Kind of under the radar without much fanfare of its opening is Allium located at Kensington Square. The 16 seater restaurant is helmed by husband-wife team, Executive Chef Dillon Ng, formerly from The Humble Loaf and GastroSmiths and Pastry Chef Lusiana Hendrika, formerly of Sukha Delights in Bandung, Indonesia. The restaurant offers a multi-course prix fixe lunch or dinner menu, embracing both local and cultural Asian flavours through a timeless culinary style that is modern yet modest.
House Bread, Smoky Speck Butter 4.2/5
Changing their menu quarterly, I visited Allium in February for lunch to celebrate my friend, Alison's birthday. We have the 5-course Modern European Menu ($88+ per pax). Our lunch started with freshly baked House Bread, accompanied by Smoky Speck Butter. The pairing is so good that we asked for a second serving.
Charred Rosemary & Wild Mushroom Soup
Next is the Charred Rosemary & Wild Mushroom Soup. While the earthy mushroom flavour is prominent, I felt that it lacked the creaminess which I preferred.
Roasted Alliums 4.2/5
While the Roasted Alliums may not be the best of presentation, the onion and celeriac sweetness tasted heavenly. The honey-roasted seeds provide the textural contrast, while the house 'Boursin' cheese gave it an elevated creamy finishing.
Chorizo Iberico, Celeriac, Port Wine Glaze 4.2/5
Following that, we have the Chorizo Iberico and Celeriac dressed in port wine glaze. I am not too sure, but I think it is topped with shaved parmesan. The combination works wonderfully. It even reminded me of my travel to Spain. How I wish we can travel again.
Black Cod, Bay Scallop & Hiroshima Oyster Pot Pie 4/5
For the mains, the guest has either the Black Cod, Bay Scallop & Hiroshima Oyster Pot Pie and Five Founders Carbon Neutral Striploin. The seafood pot pie comes encased in a flaky shell which you can find black cod, scallop and oyster in it.
Five Founders Carbon Neutral Striploin 4.2/5
The striploin, which has been beautifully cooked to medium-rare, is paired with duck fat potatoes with marrow gravy. Nothing fancy but simply allowing the natural flavour of the beef to shine.
Sourdough Waffle with Orange Caramel Ice Cream 4/5
Wrapping up the five-course meal is the Sourdough Waffle with Orange Caramel Ice Cream. The waffle has a delightful texture, slightly chewy and fluffy with a lovely crisp on the exterior. As Chinese New Year was around the corner during my visit, the orange caramel ice cream gave the dish a delicious festive mood.
The modern European menu I had didn't showcase their philosophy of embracing local and cultural Asian flavours. While it is good, it did not wow me. I look at their upcoming March menu. I thought it is more exciting featuring dishes such as Sea Urchin, Local Mussels with Gazpacho "Sambal Cincalok", Fried Pomfret Pao Fan, Epok-Epok Mackerel etc.
Allium
Kensington Square
2 Jalan Lokam
#01-11
Singapore 537846
Tel: +65 88306230
Website
Nearest MRT: Tai Seng (CC Line), Serangoon (CC Line, NE Line)
Opening Hours:
Thu: 6pm - 10pm
Fri-Sun & PH: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm
Eve of PH: 6pm - 10pm
(By Reservation Only)
Direction:
1) Alight at Tai Seng MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walk to bus stop at Tai Seng MRT station (Stop ID 70281). Take bus number 22, 24, 43, 58, 62, 70, 76 and 80. Alight 5 stops later. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]
2) Alight at Serangoon MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to bus stop opposite Serangoon MRT (Stop ID 66359). Take bus 22, 43 and 70. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]
3) Alight at Serangoon MRT station. Take Exit H. Turn right and walk to bus stop at Serangoon MRT station (Stop ID 62131). Take bus 58. Walk to desintaion. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]
