HazelDiary

Dining at an award-winning fine dining restaurant is always a treat, especially at a restaurant as renowned as Gunther’s. Since its establishment in 2007, Gunther’s has become synonymous with modern French fine dining, earning numerous accolades and widespread recognition over the years. At the helm is Chef Gunther Hubrechsen, the original creator of iconic dishes such as the Cold Angel Hair Pasta with Oscietra Caviar ©2005, Fine Apple Tart “aux Dragées”, Havana Rum Raisin Ice-Cream, and more. His impressive resume includes working as Sous Chef at the 3 Michelin Star L’Arpège and serving as Head Chef at Les Amis before opening his own establishment.

Read more: SG Food: Gunther’s Incredible Gourmet Set Lunch Starting from S$58++

Dining at high-end restaurants is often associated with a hefty price tag and reserved for special occasions and celebrations. However, Gunther’s is changing the game by offering a luxurious lunch experience at fantastic prices. With their 3-course and 4-course menus starting from just S$58.00++ per person, Gunther’s provides exceptional value for a premium dining experience. Located on Purvis Street, Gunther’s offers the best value-for-money luxury lunch in the Bugis/City Hall area through their Express Lunch and Chef’s Seasonal Lunch Menu.

We opted for the Chef’s Seasonal 3-Course Lunch Menu, which includes 1 starter of your choice, 1 main of your choice, 1 dessert, and petit fours.

Complimentary bread is served before our meal begins.

For appetizer, I had the signature Cold Angel Hair Pasta with Truffle and Caviar, while my friend selected the Gratinated Onion dish. The Cold Angel Hair Pasta with Truffle and Caviar is a light and refreshing dish, featuring delicately thin pasta infused with the rich aroma of truffle oil. The caviar adds a luxurious touch, providing a perfect balance of flavors.

While the Gratinated Onion dish is a savory delight. The dish features tender onions baked to perfection with a rich, golden crust. The dish combines the sweetness of the onions with a creamy, flavorful gratin, resulting in a comforting and indulgent appetizer.

For the main course, I chose the Grilled Half Maine Lobster served with Béarnaise sauce and pomme allumette. The lobster was incredibly fresh, with firm, sweet meat complemented by the rich, tangy sauce.

My friend opted for the tender Roasted Iberico Pork Jowl at Gunther’s. The dish is delicately prepared with a blend of herbs and served with a flavorful raspberry and hibiscus sauce, offering a unique combination of savory and sweet notes. The pork jowl itself is cooked to perfection, tender and juicy, complemented by the vibrant flavors of the sauce.

The Fine Apple Tart “aux Dragées” is a beautifully crafted dessert featuring a delicate, buttery tart filled with sweet, spiced apple compote and topped with crisp, caramelized sugar. It is paired with Havana Rum Raisin Ice-Cream, which adds a rich, creamy, and slightly boozy touch to the dish. The combination of textures and flavors offers a luxurious and satisfying end to your meal.

Lastly, we enjoyed our choice of tea with the Petit Fours, though coffee is also available. Overall, Gunther’s offers a lunch experience that is truly worth the price. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking a top-notch dining experience without breaking the bank. Having been here twice, I can attest that both the food and service continue to be as impressive as I remembered.

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Sri Lanka’s celebrated Ministry of Crab helmed by the renowned Chef Dharshan Munidasa is set to open its doors in Singapore on 3 July 2024 at Dempsey. As the only crab restaurant from Asia to make it into Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, this marks the brand’s sixth international outpost following successful ventures in Bangkok, Shanghai, Chengdu, Maldives, and Mumbai.

Read more: [SG Food] Ministry of Crab Plates Up the Best Sri Lankan Crustaceans at Dempsey Singapore

Ministry of Crab is committed to delivering the freshest Sri Lankan crabs, air-flown live thrice weekly. The restaurant’s ethos, encapsulated in its “Crab Constitution,” promises diners only the freshest wild-caught crabs, never farmed or frozen. The crabs range from the modest 500g ½ Kilo Crab to the impressive Crabzilla, weighing over 2kg.

The menu is a testament to the restaurant’s dedication to quality and flavor. The Signature Garlic Chili Crab, a fusion of Italian olive oil, Japanese soy sauce, and Sri Lankan crabs, promises an explosion of flavor. For those seeking a spicier kick, the MOC Original Recipe Spicy Crab is a must-try, featuring fiery red chilies from Sri Lanka. Other notable dishes include the Black Pepper Dashi Crab and Sri Lankan Curry Crab, each offering unique flavor profiles.

For prawn enthusiasts, the Prawn Chili Prawn is a standout, with other intriguing options like Butter Soy Prawns, Pepper Prawn, and Olive Oil & Soy Prawn. Fans of the famed Crabzilla and Prawnzilla should keep an eye on the restaurant’s social media channels for availability updates.

We had the pleasure of sampling some of Ministry of Crab’s highlighted dishes, each one showcasing the restaurant’s commitment to quality and flavor. We started with the Crab Liver Pâté ( not captured in photo), a luxurious starter likened to caviar. This dish is made from the liver of the crab, and it was incredibly smooth and flavorful.

Next, we had Pure Crab, a dish that truly allows the natural sweetness of the crab to shine. The crab is steamed and then chilled to enhance its flavors, served with sides of warm butter, calamansi ponzu, and chili vinegar for dipping. It’s a must-try for any crab aficionado.

The Garlic Chilli Prawn was a delightful surprise with the fragrance of garlic and the heat of chili bringing out the sweetness of the prawns. Accompanied by the chargrilled Garlic Bread, which was glazed in a moreish garlic butter. The bread was incredibly addictive, especially when dipped in the savory gravy—I couldn’t get enough.

The star of the show was undoubtedly the Signature Garlic Chilli Crab. This dish marries Italian olive oil, Japanese soy sauce, and Sri Lankan crabs, resulting in an explosion of flavor that left us wanting more. To accompany it, we were served Kade Bread, perfect for mopping up the crab gravy, or chargrilled Garlic Bread.

For those who prefer a more traditional preparation, the Crab Chawanmushi provided a delicate and silky steamed egg custard topped with hand-picked crab meat and a drizzle of garlic chili oil glaze. One of our tablemates humorously remarked that the presentation reminded them of chwee kueh.

For dessert, we indulged in the Coconut Crème Brûlée offering a tropical twist on the classic French dessert.

Beyond crabs, the menu includes a variety of seafood dishes like freshwater prawns, clams, oysters, and fish, alongside non-seafood options such as chicken. A perfect starter is the Crab Liver Pâté, akin to caviar, served with Melba toast and a touch of kithul treacle for a sweet and smoky finish.

To complement the exquisite crustacean dishes, Ministry of Crab offers “Fifty Shades of Rosé,” a curated list of 50 rosé wines from France, Italy, Australia, and Spain. Non-drinkers can enjoy non-alcoholic sparkling iced teas like the Copenhagen Sparkling Tea in various organic flavors.

Address: Ministry of Crab

6 Dempsey Road

Singapore 249683

Opening Hours: 6:00PM-11:00PM

(Closed on Tuesdays)

Website: https://www.ministryofcrab.com/

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Beyond The Dough, the latest addition to Singapore’s bustling food scene, is making waves with its unique take on Tokyo Neapolitan pizza. Conceived by master pizzaiolo Eddie Murakami and F&B visionary Shinji Yokota, this cozy spot on Arab Street goes beyond being just another pizzeria. Boasting a minimalist interior with a seating capacity of 28, Beyond The Dough lets its pizzas take center stage.

Read more: [SG EATS]Beyond The Dough- “Tokyo Neapolitan-Style” Pizzeria in Singapore

Beyond The Dough is the brainchild of Eddie Murakami, a master pizzaiolo trained at top Tokyo pizzerias, and Shinji Yokota, an F&B visionary with extensive industry experience. Their mission is clear: to deliver pizzas that embody the “purest of flavors” using high-quality ingredients and meticulous cooking techniques. The pizzas feature flour from Japan, water filtered through a proprietary Japanese filter, and Okinawa salt, among other carefully selected ingredients.

We started with an Assortment of 3 Appetisers, a delightful selection that changes daily based on the freshness. It’s a great way to start if you’re dining out in a group, offering a refreshing introduction to the meal.

Next, we had the standout Homemade Lasagna—umami, juicy, and bursting with flavor. However, be sure to order early, as this treat is limited to one order per person and tends to sell out quickly.

Moving on to the pizzas that I tried:

Margherita (tomato sauce, basil and cheese) -A classic favorite featuring tomato sauce, basil, and cheese. The cheese pull and crisp pizza crust provided a delightful experience.

Singapore Rampage — brings the best of hot and spicy with a gravy made from over 100 prawns, cooked over 20 hours and fragranced with chilli, garlic and basil. A must-try for those seeking a fusion of local flavors and a touch of heat.

Diavola (tomato sauce, basil, salsiccia, olive, cheese and chilli)– Tomato sauce, basil, salsiccia, olive, cheese, and chili come together for a crowd-pleasing combination of ingredients and cheesy goodness.

5 Formaggi- Crafted with five premium cheeses, including mascarpone, smoked cheese, blue cheese, pecorino, and parmigiana. A heaven for cheese lovers, accentuated by a surprising drizzle of thick honey on warm cheese and a crisp pizza base. My top favourite of the night!

@hazeldiary_ ‘Tokyo Neapolitan-Style’ Pizzeria opens at Arab Street. One of the best pizza i had recently. Best to make reservation before heading down as the seats are limited. #sgfoodie #beyondthedoughsg #beyondthedoughpizzeria #pizzalover #pizzatime #wheretoeatsg ♬ 첫 눈 The First Snow – EXO

Conveniently located on Arab Street, Beyond The Dough stands out as a vibrant addition to the local dining scene. More than just a pizzeria, it seamlessly blends traditional techniques with modern flair while remaining true to the essence of exceptional pizza.

Address: Beyond The Dough Pizzeria

150 Arab Street

Singapore 199832

Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday | Lunch: 11:45AM to 15:00PM (13:45PM Last Order) | Dinner: 17:00PM to 23:00PM (21:45PM Last Order)

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The Silken Tofu with Pumpkin and Crabmeat ( S$18.90++), featuring sweet golden pumpkin from Taiwan. This dish provides a lighter option, though a bit more crabmeat would have enhanced the dish.

The Crispy Eggs with Black Sesame Oil (S$16.90++), a Taiwanese household favorite, featured four fried sunny-side-ups cooked in a sweet-savory sauce with Taiwan-imported black sesame oil. Delightful combination of runny yolks and crispy sides in a sweet-savory sauce, though some might find the price a bit steep.

Another noteworthy dish is Ah Ma’s Rice Vermicelli and Taro Soup (S$19.90++/ S$32.90++ ). This dish features fine rice vermicelli from Xin Zhu, immersed in a flavorful pork bone broth. The soup is complemented by sliced pork belly, lala, shiitake mushrooms, and sweet taro chunks. To my delight, the rice noodles maintained a pleasing firmness despite being immersed in the piping-hot soup – a welcome surprise for someone who dislikes soggy noodles. The full-bodied broth struck a perfect balance, not overly salty, allowing me to savor every bit of it with a satisfying slurp.

The restaurant’s ambiance accommodates up to 120 diners, with open and spacious seating, including private dining rooms for more intimate gatherings. While the middle seats lack some intimacy, the booth seats on the side provide a cozier atmosphere. Located conveniently at Leisure Park Kallang, a short walk from Stadium MRT Station, Song Yue Taiwan Cuisine offers a homely and well-executed dining experience with reasonable prices – making it a worthy choice for a family meal.

Address: Song Yue Taiwan Cuisine

5 Stadium Walk

#01-38/39 Leisure Park Kallang

Singapore 397693
Opening hours: Sunday-Thursday 11:30am to 3:30pm | 5:00PM to 9:00PM

Friday-Saturday 11:30AM to 3:30PM | 5:00PM to 9:30PM
Tel: 6988 3322

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Araya located at Mondrian Singapore Duxton stands out as the first fine-dining South American establishment in the city. The restaurant emphasis on Chilean South Pacific cuisine infused with indigenous and Japanese ingredients. It is the latest addition to the Culinary Arts Group, which also boasts Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant Hamamoto and popular open-fire grill eatery, Revolver.

Read more: [SG EATS] Araya At Mondrian Singapore Duxton | South American Fine-Dining Cuisine With Chilean Focus

Situated within Mondrian Singapore Duxton, Araya is a cozy 30-seater space led by the culinary expertise of Michelin-starred Chef Francisco Araya and Chef Fernanda Guerrero. The main dining area features a 12-seat rose quartz counter that provides an intimate view of the chefs at work. For large groups, there is also a private room available with a minimum spending requirement of S$4,000.00++.

Araya offers a singular dining experience with its Menu Degustacion prices at S$298++ per person tasting menu for dinner along with a vegetarian option, Menu Vegetariano at S$298++ per person. The courses showcase a fusion of South American flavours with Japanese elements, and a wine pairing option is also available.

We started off with a series of snacks including Ama Ebi Tomato Meringue, Tepache (fermented pineapple juice), and Corn Flan with Murasaki uni marinated in white shoyu.

The bread course, La Panera introduces three distinct Chilean breads- Marraqueta, Chapalele and Chorizo.I enjoyed the trio freshly baked bread complemented by Butter Merken, a Uruguayan butter infused with merken.

Following the bread course, the refreshing Ceviche features Hokkaido scallops marinated in shio koji with tiger’s milk sorbet and a medley of flavours.

The Causa course presents Araya’s take on potatoes and caviar, incorporating oca,yellow chillies and lightly smoked chutoro.

A standout dish is the Moqueca, a traditional Brazilian fish stew featuring gently poached kinki fish with a flavorful moqueca sauce made from kinki bones, palm oil, and coconut milk. Interesting!

The following course features exquisite harmony of 154 days aged Ecuadorian cacao. It’s rich and velvety taste perfectly complementing the succulent essence of Bresse pigeon intensifying the richness of flavors.

Transitioning to the “Sunday Lunch” segment, highlighting the traditional Chilean snack, the Empanada takes center stage. Crafted with wagyu beef, it is elegantly adorned with a pebre gel (a Chilean condiment typically comprising coriander and/or parsley) and delicate micro herbs on top.

For the final savory course, we had Picana presenting Wagyu beef with vibrant chimichurri sauce.

Palate cleanser before moving on to our sweet treats.

The dessert experience unfolds in three acts. The first, Desierto Florido features crushed honey orange meringue, chirimoya alegre espuma, and mango-pineapple-infused orange flan.

Antarctica, the second dessert offers goat’s milk ice-cream, crispy milk, cinnamon anglaise, Patagonian blackberries, and dulce de leche.

The grand finale Carrito De Dulces involves a dessert trolley presenting single-origin chocolates from South America for patrons to choose from. We get to choose whichever type of chocolate from the dessert trolley.

While unfamiliar to many, Chilean cuisine takes center stage at Araya offering a refreshing addition to Singapore’s dining scene. The carefully crafted dishes, attentive service, and unique flavour combinations position Araya as a strong contender for a Michelin Star in the future. I would recommend giving it a try for an exquisite dining experience.

Address: Araya 
Mondrian Singapore Duxton 
83 Neil Road, #01-08 
Singapore 089813 
Tel: +65 8870 0871 

Opening Hours:  Tuesday to Saturday 6:00PM to 11:00PM (Last order at 9:00PM) 
Closed on Sunday & Monday 

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