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]

L’Espresso @ Goodwood Park Hotel - Afternoon Tea Buffet with English Classics and European Delights

From now until the end of April, L'Espresso at Goodwood Park Hotel presents an Afternoon Tea Buffet featuring English Classics and European Delights. You can indulge in a delectable array of European-themed sweets and savouries alongside traditional English Classics, which include quintessential sandwiches, a live Carving Station, and more. L'Espresso also introduces its latest Scone Bar, offering a delightful selection of freshly baked scones in assorted flavours.

Seafood Croquettes

Prawn Twister

Golden Crispy Battered Fish Fillet

The Hot Delights section is where you will find all the scrumptious fried morsels, such as Golden Crispy Battered Fish Fillet, Seafood Croquettes, and Prawn Twister. Each item is served with its respective pairing sauce — Tartar Sauce & Malt Vinegar for the English touch, Rémoulade for a French flair, and Roasted Garlic Aioli for a taste of Spain.

Spanish-style Chicken Drumettes

Pork Schnitzel

Grilled Bratwurst with Sauerkraut

For some meatier delicacies, there are Spanish-style Chicken Drumettes, Swiss-style Pork Schnitzel with Cheese, and Grilled Bratwurst with Sauerkraut. The Pork Schnitzel, reminiscent of the one I enjoyed in Vienna, was a delightful surprise. It was well executed - perfectly flat as it should be, with a tender texture that made each bite pleasurable.

Sourdough Pizza Margherita

Not forgetting the Italian touch, you can savour the Sourdough Pizza Margherita, where the simplicity of the ingredients accentuates the sourdough crust's airy texture.

Beef Bourguignon

One of the standout offerings was this French Beef Bourguignon. It was hearty and flavoursome, featuring tender beef cubes alongside chunks of moreish courgettes and soft, sweet carrots.

Croffle Herb-roasted NZ Beef Tenderloin

The Chef Action Station is also a key highlight of this buffet, offering freshly made Croffle topped with Herb-roasted NZ Beef Tenderloin. While the tenderloin was commendable, some inconsistencies were noted. My first plate was delighting with thin slices of beef tenderloin, yet the second serving was disappointing with an overdone tenderloin and a thicker cut.

Prawn Cocktail with Fresh Mango

Under the Sandwiches section, selections include Finger Sandwiches, Open-Faced Sandwiches and Croissant Sandwiches. Similar to hot delights, you get both a touch of English and European flavours — Prawn Cocktail with Fresh Mango & Lime Zest (English), Ham & Swiss Cheese (Swiss), Bocadillo de Atún (Tuna & Egg) (Spanish) and Basil Pesto Caprese (Italian).

Herb & Garlic Cheese Tartlet with Cranberry Compote, Smoked Salmon Bruschetta with Mascarpone

The Open Sandwiches offers dainty Herb & Garlic Cheese Tartlet with Cranberry Compote and Smoked Salmon Bruschetta with Mascarpone. I like how each small bite was so packed with mouthfeel and flavours.

Salmon Gravlax

Charcuterie

I visited this section the most for the luscious slices of Salmon Gravlax. The chilled section also offers a selection of Charcuterie with Pickles & Mustard.

Plain, Raisin, Coffee, Apricot, Pistachio & Maple Pecan Scone

As mentioned, a brand new Scone Bar has been added to the buffet menu, presenting an assortment of scones with new flavours such as Coffee, Apricot, Pistachio, and Maple Pecan alongside classics like Plain and Raisin. The Plain remained my top choice, followed by Maple Pecan for the additional nuttiness, which worked well with the wide selection of condiments, which even includes Lemon Curd and Caramel Banana, among others.

Tarta De Manzana

Desserts

I enjoyed the wide variety of desserts from various parts of Europe. The German Donauwellen (Marble Cake) was yummy with tart cherries embedded. The Spanish Tarta De Manzana (Apple Tart) is a must-try, boasting a layer of beautiful custard base topped with apples. Equally satisfying was the Swiss Apricot Cake, which highlighted the flavours of the summer fruit.

Limited-time Chef Specials will be available only twice during Monday to Thursday seatings and once during each seating from Friday to Sunday and Public Holidays. What was served during my visit was Creamy Chicken Pot Pie with Puff Pastry and Peppermint & Strawberry Lollipop.

Afternoon Tea Buffet with English Classics and European Delights
8 March – 30 April 2024
Mon-Thu: 2pm - 5:30pm ($65 per adult/ $39 per child)
Fri-Sun & PH: 12pm - 2:30pm, 3pm - 5:30pm ($68 per adult/ $40.80 per child)

Photograph and written 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.


L'Espresso
Goodwood Park Hotel
22 Scotts Road
Singapore 228221
Tel: +65 67301746
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 2pm - 5:30pm 
Fri-Sun & PH: 12pm - 2:30pm, 3pm - 5:30pm (

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk down Scotts Road to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Park Backerei @ ICON Village - Singapore's First Traditional and Authentic German Brezel Bakery

Park Backerei, Singapore's first German pretzel bakery, has established its abode at ICON Village in Tanjong Pagar. Founded by Dennis von Berlepsch and his wife, Jane Lee Richard, the bakery showcases an artisanal array of freshly handcrafted German pretzels, lye-dipped bread, and pastries, encapsulating the authentic flavours of Germany.

The star of the show undoubtedly is the hand-shaped Swabian-style Pretzels ($3.90), originating from Southwest Germany. Distinguished by its slender ends and plump midsection, these pretzels offer a unique twist on the classic. Unlike the denser versions I've encountered previously, Park Backerei's iteration presents a moist and fluffy texture that doesn't weigh you down. Each bite beckons another, making it hard to resist. For those seeking a lighter indulgence, the Mini Pretzel ($2.50) offers a petite option for a satisfying afternoon snack.

Venturing into savoury territory, the Cheese Pretzel ($4.50) and Mini Cheese Pretzel ($2.80) offer a delightful twist - infusing Park Backerei's exceptional pretzel with cheddar cheese results in a delectable interplay of textures. The exterior achieves a lovely golden-brown crunch while maintaining a soft interior.

However, the bakery's prowess doesn't stop at pretzels. The Karamel Igel ($4.40) stands as a testament to their creativity, featuring a pretzel bun adorably shaped like a hedgehog, complete with a sumptuous homemade caramel spread. Expanding their horizons, Park Backerei introduces a range of tantalising stuffed bagels and sandwiches, all crafted from their proprietary pretzel dough recipe.

For savoury bagel enthusiasts, the Jalapeño Cheddar ($7.90) and Caprese Pesto ($7.90) present captivating options. The latter entwines aromatic basil pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses for a lively flavour palette. On the sweet side, the Speculoos Apple ($7.50) bagel shines with its indulgent combination of caramelised apples, diced apples for texture, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Diverse sandwiches further enrich the bakery's offerings. Inspired by German flavours, the Sausage Kraut ($15.90) brings forth smoked bratwurst and crispy fried onions, complemented by a tangy apple-caraway sauerkraut and piquant mustard aioli.

A vegetarian delight, the Brie ($14.90) is a blend of brie, caramelised onions, thinly sliced apples, and salted caramel pecans, creating a captivating fusion of textures.

Adding to the excitement, Park Backerei embraces the Oktoberfest spirit with an exclusive Oktoberfest Package ($88). Available for delivery and takeaway from 15 September to 29 October 2023, this package includes six Plain Pretzels and an assortment of sausages, such as Thuringer Snail Sausage, Nürnberger Sausage, and Smoked Bratwursts, alongside a side of tart apple sauerkraut. This celebration of flavours and traditions is a fitting homage to Germany's world-renowned beer festival.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Park Backerei
ICON Village
12 Gopeng Street
#01-41/42/52/53
Singapore 078877
Tel: +65 87562029
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 8am - 7pm
Sat-Sun: 8am - 2pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk down Peck Seah Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Common Man Coffee Roasters @ Alexandra - New Outlet Housed In A Heritage Building

Common Man Coffee Roasters has recently opened its outlet at Alexandra, located in a beautiful heritage building outside Anchorpoint. In the evening, Common Man Night Shift takes over to provide after-hours sessions with food and wine.

Turkish Common Man Breakfast 4.5/5

Its menu has been updated with a few dishes. Under Breakfast, we had Turkish Common Man Breakfast ($29). Presented in a rather unusual way but equally tasty. We had a phyllo-wrapped soft-boiled egg on the plate accompanied by 2 crispy feta balls on a bed of green hummus, served with grilled pita bread. The egg was gorgeous with a jammy centre, and the green hummus was well seasoned with a good amount of spice that gave this dish its characteristic flavour profile. The toasted pita bread had a nutty taste, making it a good base for the dish's bold flavours.

Kouign Amann Toast 4/5

For a sweet breakfast item, Kouign Amann Toast ($25) is an excellent alternative to waffles or pancakes, featuring the popular Kouign Amann from TBB crowned with Vanilla ice cream, complete with a classic cherry-chocolaty combination of cherries, plume compote and chocolate sauce. The sprinkle of chocolate granola nuts and almonds gave the dish a delectable crunch and nuttiness.

Conti Sandwich 3/5

Under Lunch offerings, Conti Sandwich ($29) features Foccacia from TBB spread with sundried tomato, and shaved ham and rocket leaves are sandwiched in between. The Foccacia was excellent, with a fluffy and chewy texture and a pronounced rosemary flavour. Though Strataciatella and Pecorino cream were listed on the menu, there was little of it. Overall, it is still a decent sandwich.

Grilled Veggie Salad 3.8/5

Grilled Veggie Salad ($27) was vibrant with savoury and citrusy orange miso dressing and appetizing with a salty punch boosted by an addition of Anchovy cream. It was hearty with charred courgette, burnt cherry tomatoes, creamy avocado and a soft-boiled egg. The salad is topped with pieces of morish parmesan crisp for a textural crunch.

Chilli Chicken 4/5

Chilli Chicken ($32) features a Supreme cut chicken breast, a dish that celebrates warm flavours and that of spices. Despite its lean nature, the chicken breast was exceptionally succulent, enriched with a serving of creamy avocado salsa and starchy smashed sweet potato. The accompanying harissa sauce elevated the bold flavour profile, with peppery rocket leaves and pickle onions to cut through the savoury intensity.

Words and photos 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.


Common Man Coffee Roasters
368 Alexandra Road
#01-01
Singapore 159952
Tel: +65 6877 4872
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Nearest MRT: Queenstown (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon: 730am – 5pm
Tue–Thu, Sun: 730am – 10pm
Fri–Sat: 730am – 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Queenstown MRT station. Take Exit B or C. Walk to bus stop at Queenstown MRT station (Stop ID 11149). Take bus number 195. Alight 3 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 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]