LaiFa Bar @ Erskine Road - New Modern Fusion Restaurant Opens At The Scarlet Hotel

LaiFa Bar is a new modern fusion restaurant inspired and named after the mandarin auspicious phase “来發” which meant “welcoming Prosperity”. Located within the Scarlet Hotel, the restaurant occupies the first storey and a rooftop bar on the fourth floor, which offers a panoramic view of Chinatown. Serving the breakfast menu from 8am to 11am daily, diners get to enjoy English classics from the assorted baked goods, pancakes, traditional big breakfast to the healthier options of acai bowls and granola for a morning boost. Come afternoon, a more extensive selection of mains are available on their lunch and dinner menu, with familiar and rich flavours of the western cuisine.

Singapore Dream 4/5. Lemongrass Detox 3.5/5

We started off the meal with some sparkling refreshers recommended by the server, the Singapore Dream ($7), and Lemongrass Detox ($7.80). While we loved the tangy-sweet fruity taste of the former, we found the latter to be a tad too bland, with just a very subtle hint of lemongrass.

Crackling Pork Buns 3/5

The Crackling Pork Buns ($8) came in a pair, served with sriracha mayo, pickled carrots and coriander, sandwiched in between soft fluffy mantou. The crackling pork belly fell short of expectations, as the skin lacked the crispy crunchiness, and was more chewy than crispy, while the accompanying elements did little to amp up the taste.

Wagyu Burger 4/5

A signature dish from the menu, the Wagyu Burger ($24) features a tender 200g beef patty, together with bacon, cheddar, caramelized onions, truffle mayo, pickled relish, and mustard in between charcoal buns. The harmonious blend of flavours complements each other well. Round off with some crispy fries and mesclun.

Roasted Pork Ribs 4.2/5

One of our favourite dishes is the Roasted Pork Ribs ($24) which comes glazed with hoisin sauce and served with mash, corn cob, and slaw. The pork ribs were cooked till fork tender, and we loved its rich sweet-salty flavours. The side of mash and slaw helps to cut through the richness.

Seafood Marinara 4/5

The Seafood Marinara ($22) comes filled with generous amounts of prawns, squid and clams. A classic seafood pasta dish, it was decently executed with the al dente linguine cooked in a tomato base Marinara sauce which was light and well-rounded.

Shrimp Mentaiko Pizza 4.2/5

Not to be missed is the Shrimp Mentaiko Pizza ($22) which was strongly recommended by the head chef. Laden with an umami mentaiko paste, it was surprisingly not too overpowering and worked as a great combination with the generous amounts of shrimps and bonito flakes atop. We liked how the thin pizza crust was extremely crispy as well.

There may be some hits and misses. However, we still enjoyed the overall dining experience at LaiFa Bar, especially with such a comprehensive menu of fusion delicacies on the menu. We are definitely looking forward to be back to try more of the dishes.

Photos and words by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food, and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Laifa Bar
The Scarlet Hotel
33 Erskine Road
Singapore 069333
Tel: +65 92728571
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Website
Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Chinatown (DT Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Tues: 8am - 10pm
Wed: 8am - 1030pm
Thur-Sat: 8am - 11pm
Sun: 8am - 2pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk down Cross Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Continue to the end of Amoy Street. Climb the stairs beside Siang Cho Keong Temple, up Ann Siang Hill. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk down Maxwell Road towards Kadayanallur Street (beside URA building). Turn right onto Kadayanallur Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down Pagoda Street to South Bridge Road. Cross the road and turn right. Walk down South Bridge Road. Turn left onto Ann Siang Hill. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Le Fusion @ Robertson Quay - Contemporary Tinkering With A Unique Twist of Ingredients

Le Fusion at Robertson Quay is a chic restaurant and bar opened by husband and wife duo. The duo has put together an array of modern Chinese dishes inspired from the travel around the world.

Focaccia Rose Mantou 3/5

Diners at Le Fusion will be greeted with the Focaccia Rose Mantou. Similar to the bread and butter served at a Western restaurant, the mantou is made from a blend of pumpkin and original flour with hints of oregano paired with vinaigrette dressing on the side.

Rougle Foie Gras 4/5

An unusual pairing is the Rougle Foie Gras ($25). The pan-seared foie gras rest atop a bed of Chinese glutinous rice, elevated by the tangy mandarin orange-infused in-house sauce. The combination may sound weird, but surprisingly it is pleasantly balanced with a refreshing touch.

Imperial Double Boiled Soup 4.5/5

The Imperial Double Boiled Soup ($28) is Le Fusion's luxe rendition of the traditional Buddha Jump Over the Wall. The nutritious soup which has been double-boiled overnight is packed with richness drawn from the essence of the premium ingredients such as abalone, scallop, dried oyster and a myriad of Chinese herbs. I would recommend having a sip of its original taste before adding the Nu Er Hong Rice Wine, which gives the soup a new taste profile with an added tinge of sweetness.

Crispy Pork Belly Mantou 3.5/5

A delightful dish on the menu is the Crispy Pork Belly Mantou ($12). The slow-roasted succulent pork belly with crispy crackling skin is sandwiched between soft fluffy mantou with a mix of marinated salted vegetables, mayonnaise and crushed peanuts. While I enjoyed the dish, I thought the sweet and spicy Thai chilli sauce may be a better alternative to the mayonnaise.

Braised Abalone Seafood Rice 3.8/5

The Braised Abalone Seafood Rice ($38) is an "atas' version of the Chinese Mui Fan. The rice is drenched in a special savoury consomme and comes with a medley of seafood such as Tasmania 6-head abalone, scallops, fish, squids, mussels and prawns.

Trio Pasta 3/5

Still on carbo is the colourful Trio Pasta ($38). The trio pasta flavours are green pesto, red chilli crab and sesame squid ink. While it is pleasing to the eyes, it doesn't really translate to the taste.

Crispy Pork Roulade 3.5/5

Moving to the meats, we started with the Crispy Pork Roulade ($32).  The pork belly is stuffed with a mixture of uncased sausage meat and roasted in the oven. The result is a succulent interior with a crisp, crunchy exterior. It is paired with baby tomato soaked overnight in Shanghainese plum wine, deep-fried mantou and piquillo yuzu emulsion.

Asian Crusted Provencal Lamb Rack 4/5

Coated with breadcrumbs and Provencal herbs is the Asian Crusted Provencal Lamb Rack ($46). I enjoyed the rub on the lamb rack, giving it a beautiful flavour complementing the tender lamb rack.

Tsingtao Beef Fillet 3.5/5

Lastly, we have the Tsingtao Beef Fillet ($42) which has been tenderized through 12-hour infusion with Tsingtao beef. While the meat is cooked to perfect tender, I didn't like the bitterness beer taste that distracted me from appreciating the natural sweetness of the meat. What stood out was actually the cauliflower pommes mash at the side. It was so soft and delicious.

Le Fusion Chendol 3/5, Panna Cotta with Sweet Glutinous 3/5

Wrapping up the dinner we have the Le Fusion Chendol ($14) and Panna Cotta with Sweet Glutinous ($14). I preferred the panna cotta over the chendol. The chendol lacked the coconut milk fragrant and gula melaka bittersweetness. I also think the restaurant needs to reconsider how the desserts are served. Though it looks elegant in a glass, it is hard for the diners to get to the ingredients to enjoy the dessert.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Le Fusion
The Pier at Robertson Quay
80 Mohamed Sultan Road
#01-7/8/9
Singapore 239013
Tel: +65 63639966
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Fort Canning (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 5pm - 1am
Sun: 4pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Fort Canning MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to traffic junction of Clemenceau Ave and River Valley. Cross the road. Turn left and walk down Clemenceau Ave. Turn right onto Unity Street. Then left onto Merbau Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]