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