Top tables worth the indulgence
Around the World at COMO Cuisine
With COMO Cuisine’s refreshed menu, it’s as if the dining destination at Dempsey Hill suddenly became the centre of the world. At the helm is Chef Tshering Lhaden, a Bhutanese native who looks to various COMO properties around the world for inspiration – whether it’s COMO Castello Del Nero in Tuscany or COMO Maalifushi in the Maldives.
As a nod to her culture, Chef Lhaden proudly adds Bhutanese Momos to the list of starters: Plump handmade buckwheat pork dumplings, simply steamed and served with a potent ezay chilli. For more filling options, it’s easy to fall in love with the Lobster Biryani, where Canadian lobster is steam-baked with basmati rice. The Duck Pappardelle proves to be a crowd pleaser with its flavourful duck ragout.
Visit COMO Cuisine at Block 18A Dempsey Road, Singapore, Tel: 1800 304 6688
An Elevated Coffee Experience at Bacha Coffee
Bacha Coffee was first established in Marrakech in 1910 and for the first time, has ventured overseas by opening its first outlet in Singapore at ION Orchard. First impressions matter here because the beauty of the space will make guests want to sip and savour, as opposed to getting a cup for takeaway.
At Bacha Coffee, you will experience the luxury of hand-roasted beans and bespoke grinds, perfectly paired with elegant service and sweet and savoury bites. The beverage is served in pots here, which yields three generous cups. The Sidamo Mountain variant is a great option to start with, with just the right amount of flavour and strength. Enjoy it black or add a spoonful of Chantilly cream and a dusting of aromatic vanilla.
Visit Bacha Coffee at #01-15/16 ION Orchard, Singapore, Tel: 6363 1910
Yì by Jereme Leung Explores A Wealth of Chinese Flavours
Yì by Jereme Leung regards fine dining as an art form, which is why it endeavours to awaken both the appetite and senses of its guests as soon as they arrive – they are immediately greeted by a floral art installation by Moss & Lam. Meanwhile, the menu serves as a gastronomic guide to the varied flavours of Chinese cuisine.
Get your fix of Sichuan flavours from signature snacks comprised of Sichuan Spicy Chicken and Luncheon Meat, as well as Sichuan Spiced Crispy Fish Skin. Also worth a spot on the table are the Fried Rice with Char Siew, Pork Belly, and Pickled Long Beans, which is an elevated version of a Cantonese dish popularised by immigrants from Guangdong, as well as the incredibly flavourful Braised Beef Cheeks, Tendon, and Oxtail with Sorghum Grains and Wine.
Visit Yì by Jereme Leung at #03-02 Raffles Hotel Arcade, Singapore, Tel: 6337 1886
Tempura at Its Finest at Ippoh Tempura Bar
Leave your preconceived notions about tempura out the door when visiting Ippoh Tempura Bar. If you’re expecting heavily battered morsels, that won’t be the case. The restaurant is overseen by Chef Masaru Seki, a fifth-generation tempura specialist of Ippoh’s founding family, who has perfected the art of delicate Osaka-style tempura.
An assortment of fresh seafood and seasonal Japanese vegetables are lightly dipped in a batter consisting of eggs, Hokkaido mineral water, and a special all-natural flour mix, and then deftly fried in safflower oil to achieve a crisp yet airy texture. In order to enjoy the ingredients’ true flavours, the chef will advise diners on whether an item will pair best with the house-made tempura sauce, lemon juice, or salt.
Visit Ippoh Tempura Bar at Block 17B Dempsey Road, Singapore, Tel: 1800 304 3388
El Teatro’s Sensational Spanish Fare
El Teatro Tapas brings lively Spanish flair to the Arcade @ Capitol Kempinski. As the restaurant’s name suggests, the tapas culture takes centre stage here, with an assortment of hot and cold bites, with standouts like the zesty Andalusian Gazpacho, Anchoas Del Cantabrico (Cantabrian anchovies), Gambas al Ajillo (plump prawns stir-fried in garlic), an assortment of croquettas, and the perennial favourite, Patatas Bravas. Beyond these small bites, larger groups can consider El Teatro’s expertly executed paellas. The Paella de Marico is chockfull of fresh seafood, while the Paella de Pollo, with its well-seasoned chicken chunks, is sure to be a crowd pleaser. If you’re looking for something a bit more luxurious, the Paella de Bogavante, with sweet, juicy lobster, is sure to hit the spot.
Visit El Teatro at #01-83 Arcade @ The Capitol Kempinski, Singapore, Tel: 6715 6879
Artichoke’s Delicious Irreverence
Artichoke needs no introduction, having been around for nine years – a feat for most restaurants in Singapore’s fickle food scene. The secret to its success is simple: Delicious food and a sense of humour. At the helm is Chef Bjorn Shen, who jokingly refers to the restaurant as “the least authentic Middle Eastern cuisine in town”.
While far from authentic, the rich flavours brimming from the menu more than makes up for it. New dishes like the Sea Asparagus jolts the palate awake with its enjoyable saltiness, expertly paired with pickled garlic, labneh, and buckwheat. The Crab Toast with Chicken Crackling and Salmon Caviar is an indulgent treat not to be missed, while the Chicken Kebab with Grilled Cabbage and Orange Salad is a sleeper hit that surprises with its inherent juiciness and honest, enjoyable flavours.
Visit Artichoke at 161 Middle Road, Singapore, Tel: 6336 6949
