Wednesday, August 21, 2024

5 ON 25 (五悦亭) @ Andaz Singapore - Refined Cantonese Dining Experience with Panoramic City Skyline View

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The newly renovated 5 ON 25 at Andaz Singapore reopened in June. It offers a fresh array of inventive dishes that pay homage to traditional Cantonese cuisine with a modern twist. Perched on the 25th floor of the hotel, the restaurant boasts a comprehensive menu and a breathtaking panoramic view of the city skyline, making it a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

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The culinary team is led by esteemed Chinese Head Chef Lim Hong Lih, who brings years of experience in Cantonese fine dining to the table. We had the pleasure of sampling several dishes, including both new creations and popular signatures. Most of the dishes pictured below were portions adjusted to tasting sizes.

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Cantonese Style Roasted Cage-Free Cherry Valley Duck with Table Side Maotai Flambé 4.5/5

Our meal began with the 5 ON 25 Cantonese Style Roasted Cage-Free Cherry Valley Duck with Table Side Maotai Flambé ($88 for Half). Watching the chef meticulously slice the duck skin was a delightful prelude to the dish itself. For those who prefer without, the duck is also available without the Maotai Flambé at $49 for a half portion.

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Served with freshly steamed skin wrappers, the duck comes with an array of condiments: sweet sauce, sugar, spring onions, cucumber strips, sweet melon strips, and hawthorn strips. While the skin wrapper was slightly thicker than I typically prefer, the crispiness of the duck skin was on point, enhanced by the smokiness from the Maotai flambé. The hawthorn strips, which I feared might be too sweet, turned out to be a harmonious complement.

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Fried Australian Jumbo Quail Legs, Salt & Pepper 4.2/5

Next, the Fried Australian Jumbo Quail Legs, Salt & Pepper ($28) were served. Although a touch salty, the fried quail legs exuded a fragrant, garlicky aroma.

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Crispy Shiitake Mushrooms, Osmanthus Honey Sauce 4/5

Accompanying the quail was the Crispy Shiitake Mushrooms with Osmanthus Honey Sauce ($15). These mushrooms had a satisfying crunch and were glazed with a sweet, floral osmanthus honey sauce.

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Double-Boiled Grouper Soup 4.8/5

I absolutely loved the Double-Boiled Grouper Soup ($48). This creamy broth, infused with delicate fish maw and wolfberries, had a distinct peppery heat and was so rich in collagen that it left a luxurious, sticky mouthfeel. I can't imagine how this could be improved.

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Braised Stuffed Sea Cucumber 4.5/5

The Braised Stuffed Sea Cucumber ($48) was another highlight. The sea cucumber, stuffed with a flavourful mixture of pork and shrimp, was served on a bed of sliced mushrooms and bathed in a rich Yunnan mushroom sauce. The sauce was particularly noteworthy, with its delicious numbing hints of peppercorns and an alluring smokiness.

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Beetroot Fried Rice 4.8/5

5 ON 25's Beetroot Fried Rice ($38) is another dish you must try. The dish features a delightful play of textures with crunchy fried rice bits, preserved vegetables, green beans and Vietnamese tiger prawns. It was fried so fragrant and finished with slices of Hokkaido scallops placed on top. Even though my dining companion and I were pretty full at this point of the meal, we wiped the pot clean quickly.

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Lotus Paste Sesame Pastry 3.8/5

We ended our meal with a selection of desserts. The Lotus Paste Sesame Pastry ($8 for 3 Pieces) featured sweet lotus paste encased in a buttery, flaky pastry.

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Chilled Toasted Sesame Pudding and Apricot Egg Tart 3.8/5

A dessert platter followed, featuring two sets of sweets. The first was a Chilled Toasted Sesame Pudding and Apricot Tart ($15). We preferred the sesame pudding for its fragrant, nutty flavour and smooth, balanced texture. The second dessert was the decadent Grand Cru Chocolate Ice Cream ($20), infused with Wu Liang Ye Liquor, a good option for alcohol-based desserts.

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.


5 ON 25 (五悦亭)
Andaz Singapore
Level 25
5 Fraser Street
Singapore 189354
Tel: +65 64081228
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (DT, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11.30am - 2.30pm, 6pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 11.30am - 1pm, 1.15pm - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit E or F. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Tuesday, August 20, 2024

Nobu @ Four Seasons Hotel Singapore - Launches new "Taste of Nobu" Bottomless Weekend Brunch

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Nobu at the Four Seasons Hotel Singapore has introduced an enticing "Taste of Nobu" weekend brunch, allowing diners to indulge in unlimited servings of Nobu’s signature creations. This semi-buffet brunch concept pairs exquisite dishes with free-flow beverage options, providing an experience that epitomizes luxury and indulgence.

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Upon arrival, diners are greeted by a visually stunning counter spread where Nobu’s skilled chefs prepare a variety of sushi rolls, sashimi, cold dishes, and salads right before your eyes.

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Some standout items from the counter include the Yellowtail Jalapeño, Umami Chicken Wing, Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna, and Sashimi Salad with Matsuhisa Dressing. Each dish is meticulously crafted, offering bursts of flavour that are irresistible. However, with so many delectable options on offer, I recommend exercising some restraint to save room for the hot dishes, which are prepared à la minute and served directly to your table.

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Rock Shrimp Tempura with Creamy Spicy Sauce 4.5/5

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Shojin Tempura 4/5

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Nasu Miso 3.5/5

The hot dishes at Nobu are nothing short of spectacular, beginning with the Rock Shrimp Tempura with Creamy Spicy Sauce, Shojin Tempura, and Nasu Miso. Among these, the Rock Shrimp Tempura was the star, with tender shrimp encased in a thin, crispy coating and tossed in an addictive, creamy, spicy sauce that left me yearning for more.

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Scallop Wasabi Pepper 3.5/5

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Black Cod Miso 4.5/5

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Salmon Steak Yuzu Butter Soy 4.2/5

Moving on to more substantial dishes, the Scallop Wasabi Pepper, Black Cod Miso, and Salmon Steak Yuzu Butter Soy offer a true taste of Nobu's signature dishes. The portions are generous, with each dish being almost a complete meal on its own. The Black Cod Miso and Salmon Steak particularly stood out, with flavours so well-balanced and satisfying that they alone are reason enough for a return visit.

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F1 Japanse Beef and Mushroom Toban Yaki 4.2/5

The pinnacle of the brunch experience was the F1 Japanese Beef and Mushroom Toban Yaki. Served sizzling on a hotplate, the dish features tender slices of premium beef resting on a bed of mushrooms, all cooked in a sweet and savoury sauce that begs to be paired with a bowl of rice. The beef was succulent and perfectly cooked, making this dish a must-try for any beef lover.

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Nobu’s weekend brunch also features a decadent dessert room that showcases the brand's popular Nobu-style Cheesecake along with handcrafted desserts such as Green Tea Flan, Chocolate Miso Cream Puff, and Yuzu Meringue Tarts. Each dessert is an indulgent treat, perfectly rounding off the brunch with a sweet and satisfying finale..

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To complement the exceptional food, Nobu Singapore offers bottomless alcohol packages at an additional charge. These packages feature premium Taittinger champagne, Nobu Matsuhisa white wine, red wine, and sake, as well as craft cocktails. One of the beverage highlights is the Nobu Junmai Daiginjo, an exclusive sake available only at Nobu restaurants. This medium-bodied sake is smooth, crisp, and complex, with delicate floral notes that pair beautifully with Nobu's dishes, offering a truly immersive and luxurious dining experience.

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"Taste of Nobu" Weekend Brunch
• Priced at SGD 168++ per person, inclusive of free flow of juices, soft drinks, teas and selected mocktails
• Additional SGD 60++ per person for an upgrade to the Classic beverage package, which includes a free flow of selected sake, champagne, wines and beers
• Additional SGD 168++ per person for an upgrade to the Luxe beverage package, which consists of a free flow of selected sake, champagne, wines, beers and craft cocktails

For those seeking a sophisticated brunch experience, Nobu’s weekend offering is an indulgent way to spend a leisurely afternoon with flavours that linger long after the meal is over.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Nobu Singapore
Four Seasons Hotel Singapore
190 Orchard Boulevard
Singapore 248646
Tel: +65 6831 7653
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 11. Walk straight to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]