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Élan
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Look out for these newest additions to the Singapore food scene this month
It’s almost the end of 2022, yet the island’s gastronomic scene remains just as vibrant. Whether you are craving Japanese or Italian, October sees a slew of new restaurants opening—with one suitable for every craving.
If you’re looking for international flavours, stop by Élan for hearty French fare, or Altro Zafferano for authentic Italian. While those with a penchant for Asian fare can savour flavours of the Malay Archipelago at Seroja, or dig into mouthwatering Thai cuisine at Serai. If you have yet to book tickets to Japan, which has recently opened its borders, enjoy Japanese flavours in Singapore at the newest Kyoto-style omakase restaurant, Hazuki. No matter which restaurant you pick, you're definitely in for a treat.
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1. Hazuki
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The folks who brought Sushi Masaaki to Singapore’s dining scene has opened Hazuki in the heart of Ngee Ann City. Here, the kitchen is helmed by Kyoto chef Kenta Yamauchi, who offers Kyoto-style Omakase. Head down for dinner and opt for its Tsuki menu, a 10-course omakase that begins with Kegani (horsehair crab) that has been meticulously deshelled and laced with dashi jelly and oscietra caviar. These whet the palate for other tantalising plates to come, including A5 Wagyu sirloin; and awabi (abalone). The former sees thinly sliced meat boiled in an umami-filled Shiro miso (white miso made from kelp and bonito flakes) and served shabu-shabu style. The hearty dish is finished with a generous shaving of black truffles. The latter is steamed and dressed in a rich liver sauce and accompanied with sharp 30-month-aged parmigiano. Book here.
Hazuki, 04-18A Takashimaya Shopping Centre Ngee Ann City, 391 Orchard Road, S(238872), +65 6893 1555
2. Sarai Fine Thai
Chef de cuisine Chimkit Khamphuang is sharing her Thai heritage with us at Sarai. Delight in classical Thai fare with the restaurant’s delectable four-course set menu. Available for both lunch and dinner, the mouth-watering menu begins with a sweet and savoury amuse-bouche of watermelon topped with toasted coconut and smoked fish. Starters put the spotlight on Thai snacks, featuring bite-sized gems like Mieng Mak, a dish of dried prawns and wild ginger wrapped in betel leaves; and Puu Sorn Glin, a crunchy rice cake crowned with juicy crab meat.
For mains, get to dig into sharing portions of Gaeng Rawent Nuea, dry Thai green curry served with succulent Wagyu beef short ribs; and Yum Hed Goong Yang, gorgeously grilled river prawns and wild mushrooms. Dessert is an indulgent baked taro custard topped with crispy shredded taro. Book here.
Sarai Fine Thai, 163 Tanglin Road, 03-122 Tanglin Mall, S(247933), +65 6737 0818
3. Élan
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Élan is the latest addition to Shaw Centre, serving up modern French fare with a touch of Asian influences. Start the meal with a rich and buttery foie gras bonbon, a decadent starter of creamy foie gras coated in dark chocolate. It’s balanced with tangy kumquat and marigolds. Then, move on to mains and dig into its signature smoked pigeon that has been oven-roasted and hay-smoked until aromatic. If you prefer flavours of the sea, its tilefish is prepped by pouring piping hot oil over its scales. The result is a flavourful filet with a crunchy skin. It’s served alongside a velvety smooth potato mousseline, melted leeks and bonito velouté. Book here.
Élan, 1 Scotts Rd, 01-13 Shaw Centre, S(228208), +65 6735 6656
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4. Altro Zafferano
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Those with a penchant for Italian fare can head to Altro Zafferano for contemporary Italian cuisine interpreted through a South Italian lens. Executive chef Andrea de Paolo leads the kitchen, crafting innovative dishes with authentic Italian flavours. There’s a plethora of dishes to choose from—among the standouts are the tagliolini with langoustine; and Mediterranean sea bass. The former is a hearty pasta dish of house-made tagliolini dressed in a light scampi sauce and crowned with scampi crudo. The dish is elevated with the addition of zesty Amalfi lemon garum and briny sea grapes. The latter is perfect for those who prefer seafood, featuring flaky Mediterranean sea bass fillet with a crisp charcoal-smoked skin. It’s accompanied with a smooth pine nut cream, celeriac cream, and caponata (chopped fried aubergine) jus. Book here.
Altro Zafferano, 10 Collyer Quay, S(049315), +65 6509 1488
5. Seroja
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Paying tribute to the diversity and flavours of the Malay Archipelago is Seroja, the latest dining concept by Meta’s former head chef Kevin Wong. Go for the Nusantara tasting menu that pays homage to the islands of the region and sink your teeth into dishes like the Hokkaido scallop, slow-cooked in garlic oil until fragrant. It’s served with ginger flowers, tamarind with palm sugar, and lily bulbs. Other standouts include Wong’s signature Trader’s rice, a comforting dish commonly found in the Terengganu and Kelantan regions. The dish sees tender percik-marinated beef short ribs, accompanied with steamed rice from the Lun Bawang tribe, and prickly chayote squash. Book here.
Seroja, 7 Fraser St, 01-30/31/32/33 Duo Galleria, S(189356), +65 8522 2926
Amanda Goh was the former senior writer for Tatler Singapore.
