L'Antica Pizzeria Da Michele @ Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre - A Taste of Naples in Singapore with Over 150 Years of Pizza-Making Heritage

There is something special about a restaurant that has stood the test of time, especially one that has been perfecting the same recipe for over 150 years. Hailing from Naples, Italy, L'Antica Pizzeria Da Michele has served traditional Neapolitan pizzas since 1870, staying true to time-honoured recipes and techniques passed down through generations.

Now bringing a slice of Naples to Singapore, the renowned pizzeria continues to celebrate its Italian roots, with its signature pizzas taking centre stage alongside a selection of comforting Italian classics. While the pizzas are undoubtedly the main attraction, we discovered that there is more to enjoy here than just a good slice.

Polpette Della Nonna 4.2/5

We started our meal with the chef's recommendation, Polpette Della Nonna ($26), a comforting Italian classic of handmade Wagyu beef meatballs made with his grandmother's recipe. Served in a generous helping of tomato sauce and finished with Parmigiano Reggiano, this was a lovely way to kick off our dinner.

The meatballs were beautifully tender and juicy, yielding effortlessly to the fork without being mushy. The tomato sauce really brought the dish together, with a pleasant tanginess that complemented the richness of the Wagyu beef. The Parmigiano Reggiano added another layer of savoury goodness, making this a simple yet satisfying dish that showcased the charm of traditional home-style Italian cooking.

Linguine Alla Vongole 5/5

Next came my absolute favourite dish of the evening, the Linguine Alla Vongole ($36). Featuring Mancini linguine tossed with fresh Asari clams in a traditional Mediterranean sauce, this seemingly straightforward pasta dish turned out to be the highlight of our meal. The linguine was cooked perfectly al dente, retaining a lovely bite while soaking up the sauce's flavours. What made this dish particularly memorable for me was the sauce itself.

Unlike the more familiar garlicky, briny versions of vongole, this had a subtle sweetness that I suspect came from tomatoes and other vegetables used in its preparation. The flavours were well-balanced, allowing the natural sweetness of the clams to come through without being overpowering. If I had to nitpick, a little fresh chilli would have given it an extra kick and made it even more enjoyable. Nevertheless, this was easily my favourite dish of the night and one I would gladly return for.

Special of the day Pizza 4.5/5

Of course, a visit to L'Antica Pizzeria Da Michele wouldn't be complete without trying its famous Neapolitan-style pizza. I was craving burrata that evening, and the Special Pizza of the Day ($58) was exactly what I wanted!

Topped with a tomato sauce base, 30-month-aged Viani Toscana ham, fresh rocket, cherry tomatoes, and creamy burrata, the combination was a delightful balance of savoury and fresh flavours. The thin pizza base had a lovely bite, with a slightly chewy crust characteristic of Neapolitan-style pizzas. The generous burrata topping was definitely the highlight for me! The special pizza of the day changes every day, so be sure to check with the staff.

Classic Tiramisu 3.8/5

We ended our meal with the quintessential Italian dessert, Classic Tiramisu ($15). This version leaned towards a creamier texture, with rich, smooth mascarpone layered between ladyfingers and finished with a dusting of cocoa powder.

While the creaminess was enjoyable, the ladyfingers weren't fully soaked, resulting in a slightly drier texture. If you prefer a cream-forward tiramisu with more structure, this would be right up your alley. Personally, I prefer mine a little wetter, with coffee/liquor-soaked ladyfingers that melt in the mouth.

L'Antica Pizzeria Da Michele boasts a lively, bustling atmosphere. The restaurant was packed during our visit, with a queue forming outside by the time we left. Despite the crowd, service remained prompt and efficient.

While the restaurant is renowned for its Neapolitan pizzas, the Linguine Alla Vongole surprisingly stole the show for me. Prices may be on the higher side, but it's a great spot for gathering with friends and family over hearty Italian fare.

Photos and words by Jaslyn. An avid cook who lives to eat and travel for food. 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 the destination. Journey time is 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 the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

Les Bouchons @ Rochester Park - Is the $68++ Unlimited Feast Worth It?

I haven't been back to Les Bouchons at Rochester Park in quite a while, so it was nice to revisit this French steakhouse tucked away in a charming heritage setting. While Les Bouchons has several outlets around Singapore, the Rochester Park outlet remains my favourite for its unique ambience. Housed in a 1940s two-storey black-and-white bungalow and surrounded by lush greenery, it offers a dining experience that feels a world away from the city's hustle and bustle.

One of the main reasons for my return was its Unlimited $68++ Promotion, which lets diners enjoy free-flow grilled meats, fries, and selected sides. Available daily for both lunch and dinner, this promotion is exclusive to the Rochester Park outlet and looks like an attractive proposition for meat lovers looking to indulge in a French steakhouse feast.

However, there is a little catch. While the promotion is unlimited, the selection is restricted to Grilled Australian Wagyu Onglet MS4/5, BBQ Half Spatchcock Chicken, Homemade Agria Potatoes French Fries, Mushroom Soup with Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Homemade BBQ Sauce and Mesclun Salad. Although the food quality is commendable, I would have appreciated more variety in beef cuts or additional grilled meat options to make the experience more exciting.

Grilled Australian Wagyu Onglet MS4/5, 4.2/5

The highlight of the unlimited feast was the Grilled Australian Wagyu Onglet MS4/5. Also known as hanger steak, the onglet is a butcher's cut prized for its robust, beefy flavour and satisfying texture. The Australian Wagyu, with its marbling score of 4/5, offered a good balance of richness without being overly fatty.

Grilled to develop a beautiful char on the exterior, the beef was tender and juicy, with a deep, beefy flavour that came through in every bite. I enjoyed the contrast between the lightly smoky, caramelised surface and the succulent meat within. For those who appreciate a good steak with plenty of character, this was a satisfying choice, especially considering that it is included in the unlimited promotion.

BBQ Half Spatchcock Chicken 4.2/5

The BBQ Half Spatchcock Chicken was another worthy addition to the feast. Flattened before grilling, the chicken developed a nicely charred exterior while retaining its natural juices. The skin carried a smoky aroma, while the meat remained succulent and flavourful.

Paired with the homemade BBQ sauce, the chicken had a pleasant balance of savoury and smoky flavours, with a touch of sweetness from the sauce. It also offered a welcome alternative to the beef, though I would have liked more grilled meat options to round out the selection.

Mushroom Soup with Extra Virgin Oil 4.5/5

Among the sides, the Mushroom Soup stood out and earned the highest rating of the unlimited selection. Rich, earthy, and comforting, the soup had a velvety consistency, with the deep, savoury flavours of mushrooms coming through beautifully. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil added a fragrant finish, lending a subtle fruity note that complemented the earthiness of the mushrooms. It was a comforting start to the meal and something I would happily return to, even outside the unlimited promotion.

Mesclun Salad 4/5

The Mesclun Salad offered a refreshing contrast to the heavier grilled meats. A mix of tender baby greens was tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, delivering a light, crisp bite that helped cut through the richness of the beef and chicken. Simple but effective, it served its purpose as a palate cleanser and added some freshness to an otherwise meat-centric meal.

Homemade Agria Potatoes French Fries 4.2/5

No steakhouse feast would be complete without a serving of fries, and the Homemade Agria Potatoes French Fries did not disappoint. Made with Agria potatoes, known for their suitability for frying, the fries came with a golden exterior and a satisfying crunch. The insides were fluffy and light, creating a pleasing textural contrast. They were enjoyable on their own or dipped into the homemade BBQ sauce, and having them available for free-flow made it easy to keep the sides coming throughout the meal.

Homemade Foie Gras Terrine 4/5

Beyond the unlimited promotion, I also ordered a few items from the à la carte menu, starting with the Homemade Foie Gras Terrine ($28). The terrine offered the rich, buttery character expected of foie gras, with a smooth, indulgent texture that melted pleasantly on the palate. It was served with onion chutney and toasted bread, which provided a welcome contrast to the richness of the duck liver. The chutney's sweetness balanced the foie gras, while the toasted bread added crunch and made each bite more enjoyable. It was a decadent appetiser that brought a touch of classic French indulgence to the meal.

Classic French Onion Soup 5/5

Another highlight was the Classic French Onion Soup ($20), served with a crouton generously topped with melted Emmental cheese. The soup had a deeply savoury broth enriched with the sweetness of slowly caramelised onions. The long cooking process allowed the onions to develop a mellow, concentrated flavour that blended beautifully with the beef stock. Each spoonful was comforting and full-bodied without losing the natural sweetness of the onions. The cheesy crouton was the finishing touch. The Emmental cheese was melted until gooey and golden, adding a nutty flavour and creamy texture to the dish. Breaking through the cheesy topping to reach the steaming broth beneath was particularly satisfying. This classic French bistro staple was executed well and was one of my favourite dishes of the meal.

Creme Brulee 4.2/5

For dessert, I had the Crème Brûlée ($15), a timeless French classic featuring silky baked custard beneath a layer of caramelised sugar. The highlight was the crisp sugar crust, which cracked satisfyingly under the spoon to reveal the smooth, creamy custard beneath. The custard had a rich vanilla flavour, while a subtle citrus note added brightness and helped balance the sweetness of the caramelised topping. It was a comforting and well-executed dessert that stayed true to the appeal of this classic French favourite.

Signature Homemade Traditional Tiramisu 4.2/5

The Signature Homemade Traditional Tiramisu ($15) rounded off the meal on a sweet note. Made with espresso and Amaretto-soaked ladyfingers layered with whipped mascarpone, it offered a lovely combination of coffee, cream and subtle almond notes. The mascarpone was smooth and airy, giving the dessert a light, cloud-like texture despite its richness. The espresso brought a pleasant bitterness that balanced the creamy layers, while the Amaretto added a gentle aromatic sweetness. It was a familiar and comforting rendition of the Italian classic, making it a pleasant way to end the meal.

Les Bouchons Rochester Park remains a charming destination for French steakhouse dining, with its heritage black-and-white bungalow and lush surroundings adding plenty of character to the experience. The Unlimited $68++ Promotion offers good value for diners who enjoy grilled beef, chicken, and classic sides, especially with the option to return for more of the included items. That said, the limited selection does take away some of the excitement of an unlimited feast. While the Grilled Australian Wagyu Onglet and BBQ Half Spatchcock Chicken were both enjoyable, I would have liked to see more beef cuts or other grilled meats on offer.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Les Bouchons Rochester
10 Rochester Park
Rochester Commons
Singapore 139221
Tel: +65 69048972
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Nearest MRT: Buona Vista (CC, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm
Fri: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm
Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm
Sun: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Buona Vista MRT station. Take Exit C. Take the sheltered walkway and walk towards Star Vista. Turn left onto Rochester Drive. Walk to the traffic junction of Rochester Drive and Vista Exchange Green. Turn right onto Vista Exchange Green. Walk down Vista Exchange Green and walk to the destination. Journey time is about 6 minutes. [Map]

Cygnet @ QT Singapore - New Set Lunch Menu Led By Newly Appointed Executive Chef Fabrice Mergalet

Cygnet Restaurant at QT Singapore recently launched a new set lunch menu led by newly appointed Executive Chef Fabrice Mergalet. The refreshed menu offers a selection of starters, mains and desserts that reflect the chef’s produce-first approach. Available on weekdays from 11.30am to 2.30pm, the two-course set is priced at $48, while the three-course option is $58.

Milk Bun

The Lunch Set includes a serving of Cygnet’s Signature Milk Bun.

Seafood Platter 4/5

I found the starter selection particularly well curated, with a good mix of lighter and more substantial options. To start, the Seafood Platter was a beautiful showcase of New Zealand Oysters, Prawns and Chipotle Lobster Rolls (minimum two people, +$15pp). The star of the platter was the plump New Zealand oysters, which stood out for their bright taste and very clean finish.

Lobster Rolls

The Lobster Rolls were mini but satisfying, with a chunky filling tucked into buttery brioche.

Steak Frites 4.5/5

For the mains, the Steak Frites (+$10) features a Frimsa grass-fed minute steak. This grass-fed Argentinian beef is prized for its robust, distinctly beefy flavour, and here, its rich flavour was complemented by a peppercorn sauce.

Smashed Wagyu Burger 5/5

The Smashed Wagyu Burger definitely stole the show with its mouthwatering appearance and full-on flavours. Piled between two fluffy brioche buns were robust, juicy double Wagyu patties, topped with slices of pastrami and cheddar. Sauerkraut and diced onions helped to balance the richness.

Lemuel Chocolate Fondant 4/5

For dessert, the Lemuel Chocolate Fondant was a decadent chocolate cake with a slight molten centre, contrasted by pepper-berry salted caramel ice cream and chocolate crumbs for texture. The Tiramisu was an interesting take, served with mascarpone affogato, although I found it slightly too sweet.

Tiramisu 4/5

The restaurant also offers a selection of wholesome sides as add-ons, including Miso Creamed Spinach, Charred Broccolini, Local Mushrooms and House Salad. Other set-menu options include King Crab Tagliatelle and Sea Bream and Chicken Milanese, giving diners a good range of choices for a weekday lunch.

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.


Cygnet
QT Singapore
35 Robinson Road
Singapore 068876
Tel: +65 6701 6833
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Nearest MRT: Downtown (DT Line), Shenton Way (TE Line), Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Fri: 630am - 1030am, 12pm - 3pm, 530pm - 11pm
Sat: 530pm - 11pm
(Closed on Sun and Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at the Downtown MRT station. Take Exit E. Turn left and walk down Marina View. Turn right onto Commerce Street. Walk down Commerce Street to the traffic junction of Shenton Way and Tat Street. Cross the road and walk down Tat Street. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Shenton Way MRT station. Take Exit 6. Cross the road and walk down McCallum Street. Turn right onto Robinson Road. Walk down Robinson Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 6 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walk down Cross Street. Turn right onto Robinson Road. Walk down Robinson Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 6 minutes. [Map]

One-Ninety Bar @ Four Seasons Hotel Singapore - Introduces Garden Café's New Daytime Offerings

One-Ninety Bar at Four Seasons Hotel Singapore recently introduced Garden Café’s new daytime offerings, featuring hand-crafted pastries, sandwiches, wholesome mains and sweet treats, available for dine-in or takeaway. Conceived as an alfresco terrace extension of One-Ninety Bar, Garden Café offers both indoor and outdoor seating, inviting diners into a close-to-nature setting. The new menu is served daily from 11am to 6pm, bringing a more intimate and cosy café ambience to the space. The display counter features a lineup of freshly baked viennoiserie, including butter croissants, pain au chocolat, and almond croissants, alongside a rotating selection of seasonal sweet treats.

Open-Faced Chicken Cordon Bleu 4/5

The main menu ranges from light bites to more hearty options, including an Express selection of dishes designed for a quicker lunch. We tried the Open-Faced Chicken Cordon Bleu ($24) and Maccheroni al Formaggio ($28). While these are intended as express items, both are surprisingly indulgent. The Open-Faced Chicken Cordon Bleu features Cotto ham sandwiched between two pleasingly tender, lightly crusted chicken cutlets, with melted Fontina binding everything together. The mesclun salad on the side, however, seemed more like an afterthought.

Maccheroni al Formaggio 4/5

Maccheroni al Formaggio offered an interesting take on Mac & Cheese. The macaroni was well baked and creamy, with a blend of artisanal cheeses that balanced sweet and savoury notes. Eating it together with the soft pumpkin helped to cut through the richness of the cheese. I think switching to a starchier, denser variety of pumpkin would have worked even better, adding more flavour and texture than the current one, which was somewhat watery and fibrous.

English Breakfast Royale Sandwich 3.5/5

From the All-Day Brunch, the English Breakfast Royale Sandwich ($26) brings together all the elements of a big breakfast. The muffins are slathered with mashed avocado, then stacked with sautéed mushrooms, a pork sausage patty, and gorgeous farm eggs, before being crowned with crispy bacon.

Singapore Chilli Crab Omelette 4.5/5

The Singapore Chilli Crab Omelette ($32) impressed me even more, with a tantalisingly chubby, fluffy omelette topped with a meaty chilli crab sauce. The sauce carried a good amount of heat, which complemented the buttery omelette nicely.

Vanilla French Toast 4.8/5

It’s been a while since I last had a French toast as well done as the Vanilla French Toast ($18). The toast had an almost spongy texture, which I adored, with caramelised, buttery edges adding a lovely contrast.

Signature Salmon Poke Bowl 5/5

Power Bowls offer lighter and more nourishing alternatives, and we tried the Signature Salmon Poke Bowl ($24). It comes with soy-marinated salmon, multigrain rice, shimeji mushrooms, pickled daikon, shredded red cabbage, wakame and avocado, topped with an onsen egg and truffle miso to bring everything together. The pearly multigrain rice brought a beautiful nutty, wheaty flavour to each mouthful, while the savoury miso sauce, accented with truffle, made the bowl addictive. They also offer a range of sandwiches to choose from.

Prawn Aglio Olio Sandwich 4.5/5

The Prawn Aglio Olio Sandwich ($18) was flavoursome, with chunky prawns and sweet, smoky roasted bell peppers, alongside pickled red onion, cucumber and tomato for added freshness.

Strawberry Financier 4/5

Tiramisù Classico 4/5

For desserts, we tried the Valrhona Dark Chocolate Mousse ($16), Pandan Kaya Cake ($14), Citrus Petite Gâteau ($14), Strawberry Financier ($14), and Tiramisù Classico ($16). The latter was undisputedly the crowd favourite. The tin brought together espresso-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone cream and cocoa, with just the right amount of sweetness. I’m not usually a fan of entremets, so another favourite was the Strawberry Financier. The financier itself was delicious, and the combination of luscious Chantilly cream and strawberries on top elevated the decadence.

Pandan Espresso Martini

To complement the menu, we also offer a curated selection of signature beverages with a Singapore touch. Highlights include the Kopi Cream, Peanut Butter and Black Sesame Lattes, Grapefruit Tonic Espresso and Pandan Espresso Martini ($20).

The Garden Café at One-Ninety Bar
Mon-Sun: 11 am - 6 pm

For more information or to make a dining reservation, call (65) 6831 7653, WhatsApp (65) 9455 3466 or email dining.singapore@fourseasons.com.

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.


One-Ninety Bar
Four Seasons Hotel Singapore
190 Orchard Boulevard
Singapore 248646
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 6pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 11. Walk straight down Orchard Boulevard Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 6 minutes. [Map]

Racines @ Sofitel Singapore City Centre - The Brand New Ultimate Racines Brunch Buffet, Turf & Tide Edition

Saturday brunch gets a new Surf & Turf spin at Racines with the latest edition of its Ultimate Racines Buffet Brunch: Turf & Tide Edition. Available every Saturday from 12.30pm to 3pm until 31 October, the buffet brings together a generous selection from both land and sea — from fresh seafood on ice and sushi to grilled meats, whole fish, local favourites and, of course, a very tempting dessert spread.

Cured Salmon with Chilli and Yuzu Ponzu

Assorted Sushi and Maki

Poached Prawns

Seasonal Freshly Shucked Oyster

Sea Whelk

We started with the seafood and Japanese selection, featuring Cured Salmon with Chilli and Yuzu Ponzu, assorted Sushi and Maki, Poached Prawns, freshly shucked Seasonal Oysters and Sea Whelk. There’s a good variety of seafood on ice, and more importantly, everything we tried was very fresh. The oysters were a little smaller than we would have liked, but they made up for it with a pleasantly sweet flavour. The poached prawns were another easy pick, especially if you are the kind who can happily spend half your buffet attacking a mountain of seafood. The assorted sushi and maki also make for a nice start to the meal, though with everything else waiting, we would definitely recommend pacing yourself!

Nyonya Fish Maw Soup (Hu Pioh)

Seafood Chowder

There were two soups available during our visit — one Western and one Asian. Unfortunately, the Seafood Chowder was one of the weaker dishes for us. We found it a little too diluted, and the only seafood we really found in our bowls was clams. The Nyonya Fish Maw Soup, on the other hand, was almost exceptional. It was packed with ingredients and had a lovely consistency without being overly starchy. If we had to nitpick, all it needed was some black vinegar and white pepper on the side, and we would have been very happy.

Signature Rojak

Gado-Gado Salad with Peanut Sauce

Beyond the usual suspects such as Caesar Salad and Classic Prawn Cocktail, two items stood out to us — the Signature Rojak and Gado-Gado Salad with Peanut Sauce. The Signature Rojak comes pre-mixed with plenty of fresh fruits, making it refreshing and surprisingly easy to keep eating. We also enjoyed the Gado-Gado, especially since you can DIY your own bowl with as much of that rich, nutty peanut sauce as you like.

Classic Seafood Otak-Otak

Charred Cumin Lamb Ribs

Slow-Roasted Macka’s Beef Striploin

Grilled Red Snapper in French Bouillabaisse

This is where the Surf and Turf theme really comes through, with the grill section featuring a mix of meats and seafood, including Charred Cumin Lamb Ribs, Slow-Roasted Macka’s Beef Striploin, Grilled Red Snapper in French Bouillabaisse, and Seafood Otak, alongside chicken, prawns, and other fish selections. And I have to say, Racines really does its cooked food very well. The Charred Cumin Lamb Ribs were especially inviting with that smoky, spiced exterior, while the Slow-Roasted Macka’s Beef Striploin makes a satisfying choice for the meat lovers. The Grilled Red Snapper is also quite a centrepiece on the buffet line. Served whole in a French bouillabaisse with mussels, it’s one of those dishes that immediately catches your eye as you walk past.

Crabmeat Fried Rice

Whole Nyonya Assam Curry Seabass

Now, I know what everyone says: don’t waste precious stomach space on rice at a buffet. But hear me out. The Crabmeat Fried Rice with Egg Whites, Prawns, Sakura Ebi and Tobiko is really yummy! There are generous chunks of crabmeat throughout, while the Sakura Ebi and tobiko add even more seafood flavour and texture. Seriously, please don’t skip this one.

Another dish worth trying is the Whole Nyonya Assam Curry Seabass. The fish was fresh and meaty, while the gravy was rich and lemak with that familiar tangy-spicy Assam curry flavour. This is definitely one for those who enjoy stronger local flavours.

DIY Noodle Bar

If you somehow still have room, there is also a DIY Noodle Bar, with two noodle options rotating weekly. During our visit, the choices were Kelantan Style Laksa and Creamy Tom Yum Seafood Noodles. Both looked extremely tempting but, unfortunately, we had to make the difficult buffet decision to save whatever stomach space we had left for dessert. And looking at the dessert spread, I think we made the right decision.

Durian & Coffee Tiramisu

Coconut & Blue Pea Flower Jelly

Assorted Choux Puff

Baked Burnt Butter Pandan Cake

Ondeh Ondeh Cake

Assorted Traditional Nyonya Kueh

Assorted Traditional Nyonya Kueh

Fritter Bar (Cempedak, Banana and Ubi Keledek)

The dessert section is probably one of the most visually impressive parts of the buffet. There is a glorious selection covering Western cakes and bakes, local flavours and traditional favourites, including Durian & Coffee Tiramisu, Coconut & Blue Pea Flower Jelly, Assorted Choux Puffs, Baked Burnt Butter Pandan Cake, Ondeh Ondeh Cake, Traditional Nyonya Kueh, Pulut Hitam Gelato and Signature Bubur Cha Cha.

There were hits and misses amongst the desserts, but visually, almost everything looked too good not to try. I particularly like that Racines doesn’t just fill the dessert counter with the usual chocolate cakes, cheesecakes, and pastries; there is a strong local influence throughout the selection.

The Fritter Bar is another dangerous addition, with freshly fried cempedak, banana and ubi keledek. Because apparently after an entire buffet, we still need fried cempedak.

Teh Tarik

Besides the usual coffee and tea, there is also free-flow Teh Tarik. It was fragrant, smooth and, most importantly for us, not overly sweet. It is a simple addition, but a very welcome one, especially after all the rich food and local desserts.

Overall, the Ultimate Racines Buffet Brunch: Turf & Tide Edition offers a good variety for a leisurely Saturday brunch, particularly if you enjoy having both seafood and cooked dishes rather than a buffet that focuses heavily on just one or the other.

The restaurant itself is also a lovely space for a long weekend meal, with full-height glass windows bringing in plenty of natural light.

The brunch is priced at $108++ per adult and $54++ per child. There is currently 40% off adult prices with DBS, OCBC, Citi, JCB and Maybank cards for up to eight persons, while ALL Accor+ Explorer members enjoy 1-for-1 on adult prices for up to eight persons.

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


Racines
Sofitel Singapore City Centre
Level 5
9 Wallich Street
Singapore 078885
Tel: +65 64285000
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 7am - 1030am, 12pm - 3pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right onto Peck Seah Street. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 3 minutes. [Map]