Pacific Emporium @ Pan Pacific Singapore - Launches Festive Afternoon Tea For The Festive Season

Celebrate the festive season with Pacific Emporium’s Festive Afternoon Tea, a thoughtfully curated spread of savoury bites, festive sweets, Christmas-inspired scones, and a choice of mains. The experience is complemented with TWG tea or coffee, with the option to add on a glass of champagne to amp up the celebratory mood.

We started with a complimentary welcome drink, Cinnamon Spark, a sweet-citrusy blend of cinnamon-honey syrup, fresh lemon juice, and aromatic bitters, which nicely set the tone for the afternoon.

Turkey Slider

Each guest gets to choose one main. The Turkey Slider featured a juicy turkey patty tucked between buttery brioche, layered with sweet caramelised onions and cheese.

Sampler of Festive Sausages

The Sampler of Festive Sausages, which included a Basil Pesto Bratwurst and Garlic Butter Sausage, was well-seasoned and juicy.

Salmon & Cheese Roulade

Lobster Salad

The savoury bites include festive creations. The Salmon & Cheese Roulade was a classic pairing of smoked salmon and cream cheese, while the Lobster Salad, cleverly presented as a local-inspired kueh pie tee, proved a delightful surprise.

Apple & Walnut Savoury Tart

Other savouries included Prosciutto e Melone, offering a light and refreshing contrast, and the Apple & Walnut Savoury Tart, which delivered a buttery, nutty bite with a hint of freshness.

Grilled Chicken Choux Bun

Breaded Ham & Cheese Sandwich

The Grilled Chicken Choux Bun was sweet-savoury and filling, packed with a creamy yet chunky chicken filling. Breaded Ham & Cheese Sandwich was served hot and pleasantly different from the usual cold tea sandwiches.

Hazelnut Passion Fruit Log Cake

The sweet treats this season leaned towards citrusy notes. The Hazelnut Passion Fruit Log Cake was nutty and fragrant, made with buckwheat sponge and layered with tart passion fruit curd.

Earl Grey Lavender Log Cake

The iridescent Earl Grey Lavender Log Cake intrigued with its Earl Grey Tanariva mousse, though the crunchy dark chocolate tended to dominate the overall flavour.

Apricot Dianduja Tart

Raspberry Rosella Choux

My favourites were the Apricot Dianduja Tart and Raspberry Rosella Choux. The tart struck the right balance of sweetness, with distinct yet harmonious chocolate and apricot flavours. The choux, on the other hand, had a spot-on tartness that beautifully balanced the sweetness.

Lemon Hazelnut Madeleine

Scones

The Lemon Hazelnut Madeleine was buttery with a gentle citrus lift, while the scones were served with clotted cream, cherry jam, and chocolate hazelnut spread. They were decent, though not particularly memorable.

Overall, Pacific Emporium’s Festive Afternoon Tea is a well-rounded option for a relaxed, festive catch-up. In particular, the sweet options stood out for their well-balanced flavours and sweetness.

Festive Afternoon Tea
17 November – 31 December 2025
First Seating | 1:00pm – 3:00pm, Second Seating | 4:00pm – 6:00pm

Mondays to Fridays
$68++ per person
$88 ++ includes a glass of Taittinger Brut Réserve

Saturdays & Sundays, and 25 December 2025 (Buffet-style)
Adult: $78++
Child: $39++ (6 to 12 years old)

Photos and words by Si An. A homebody who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, the smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


Pacific Emporium
Pan Pacific Singapore
7 Raffles Boulevard
Level 1
Singapore 039595
Tel: +65 68268240
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Promenade (CC Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
1st Seating: 1-3pm
2nd Seating: 4-6pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

Marché Singapore @ 313 Somerset - Explore The Refreshed Food Lovers’ Place with A New Bakery and Revamped Dining Hall

313@somerset’s Marché Singapore has reopened after renovations, now welcoming guests to its refreshed and rebranded ‘Food Lovers’ Place’. The updated space introduces a brand new bakery and café corner on the ground floor, complementing the familiar basement dining hall. To mark the occasion, the bakery has also launched a new tiramisu for diners looking for a sweet treat.

The dining hall’s former Swiss chalet theme has been replaced with a brighter, livelier interior, creating a more vibrant atmosphere. While the food stations remain, the focus is still firmly on freshly prepared dishes made with quality produce.

Marché continues to make everything in-house, from freshly baked breads to hearty hot meals and its wide range of desserts.

Authentic Swiss Rosti Plain 4.2/5

No visit to Marché feels complete without their signature rosti, so we headed straight for it. The Authentic Swiss Rosti Plain ($13.90) was as hearty as we remembered. It was crisp and golden on the outside without being greasy. We added Hearty Mushroom Ragout ($8.90), Velvety Sour Cream ($1.90), and Spicy Chorizo Sausage ($8.90) as toppings.

German Pork Knuckle 4/5

Whole Roasted Chicken 4/5

For meats, we went with two of the restaurant’s signatures, the German Pork Knuckle ($34.40 for Half) and Whole Roasted Chicken ($33). Both delivered on flavour, but the roasted chicken definitely stood out for its juiciness.

Ocean Platter 3/5

From the seafood station, we tried the Ocean Platter ($35.90). While the prawn had a pleasant char and the squid was cooked to a tender bite, the salmon and barramundi were unfortunately on the dry side for us. The portion was also smaller than expected.

Smoked Duck Breast Pizza 4/5

Right across from the seafood counter is the fresh pasta and pizza station. We opted for the Smoked Duck Breast Pizza ($29.90), which arrived fresh from the oven with a thin, crisp crust. The combination of smoky duck slices, melted cheese, and other toppings made for a balanced sweet-savoury flavour.

Banana Chocolate Coconut Crumble 4/5

For dessert, we followed the staff’s recommendation and ordered the Banana Chocolate Coconut Crumble ($8.90). It was a good end to the meal with its balanced sweetness and crumbly texture.

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.


Marché Singapore
313@somerset
#01-40
313 Orchard Road
Singapore 238895
Tel: +65 6593 1703
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 11am - 930pm
Fri: 11am - 1030pm
Sat: 10am - 1030pm
Sun: 10am - 930pm

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

Poonsti @ Owen Road - New Weekend Charcoal-Grilled Dinner Concept

Poonsti, the well-loved eatery specialising in crispy rosti, has launched a brand-new weekend evening dining concept. Staying true to its potato-loving roots, the space transforms into a charcoal grill house, where perfectly grilled meats are paired with their signature crispy rosti, a variety of sides, and craft beers for a hearty, comforting meal.

Build Your Own Rosti-Grill Set ($25+)

The dinner menu follows a customisable concept:

1. Choose your Rosti: Plain, Garlic & Chives, Curry, or Black Pepper & Cheese.
2. Pick a Grilled Meat: House Bacon, Beef Sausage, Flat Iron Steak, Pork Collar Steak or Chicken Thigh.
3. Select two Sides: Coleslaw, Baked BBQ Beans, Mac & Cheese, Buttered Corn or Salad.

Each set is served on a tray, but for the sake of presentation, we plated them for a better visual experience.

Garlic & Chives Rosti, Pork Collar Steak, Coleslaw, Mac & Cheese

For our first set, we opted for the Garlic & Chives Rosti (+$2), Pork Collar Steak (+$4), Coleslaw, and Mac & Cheese. Poonsti's signature rosti remains as delightful as ever, with a crispy golden exterior and soft, fluffy insides. The garlic and chives infusion adds a subtle yet aromatic depth to the potatoes. The pork collar steak was a pleasant surprise — tender, smoky, and juicy, with just the right amount of char. Worth highlighting are the side dishes, which are often an afterthought in many places. The Mac & Cheese was creamy and well-seasoned, while the Coleslaw had a nice balance of tang and crunch, rounding out the plate beautifully.

Curry Rosti, Chicken Thigh, Beef Sausage, Salad, Buttered Corn

For the second set, we went with Curry Rosti (+$2), Grilled Chicken Thigh, Salad, and Buttered Corn, with an additional Beef Sausage (+$8) for a more substantial meal. The Curry Rosti was an interesting twist — crispy like the classic version but infused with a light curry spice that added a Southeast Asian touch. The Chicken Thigh was well-marinated, tender, and charred to perfection, while the Beef Sausage was plump, juicy, and bursting with flavour. As for the sides, the Buttered Corn was sweet and buttery, and the Salad provided a refreshing contrast to the heavier components of the meal.

Poonsti's weekend grill concept successfully elevates its well-loved rosti by pairing it with well-executed charcoal-grilled meats and thoughtfully prepared sides. Unlike many places where sides are overlooked, Poonsti ensures each element of the meal is carefully crafted. If you're a fan of crispy potatoes and smoky grilled meats, this is definitely a spot worth checking out. The customisable menu, affordable pricing, and casual yet satisfying meals make it a great place for a laid-back weekend dinner.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Poonsti
127 Owen Road
Singapore 218931
Tel:+65 6818 3333
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Farrer Park (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 930am - 3pm
Sat-Sun: 9am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Farrer Park MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk down Race Course Road to Owen Road. Turn left onto Owen Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Pxza Private Dining - An Epic 12 Pizza Dining Experience Comprising of Classic and Contemporary Flavours

In August 2024, we visited Pxza Private Dining, a hidden gem that offers a unique twist on the private dining pizza scene. Unlike traditional spots, Pxza crafts a mix of both classic and inventive pizzas, delivering a memorable feast in a cosy and intimate setting.

Our meal began with a platter of Grilled Zucchini, Grilled Capsicum, Cheese, and Olive, a refreshing and flavourful starter that set the tone for the pizza feast to come.

Garlic Pizza 4.5/5

The Garlic Pizza was an aromatic delight, featuring three variations of garlic: fresh, dehydrated, and slow-roasted. Topped with parmigiano reggiano shavings, each bite was bursting with rich, garlicky goodness and a beautifully savoury finish.

Marinara 4.2/5

The Marinara Pizza paid homage to its Neapolitan roots with a simple yet bold combination of tomato sauce, garlic confit, oregano, and Parmigiano. Its rustic flavours and fresh ingredients highlighted the beauty of simplicity.

Margherita 4.2/5

Next, the Margherita Pizza showcased the classic trio of tomato, mozzarella, and basil — a nod to the colours of the Italian flag. Known for its elegance and minimalism, this pizza delivered the fresh, authentic flavours that make it a timeless favourite.

Pestacchio 4.2/5

One of the more inventive offerings was the Pestacchio Pizza, featuring homemade pistachio pesto, fior di latte, and parmigiano. The nutty, creamy pesto paired perfectly with the cheese, creating a unique, unexpected, and delicious combination.

Burrata 4.2/5

The Burrata Pizza elevated the traditional tomato base with the addition of creamy burrata, fresh basil, Maldon salt, and white balsamic. It was a luxurious take on the Margherita, with rich flavours that felt indulgent yet balanced.

Vongole 4.8/5

The Vongole Pizza was a standout. Topped with white clams, garlic confit, parmigiano, and a touch of lemon zest, it delivered a fresh, briny flavour reminiscent of a classic Italian seafood pasta. It was easily one of the night's highlights.

Miso Eggplant 4.5/5

Another creative offering was the Miso Eggplant Pizza, where miso-glazed eggplant and nori flakes met a drizzle of sesame oil. The Japanese-inspired flavours worked harmoniously, creating a savoury, umami-packed dish.

Fennel Sausage 4.2/5

The Fennel Sausage Pizza combined homemade fennel sausage, onion confit, panna, and parmigiano for a perfect balance of sweet and savoury. The flavours melded beautifully, resulting in a rich and satisfying bite.

Tony's Otak 4.2/5

Tony's Otak Pizza offered a local twist with otak paste, torched ginger, coconut cream, and onions. It evoked memories of enjoying otak with bread, but the pizza dough added an elevated texture and taste here.

Salami Hot Honey 4.2/5

The Salami Hot Honey Pizza featured tomato sauce, fior di latte, salami, and a house-made fermented hot honey. The sweet and spicy combination was masterfully balanced, making each bite irresistibly delicious.

Potato with Raclette Cheese 4.8/5

One of the host's latest creations is the Potato with Raclette Cheese Pizza, paired with creamy raclette with potato and a sprinkle of black pepper for added aroma. It was a comforting, indulgent twist on a classic pairing.

Brie and Figs 4.5/5

We ended with the Figs Pizza, a sweet and nutty masterpiece that perfectly concluded our meal. The flavours were light yet indulgent, leaving us marvelling at how we managed to enjoy 12 different pizzas in one sitting.

Pxza Private Dining is a must-visit for pizza lovers seeking both classic and inventive flavours. With a thoughtful balance of tradition and creativity, each pizza offered a unique experience, making it a memorable journey through the world of artisanal pizza.


Pxza Private Dining
Instagram