QIN (亲) Restaurant & Bar @ The Clan Hotel - Where Heritage Meets Gastronomy

Located at The Clan Hotel, QIN (亲) Restaurant & Bar, helmed by Executive Chef Maksym Chukanov, offers a dining experience that seamlessly marries modern European techniques with Asian flavours. The restaurant provides both lunch and dinner set menus, and I had the privilege of experiencing the exquisite 6-course dinner menu ($198++). There's also an option to add wine pairing for $98++ for those interested.

Milk Bread, Gula Melaka, Whipped Brown Butter 4.5/5

Our dinner began with a complimentary homemade Milk Bread, beautifully finished with a luscious gula melaka glaze. Paired with velvety whipped brown butter, this bread offered a tantalising introduction to our meal.

White Asparagus, Chervil, Yuzu 4/5

The first trio of appetisers kicked off with White Asparagus, Chervil, Yuzu. The seasonal white asparagus heads were lightly seasoned and topped with a delightful egg yolk jam, enhanced by a burst of yuzu zest. The dish was light, crunchy, and full of vibrant flavours.

Kueh Pie Tee, Smoked Petuna Trout, Horseradish 4.2/5

Next up was a modern take on the traditional Kueh Pie Tee. It was filled with smoked Petuna trout belly cured with kelp salt and paired with freshly grated horseradish, adding a spicy kick. This innovative dish provided a wonderful blend of textures and flavours.

Hamachi Toro, Wasabi, Creme Fraiche 4.5/5

The final appetiser was Hamachi Toro, mixed with Japanese mayo and yuzu kosho, nestled within a homemade rye flour crust and topped with crispy ginger. This dish was a harmonious symphony of textures and flavours, creating a delightful experience on the palate.

Kagoshima Yellow Tail, Kohlrabi, Cucumber Ponzu 4.2/5

The main course began with Kagoshima Yellow Tail, Kohlrabi, Cucumber Ponzu. Tender slices of yellowtail loin cured in kombu seaweed were topped with diced cucumber and sliced radish, offering a refreshing crunch. A drizzle of cucumber juice and ponzu sauce provided a bright and tangy finish.

'Xing Ren Dou Fu', White Asparagus, Nomad Caviar, Almond 4.5/5

Inspired by the popular Chinese almond cream dessert, Chef Maksym's interpretation of 'Xing Ren Dou Fu' featured sautéed White Asparagus, a luscious white asparagus mousse infused with almonds, crowned with caviar, and drizzled with almond milk and hazelnut oil sauce. The dish was a satisfying blend of textures and flavours.

Tom Yum, Danish Langoustine, Calamansi 5/5

A signature dish at QIN, the Tom Yum, Danish Langoustine, Calamansi, featured Danish langoustine tails grilled over binchotan, imparting a mouthwatering aroma and beautiful char. The accompanying tom yum-inspired broth, crafted from the essence of the langoustine, was rich and complex, awakening the senses with its stimulating flavours.

Aged Quail, Spring Alliums, Scallions 'Hua Juan', Szechuan Pepper 4.5/5

Wrapping up the mains was the Aged Quail, Spring Alliums, Scallions 'Hua Juan', Szechuan Pepper. The Australian quail, aged in-house for a week, was enjoyed in two ways: deboned quail legs dipped in kecap manis and covered in puffed quinoa and tender quail breast paired with wild garlic leaves and green onions in a bold Szechuan pepper sauce. The accompanying fluffy Chinese steamed bao, seasoned with green onions, was perfect on its own or for mopping up the delicious sauce.

Ice Kachang, Rhubarb, Mascarpone 4/5

As a palate cleanser, the Ice Kachang, Rhubarb, Mascarpone was a tangy and sweet dessert featuring refreshing shaved ice, whipped mascarpone, and fresh rhubarb compote. This dish provided a delightful break after all the savoury dishes.

Japanese Strawberry, Hokkaido Milk, Soya Sauce 4.2/5

For a sweet ending, the Japanese Strawberry, Hokkaido Milk, Soya Sauce offered a harmonious blend of creamy sweetness and fruity goodness, enhanced by the rich flavours of a sweet Japanese shoyu. The Hokkaido milk sorbet paired beautifully with the Japanese strawberry jam.

Pineapple Tart 'Cloud' 4/5

Exclusive to the 6-course menu was the whimsical Pineapple Tart 'Cloud'. Pineapple puree was transformed into frozen orbs using liquid nitrogen. Popping the whole orb into your mouth, it dissolved, reminiscent of a tropical paradise and providing a truly unique and delightful end to the meal.

QIN (亲) Restaurant & Bar offers a unique and memorable dining experience, skillfully blending modern European techniques with Asian flavours. Each course of the 6-course dinner menu was thoughtfully crafted, providing a delightful journey of flavours and textures. Whether you're a fan of traditional dishes with a modern twist or looking for a unique culinary adventure, QIN is a must-visit destination.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


QIN Restaurant & Bar
The Clan Hotel
Level 4 & 5
10 Cross Street
Singapore 048417
Tel: +65 6980 3535
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 3pm, 630pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit B. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Fortuna @ Craig Road - Singapore’s First Sicilian-Neapolitan Trattoria with 50+ Hour Fermentation Pizza Dough

First started in Sydney, Fortuna at Craig Road is Singapore's first Sicilian-Neapolitan trattoria. Created by an Italian trio – master pizzaiolo Giorgio Sorce (ranked 87th worldwide), Michelin-starred chef Omar Tutino, and F&B operator Egon Marzaioli – they aim to offer authentic Sicilian and Neapolitan cuisine. This second outlet adopts the same contemporary design as the one in Sydney, delivering a welcoming, laid-back vibe.

Ricotta Mantecata

Pane Di Casa 5/5

Our meal began with a great starter: Pane Di Casa ($12), served with Ricotta Mantecata ($16). The wood-fired bread, simply dressed with salmoriglio (a Sicilian sauce made of garlic, lemon, oil, and oregano), was incredibly fluffy with a bit of chewiness. It shares the same dough as the Napoletana Pizza, which has undergone a 50+ hour fermentation. The Ricotta Mantecata, one of three dips on the menu, features ricotta jazzed up with honey and house-made Fortuna chilli. The combination of bread and dip was pure joy.

Cuoppo Di Pesce 3.5/5

For Antipasti, the Cuoppo Di Pesce ($25) showcased one of Neapolitan's popular street foods – fried calamari, elevated with garlic lemon dressing and salumi XO mayo. Three types of flour were used in the batter to achieve a light and crisp texture.

Not Just A 4 Cheeses 4.5/5

Pizza at Fortuna is crafted in the distinctive style known as the "Kingdom of the Two Sicilies," using 100% Sicilian ingredients. First, we had the Napoletana Pizza (available in 22cm or 30cm). The dough left to rise for 50 hours through a two-process fermentation, is shaped four hours later and baked in a wood-fired Valoriani oven. The flavour we tried, Not Just A 4 Cheeses ($29), combined Fior di Latte, Gorgonzola Dolce, Ricotta Salata, and Parmesan Chips with sweet fig compote to round off the cheesy flavours. This was the best, as it allowed the dough's natural taste and beautiful texture to shine.

Gambero & Stracciata 3/5

Next, we tried the Fried & Baked Pizza (22cm), which is double-cooked by frying and baking for extra crispiness. The Gambero & Stracciata ($38) featured delicious Stracciata and Gamberi di Massara toppings, but the baking process dried and toughened the fried dough, especially the portion under the toppings. Typically, based on what I had tried, fried pizza is crisp and puffy on the outside while remaining soft and chewy inside. I reckoned they could have draped the cheese over the fried dough and topped it with the other ingredients without baking it.

Truffle & Anchovies 2.5/5

The Contemporary Pizza Al Ruoto, cooked in an aluminium pan, follows a unique three-way pre-fermented dough process that takes 18 hours and achieves 80% hydration, resulting in an incredibly crunchy exterior and soft interior akin to focaccia. The Truffle & Anchovies ($42) combined walnut whipped butter, anchovies, and truffle. While the dough was delectable, the toppings and dough didn't meld together well, and the combination of anchovies and truffles needed to be more harmonious too.

‘1000’ Layers Lasagna 2.8/5

All of Fortuna's pasta is made in-house à la minute using quality flour from Naples, a balanced mix of semolina and 00 flour, local free-range eggs, and Sicilian olive oil. The '1000' Layers Lasagna ($36) is prepared the way Egon's mother in Sicily makes it, with layers of Provolone del Monaco and Bronte Pistacchio pesto. The bechamel sauce allowed the flavourful Mortadella to shine, accenting the butteriness of the provolone cheese. The nuttiness of the lasagne imparted from the Pistacchio pesto elevated the overall flavour profile. However, served cross-sectioned and pan-fried to achieve crispy edges based on the recipe, it was nostalgic but lacked the satisfaction of tucking into a hearty lasagna, feeling more like a snack than a main. And it was just too compact and flat to allow the homemade pasta to shine.

Spaghetti 3/5

The Spaghetti ($38) showcases succulent Mazzara King Prawn, served with a bisque accentuated with Fortuna Chili. The depth of crustacean flavours was impressive, but the salt level could be more restrained, as it sometimes overwhelmed the diced King Prawn.

Pollo Marinara 3.5/5

We tried Pollo Marinara ($34) for mains, a half-roasted chicken served with olive tapenade, capers, and San Marzano tomatoes. The chicken was aptly seasoned and tender, with a rustic charm.

Fortunamisu 3/5

To sum up our dinner, we had Fortunamisu ($18) for dessert. The house tiramisu is made with Savoiardi ladyfingers, Illy Caffe coffee, and chocolate crumble. The crumble's textural crunch was a nice touch, but it could have been improved by more coffee-soaked ladyfingers and a touch of bittersweet alcohol.

Opt for the full experience with their 4-course Italian set lunch at $39++. Enjoy wood-fired bread with your choice of dip, a selection of antipasti, a choice of main course, and a delightful dessert with coffee.

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.


Fortuna
7 Craig Road
Singapore 089667
Tel: +65 9115 1597
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 12pm - 230pm, 530pm - 930pm
Fri-Sat: 12pm - 230pm, 530pm - 1030pm


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]