Boyutei @ Ann Siang Hill - New French-Japanese Cafe By One-Michelin Starred Whitegrass And Tea Artisans Hvala

Boyutei is an exciting new collaboration between the one-Michelin starred Whitegrass and tea artisans Hvala. Their menu sees French-Japanese fusion cuisine ranging from sandos to sweet and savoury crepes. The savoury items are crafted by Whitegrass Head Chef Takuya Yamashita, while Hvala focuses on their area of expertise, desserts and beverages.

Wagyu Sukiyaki Tamago Sando

There are 4 types of sandos currently. The Wagyu Sukiyaki Tamago Sando ($24) has slices of braised wagyu beef, red onions, cabbage, chives, and an onsen egg served on toasted brioche.

Ebi Katsu Sando 3/5

The Ebi Katsu Sando ($22) has a thick and crunchy ebi katsu with tomatoes, cabbage, a drizzle of tartar sauce, and homemade chilli. Apart from the beef and prawn options, the other 2 sandos are chicken and veggie.

Cha Soba 3/5

For a noodle dish, the Cha Soba ($24) is presented with kinshi tamago strips and slices of unagi with momiji oroshi. The wedge of lemon helps to add some brightness to the dish.

Niku Miso Chazuke 

Served with a side of dashi broth, the Niku Miso Chazuke ($18) has Japanese white rice paired with moromi miso flavoured minced beef and a mix of chives and crispy genmai bits. Flavours here are lighter.

Seafood Mentaiko Crepe 3.5/5

One of the highlights of Boyutei's menu would be their lineup of crepes that carry strong French-Japanese fusion. The Seafood Mentaiko Crepe ($22) has a mix of prawns, squid, bacon, cabbage and tomato enveloped in a thin and soft crepe with a slight chew. It's finished with mentaiko mayo and shredded nori.

Fans of matcha desserts will be familiar with Hvala. They've brought a wide range of teas from an exclusive partner farm and are showcasing them here through the beverages and newly conceptualised plated desserts.

Goma Matcha Crepe 4.5/5

In the Goma Matcha Crepe ($14), you will find a layer of bittersweet matcha pastry cream between the matcha crepe, topped with matcha ice cream and goma crumbles. The goma crumbles were roasty and fragrant, helping to tie all the elements together nicely.

Matcha Goma Garden 4.2/5

If you are a fan of warabi mochi, the Matcha Goma Garden ($17) has a fun assembly of them, together with matcha ice cream, cinnamon sand and a handcrafted goma nama chocolate. The pieces of warabi mochi were soft, while the nama chocolate was decadent with a subtle roasty fragrance.

Black Forest Tart 4/5

The Black Forest Tart ($17) offers something different with its dark chocolate fondant, cherry compote, chocolate soil and rum ice cream. The mini bursts of sweet cherry in the bittersweet dark chocolate were a pleasant surprise.

Matcha Latte, Sakura Smoked Cold Brew Tea

Drinks wise, there’s a whole range of Chinese teas, Japanese teas, cold brews, straight matcha and lattes. Hvala’s classic Matcha Latte ($9) is available alongside Genmaicha and Hojicha Lattes. You can customise your ice and sugar levels, as well as if you’d prefer the use of fresh milk or oat milk.

The Sakura Smoked Cold Brew Tea ($12) is an interesting drink. You will first meet with a light smoky aroma before hints of sakura and sour cherry come through.

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.


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Boyutei
28 Ann Siang Road
#01-02
Singapore 069708
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Chinatown (DT Line, NE Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk down Cross Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Continue to the end of Amoy Street. Climb the stairs beside Siang Cho Keong Temple, up Ann Siang Hill. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk down Maxwell Road towards Kadayanallur Street (beside URA building). Turn right onto Kadayanallur Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down Pagoda Street to South Bridge Road. Cross the road and turn right. Walk down South Bridge Road. Turn left onto Ann Siang Hill. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Yan Restaurant (宴) @ National Gallery - Nourishing Cantonese Delights To Replenish The Body With Two Wellness Menus

For a limited period from 6 June to 31 August 2022, Yan Restaurant (宴) at National Gallery rolls up two Wellness Set Menus, developed together with guidance from Zhongjing Traditional Chinese Medicine. The delicious Cantonese fare incorporates the principles of Yao Shan (药膳) through the two set menus that harmonise wellness and health to replenish the body during the hot and humid summer months.

Crispy Skin Roasted Duck 4.5/5

The six-course wellness menu is priced at $158++ per pax, while the eight-course wellness menu is priced at $108++ per pax. We had the eight-course wellness menu starting with the Crispy Skin Roasted Duck marinated with Dried Mandarin Peel, accompanied with Chinese Pancake, Cucumber and Spring Onions. The use of Mandarin peels is said to nourish the spleen and lungs.

Double-boiled Chicken Soup with Immunity-Boosting Herbs 4.2/5

The Double-boiled Chicken Soup with Immunity-Boosting Herbs is brewed for 4 hours using a herbal soup mix curated by Zhongjin's physicians. The nourishing soup combines the wholesome benefits of ingredients such as milkvetch root, siler root, lotus seed, wolfberry, red dates, and candied dates. It helps to strengthen the spleen, reinforce and harmonise the vital energy in the body for summer.

Braised Sliced Abalone with Eggplant in Oyster Sauce 4.2/5

Eggplant, known to help reduces the risk of heart disease due to its fibre, potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B6 and antioxidants, is paired with Braised Sliced Abalone in an abalone and oyster sauce. It is my first time having eggplant done this way, and I truly enjoyed it.

Wok-fried King Prawns in Hawthorn Sauce 4.5/5

The Wok-fried King Prawns are cooked in Hawthorn sauce, which has many cardiovascular benefits such as treating high blood pressure, improving blood circulation, and many more. Its sweet and sour taste profile reminds me of sweet and sour pork, which excellently complements the prawn's freshness.

Steamed Chilean Cod Fillet with Cordyceps Flower 4.5/5

A favourite dish among the dining companions is the Steamed Chilean Fillet with Cordyceps Flower. The moist buttery-sweet Chilean cod fish is paired with cordyceps flower, commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine to strengthen the liver and kidneys.

Sauteed Australian Scallops, Asparagus with Fresh Lily Bulbs 3.5/5

Sauteed Australian Scallops with Asparagus is a common dish in most Chinese restaurants. At Yan, it is elevated with the addition of lily bulbs promoting lung health, such as relieving coughs, dry throats, and other respiratory conditions.

Stewed Ee-fu Noodles with Mushrooms

Like every Chinese restaurant, we ended the meal with a carbo dish before the dessert. The stewed Ee-fu Noodles come with three different mushrooms - King Oyster Mushrooms, Enoki Mushrooms and Shimeji Mushrooms loaded with antioxidants.

Chilled Mao Shan Wang Durian Pudding 3/5

Last but not least, we had the Chilled Mao Shan Wang Durian Pudding to wrap up the dinner. While it is packed with the distinct aroma from the king of fruits, I didn't enjoyed the custardy texture of the pudding.

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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Website
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, 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]