The Lobby Lounge @ InterContinental Singapore – Reimagined Flavours of Japan Afternoon Tea

Timeless elegance with teatime affair at The Lobby Lounge as Executive Pastry Chef Jason Goh and his talented culinary team bring back the crowd-favourite Flavours of Japan Afternoon Tea following its successful debut last year. The updated menu reimagines classic Japanese sweet and savoury delights that marries traditional Japanese flavours with modern culinary artistry.

Japanese Lobster Salad Sandwich 4/5

Seafood Inari with Shoyu Ikura 3.8/5

There are 4 savoury items, and our favourite was the Japanese Lobster Salad Sandwich, which was really flavourful, and we loved the overall texture. The Seafood Inari with Shoyu Ikura has great potential with Hokkaido Scallop, Jumbo Lump Crab, Octopus, Seasoned Wakame, Salmon Roe and Wasabi-Yuzu Dressing but the sweet tofu pocket overpowered all the ingredients. The other 2 items were the Baked Miso Black Cod, which was a little too salty for our liking, and the Charcoal Barbeque Eel Quiche, which has a nice flavour but is a little dry.

Scones: English Buttermilk and Ichida Hoshigaki / Charcoal Barbeque Eel Quiche

Scones are one item we always look forward to during an afternoon tea. The classic Buttermilk Scones are buttery and perfect with clotted cream. The other 2 condiments to go with the scones are Sakura Peach Preserves and Strawberry-Mint Marmalade. Even though we can't taste the mint, we prefer the Strawberry-Mint Marmalade over the Sakura Peach Preserves. As for the Ichida Hoshigaki Scones, made with dried Japanese persimmon, have a slightly bitter aftertaste, which we are not a fan of.

The afternoon tea set includes a good selection of TWG Tea or Coffee. However, note that it is only one serving. If you order a tea, you may refill hot water.

Yuzu Kumquat Mame (in shot glass) 3/5 and Japanese Matcha Roll 3.5/5

Okinawan Tartlet 3/5

The Sweet Fancies look so pretty we didn't know where to start! Our favourite has to be the Kurogoma Ryokucha Mousse, which actually is just a simple black sesame cream on a genoise sponge, but it is so soft and light, and the fragrant black sesame is such a delight; it was unexpected! Chef Jason told us that he was trying to mimic soba for the black sesame cream part, it's cute. The Japanese Matcha Roll made with roasted almond sponge was rolled with a light hojicha mascarpone cream but sandwiched with 2 pieces of white chocolate, which made it a little too sweet.

Mizu Shingen Mochi 3.5/5

Kurogoma Ryokucha Mousse 4/5

The Okinawan Tartlet has good potential, but the tart shell was too bitter for our liking, overpowering the Okinawan sweet potato crème, and the caramelised macadamia wasn't sweet enough to balance it out. Mizu Shingen Mochi, the once viral raindrop cake, was paired with Japanese black honey (we thought it was Okinawa's famous black sugar at first) and kinako (soybean powder). It was fun to eat but nothing surprising. You may adjust your preference for sweetness with the amount of black honey.

Enjoy the free flow of sorbet and gelato, with two flavours rotating daily. We had the Mixed Berry Sorbet and Vanilla Gelato.

Flavours of Japan Afternoon Tea is available daily till 12 November 2024 at $65++ per person on weekdays and $70++ per person on weekends. Add on $28++ for one flute of champagne. There are 2 seatings available at 1pm-3pm and 3.30pm-5.30pm.

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


The Lobby Lounge
InterContinental Singapore
Level 1
80 Middle Road
Singapore 188966
Tel: +65 68251008
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1-3pm, 330pm - 530pm

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

Tiong Bahru Bakery @ JEM - Well-loved Tiong Bahru Bakery Opens First Branch in the West

Tiong Bahru Bakery (TBB) has been steadily growing and expanding since its founding in Tiong Bahru. Recently, they opened their 17th outlet and are making their debut in the West by spreading a new branch in JEM at Jurong East.

The warmly decorated 60-seater space is conveniently located next to the mall's taxi stand and is a short walk from Jurong East MRT station. It operates from 7.30am to 10pm daily, making it fit for a drop-in any time of the day - whether you are looking for an early breakfast, a hearty brunch, or a dessert spot after dinner.

It continues offering its classic bakes, pastries and desserts alongside freshly brewed coffee, tea and juices to complete the meal.

Brie & Roasted Mushroom Croissant 4.5/5

We quickly demolished the savoury Brie & Roasted Mushroom Croissant ($12.60). The flaky croissant was filled with rocket leaves, earthy sautéed mushrooms, onions and generously portioned brie. I particularly appreciated how the base of the croissant remained delightfully crisp.

Tartine Set 4.2/5

The Tartine Set is a returning favourite, and fans would be happy to hear that this is now officially available at all outlets. Comprising slices of TBB's signature sourdough served with Le Beurre Bordier butter, La Trinquelinette jam, and a beverage of choice. It makes for the perfect choice as a substantial snack or light meal.

Chocolate Kouign Amann 4/5

Apart from the original Kouign Amann ($5.50), check out the Chocolate Kouign Amann ($6.70) studded with bits of chocolate within the swirls.

Quiche Lorraine with Salad 3.8/5

We tried another item from the savoury menu, the Quiche Lorraine with Salad ($13.70). I appreciated how the palm-sized quiche was nicely served warm, but I didn't find it as value for money compared to the other items. The taste was average, and the quiche was eggy, with bits of bacon within.

Hot Chocolate 4/5

There's an extensive choice of beverages, from coffees to teas, bottled juices, kombucha and non-caffeinated options. The Hot Chocolate ($6.80) was nice and not too sweet.

Hojicha Latte 3.8/5

Similarly done less sweet, the Hojicha Latte ($8.50) leaned a lot more milky than I would prefer.

Exotic Cheesecake 3.8/5

The Exotic Cheesecake ($9.50) was much lighter in its cheese notes than I expected. It had a coconut sponge paired with lime and vanilla cream cheese mousse, a mango, passion fruit and yuzu filling, topped with coconut and lime chantilly on a coconut crumble.

Chocolate Tart 4.2/5

Try TBB's Chocolate Tart ($8.70) if you are here for a sweet treat. Although it has chocolate from top to bottom, it's layered nicely with drops of caramel to finish.

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.


Tiong Bahru Bakery
JEM
50 Jurong Gateway Road
#01-34/35
Singapore 608549
Tel: +65 6877 4812
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Nearest MRT: Jurong East (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 730am - 10pm

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

Bar Intermezzo @ Orchard Hotel Singapore - High-Tea Semi Buffet With Free-Flow Dessert Bar

Bar Intermezzo at Orchard Hotel Singapore presents a High Tea Semi-Buffet with a free-flow dessert bar and a complimentary glass of Prosecco per person.

What I like about this semi-buffet is that there are three tiers of cold and hot savouries instead of the usual 1 or 2 tiers, which are enough to fill me up before I move on to the dessert bar. Freshly baked scones are also served with free-flow of coffee and tea.

Crab Cake with Saffron Aioli, Unagi Kabayaki Quiche

Prawn Vol-au-Vents, Gammon Ham and Truffle Cheese, Hokkaido Scallop Crudo

The variety of savouries offered is wholesome and hearty, even though they may be dainty in size. In particular, I enjoyed the Crab Cake with Saffron Aioli and Gammon Ham and Truffle Cheese from the hot selection. The latter was delectable, with a rich and creamy mouthfeel from the melted cheese, a classic combination done right. Both were perfect with my glass of prosecco.

Truffle Egg Sandwich, Black Angus Beef Tartar, Gravlax Salmon Sandwich

From the cold selection, Black Angus Beef Tartar stood out with an interesting combination of chocolate tart and beef, enlivened with a slice of gooseberry. The bitter-sweet notes from the chocolate tart went really well with the meat. Gravlax Salmon Sandwich was equally scrumptious with a luscious slice of Gravlax salmon.

Durian Chocolates

Jivara Tart

Praline Chocolate (with Alcohol)

The dessert bar offers a variety of small sweet bites, and my favourites are the chocolate items such as Praline Chocolate (with Alcohol) that literally bursts with alcohol and Jivara Tart. The Durian Chocolate made with creamy durian mouse with dark chocolate was also surprisingly delightful.

There's also a Valrhona Chocolate Fondue. Not as rich as I would like it to be, but decent enough.

Yuzu Tart

Macarons

Other sweet selections include tangy Yuzu Tarts and a variety of Macarons.

Bar Intermezzo's High Tea Semi-Buffet is available on Saturdays and Sundays, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM at $50 per pax (min. 2 pax to serve). For reservations: Tel 6739 6668 or Email intermezzobar.ohs@millenniumhotels.com

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.


Bar Intermezzo
Lobby
442 Orchard Road
Singapore 238879
Tel: +65 67396668
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Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to Wheelock Place. Walk to traffic junction of Orchard Road and Angullia Park. Cross the road to Royal Thai Embassy. Turn left and continue down Orchard Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Beach Road Kitchen @ JW Marriott Singapore South Beach - The Art Of Afternoon Tea in Collaboration with Nespresso

In celebration of Earth Day on 22 April 2022, Beach Road Kitchen at JW Marriott Singapore South Beach has collaborated with Nespresso to launch The Art of Afternoon Tea ($40++ per person). Guests will find Nespresso-centric savoury treats and coffee-infused sweets. The Afternoon Tea is available every Saturday and Sunday 3.30 pm-5.30 pm for April and May 2022.

Before diving right into the main course, enjoy their warm entree of Lobster Bisque and Quiche Lorraine, included in the afternoon tea set.

Indulge in coffee infusion treats such as the Chocolate "Origin Brazil" Duck Rillettes and Foie Gras "Origin Peru Organic" Tart for savouries.

The local favourite kaya toast inspires the Truffle Kaya "Guatemala" Toast. The coffee's elegant bitterness balances the sweetness from the kaya spread.

Another of my favourite is the Lobster Tartare with a crispy charcoal shell and the Salmon Tartare with pesto cone.

The sweets selection was both a visual and sensory pleasure. My favourites include the Vanilla "Origin Guatemala" Coffee Caramel Tart, Latte "Peru Organic" Gateau, and Origin Peru Organic Coffee Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse. The melt in the mouth Origin Peru Organic Coffee Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse stood out for its luscious creaminess, neither too sweet nor bitter.

Coffee-infused sweets include the Raspberry Coffee Praline, which is punchy and robust in its fruity aroma without overpowering the coffee's bittersweet notes.

Take a break from the caffeine loaded treats with the Pistachio Strawberry Swiss Roll and Lemon Almond Gateau, which are equally delicious.

Enjoy the quintessential Scones in plain and tomato flavours, served with clotted cream, lemon curd, and raspberry rose jam. However, we found the scones a tad dry and lacking in the buttery taste.

End the afternoon tea on an even sweeter note with their Softserve Ice Cream with berries. We had the yoghurt flavour, which is superbly creamy and has a nice tangy-sweet flavour.

Photos and words by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food, and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Beach Road Kitchen
JW Marriott Singapore South Beach
30 Beach Road
Singapore 189763
Tel: +65 68181913
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Website
Nearest MRT: Esplanade (CC Line)

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

The Lobby Lounge @ InterContinental Singapore - Journey Through A Baking Odyssey With Classic Afternoon Tea: Origins

InterContinental Singapore’s Executive Pastry Chef Ben Goh was recently awarded by World Gourmet Summit as the Pastry Chef of The Year 2019. In celebration of his recent accolade, diners get to indulge in the new Classic Afternoon Tea: Origins at The Lobby Lounge available from 1 August to 31 October 2019.

Inspired by Chef Ben’s humble beginnings and his love of sweets, each treat in this afternoon tea presentation tells a story of his foray into culinary arts, documenting key milestones in the illustrious chef’s career.

We were treated to a beautiful multi-tiered stand which showcases a gorgeous array of desserts that represents Chef Ben’s pastry endeavours. Starting from the Kueh Lapis - first cake baked with his grandma in preparation for Chinese New Year to the desserts which helped him clinched his first championship winning at overseas competitions.

Highlights include the Apple Ginger Chocolate Praline, which helped Chef Ben Goh clinched his winning at his first overseas competition at Food & Hotel Malaysia in 2009. Also the Peach Melba Cheesecake, which helped him clinch his first International Championship in 2013 (World Dubai Hospitality Championship 2013). We loved the subtle sweet peach aroma which complemented the light creamy cheesecake perfectly.

Another favourite is the Chocolate Lemongrass Pineapple Cake which won him his first Japan Podium at Japan Cake Show in 2015. Covered in rich chocolate decadence and a tinge of lemongrass aroma, this exquisite creation by Chef Ben hit all the right notes with its texture and flavours.

Take a trip down memory lane with the authentic Buttercream Cake, reminiscent of his childhood. Simple as it looks, but every bit as delicious with its soft fluffy texture and complimenting cream which adds a subtle sweetness and moisture to the cake.

Guests with a penchant for savoury delights will also enjoy treats such as Bacon Onion Quiche, Wild Mushroom Cappuccino with White Truffle Cream, and Smoked Chicken, Chicken Floss and Coleslaw on Charcoal Bun.

A favourite would be the Crabmeat Mantou, with a juicy piece of crab meat on creamy avocado and a touch of caviar. Complete with a crispy piece of mantou to add a crunch to the savoury treat.

Not forgetting the all-time favourite Cranberry Lemon Scones and English Scones with strawberry jam, fig jam and clotted cream.

Further elevate your indulgent afternoon experience with a flute of Taittinger Brut Champagne, with unlimited servings of ice cream such as the Yoghurt Yuzu ice cream and Strawberry Sherbet, which came in second runner up at Mondial Des Arts Sucrés 2018. We loved the smooth creaminess of the ice cream, filled with a refreshing tanginess from the yuzu and strawberry, which makes for the perfect end to the delectable classic afternoon tea treat.

Classic Afternoon Tea: Origins is available at The Lobby Lounge from 1 August to 31 October 2019, from 2pm to 5pm daily. The set is priced at S$78* for two guests, inclusive of a fine selection of loose-leaf teas and coffee; and at S$108* for two guests, inclusive of two flutes of Taittinger Brut Champagne, and a fine selection of loose-leaf teas and coffee.

Photos and words by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food, and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting.


The Lobby Lounge
InterContinental Singapore
Level 1
80 Middle Road
Singapore 188966
Tel: +65 68251008
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 2pm - 5pm

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