Yàn (宴) @ National Gallery Singapore - Savour the Flavours of Autumn with Yàn’s New Seasonal Nourishing Menu

Savour the flavours of Autumn with Yàn's new seasonal nourishing menu from 1 September to 31 October 2023. Marrying Yàn's forte in Cantonese cuisine and the spirit of the changing season, the restaurant's chefs have thoughtfully put together new selections that are wholesome and nourishing.

The menu offers both an a la carte list (from $12) and a 6-course set menu ($138 per diner, min. of 2 diners). We had the opportunity to sample dishes from both menus.

Mini Buddha Jumps Over the Wall 4.2/5

While the name says "mini", the portion of the Mini Buddha Jumps Over the Wall ($78 a la carte/part of 6-course set menu) was far from that. The comforting clear broth was a result of an eight-hour double boiling process. It features quality ingredients, including an Australian three-head whole abalone, sea cucumber, ginseng, pig's tendons and shiitake mushrooms.

Upon serving, the Australian three-head whole abalone is carefully separated from the pot, ready to be prepared as a second dish.

Australian Three-Head Whole Abalone 4.5/5

In its second preparation method, the Australian Three-Head Whole Abalone is thoroughly braised in oyster sauce and shrimp roe to enhance its presented flavours further. The abalone, cooked this way, was incredibly tender and carried the rich umami notes wonderfully.

Crispy Whole Quail 4/5

Inspired by the traditional Crispy Skin Chicken - Cui Pi Ji, Yàn has crafted its rendition featuring quail. The Crispy Whole Quail ($38 a la carte/part of 6-course set menu) is fried to a delicate crisp. It's served with minimal salt, pepper, and five-spice powder condiments, allowing the meat to take the spotlight.

Pan-fried Venison Steak with Chef’s Special Sauce 4/5

Another featured meat dish is the Pan-fried Venison Steak with Chef's Special Sauce ($12). This dish is a tribute to the 1970s period when Cantonese chefs explored adapting Western dishes to Cantonese palates. The New Zealand venison fillet is marinated in a special sauce mixture before being pan-fried and served with the reduced marinade.

Steamed Eel with Minced Garlic and Shredded Mandarin Peel 4.5/5

A unanimous favourite at the table was the Steamed Eel with Minced Garlic and Shredded Mandarin Peel ($20/100g a la carte/part of 6-course set menu). The intentional choice of eel aligns with its 'nourishing' theme and is thoughtfully deboned to pair with minced garlic, shredded Xin Hui mandarin peels and a Cantonese-style housemade light soy sauce. The peels were an interesting addition, with its bitter and citrusy notes.

Double-boiled Almond Cream Served in a Mini Pumpkin 4/5

We ended our meal with a nourishing dessert, the Double-boiled Almond Cream Served in a Mini Pumpkin (Part of $138 Set Menu). I am not a fan of almond creams, but I appreciated how fresh-tasting it was, with a mild sweetness and a lighter consistency.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Yan Restaurant (宴)
National Gallery Singapore
1 St Andrew's Road
#05-02
Singapore 178958
Tel: +65 63845585
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit D. Turn left and walk down North Bridge Road. Turn left onto Coleman Street. Walk down Coleman Street. Walk to destination. Journey time around 5 minutes. [Map]

La Bottega Enoteca @ Joo Chiat Road - Singapore’s Number One Pizzeria Unveils New Menu Celebrating Award and Second Anniversary

Celebrating its 2nd anniversary, La Bottega Enoteca has unveiled an enticing new menu. The joy is twofold as La Bottega Enoteca recently secured the 19th spot on the prestigious 50 Top Pizza Asia Pacific 2023 ranking – a remarkable achievement in the culinary world. Remarkably, it is the sole pizzeria in Singapore to earn this recognition, cementing its status as the city's premier pizzeria.

NEW: Calamaretti Alla Griglia 4.5/5

Among the new additions to the menu, the Calamaretti Alla Griglia ($25) stands out. This antipasto features grilled baby calamari adorned with pea, mint, and lemon zest. The baby calamari is impeccably tender and retains its delightful oceanic sweetness.

Newpolitan®: ½ Broccolini & ½ Mortadella 4.5/5

With the revamped menu, La Bottega introduces fresh pizza flavours. We opted for the Newpolitan®: ½ Broccolini & ½ Mortadella, which offers the delightful option of trying both. The Broccolini ($28/half) boasts charred broccolini layered with San Marzano DOP tomatoes, taleggio cheese, and a crisp blend of lemon breadcrumbs, oregano, and chilli. On the other half, the Mortadella ($32/half) entices with gooey parmesan fondue, silky Italian mortadella, red pesto, crunchy pistachios, sweet potato chips, and fresh basil. The Mortadella's complex flavours and textures were particularly captivating among the two.

Arrosticini 4.2/5

In addition to the new dishes, we sampled some signature and classic favourites, beginning with the Arrosticini ($7/each, minimum 3 pieces). These lamb neck skewers are grilled in the Abruzzo style, featuring a lovely lamb flavour and a delightful crunch heightened by a herbaceous touch.

Pappadelle Al Ragú D’ Anatra 4.2/5

The Pappardelle Al Ragù D'Anatra ($34) features homemade pappardelle cooked to perfection with goose meat. The dish is elevated by adding Parmigiano Reggiano 24 Months and orange zest, resulting in a multi-dimensional flavour profile.

Pulma Alla Griglia 4.2/5

The Pluma Alla Griglia ($58) is a highlight for the carnivores. This dish showcases grilled Spanish Pluma of Iberico pork placed over a bed of crunchy asparagus and fragranced with Sicilian capers and red capsicum. Instead of traditional sauce, the tender meat pairs beautifully with Sicilian capers, which impart a salty seasoning.

Caciucco E Fregola 4.5/5

Shifting from land to sea, the Caciucco E Fregola ($68) presents monkfish cooked with Gambero Rosso, Japanese scallops, Australian mussels, and squid in a rich and flavorful tomato-based broth. Toasted bread accompanies the dish, allowing diners to savour every drop of the delectable broth.

La Focaccia di Recco Classica 4.2/5

The La Focaccia di Recco Classica (V, $52) is a must-try, featuring paper-thin layers of dough filled with soft, melted cheese. Drizzled with high-quality extra virgin olive oil, it is baked to a golden and crispy perfection.

NEW: Sfogliatella Riccia Gelato Al Parmigiano Reggiano 24 Mesi 4.5/5

Dessert lovers will be delighted with the three new desserts on the menu. The Sfogliatella Riccia Gelato Al Parmigiano Reggiano 24 Mesi ($16) showcases La Bottega's signature Parmigiano Reggiano Gelato in a delicate Neapolitan "Sfogliatella Riccia" shell. It's a delightful blend of crispy, flaky pastry with the creaminess of Parmigiano Reggiano Gelato.

NEW: Seadas 4.2/5

Another delightful surprise is the Seadas ($14), a Sardinian delicacy. This raviolo is stuffed with cow's cheese, fried to a golden crisp, and drizzled with honey. The sweet and savoury combination is a harmonious delight for the palate.

NEW: I Bomboloni “Fai Da Te” 4.8/5

Last but not least, the I Bomboloni "Fai Da Te" (V, $18) offers daily DIY baked doughnuts with a luscious Mascarpone filling. These doughnuts are incredibly soft and moist, without any greasiness, making for a delectable ending to your meal at La Bottega Enoteca.

In conclusion, La Bottega Enoteca consistently delivers classic Italian flavors that celebrate the essence of traditional cuisine. The focus here is undeniably on the food, and it shines brilliantly. From the rich and robust pasta dishes to the carefully crafted pizzas and mouthwatering desserts, La Bottega Enoteca brings Italy's culinary heritage to life with every bite. Whether you're seeking the comfort of timeless Italian classics or simply a delicious dining experience, this restaurant's dedication to the authenticity of its offerings makes it a must-visit for food enthusiasts looking to savor the very best of Italy.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


La Bottega Enoteca
346 Joo Chiat Road
Singapore 427596
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Nearest MRT: Dakota (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 530pm - 1030pm
Fri-Sat: 12pm - 2pm, 530pm - 11pm
Sun: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at block 99 (Stop ID 81181). Take bus number 16. Alight 4 stops later. Cross the road, turn right and walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]