicken velouté in a cep broth. This seemingly simple ingredient, the egg, transforms in taste and the overall experience. Chef Yew Eng Teng's mastery elevates this humble component into a symphony of flavours, creating a memorable moment for the diner.
Mantou Bread 4.8/5
Indulging in the Mantou Bread at Alma by Juan Amador is a delightful experience. Crafted as a homemade multi-seed bun, it undergoes a unique preparation — steamed and fried to perfection upon order. Each bite is topped with a blend of chia seeds, sesame, and flaxseed, revealing a soft and fluffy texture. The true magic happens when paired with the smoked Bordier butter and prawn head espuma, creating a symphony of flavours that lingers on the palate, making it a must-try sensation.
Blue Lobster Tail 4.2/5
The Blue Lobster Tail is truly a feast for the senses. Glazed with an assam balsamic glaze and seasoned with a harmonious blend of curry and Japanese rice seasoning, the lobster tail is char-grilled over an open flame, ensuring it retains a delectable moist texture. The inherent sweetness of the lobster is elevated by Chef Juan Amador's signature purple curry sauce, creating a symphony of flavours that dance on the palate. Adding ladyfinger in ponzu and pickled mustard seed adds a delightful touch, completing this delicious masterpiece.
Glacier 51 toothfish (Turbot) 4.5/5
The Glacier 51 Toothfish was replaced by Turbot, pan-seared and served with crustacean cream, chive, carrot and prawn oil, caviar vinaigrette, seaweed tempura crisp, and carrot puree. The dish's finesse is further accentuated by the textural contrast of seaweed tempura crisp and the smoothness of carrot puree. This dish is a culinary dance of lightness and robust flavours, which is a testament to Chef Yew Eng Teng's ingenious marriage of diverse elements.
Miyazaki Wagyu A5 4.2/5
The exquisite Miyazaki Wagyu A5 is captivating with its charred leek ash coating, perfectly complemented by a luscious cocoa jus. The simplicity of the execution allows the exceptional quality of the ingredient to shine, offering a melt-in-the-mouth texture and pure, unadulterated flavour.
Red Ruby 4/5
In a creative interpretation of the Red Ruby, a beloved Thai dessert, it presents a delightful composition featuring water chestnut with rose gelatine. This exquisite treat is immersed in lemongrass coconut soup, accompanied by coconut espuma with a hint of mint oil, and crowned with a delicate milk crisp. The dessert achieves a perfect balance of textures, offering a contemporary twist while preserving the authentic taste of the traditional Thai sweet.
Poached Peach 5/5
Expressing adoration for the dessert, the Poached Peach takes centre stage, accompanied by soursop sorbet on a bed of salted buttermilk sago. The ensemble is elevated with Sakura espuma and purple shiso salt and crowned with Sakura and purple shiso meringue. Despite the challenge of capturing its essence in words, the combination stands out as one of the most exceptional desserts experienced.
Petit Fours
The Petit Four concludes the dinner experience, featuring the Burnt Calamansi Tart, Pandan Financier, and Mochi Bread. Often regarded as mere baked confections, these petite fours at Alma showcase a distinct passion and commitment. They go beyond the ordinary, infusing a soulful touch into each bite, ensuring that the dining experience concludes on a high note, leaving a lasting impression.
Note: This is an invited tasting
Alma by Juan Amador
Goodwood Park Hotel Singapore
22 Scotts Road
Singapore 228221
Tel: +65 6735 9937
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)
Opening Hours:
Tue-Sat: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Sun & Mon)
Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk down Scotts Road to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes.[Map]
