1864 The Bar @ Sofitel Singapore City Centre - Sofitel x Sulwhasoo Launches a New Sulwhasoo Cafe Experience

Following the success of their previous ginseng-themed afternoon tea collaboration last year, Sofitel Singapore City Centre and Sulwhasoo have reunited to launch a new K-beauty and wellness-inspired pop-up café experience - the Sulwhasoo Café. Together, they invite guests to indulge in a journey of inner radiance and self-care.

Running from 17 May to 13 July 2025, the exclusive Sulwhasoo Café is open daily from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM at the hotel’s 1864 Lobby Lounge in Sofitel Singapore City Centre. This limited-time café concept blends the time-honoured principles of Korean holistic wellness with the refined techniques of French cuisine. Each dish draws inspiration from Sulwhasoo’s signature skincare range, with ingredients ranging from ginseng, collagen, jujube, Nashi pear, and mugwort.

The Sulwhasoo Café menu features eight dishes and two beverages, all available à la carte. However, for the best value, ordering a set menu is recommended. Guests can choose between a two-course menu ($45++), which includes a starter or dessert and a main course, or the three-course menu ($65++), which offers a complete experience with a starter, main course, and dessert.

To make the dining experience even more memorable, guests will receive complimentary Sulwhasoo beauty kits with qualifying spends:

· A three-piece Daily Routine Kit (worth $60) with a minimum spend of $40++.
· A four-piece Anti-Aging Kit (worth $110) when ordering the three-course set menu at $65++.

These gifts are available while stocks last, and qualifying spend applies only to items ordered from the Sulwhasoo Café menu.

Tuna Hwe 4.2/5

For starters, guests have the choice between two hot options and a cold option:

The beautifully plated Tuna Hwe ($28) features chopped tuna tossed in a spicy calamansi chojang, topped with a silky egg yolk gel, and complemented by perilla, sesame, and pine nuts. Crisp rice wafers accompany the dish, allowing diners to scoop the tuna on top for an added layer of texture.

Black Sesame & Ginseng Samyetang Pao Fan 4/5

The Black Sesame & Ginseng Samgyetang Pao Fan ($26) is a reimagined version of the traditional ginseng chicken soup. It's served pao fan-style, with a warm chicken collagen broth poured over a comforting bed of tender chicken slices, rice puffs, and leeks. It's easy to drink, very gentle and clean-tasting, although I prefer a more flavourful broth.

Creamy Kimchi with Tteok 4.5/5

My favourite starter of the three was the Creamy Kimchi with Tteok ($24), which takes its cue from Korean budae jjigae (army stew) but cleverly uses a zucchini stew base with gochujang to offer a vegetarian option for guests. Topped with a slow-cooked egg and parmesan and featuring crispy, chewy tteokbokki (rice cakes), the dish tastes more like a Korean interpretation of shakshuka. Very delicious and hearty

Doenjang Chicken with Yeonnibap 4.2/5

Moving on to the main courses, there are also three options on the menu: Doenjang Chicken with Yeonnibap, Blackened Salmon with Clam Doenjang, and a vegetarian Naengmyeon.

The Doenjang Chicken with Yeonnibap ($34) features tender slices of chicken marinated in fermented soybean paste. Accompanying the chicken is glutinous rice mixed with a medley of ginkgo nuts, adzuki beans, jujube, and pumpkin seeds, adding to its nutritional value and taste. The rice is aromatic and subtly sweet. Slices of tamagoyaki-style omelette round off this tasty dish.

Blackened Salmon with Clam Doenjang 4.5/5

The Blackened Salmon with Clam Doenjang ($38) is really good and is my favourite main course dish. The salmon flesh is moist and flaky, bathed in a beurre noisette, and it is accompanied by clams, sauteed daikon, and capers. It is a well-balanced and delicious combination.

Naengmyeon 3.8/5

The Naengmyeon ($30) features buckwheat noodles immersed in a chilled black goji berry broth, which lends the soup a vibrant purple hue. Toppings include slices of Nashi pear, purple cabbage, and a boiled egg. The broth is quite refreshing, and the noodles are nice and chewy. However, I must admit that cold noodles have never been my favourite food as I'll always prefer noodles in hot soup. Hence, this dish may appeal more to those who appreciate this Korean speciality.

Insam and Cointreau Gâteaux 4.2/5

For dessert, diners can choose between two elegant creations.

The first is an Insam and Cointreau Gâteaux ($22), a decadent treat made with dark chocolate subtly infused with Cointreau and mandarin orange gel and finished with ginseng (insam) dusting. Rich, bittersweet, and slightly citrusy, this dessert is a lovely choice for chocolate lovers.

Peach Collagen Consommé 4.2/5

The second option is an equally good Peach Collagen Consommé ($19), a nourishing bowl packed with wholesome, traditional ingredients. It features soft poached peach, peach gum, and white fungus, all steeped in a subtly sweet consommé. On the side, jujube walnuts add some crunch. This dessert will particularly appeal to those who enjoy light, healthy, and heritage-inspired sweets. While it’s served chilled by default, diners can also request it to be served warm.

There are also two interesting drink options: the cold Ssukcha Mango Fizz ($9) made with mugwort tea, mango, and tonic, and their take on the viral Korean classic of hot Dalgona Coffee ($9) with milk and whipped coffee foam.

Whether you're a skincare enthusiast, a fan of Korean cuisine, or someone looking for a unique dining experience, this limited-time pop-up is a fun option. The dishes show care in both presentation and ingredient pairing and will be especially enjoyable for those who enjoy lighter, health-focused flavours with a creative twist. With the added perk of receiving Sulwhasoo beauty kits with your meal, there's now even more reason to treat yourself!

Photographed and penned by Shermine. Through her pictures and stories, she shares her journey of savouring new flavours and experiences. Note: This is an invited tasting.


1864
Sofitel Singapore City Centre
Fifth Floor
9 Wallich Street
Singapore 078885
Tel: +65 6428 5000
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
High Tea: 2pm - 5pm

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

MoVida @ Raffles City - Affordable San Sebastian-Inspired Lunch Set from $29

Movida introduces a wallet-friendly San Sebastian-inspired lunch set, starting from just $29 – an attractive deal given its prime city centre location. Available daily from 12pm to 3pm, the set lets diners choose from 2 Tapas + 1 Main for $29, 4 Tapas + 1 Main for $35, or 5 Tapas + 1 Main for $40. Perfect for foodies looking to sample a spread of dishes in one sitting, this offering brings variety and value to the table.

We went with the 4 Tapas + 1 Main option, and since there were two of us, we managed to sample a total of 8 tapas. It gave us an excellent overview of the selection available.

Crab Crumpet 4/5 and Home-made Duck Rillette in Crumpet 4/5

The Crab Crumpet (+$2) was a delightful one-biter. It is light, fresh and elegantly paired with saffron emulsion and finger lime. Meanwhile, the Home-made Duck Rillette in Crumpet was richer and more flavourful, featuring confit duck, pipparas, gherkin and a touch of oriental mustard for contrast.

Tuna Tartare with Grilled Avocado 4/5

Tarteleta 4.2/5

Two tapas stood out in particular. The Tuna Tartare paired well with roasted avocado and a bright citrus dressing, a refreshing and well-balanced dish. The Tarteleta (+$2), a brik pastry tart filled with chicken liver parfait and verjuice, surprised us. Despite usually avoiding liver, this tartlet delivered a burst of flavour that was both rich and nuanced.

Anchoa 3.8/5

Pan con Tomate & Jamón 3.5/5

The Anchoa (+$2) – a Cantabrian artisan anchovy with smoked tomato sorbet – impressed with its quality and pleasant saltiness. However, as we shared it, the portion felt a little too small to savour fully. The Pan con Tomate & Jamón was classic but unremarkable, with a faint 'bad oil' aftertaste on the bread that distracted from the otherwise fresh components.

Croqueta Del Dia 4/5

Octopus with Panchetta 3/5

The Croqueta del Día, made with Manchego cheese, was a comforting and well-loved classic. Ask the staff about the daily flavour. On the other hand, the Octopus with Pancetta was a miss – the pancetta overpowered the octopus entirely, which got lost in the bite.

Gambas al Ajilio 3.5/5

Paella del Día 4/5

For mains, we tried the Gambas al Ajillo and Paella del Día. The gambas were fresh and crunchy but let down by burnt garlic, which left a bitter finish. The portion also felt a little small as a main, though the preceding tapas helped to fill us up. The highlight was the Paella, a squid ink version with calamari and fish. It is bold, briny, and well-executed.

Flan 3.8/5

Churros con Chocolate 3.8/5

For an additional $8, you can opt for dessert. Our pick is always the Churros, served with a chocolate sauce, but it was a bit too diluted for our liking. While the texture was crunchy, we missed the chewy centre we're accustomed to. The Flan, a creamy Spanish-style caramel custard, was pleasantly spiced and complemented by pestinos pastries that reminded us of masala chai. The third option available is a Spanish-style Rice Pudding.

Lychee Blossom and Aperol Spritz

Top up $4 for non-alcoholic beverages like Lychee Blossom or Shirley Temple, or $8 for alcoholic options such as Kalimotxo or Aperol Spritz. These make great pairings to round off your lunch.

Movida's new lunch set offers a solid, value-for-money experience that encourages exploration of Spanish flavours. While there were hits and a few misses, the variety and affordability make this a worthwhile option for a satisfying midday indulgence in the heart of the city.

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


MoVida
Raffles City
252 North Bridge Road
#03-43
Singapore 179103
Tel: +65 83808509
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 10pm

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

Cygnet by Sean Connolly @ QT Singapore - $1 Oyster Promotion with The Purchase of Any Main Course

Tucked away in the heart of QT Singapore, Cygnet by Sean Connolly is a stylish and sophisticated dining spot that brings modern brasserie fare to the table with finesse. With its elegant yet welcoming space, Cygnet makes for a fantastic dinner destination - made even more enticing by its $1 oyster promotion, available from 5.30pm to 7.30pm, Monday to Saturday, with the purchase of any main course. There's no cap on how many you can order, so oyster lovers, rejoice.

Homemade Milk Loaf 4.5/5

We began our meal with the Homemade Milk Loaf ($6 for an extra portion), and it was hands down one of the best we've tried. Served warm and soft, with a delightfully fluffy interior, the bread was accompanied by butter and vegemite. While they usually serve it as a vegemite-butter blend, we were informed that an electrical issue during our visit meant they had to serve it separately. Nonetheless, it was a comforting and satisfying start to our meal.

Copenhagen Bla Sparkling Tea 3.8/5

For a non-alcoholic option, we were recommended the Copenhagen Blå Sparkling Tea ($18), which offers a refreshing, lightly floral profile. Reminiscent of champagne, it's a great alternative if you're avoiding alcohol but still want something elegant and complex.

Watermelon Salad 4/5

Raw Tuna Crudo 2.8/5

We sampled two cold starters: the Watermelon Salad ($24) and the Raw Tuna Crudo ($26). The former was bright and vibrant, featuring juicy watermelon chunks, feta, tomato, and a splash of Chardonnay vinegar. It was a refreshing and well-balanced starter.

Unfortunately, the Tuna Crudo didn't quite hit the mark. Despite being beautifully plated with thinly sliced tuna, pink pomelo, fennel pollen, and capers, the dish lacked seasoning and depth. The flavours felt muted and didn't quite come together.

Oysters 4/5

The Japanese Oysters were undeniably fresh and plump, served simply with lemon and a mignonette dressing. At just $1 each with any main order, this is one of the best oyster deals in town. And with no limit on the number you can order, it's a true treat for seafood lovers.

Rump Cap 4/5

Our main highlight was the Rump Cap ($48), featuring a 200g cut of F1 Picanha Wagyu from Australia. It was grilled to a beautiful medium doneness and paired with a rich red wine jus. It was flavourful, tender and satisfying.

Roasted Seabass Gnocchi 2.5/5

In contrast, the Roasted Seabass Gnocchi ($32) fell short of expectations. While the crispy skin on the seabass was well-executed, the overall dish was underwhelming. The ricotta gnocchi and fish lacked texture and seasoning, and the salsa verde topping didn't lift the flavours as hoped. It was the weakest dish of the night, though we've shared our feedback with the team and hope to see an improved version in the future.

Crème Caramel 4/5

We ended the meal on a sweet note with the Crème Caramel ($18). Silky and slightly dense, the pudding had a creamy richness with a subtle burnt caramel flavour. It wasn't overly sweet, and the Chantilly cream added a lovely lightness to the dish.

Chocolate Fondant 4/5

The Chocolate Fondant ($18) is a must for those who prefer bolder flavours. It features a gooey chocolate lava centre topped with Maraschino cherries and served with vanilla bean gelato. It is rich, indulgent, and not cloyingly sweet, just the way a good fondant should be.

Cygnet by Sean Connolly offers a promising dining experience with a few standout dishes and a stunning space that's perfect for a casual dinner or special night out. The $1 oyster deal is a major draw, and there's precise attention to quality ingredients throughout the menu. While not every dish wowed us, the highlights certainly warrant a revisit, and we look forward to seeing how the menu continues to evolve.

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


Cygnet by Sean Connolly
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 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 Shenton Way and Tat Street. Cross the road and walk down Tat Street. Walk to destination. Journey time 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 destination. Journey time 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 destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Pulsii French Bistro @ Tras Street - Where French Finesse Meets Japanese Precision

Formerly known as Pulsii Woodfire Restaurant, the establishment has now rebranded itself as Pulsii French Bistro, ushering in a new era of refined French cuisine imbued with the subtle artistry of Japanese technique. Helmed by Chef Daisuke Yoshikawa, whose culinary pedigree includes experience in Michelin-starred Japanese kitchens, the restaurant now offers an elegant lineup of small plates and mains that showcase his signature precision and flair.

Chef Canape's - 3 Kinds 4.2/5

Dinner commenced on a high note with the Chef Canape's – 3 Kinds ($20). This delightful trio of bite-sized creations includes a red prawn tartlet topped with ikura, a foie gras croquette, and a cheese-filled canelé. Each offered a unique interplay of texture and flavour, creating an enticing preview of what's to come.

Brandade Croquettes, Chicken Liver Mousse, Uni Seaweed Brioche 4.2/5

We continued with an elegant trio of small bites, each delivering a distinct expression of flavour and craftsmanship. The Brandade Croquette ($4) was delicately crisp on the outside, breaking apart to reveal a warm, creamy interior of salted cod and potato, a comforting blend elevated by subtle seasoning. The Chicken Liver Mousse ($8) was decadently smooth and rich, its earthy intensity tempered by a hint of sweetness, spread luxuriously atop a crisp toast. Completing the trio was the Uni Seaweed Brioche ($15), a decadent bite where briny, buttery sea urchin melted into the warm, pillowy brioche, subtly perfumed by seaweed. Together, these bites formed a symphony of textures and flavours, refined and deeply satisfying.

Yuzu Cervelle De Canut 4.2/5

The Yuzu Cervelle De Canut ($29) was a fun, multi-sensory dish that surprised and delighted. Silky tuna sashimi paired with a bright yuzu cheese dip and topped with caviar created layers of freshness, acidity, and umami. The crispy potato gaufrettes served on the side allowed you to assemble your perfect bite, which is both playful and sophisticated.

Grilled Yellowtail 4.8/5

One of the standout dishes of the night was the Grilled Yellowtail ($26). Thick slices of yellowtail were perfectly grilled for a light smoky char, then finished with burnt mandarin orange and watermelon radish for acidity and crunch. Resting on a vibrant shungiku puree, the dish was a masterclass in balance that is rich yet refreshing.

Grilled Lamb Tenderloin 3.8/5

The Grilled Lamb Tenderloin ($25), served medium rare, came paired with spring onion puree, anchovy, and Kanzuri chilli oil. While the lamb was tender, the flavour lacked the natural gaminess that lamb lovers might expect. The chilli oil pairing, while creative, felt discordant and didn't quite lift the dish.

Magret Duck Breast 4.2/5

The Magret Duck Breast ($55) fared better, with its juicy, tender slices and rich duck fat under crisped skin delivering on flavour. Paired with a miso balsamic sauce and maitake mushrooms, this dish struck a more satisfying balance of depth and umami.

Rack of Iberico Pork 200g 4/5

Closing off the savoury courses was the Rack of Iberico Pork ($40), a generous cut served atop creamy mashed potato and crispy fried corn. The pork was succulent and well-cooked, though the dish could have benefited from a more assertive, tangy sauce to fully elevate the meat's natural sweetness.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Pulsii French Bistro
55 Tras Street
Singapore 078994
Tel: +65 9689 8407
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

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

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Tras Street. Turn right onto Tras Street. Walk down Tras Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 2. Turn left and walk down Tanjong Pagar Road. Turn left onto Tras Street. Walk down Tras Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]