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
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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]

L'antica Pizzeria Da Michele @ Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre - Celebrating SG60 with Special $60nett Pizza & Wine Promotion

In celebration of Singapore’s 60th birthday, L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele, located at the new Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre, rolled out a limited-time promotion — a Chef’s Special Pizza paired with a glass of wine for just $60 nett.

Chef's Special Pizza 4.2/5

For the Chef’s Special Pizza, we had the Mariano Pizza — a tomato-based creation topped with ham, burrata, tomato, and anchovy. Interestingly, the red and white tones from the tomato and burrata resemble the Singapore flag, a thoughtful touch for the nation’s birthday. The creamy burrata, savoury ham, and briny anchovy came together harmoniously atop the restaurant’s signature chewy dough, creating a burst of flavours reminiscent of celebratory fireworks.

Fritto Di Mare 4.2/5

We also tried the Fritto Di Mare ($26), a seafood basket filled with calamari, prawns, Amalfi coast fin fish, and battered zucchini, all encased in a light and crispy golden batter. A squeeze of lemon adds a bright, zesty lift, while dipping into the accompanying mayonnaise gives it a satisfying richness. Perfect as a sharing starter.

King Prawn Linguine 4.2/5

From the daily specials, we opted for the King Prawn Linguine ($42), which was limited to just seven portions that day. The pasta was cooked al dente and coated in a luscious crustacean sauce, full of depth and umami. The dish was crowned with two impressively large king prawns, adding a touch of indulgence to the already hearty plate. It was a staff recommendation that truly paid off.

With its celebratory SG60 promotion, indulgent pasta specials, and reliable classics, L’antica Pizzeria Da Michele is a solid pick whether you’re planning a casual date night, a dinner with friends, or simply looking for a comforting Italian meal in the heart of the city. The warm hospitality and thoughtfully crafted dishes make it a place worth returning to.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


L'antica Pizzeria da Michele
Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre
8 Club Street
#01-08
Singapore 069472
Tel: +65 9823 5724
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Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT, NE Line), Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk down Cross Street. Turn left onto Club Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight down Pagoda Street to North Bridge Road. Cross the road and walk to Mohd Ali Lane. Walk down Mohd Ali Lane. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Embu @ Mandarin Oriental Singapore - Flavours of Singapore Buffet Theme in Celebration of The Nation's 60th Birthday

Embu at Mandarin Oriental Singapore presents 'Flavours of Singapore' with a special SG60 Nostalgic Gourmet Series from 30 June to 10 August 2025, in celebration of the nation's 60th birthday. As part of Mandarin Oriental's SG60-themed experiences, the SG60 Nostalgic Gourmet Series features pop-up stations that pay tribute to local culinary heritage. On selected days, celebrated pastry and Chef Pang Kok Keong will present his signature Mee Tai Mak. You can also look forward to Haig Road Putu Piring, a beloved name in traditional Malay steamed rice cakes, and Ah Mah's Legacy, known for their nostalgic renditions of Muah Chee and Orh Nee.

Hakka Mee Tai Mak

On the evening I visited, it was Chef Pang in action, dishing up his signature Hakka Mee Tai Mak. The star of this dish lies in the handmade rice noodles, which boasted a noticeably more bouncy and chewy texture than the typical version. Guests could choose between a dry or soup rendition. The dry version highlighted the rich umami of savoury minced pork, while the soup offered a comforting, flavourful broth that made for a heartwarming bowl.

Hakka Abacus Seeds

Hakka Radish Balls

Adding to the exclusivity of the evening were Hakka Abacus Seeds and Hakka Radish Balls. I was pleasantly surprised by the execution of these traditional dishes, especially considering they were served buffet-style. The taro dumplings were satisfyingly chewy, while the radish balls were a rare and nostalgic highlight that brought unexpected joy to the lineup.

Fried Carrot Cake

Over at the Chef's Live Station, a variety of local hawker favourites were made to order. The Fried Carrot Cake leaned slightly on the salty side but was still deeply moreish, with savoury radish bits adding subtle sweetness. The Oyster Omelette was a standout, featuring crisp edges, gooey bits, and generous helpings of plump, fresh oysters.

Popiah and Kueh Pie Tee

Popiah and Kueh Pie Tee were both well done too. The popiah skin had a nice springy bite, and the kueh pie tee shells were crisp, carrying well-seasoned turnip filling that balanced sweet and savoury notes.

Singapore Bak Kut Teh

Singapore Chilli Crab

The Local Favourites station offered comforting staples that many Singaporeans would instantly recognise. The peppery-style Singapore Bak Kut Teh warmed the soul with its heady broth and fork-tender pork ribs, while the Singapore Chilli Crab was indulgently rich, served with golden fried mantou perfect for soaking up the sauce.

Singapore Hokkien Mee

The Singapore Hokkien Mee brimmed with juicy prawns and crunchy pork lard.

Baked Whole Fish

Australian Grass-fed Angus Sirloin

Baby Back Ribs

At the Chef's Speciality Carving Board, Baked Whole Fish impressed with its moist, tender flesh, elevated by a piquant Nonya spice sauce. The slow-roasted Baby Back Ribs were coated in a sticky barbecue glaze that made them finger-licking good. Meanwhile, Australian Grass-fed Angus Sirloin was slow-roasted and paired with red wine sauce, offering a hearty Western touch to the spread.

Singapore Rojak

You could customise your own Singapore Rojak at the DIY station. The spread included pineapple, cucumber, bean sprouts, apple, turnip, youtiao, prawn paste sauce, and crushed peanuts. I appreciate the youtiao, which was crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, soaking up the punchy rojak sauce beautifully.

Seafood Colosseum

The Seafood Colosseum, a highlight of the buffet, was extremely popular due to its impressive array of seafood. There were seasonal oysters, Boston lobster, mud crab, tiger prawns, green-lipped mussels, and white clams.

Chendol

To round off the experience, the dessert section featured a lavish assortment of both local favourites and Western pastries. My personal favourite was the Chendol, which was delightful with fragrant coconut milk and soft, chewy green jelly. It was a sweet and refreshing way to end an evening that truly celebrated Singapore's culinary richness.

Flavours of Singapore
30 June to 10 August 2025
6:30pm - 10pm
SGD 98 per adult inclusive of free flow of chilled juices, coffee and tea (Sunday to Thursday)
SGD 118 per adult inclusive of free flow of chilled juices, coffee and tea (Friday and Saturday)

SG60 NOSTALGIC GOURMET SERIES
Mee Tai Mak by Chef Pang Kok Keong: 18–19 July and 8–9 August.
Muah Chee & Orh Nee by Shiny Phua of Ah Mah’s Legacy: 4–5, 11–12, 25–26 July and 8–9 August.
Haig Road Putu Piring: 27 July and 3 August.

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.


Embu
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Singapore
5 Raffles Avenue
Singapore 039797
Tel: +65 68853500
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Nearest MRT: Promenade (CC, DT Line), Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 630am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit A. Cross the road. Walk to Marina Square. Follow the signage to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit B or D. Walk to Marina Square. Follow the signage to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

LUCE @ InterContinental Singapore - The Bigger, Better Buffet Experience

LUCE at InterContinental Singapore ups the ante on the hotel buffet scene with the launch of its all-new "Bigger Better Buffet", available daily for dinner and for lunch from Monday to Saturday. The refreshed spread showcases a wider variety of dishes and new live stations, all under the direction of newly appointed Chef de Cuisine Giuseppe Di Gaetano, whose Italian flair breathes fresh life into LUCE's offerings.

No buffet is complete without a lavish Seafood on Ice section, and LUCE certainly delivers. Diners can feast on a bounty of ocean treasures, including Japanese oysters, Australian yabbies, cold water prawns, white clams, half-shell scallops, and sea whelk – fresh, briny, and indulgent.

Premium Charcuterie

Equally impressive is the Charcuterie section, featuring Smoked Virginia Ham, Chambost Saucisson, and Artisanal Pork Terrine. Paired with a glass of wine, these cold cuts set the tone for a luxurious dining experience. The rotating antipasti selection also makes for a delightful prelude to the heavier mains – light, vibrant, and flavourful.

One of the standout sections of the buffet is undoubtedly the Asian Delights, which even includes items prepared by the Man Fu Yuan culinary team. Favourites like Netted Seafood Spring Roll, Deep-fried Tiger Prawns with Almond Flakes, Crispy Cereal Chicken, and a bold Singapore Chilli Prawn shine with authentic local flair. A rich and hearty Lu Rou Fan also stands out among the spread.

Reflecting Singapore’s cultural diversity, LUCE also includes a strong showing of Peranakan and Malay dishes. On rotation are homey classics like Nonya Chap Chye, Assam Seabass Curry, and the savoury-sweet Ayam Masak Hitam, each prepared with care and respect for tradition.

Chef Giuseppe's Italian heritage is proudly showcased in his hearty, soulful creations. The Ragout alla Napoletana, with slow-braised pork ribs and Italian sausage, is a comforting embrace of deep tomato flavours. The Agnello alla Birra Scura, featuring Guinness-braised lamb, is tender and richly layered, while the Impepata di Cozze delights with its briny black mussels in white wine, garlic, and lemon. The Sicilian-style Branzino offers a lighter, elegant counterpoint – a beautifully baked sustainable barramundi with cherry tomatoes and capers. Not to be missed are the showstoppers: the Rigatoni alla Grecia, tossed in LUCE's signature parmesan cheese wheel, and the indulgent Nero di Seppia Pinsa, topped with squid ink tomato sauce, prawns, clams, and mussels.

With the addition of more live stations to the buffet, guests can now enjoy interactive dining with a touch of drama. The Oven-Roasted Angus Beef Striploin is carved to order and paired with shallot red wine jus and gourmet mustards, while the Baked Norwegian Salmon in Puff Pastry, filled with Cajun-spiced salmon and savoy cabbage, impresses with its balance of texture and flavour. At the Italian station, the Tagliatelle al Ragout di Pesce – tossed in a lobster seafood sauce and finished tableside in the parmesan wheel – is rich, luxurious, and beautifully executed. Another highlight is the Signature InterContinental Laksa, a refined version of the local favourite, made à la minute with tiger prawns, quail eggs, and a housemade laksa broth infused with laksa leaf powder for an aromatic finish.

Cheese lovers will appreciate the dedicated cheese room, offering a curated selection of Cheeses and accompaniments. Be sure to save room for desserts – meticulously crafted confections that are as stunning as they are satisfying, offering a sweet finale to an impressive buffet journey.

With its expanded spread, elevated live stations, and Chef Giuseppe’s Italian signatures, LUCE’s Bigger Better Buffet lives up to its name – a sophisticated, well-rounded buffet experience that’s both indulgent and memorable.

LUNCH
Monday to Friday
$59++ per adult | $29++ per child
Saturday
$69++ per adult | $29++ per child

DINNER
Monday to Thursday
$78++ per adult | $39++ per child
Friday and Saturday
$92++ per adult | $44++ per child
Sunday
$88++ per adult | $39++ per child

Note: This is an invited tasting.


LUCE
InterContinental Singapore
Level 1
80 Middle Road
Singapore 188966
Tel: +65 6825 1008
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 2pm, 6pm - 10pm
Sun: 6pm - 10pm

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