Tuesday, October 21, 2025

The Courtyard @ The Fullerton Hotel Singapore - An Exclusive Afternoon Tea Collaboration with Ami Patisserie

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From 10 October to 30 November 2025, The Fullerton Hotel Singapore presents Aki 秋, an exclusive afternoon tea collaboration at The Courtyard with award-winning Chef Makoto Arami, La Liste's Pastry Talent of the Year 2025.

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Afternoon Tea 4.8/5

Chef Makoto, who helms AMI Patisserie at Scotts Road, is celebrated for his masterful creations that harmoniously blend refined flavours, delicate textures, and exceptional craftsmanship. This afternoon tea experience also captures the tranquil beauty of the Japanese autumn, a season evocative of a graceful dance of change sweeping across the landscape.

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Yuzu Blossom Mocktail

To begin, guests are welcomed with a Yuzu Blossom Mocktail, a blend of TWG Sakura! Sakura! Tea, yuzu juice, honey and butterfly pea flower tea, made using butterfly pea flowers freshly harvested from The Fullerton Farm. The drink's purple and yellow hues make it so pretty! Guests can also select a serving of TWG tea or Bacha coffee to accompany their food.

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Savouries plate

Afternoon tea is served on a classic three-tiered stand, with a menu of five savouries, five sweets, and a plated dessert. As expected of an award-winning pastry chef, the afternoon tea set is pastry-forward, showcasing creative techniques and imaginative flavour combinations.

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Sansho Miso Yaki Nasu Madeleine

We began with a delightful bite-sized treat, the Sansho Miso Yaki Nasu Madeleine, where smoky grilled eggplant meets a touch of parmesan.

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Burrata Cheese and Parma Ham Sando

The Burrata Cheese and Parma Ham Sando is a spin-off of the memorable Burrata Cheese & Parma Ham Croissant that Chef Makoto also serves at AMI Patisserie. It's light yet indulgent, and creamy burrata paired with savoury ham is always a great combination.

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Smoked Salmon Tarte

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Tomato Tartelette

With the Smoked Salmon Tarte, what I appreciated most was the uniquely crafted tarte pastry, beautifully layered and flaky, adding a light, buttery contrast to the rich smoked salmon and capers topping. Meanwhile, the Tomato Tartelette showcases ripe tomatoes atop a crisp, savoury and golden base.

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AMI Signature Caviar Choux (Nomad Caviar)

Last but certainly not least, the AMI Signature Caviar Choux is filled with creamy egg mayo and crowned with Nomad Caviar. Definitely one of my favourite bites of the afternoon!

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Sweets Plate

Moving on to the sweets, some of these creations feel familiar, as Chef Makoto's signature dishes are featured on this menu. I was thrilled to taste them again, and they were as delicious as I remembered!

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Black Forest Choux

My favourite amongst the sweets was the Black Forest Choux, filled with 70% chocolate ganache, kirsch cream, and a tart sour cherry compote. I love the choux's airy, light yet satisfyingly crisp exterior, as well as the rich chocolate component.

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Strawberry Pistachio Tarte

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Mont Blanc

The Strawberry Pistachio Tarte is as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the taste buds, topped with vibrant, sweet strawberries. Meanwhile, the Mont Blanc is an autumn essential, rich, creamy, and perfectly seasonal. For both of these tartes, there is an unexpected touch, a little cake base beneath, adding an extra layer of texture.

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Caramel Banana Mousse

The Caramel Banana Mousse has a sweet and silky texture, with smooth mousse layered over a crisp base. Light yet indulgent, it offers a gentle sweetness that's perfectly balanced, with subtle caramel notes enhancing the natural richness of the banana.

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Kinako and Matcha Tropézienne with Yuzu Jam

To my surprise, this afternoon tea set did not include scones. Instead, it features a Kinako and Matcha Tropézienne with Yuzu Jam. The kinako and matcha cream were delicious, and the yuzu jam added a bright, citrusy note to the bread. However, I found the bread too thick to finish entirely.

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Mango Coconut Rice Pudding with Mango and Passion Fruit Sauce

Served in an elegant glass, the Mango Coconut Rice Pudding with Mango and Passion Fruit Sauce is reminiscent of summer's brightness more than autumn's, but it stands out as one of the most refined and elegant interpretations of mango sticky rice I've ever tasted.

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Overall, fans of Chef Makoto will not be disappointed. The pastry craftsmanship is consistently superb, promising a most wonderful tea time experience, enjoyed within the luxurious surroundings of The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, one of the city's most iconic heritage landmarks.

To continue enjoying Chef Makoto's treats at home, two of his best-selling pastry creations —the Caramel Passion Banana Mousse Cake and the Apple Tatin Tarte —will also be available for takeaway from The Fullerton Cake Boutique, adjacent to The Courtyard.

The Courtyard, The Fullerton Hotel Singapore
10 October to 30 November 2025
S$68++ per adult, S$34++ per child (six to 11 years old)
inclusive of a Yuzu Blossom mocktail and a serving of TWG Tea or Bacha Coffee beverage

Photographed and penned by Shermine. Through her pictures and stories, she shares her journey of savouring new flavours and experiences. Note: This is an invited tasting.


The Courtyard
The Fullerton Hotel Singapore
1 Fullerton Square
Singapore 049178
Tel: +65 68778911
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Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Afternoon Tea Mon-Thu: 230pm - 530pm
Fri-Sun, PH: 12pm - 230pm, 330pm - 6pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT Station. Take Exit H. Turn right and walk towards the river. At the river, turn right again and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Sunday, October 19, 2025

Open Farm Community @ Dempsey - Bringing Its Beloved Weekend Brunch to Diners Every Day of The Week

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Brunch has become a daily affair at Open Farm Community at Dempsey. You can now enjoy its once-weekend brunch menu any day of the week, surrounded by the lush greenery of its open farm and edible gardens. Even better, your furry companions are warmly welcomed, as guests who choose to dine alfresco with their pets will enjoy a discount on their bill.

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OFC Farm Bread 4/5

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Burrata 4/5

For starters, the OFC Farm Bread ($12) features the restaurant’s beloved sourdough and focaccia, served with a subtly flavoured salted butter. We paired it with the Burrata ($28), which whetted my appetite with savoury and meaty San Daniele ham, complemented by the acidity and sweetness of charred grapes and tomato jam, and a satisfying crunch from toasted pine nuts.

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Beef Tongue Yakitori 5/5

For something bolder, the Beef Tongue Yakitori was a standout. The Bak Kut Teh marinated beef tongue was expertly prepared, with a slightly charred exterior that complemented its rich flavour. Shredded ginger flowers added freshness and helped balance the gaminess, resulting in a well-rounded dish.

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Pulled Pork Benedict 4.5/5

The Brunch and Lunch menu features a lineup of well-loved classics. My favourite brunch item was the Pulled Pork Benedict ($29), a satisfying plate with tender and flavourful pork ragout accompanied by creamy sous vide eggs that enriched every bite with a luxurious mouthfeel. The hollandaise, done espuma style, delivered the same tangy richness in a lighter and airier form, enhancing the dish without the usual heaviness.

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Shakshuka 3/5

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Avocado Toast 3/5

Shakshuka and Avocado Toast are both presented in bowl form, similar to one another. The former features spiced tomato sauce and feta, while the latter is topped with mashed avocado and tomato salsa. While this format makes for easier eating, it slightly diminishes the essence of the dishes, especially the shakshuka. It would have been much more exciting to have it served hot in a pan with eggs poached directly in the sauce. The flavours leaned mild, with just a faint hint of fennel rather than the expected spice-forward kick. Still, both dishes remained wholesome, anchored by perfectly creamy yolks.

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Spanish Omelette 3/5

The Spanish Omelette was given a local twist, topped with a heap of minced meat and mushrooms seasoned like bak chor mee. Though it had a beautifully golden exterior, it resembled more of a potato frittata, with more egg than potato, lacking the creamy and slightly starchy consistency that defines a traditional Spanish omelette made with slow-cooked potatoes.

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Buttermilk Pancakes 3.5/5

For something sweet, the Buttermilk Pancakes ($22), served with banana brûlée and ice cream, were delightful, featuring a subtle bounce in texture.

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Granola Yoghurt Bowl 2/5

The Granola Yoghurt Bowl ($18), however, was slightly too sweet, with yoghurt that was both thinner and sweeter than ideal. A version with tangier yoghurt and crunchy granola would have provided better contrast and balance.

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Beer-Battered Fish & Chips 4/5

From the lunch selections, the Beer-Battered Fish & Chips ($34) impressed with its light, crisp batter encasing flavourful fish, complemented by equally well-executed chips.

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Creamy Mushroom Mafaldine Pasta 4/5

The Creamy Mushroom Mafaldine Pasta, made with local mixed mushrooms, stood out for its firm and chewy texture. Meanwhile, the sauce, cheesy and accented with sharp Pecorino Romano, had just the right consistency to coat each ribbon beautifully. 15% off their bill.

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Lemon Meringue Pavlova 3.5/5

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Deconstructed Tiramisu 4.5/5

For desserts, the Deconstructed Tiramisu ($19) and Lemon Meringue Pavlova ($19) offer two very different experiences. I found the former more memorable, featuring an intense layer of Kahlua-soaked sponge complemented by light, aerated chocolate bites.

What truly stood out for me was the atmosphere at Open Farm Community. The space exudes a relaxed, nature-filled charm that invites one to linger. Offering a 15% discount to those who dine at the spacious alfresco area with their pets is also a thoughtful touch, reflecting the restaurant’s commitment to food, nature, community, and sustainability.

Photos and words by Si An. A homebody who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, the smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


Open Farm Community
130E Minden Road
Singapore 248819
Tel: +65 64710306
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Nearest MRT: Napier (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 9pm
Sat-Sun: 11am - 330pm, 6pm - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Napier MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk to Minden Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]