Tina’s Kitchen Private Dining – A Refined Showcase of Technique and Ingredients

Tina's Kitchen Private Dining is helmed by Chef Tina, a Taiwanese chef trained at Le Cordon Bleu. She does not host private dining sessions regularly, usually opening her cosy home kitchen only a couple of times each month, so securing a dining slot felt especially fortunate. Priced at $188 per pax, we were treated to a thoughtfully curated 10-course dinner that showcased her culinary skills and training.

While the menu does not strictly focus on Taiwanese cuisine, it felt more like a personal culinary résumé — highlighting refined techniques, quality ingredients and elegant presentations, with subtle Taiwanese influences woven through the courses.

Filo Pastry Cone, Cream with Kaffir Lime Zest, Caviar by Nomad, Chives 4.2/5

Dinner began with a series of bite-sized snacks, starting with the Filo Pastry Cone topped with Kaffir Lime Zest Cream, Caviar by Nomad and Chives. Crisp and delicate, the filo pastry delivered a satisfying contrast of textures, while the citrusy cream and briny caviar came together harmoniously for a multi-sensory opening bite.

Amaebi Tartare, Avocado Cream, Ponzu Cured Egg Yolk, Microgreen 4.2/5

The Amaebi Tartare was paired with Avocado Cream, Ponzu Cured Egg Yolk and Microgreens. The natural sweetness of the amaebi was allowed to shine, complemented rather than overshadowed by the creamy avocado and savoury egg yolk.

Salmon Tartare, Cured Yolk Shredded, Tobiko, Edible Flower 4/5

Served atop toasted bread, the Salmon Tartare was finished with Cured Yolk Shredded, Tobiko and Edible Flowers. Each bite delivered a burst of oceanic flavours, with the tobiko adding pops of salinity and texture.

Foie Gras Chawanmushi, Truffle Sauce, Squid Ink Tuile 4.5/5

One of the standout dishes of the night was the Foie Gras Chawanmushi with Truffle Sauce, which reminded me of the excellent version at Shisen Hanten. The egg custard was smooth and silky, enriched by the luxurious truffle sauce. A Squid Ink Tuile accompanied the dish, providing a welcome textural contrast when broken and eaten together.

Edible Oyster Shell, Oyster, Champagne Sauce Foam, Green Oil, Edible Flower 4.5/5

Creativity shone through in the oyster course. A plump, briny Oyster was presented in an Edible Oyster Shell, topped with Champagne Sauce Foam, Green Oil and Edible Flowers. Visually striking and thoughtfully composed, the flavours were elegant and well-balanced.

King Crab Bisque, Torched King Crab, Saffron, Edible Flower 4.2/5

The King Crab Bisque was comforting and deeply flavourful, packed with robust crustacean sweetness. Infused with Saffron and garnished with Edible Flowers, the bisque was further elevated by a generous portion of Torched King Crab on the side for a fuller appreciation of the prized ingredient.

Beef Consomme, Slow-Cooked 4 Hour Beef Shin, Homemade Chilli Oil 4.2/5

Inspired by Taiwanese beef noodle soup, this course featured Slow-Cooked Beef Shin, braised for four hours until fork-tender. The accompanying Beef Consomme was light yet richly flavoured, and a few dollops of Homemade Chilli Oil added depth and warmth to the dish.

Uni Risotto, Torched Scallop, Smoked Cherry Chips 4/5

Next came the Uni Risotto, paired with a torched scallop, lightly smoked with cherry chips for a subtle smoky finish. While the dish was enjoyable, the uni flavour could have come through more prominently in the risotto itself.

Watermelon, Granita

A refreshing Watermelon with Granita was served as a palate cleanser, effectively refreshing and resetting the palate before the main course.

Wagyu Beef Cheek, Truffle Sauce, Glazed Veg Assortment 4/5

The main course featured Wagyu Beef Cheek, cooked until meltingly tender and served with truffle sauce and glazed vegetables. Rich, comforting, and well-executed, it was a satisfying centrepiece to the meal.

Hazelnut Tiramisu, Crumbs, Cacao Tuile 4/5

To conclude, dessert was a Hazelnut Tiramisu paired with Cacao Tuile for added crunch. Simple yet satisfying, it wrapped up the dinner on a pleasant and sweet note.

Tina's Kitchen Private Dining offers an intimate and refined dining experience that highlights Chef Tina's training and culinary finesse. With thoughtfully composed dishes, quality ingredients and elegant execution, it is a memorable experience — especially for those who appreciate technique-driven cuisine in a cosy home setting.


Tina's Kitchen Private Dining
Upper Bukit Timah Road Area
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Nearest MRT: Cashew (DT Line)

Verandah Rooftop Rotisserie @ Momentus Hotel Alexandra - Welcomes the Year of The Horse with a Scrumptious Buffet Spread of Over 30 Auspicious Dishes and Signature Roasts

For the upcoming Chinese New Year 2026, Verandah Rooftop Rotisserie at Momentus Hotel Alexandra welcomes the Year of the Horse with a celebration themed around bountiful harvest and new beginnings. A scrumptious buffet spread of over 30 auspicious dishes and signature roasts awaits, complemented by tableside service and live carving stations.

14-Day Shio Kombu Butter Aged Angus Ribeye 4.5/5

Taking centre stage at the Signature Roast Station is the 14-Day Shio Kombu Butter Aged Angus Ribeye. Fire-grilled over charcoal, each slice boasted a beautifully charred exterior that further amplified the beef’s naturally rich flavours.

‘Sha Pi’ Suckling Pig 4.5/5

Next to it is an impressive lineup of live carving roasts, including ‘Sha Pi’ Suckling Pig and Vanilla-Scented Crackling Pork Belly. It was a rare treat to enjoy such a well-executed suckling pig, available exclusively on Chinese New Year’s Eve and the first day of Chinese New Year.

Vanilla-Scented Crackling Pork Belly 5/5

Black Truffle “Phoenix” Chicken 4/5

The crackling pork belly satisfied with every crunch into its perfectly crisped skin layered over succulent meat. A definite crowd-pleaser is the Black Truffle “Phoenix” Chicken, which stands out for its lightly crisped skin and tender, juicy meat.

Dong Po Wagyu Beef Karubi 5/5

Fragrant Cured Meat ‘Lap Mei Fan’ 4.5/5

Available for takeaway, the Twice-Cooked Black Garlic Pork Belly Char Siew captivated with its glossy glaze and smoky charred edges, offering a richly flavoursome, melt-in-the-mouth bite. Other restaurant-quality takeaway offerings include the unctuous Dong Po Wagyu Beef Karubi, a dish I kept returning to and that lingered in my memory for days. It pairs exceptionally well with the umami-packed Fragrant Cured Meat ‘Lap Mei Fan’.

Cold Pork Trotter Jelly 4.5/5

Drunken Chicken 4.5/5

At the Seafood & Cold Appetisers Station, an interesting lineup of cold seafood with familiar flavours is showcased. Highlights for me were the Poached Tiger Prawns with ginger-scallion dip and the roulade of Drunken Chicken with aged Shaoxing wine and wolfberries. The Cold Pork Trotter Jelly was also snapped up quickly.

Longevity Noodles 4.5/5

An elevated classic is the Longevity Noodles with crab roe and trout caviar. While the sauce looked relatively rich at first glance, it turned out to be well-balanced, coating the noodles with savoury depth without overwhelming them.

Braised Eight-Head Abalone with Sea Cucumber 4/5

Golden Lava Cheese Baked Lobster 2.8/5

Tableside service includes Golden Lava Cheese Baked Lobster and Braised Eight-Head Abalone with Sea Cucumber. The lobster was slightly too mushy for my liking, though the abalone dish was nicely executed.

Yam Purée

The dessert spread leans wholesome and nostalgic. The most popular item was undoubtedly the Yam Purée with caramelised pumpkin, served alongside other Chinese New Year favourites such as Steamed Nian Gao, pineapple tarts, and green pea cookies.

The Chinese New Year 2026 buffet at Verandah Rooftop Rotisserie offers a well-rounded and generous festive spread. Other than the excellent signature roasts, the festive mains are well-executed with consideration.

Early Booking Perks
- 10% off food bill for reservations confirmed before 16 Jan 2026
- Complimentary Yu Sheng for tables of 4+ adults
- Bonus bottle of wine for bookings with 6+ adults

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.


Verandah Rooftop Rotisserie
Momentus Hotel Alexandra
Level 7
323 Alexandra Road
Singapore 159972
Tel: +65 90215192
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Nearest MRT: Queenstown (EW Line), Redhill (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Breakfast Buffet (Daily): 6:30am – 10:30am
A La Carte Menu (Daily from 2 May): 2:30pm – 6:00pm
Semi-Buffet Lunch (Daily): 12 noon – 2:30pm
Semi-Buffet Dinner (Daily): 6:00pm – 10:00pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Queenstown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to the bus stop at Queenstown MRT station (Stop ID 11149). Take bus number 195. Alight 2 stops later. Walk towards Ikea. At Ikea, continue walking to the destination. Journey time is about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Redhill MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to the bus stop opposite Redhill MRT station (Stop ID 10201). Take bus number 33 or 120. Alight 4 stops later. Walk towards Ikea. At Ikea, continue to walk to the destination. Journey time is about10 minutes. [Map]

Ce Soir Restaurant @ Portsdown Road — Where Childhood Memories Meet Modern Asian Fine Dining

An evening at CE SOIR feels like stepping into a quiet, deeply personal memory - one shaped by heritage, craftsmanship, and restraint. This modern Asian fine-dining experience is refined by Japanese sensibilities yet anchored in nostalgia, drawing on Chef Seth Lai's kampong childhood in Teluk Intan, Malaysia. Memories of gathering eggs, seaside markets, and home-cooked meals unfold gently across the menu, each course reading like a page from his culinary journal.

Tucked away atop a colonial black-and-white bungalow along Portsdown Road, CE SOIR is an intimate destination helmed by Chef Seth Lai, winner of the MICHELIN Guide Young Chef Award 2024. The restaurant offers an 8-course dinner menu priced at $228++ per person, designed to surprise without overwhelming.

Sparking Tea

The Sparkling Tea was an elegant way to begin, remarkably champagne-like, with delicate tea aromatics and a gentle effervescence. Light, fragrant, and not overly sweet, it set a refined tone for the meal ahead.

1st Snack - Obsiblue Prawn, Kinkan, Shiso 3.8/5

2nd Snack – Ankimo, Mandarin, Hazelnut 4.2/5

3rd Snack – Wagyu, Green Mango, Kaffir Lime 4/5

The meal began with three beautifully plated snacks, served together on a platter, each bite offering a distinct contrast in texture and flavour. While all three were enjoyable, the standout for me was the Ankimo. Beneath a delicate orange jelly hid rich monkfish liver, balanced cleverly by mandarin and hazelnut.

The Wagyu snack was another pleasant surprise, where the acidity of green mango and the fragrance of kaffir lime cut through the richness, leaving us wanting more.

Kanpachi 4/5

An elevated sashimi course featuring Kanpachi (Greater Amberjack) paired with crunchy rose apple, finger lime zest, and sesame. A subtle touch of prawn paste was introduced to evoke the familiar flavours of local rojak. It was a thoughtful reinterpretation that is familiar yet refined.

Wintermelon 5/5

This dish earned a rare full score from me. The Wintermelon soup arrived with an intense, mesmerising smoky aroma. Chef Seth shared that the pork belly used in the soup was smoked 8–9 times, 30 minutes each session, before being simmered together with peanuts, octopus and Zuwaigani (snow crab) for 12 hours. The result was deeply layered and comforting, with flavours that lingered long after each sip. Truly unforgettable.

Sawara 4/5

The Sawara (Spanish mackerel) sparked mixed feelings; the texture was unexpectedly delicate, almost poached, despite being grilled. It was a texture I had never experienced with mackerel before.
Interestingly, the highlight of the dish turned out to be the Hakusai (napa cabbage) on the side, grilled and layered with mushroom XO sauce, mussels and topped with fried beancurd skin. A tamarind sauce added a gentle tartness that tied everything together beautifully.

Signature Seaweed Bread 4.5/5

The homemade Signature Seaweed Bread is so good, we asked for seconds. Made with three types of seaweed, glazed with star anise, and finished with a sprinkle of sea salt. The bread was pillowy-soft inside, with a light crust on the outside. Best enjoyed immediately while hot.

Lobster 4.5/5

Served alongside the bread — and rightly so — this Lobster dish encouraged us to mop up every last bit of sauce. The flavour combination was unexpected yet harmonious: Tang Oh, chickpea miso, roasted kelp and yellow wine. It's one of those sauces that's difficult to describe, but impossible to forget.

Magret Duck 3.8/5

By this point, we were already about 70% full. The Magret Duck was the only dish that didn't quite resonate with me. While the duck was tender and well marinated, it leaned slightly gamey for my taste, and the Angelica root sauce lacked a stronger punch.

An optional $38 top-up for Kagoshima A4 Wagyu is available for diners who prefer an alternative.

South African Abalone 5/5

The last savoury course was a showstopper. South African Abalone, slow-cooked for 5 hours before grilling, achieved a beautifully tender texture. It was served alongside a comforting "fried porridge" made with 5 Grains, Sakura Ebi and Kyoto-style cucumbers for crunch. It's more like claypot rice for us, but either way, this is really delicious!

The table-side service of the rice had us salivating even before it was plated. Chef Seth joked that he salivates every time he prepares it too, and we understand why. The charred aroma and flavour were outstanding.

Nashi Pear 3.8/5

Dessert began with a modern interpretation of Cheng Tng. Osmanthus biscuit sat atop a parfait, paired with Nashi Pear, red date ice cream, candied cashew and a calamansi-brandy sauce. The matcha "leaf" added a visual flourish, while the sauce provided a gentle tang.

Black Sesame & Maltose 4/5

Inspired by the Malaysian snack Heong Peah, this Black Sesame & Maltose dessert captured its signature contrast with flaky, crunchy pastry with a sticky maltose centre. The addition of black sesame added depth without overpowering.

Kaya-Misu 4.8/5

We were glad to save this for last. Kaya-Misu featured homemade pale-green kaya and mascarpone, filled into a choux pastry and topped with a cocoa tuile. Chef Seth uses Marsala wine for the tiramisu tradition, which surprisingly paired beautifully with kaya. A comforting yet elegant finale.

CE SOIR is a reservations-only restaurant offering lunch and dinner, with a seasonal menu that changes every 3 to 4 months. The dining room is intimate, and the team is lean, but service is warm, genuine, and thoughtfully paced.

What I truly enjoyed was how fun the experience felt. Each dish became a little guessing game, where you tried to identify the inspiration, memory, or familiar flavour behind it before the story unfolded. The experience is enhanced by a charming jotter booklet, complete with illustrations and written narratives for every course, allowing diners to journey through Chef Seth's memories alongside the meal.

It's rare to find fine dining that feels this engaging and personal without being overwhelming. CE SOIR manages to be refined yet relaxed, thoughtful yet playful. Truly a place where storytelling, flavour and emotion come together beautifully.

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


Ce Soir Restaurant
5B Portsdown Road
Unit 01-03
Singapore 139311
Tel: +65 9177 9993
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Nearest MRT: One-North (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed: 630pm - 11pm
Thu-Sun: 12pm - 3pm, 630pm - 11pm
(Closed on Mon-Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at One-North MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to the bus stop opposite One-North MRT station (Stop ID 18151). Take bus number 191. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 8 minutes. [Map]