Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Cygnet by Sean Connolly @ QT Singapore - $1 Oyster Promotion with The Purchase of Any Main Course

Oysters 1

Restaurant 1

Tucked away in the heart of QT Singapore, Cygnet by Sean Connolly is a stylish and sophisticated dining spot that brings modern brasserie fare to the table with finesse. With its elegant yet welcoming space, Cygnet makes for a fantastic dinner destination - made even more enticing by its $1 oyster promotion, available from 5.30pm to 7.30pm, Monday to Saturday, with the purchase of any main course. There's no cap on how many you can order, so oyster lovers, rejoice.

Bread 1
Homemade Milk Loaf 4.5/5

We began our meal with the Homemade Milk Loaf ($6 for an extra portion), and it was hands down one of the best we've tried. Served warm and soft, with a delightfully fluffy interior, the bread was accompanied by butter and vegemite. While they usually serve it as a vegemite-butter blend, we were informed that an electrical issue during our visit meant they had to serve it separately. Nonetheless, it was a comforting and satisfying start to our meal.

Sparkling Tea
Copenhagen Bla Sparkling Tea 3.8/5

For a non-alcoholic option, we were recommended the Copenhagen Blå Sparkling Tea ($18), which offers a refreshing, lightly floral profile. Reminiscent of champagne, it's a great alternative if you're avoiding alcohol but still want something elegant and complex.

Watermelon Salad 1
Watermelon Salad 4/5

Raw Tuna 1
Raw Tuna Crudo 2.8/5

We sampled two cold starters: the Watermelon Salad ($24) and the Raw Tuna Crudo ($26). The former was bright and vibrant, featuring juicy watermelon chunks, feta, tomato, and a splash of Chardonnay vinegar. It was a refreshing and well-balanced starter.

Raw Tuna 2

Unfortunately, the Tuna Crudo didn't quite hit the mark. Despite being beautifully plated with thinly sliced tuna, pink pomelo, fennel pollen, and capers, the dish lacked seasoning and depth. The flavours felt muted and didn't quite come together.

Oysters 2
Oysters 4/5

The Japanese Oysters were undeniably fresh and plump, served simply with lemon and a mignonette dressing. At just $1 each with any main order, this is one of the best oyster deals in town. And with no limit on the number you can order, it's a true treat for seafood lovers.

Rump Cap 1
Rump Cap 4/5

Rump Cap 2

Our main highlight was the Rump Cap ($48), featuring a 200g cut of F1 Picanha Wagyu from Australia. It was grilled to a beautiful medium doneness and paired with a rich red wine jus. It was flavourful, tender and satisfying.

Roasted Seabass Gnocchi 1
Roasted Seabass Gnocchi 2.5/5

In contrast, the Roasted Seabass Gnocchi ($32) fell short of expectations. While the crispy skin on the seabass was well-executed, the overall dish was underwhelming. The ricotta gnocchi and fish lacked texture and seasoning, and the salsa verde topping didn't lift the flavours as hoped. It was the weakest dish of the night, though we've shared our feedback with the team and hope to see an improved version in the future.

Creme Caramel 1

Creme Caramel 2
Crème Caramel 4/5

We ended the meal on a sweet note with the Crème Caramel ($18). Silky and slightly dense, the pudding had a creamy richness with a subtle burnt caramel flavour. It wasn't overly sweet, and the Chantilly cream added a lovely lightness to the dish.

Chocolate Fondant 1

Chocolate Fondant 2
Chocolate Fondant 4/5

The Chocolate Fondant ($18) is a must for those who prefer bolder flavours. It features a gooey chocolate lava centre topped with Maraschino cherries and served with vanilla bean gelato. It is rich, indulgent, and not cloyingly sweet, just the way a good fondant should be.

Restaurant 2

Restaurant 3

Cygnet by Sean Connolly offers a promising dining experience with a few standout dishes and a stunning space that's perfect for a casual dinner or special night out. The $1 oyster deal is a major draw, and there's precise attention to quality ingredients throughout the menu. While not every dish wowed us, the highlights certainly warrant a revisit, and we look forward to seeing how the menu continues to evolve.

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


Cygnet by Sean Connolly
QT Singapore
35 Robinson Road
Singapore 068876
Tel: +65 6701 6833
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Downtown (DT Line), Shenton Way (TE Line), Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Fri: 630am - 1030am, 12pm - 3pm, 530pm - 11pm
Sat: 530pm - 11pm
(Closed on Sun and Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Downtown MRT station. Take Exit E. Turn left and walk down Marina View. Turn right onto Commerce Street. Walk down Commerce Street to the traffic junction Shenton Way and Tat Street. Cross the road and walk down Tat Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Shenton Way MRT station. Take Exit 6 . Cross the road and walk down Mccallum Street. Turn right onto Robinson Road. Walk down Robinson Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walk down Cross Street. Turn right onto Robinson Road. Walk down Robinson Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]


Tuesday, May 6, 2025

Coriander Leaf @ Craig Place - New Flagship Location Serving Signature Pan-Asian Cuisine

IMG_3356

After over a decade at Chijmes, Coriander Leaf has found a new home at Craig Place. Staying true to its food philosophy, the menu continues to celebrate the richness and diversity of Pan-Asian cuisine. Contrary to what many may mistake as Asian fusion, Coriander Leaf is all about taking classic regional favourites from across Asia and reimagining them into modern, shareable small plates. The menu is divided into five distinct flavour profiles: Fresh, Spicy, Familiar, Umami, and Sweet. The restaurant also offers an Executive Lunch Menu Set, perfect for individuals to get a taste of different regions.

IMG_3373
South Asia Lunch Set

IMG_3435
Tomato Soup, Butter Naan 5/5

There are four options for the lunch set inspired by Thailand, South Asia, China, and Persia. I picked South Asia and Persian ($38 each). South Asia features Tomato Soup, Nepalese Chicken Momo Dumpling, Tandoori Chicken, and Butter Naan. The tomato soup, drizzled with roasted cumin oil, was thick and robust — perfectly seasoned and spiced to bring out the richness of the tomato. The butter naan was soft and stretchy, a delicious pairing with the soup.

IMG_3379
Momo Dumpling 3.8/5

IMG_3370
Tandoori Chicken 4.5/5

The Momo Dumplings were served with a tangy roasted tomato relish that complemented the meaty filling well. They were flavourful, with a subtle hint of Sichuan pepper, though I found them leaning slightly on the dry side. The Tandoori Chicken was succulent, with a lovely char that added an alluring smokiness. A tangy cucumber relish and refreshing mint chutney balanced its spiced flavours. Between the butter naan and steamed jasmine rice offered in the set, the naan was definitely the better choice, especially to soak up the soup and pair it with the meat.

IMG_3424
Persian Lunch Set

The Persian set began with a Watermelon Salad made with watermelon, mint, pomegranate, and Turkish white cheese. I reckon more mint and leaving them as a whole would have brought a better balance to the flavours. The main dish featured a Persian Beef Kebab, served with Vegetable Shashlik, Mixed Pickled Vegetables, and Butter Basmati Rice.

IMG_3396
Beef Kebab 4/5

The Beef Kebab was delightfully tender, served with a dollop of yoghurt atop, which elevated the meat with a refreshing tang. But what made the dish even more enjoyable was the incredibly fluffy and aromatic Butter Basmati Rice. The pickled vegetables added a refreshing acidity to cut through the richness of the meat.

IMG_3405
Vegetable Shashlik 4/5

The Vegetable Shashlik was delicious. The bell peppers, eggplants, and onions cooked down nicely and seasoned with aromatics and spices, making them rather moreish.

IMG_3359

The new environment is also designed to be cosier and even more inviting than the previous location, offering an ideal setting for an intimate meal amidst the bustle of the CBD.

Photos and words by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Coriander Leaf
Craig Place
20 Craig Road
#01-01
Singapore 089692
Tel: +65 9618 0142
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Maxwell (TE Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 5pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Orchid Hotel. Walk to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road and walk to Craig Road. Continue on Craig Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Cross the road and walk to Duxton Road. Walk down Duxton Road. Turn right onto Craig Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]