Cutlery Optional Private Dining - South Indian Flavours in a Homely Setting

Our private dining exploration this round took us to Cutlery Optional Private Dining by Vasunthara Ramasamy, a contestant from MasterChef Singapore Season 2. Specialising in South Indian cuisine, her home dining concept stood out to us, as most private dining experiences in Singapore lean heavily towards Peranakan or Chinese cuisine. This was one we had been especially looking forward to.

Plantain Chips & Chutney 3.8/5

We started the evening with Plantain Chips & Chutney, a light and crispy bite made addictive with the aromatic and spice-laden chutney. A simple yet impactful appetiser that teased the palate for what was to come.

Coconut Toddy Thosai 4.5/5

Malabar Chicken Curry 4.8/5

The Malabar Chicken Curry was a highlight. The chicken was tender, soaked in a robust curry brimming with depth and fragrance. What elevated the dish further was the freshly made Coconut Toddy Thosai, which was soft, fluffy, and carried a beautiful hint of coconut. Perfect for mopping up every last bit of curry.

Spicy Fried Fish Fry with Coconut Topping 4/5

Next came the Spicy Fried Fish Fry, crisp on the outside and moist within. The addition of coconut topping added a welcome lift in both flavour and texture.

Pork Fry 4.2/5

The Pork Fry reminded us of Chinese sio bak, yet with an unmistakable Indian twist. Crispy, succulent, and deeply savoury — it was addictive enough to keep going back for seconds.

Prawn Green Mango Curry 5/5

The Prawn Green Mango Curry emerged as one of my favourites of the evening. Large, succulent prawns were paired with a mild, balanced curry. The fruity tang of green mangoes complemented the natural sweetness of the prawns, making this dish stand out.

Mix Vegetable Thoran 4/5

To refresh the palate from the richer dishes, the Mix Vegetable Thoran was perfectly timed. Crunchy and light, it provided a nice balance to the heavier curries and roasts.

Crab Roast 4.5/5

Another memorable dish was the Crab Roast. Unlike the familiar Singaporean renditions of chilli crab, black pepper crab, or salted egg yolk crab, Vasunthara’s version showcased a spice-forward, aromatic profile that paired beautifully with the crab’s sweetness. A refreshing take that still held its own against our beloved local styles.

Mango Ice Cream 4.2/5

The meal concluded with Mango Ice Cream. Bursting with the intensity of ripe mangoes, it was refreshing and vibrant. It's almost like eating the fruit itself. A fitting end to a flavourful journey.

Cutlery Optional Private Dining is a rare gem in Singapore’s private dining landscape, offering authentic South Indian flavours with personal touches from Vasunthara. It’s a feast that bridges familiarity and discovery, making it an experience well worth seeking out.

Cutlery Optional Private Dining
Ang Mo Kio Ave 9 / Yio Chu Yang 
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Nearest MRT: Yio Chu Yang (NS Line)

Torno Subito @ COMO Dempsey - Playful Italian Dining with a Riviera Twist

At Torno Subito, Italian dining takes on a playful new rhythm with refreshed menus that include a revamped à la carte selection, a renewed three-course Formula Lunch, and an updated Riviera Tour tasting experience. Helmed by Executive Chef Alessio Pirozzi and part of renowned chef Massimo Bottura’s culinary family, the Dempsey outpost continues to reinterpret classic Italian flavours through a modern, Riviera-inspired lens.

Our dinner began with complimentary freshly baked bread paired with anchovy butter. It is a comforting trio to warm the stomach before the meal proper. My favourite was the tomato sourdough, with its light tanginess that paired beautifully with the savoury butter.

Alta Marea 3.5/5

The Alta Marea ($98) was a striking platter of raw, cured and smoked seafood, akin to a “seafood charcuterie board.” Unique and rarely seen in restaurants, it offered a range of flavours and textures. The standout for me was the cuttlefish, which had a clean, sweet flavour.

Fichi 4/5

The Fichi Pizza ($38/$58) arrived topped with Fior di Latte cheese, culatello ham, marinated fig, and pecorino foam. The chewy dough base tied the savoury and sweet elements together harmoniously, making each bite a joy.

Tagliatella 4.5/5

The Tagliatella ($48) was the star of the evening. Perfectly cooked traditional egg pasta paired with a bold, richly flavoured hand-chopped Wagyu ragu, one of Massimo Bottura’s favourites. Comforting, indulgent, and deeply satisfying.

Tortellino 4/5

The Tortellino ($48) featured miniature stuffed pasta in a creamy sauce made from 36-month-aged Parmigiano Reggiano. Silky and luxurious, it was reminiscent of cereal in milk, but in the most decadent, cheesy way possible.

Prochetta 4.2/5

Perfect for sharing, the Prochetta ($98) showcased roasted milk-fed suckling pig rolled into a roulade, served with peach compote and Swiss chard. The sweet and bitter notes of the accompaniments perfectly balanced the richness of the meat.

Cocco Bello 4/5

For dessert, the Cocco Bello ($20) offered a refreshing finish with lemon and mint sorbet, foamy coconut, and kaffir lime meringue. Light, sweet, and zesty, it was the perfect dessert after all the richness in the meal.

Tiramisubito 4/5

The Tiramisubito ($22) reinvented tradition in a modern presentation while retaining the classic flavours of coffee, mascarpone, and cocoa. Familiar yet novel, each spoonful was comforting and indulgent.

The meal concluded with a thoughtful petit four, a lovely sweet touch that served as a fitting closure to an evening that showcased Torno Subito’s ability to bring playful creativity and Riviera flair to Italian dining in Singapore.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Torno Subito
26 Dempsey Road
#01-01
Singapore 249686
Tel: +65 6486 1053
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Nearest MRT: Napier (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed-Sun: 12pm - 3pm, 530pm - 10pm
(Closed on Mon-Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at Napier MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk to bus stop at Napier Station (Stop ID 13011). Take bus number 7, 75, 77, 105, 106, 123 or 174. Alight 2 stops later. Take the stairs up to Dempsey Road. Continue taking the stairs up to the hill to block 26. Turn left and walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]