The older I get and the longer I’ve lived in Singapore, the more exciting it has become to seek out restaurants and bars that offer a great dining experience. I see no shame in spending a bulk of my monthly salary on food (what can I say, I love to eat!) and would happily shell out for a worthy meal or top notch drinks.
Many of you may already be well aware of these five dining spots, but we’ve uncovered juicy secrets from each of them that just have to be shared. And guess what? They all have great dining promotions for OCBC Cardmembers.
I’d say adulting isn’t so bad after all.
1. Mikuni @ Fairmont Singapore
“Grand Tasting Tour Spring Menu That Highlights Fresh, Seasonal Flavours”
I felt fancy from the moment I set foot into Mikuni. Somewhat hidden in Fairmont Singapore, this Japanese restaurant is known for delivering a multi-sensory dining experience through its Teppanyaki, Sushi and Robatayaki live stations.
Japanese restaurants are a dime a dozen these days in Singapore, so what’s the secret to keep customers coming back? Mikuni is known for blending modern and century-old Japanese culinary techniques, and it’s now presenting a Grand Tasting Spring Menu that highlights the fresh Japanese produce that’s available this season.
The Mikuni Grand Tasting Tour Spring Menu (S$230++) is seven courses of signature creations with unique Japanese flavours that I’ve never tasted before. This particular menu that I tasted was heavily inspired by Kyoto, with ingredients that have been specially flown in.
The preparation techniques and plating is a whole other level of dining sophistication and is something that I think anyone who appreciates Japanese food should experience.
The Otoushi Course was the first standout composition for me, featuring Zensai Sea Eel Sushi, Hotaru Ika, Seaweed and a Bamboo Shoot – all fresh produce and ingredients from Kyoto.
The intricacy in the careful selection of the ingredients was unlike anything I have seen in other Japanese restaurants. I savoured the Zensai Sea Eel Sushi for as long as I could, but was already excited for the next course.
Almost everyone who loves Japanese food loves sashimi, and Mikuni’s presentation of the Sashimi Course was a thing of beauty. The Seasonal Tokusen Sashimi comprising Toro, Kanpachi, Sayori, Shiro Ebi and Uni was refreshing on the palate, and each of them had surprisingly different textures.
The Toro (or tuna belly) was melt-in-your-mouth and pretty unforgettable with a dash of freshly grated wasabi.
Speaking of unforgettable, the Meat Course of Miyazaki Wagyu Beef “Amiyaki” and Spring Seasonal Vegetables was everything I anticipated and more. A dash of salt was all that was needed to complement the creaminess of the wagyu.
The experienced chefs at Mikuni have created a grand tasting menu that is a culinary journey from start to finish, and paying with an OCBC Card will give you 25% off the food bill, plus a complimentary glass of champagne. This promotion ends on 31 May 2017, so don’t disappoint your taste buds and make your reservations now.
Click here for more information on the OCBC Cards Dining Promotion.
Mikuni: Level 3 Fairmont Singapore, 80 Bras Basah Road, Singapore 189560 | Opening Hours: Lunch (Mon – Sat) 12pm – 2:30pm, Dinner (Mon – Sat) 6:30pm – 10:30pm, Closed on Sundays | Tel: +65 6431 6156 | Website
2. Kiraku
“Fish And Seafood Is Flown In Fresh From Tsukiji Market”
Kiraku is a hit with the office folks at Raffles Place because of its amazing Executive Lunch Sets, with very generous portions. Come dinner time though, the ambience of the Japanese restaurant changes completely, with an outdoor seating area that transports you to Japan.
It even has a private tatami room that you can book for occasions and various party sizes, and I had the luxury of dining in such an authentic setting.
This isn’t the secret that we discovered about Kiraku though; we were more surprised to find out that the fish and seafood is flown in fresh weekly from the popular Tsukiji market in Tokyo.
End a long day at work with a quiet dinner in the tatami room with your close friends and sample the fresh ingredients from the à la carte menu. I immediately felt at home with the warm and friendly service and knew I was in for a treat.
I highly recommend ordering the Ebi Tempura Maki (S$14++) which is excellent to share, and a portion of the Toro Aburi Sushi (flamed tuna belly) (S$16++) and Sake Hara (flamed salmon belly) (S$6++).
I naturally had to order the Sashimi Moriawase (S$40++) after finding out that the fish was fresh from the Tsukiji market. The chunky pieces of Tuna, Salmon, Yellowtail, Swordfish, Sweet Prawns and Surf Clams were a great complement to the meal, and the difference in taste was clearly evident.
I will most definitely be back for the Wagyu Shabu Shabu sets that Kiraku serves – the Japanese hotpot was one of the better ones I’ve had. I always go big or go home and the Saga Wagyu (A4 Strip Loin) (S$108++) was the best decision I’ve made all week.
Beautifully marbled slices of premium grade wagyu glistened when dipped in the steaming dashi broth, which was soaking up all the flavours of the seasonal vegetables. Having a bad week at work? This will cheer you right up.
I have even more good news if you’re an OCBC Cardmember; from now till 30 June 2017, pay with your OCBC Card and enjoy 10% off the à la carte dinner food bill. You’re welcome.
Click here for more information on the OCBC Cards Dining Promotion.
Kiraku: #B1-01 Sinsov Building, 55 Market St, Singapore 048941 | Opening Hours: Lunch (Mon – Fri) 11:30am – 3pm, Dinner (Mon – Thu) 6pm – 10:30pm, (Fri & Eve of PH) 6pm – 11pm, Closed on Sat, Sun & PH | Tel: +65 6438 6428 | Website
3. Wah Lok @ Carlton Hotel
“Special Dinner Menu Exclusively For OCBC Cardmembers”
Wah Lok has cemented itself as one of Singapore’s Best Restaurants, especially if you’re searching for authentic Cantonese cuisine. The elegant space stretches out across the second level of Carlton Hotel and is ideal if you want to take your family out for a nice dinner.
I found it particularly fitting as well for a celebratory business dinner, and definitely see the appeal among the younger corporate crowd.
Wah Lok’s reputation precedes it but not many know about the “secret” special dinner menu which is exclusive to OCBC Cardmembers. Enjoy A Gastronomic Adventure At Wah Lok (S$108++), which features six courses conceptualised with the gourmet Asian foodie in mind.
I was blown away by the Baked Cod With BBQ Sauce, a dish that looked really simple but was layered with flavour. The cod was cooked to perfection and covered in just the right amount of sauce that was a balance of sweet and slightly smoky.
I also have to mention the Braised Whole Abalone, Sea Cucumber & Chinese Spinach, which were cooked in an oyster sauce that didn’t overpower the premium ingredients. The sea cucumber was also perfect, not chewy or rubbery at all like what I’ve encountered at some Chinese restaurants.
I thought I was full but I somehow managed to make room for the Stewed Noodles With Crab Claw, Ginger & Onion. The crab was extremely juicy and fresh, complemented by the strong flavours of the spring onions and ginger slices.
If you’re thinking of going for this special set menu, remember it’s only exclusive with your OCBC Card and head there before 30 June 2017. Your parents are going to love you for this.
Click here for more information on the OCBC Cards Dining Promotion.
Wah Lok: Level 2 Carlton Hotel, 76 Bras Basah Rd, Singapore 189558 | Opening Hours: Lunch (Mon – Sat) 11.30am – 2:30pm, (Sun & PH) 11am – 2.30pm, Dinner (Mon – Sat) 6:30pm – 10.30pm, (Sun & PH) 6:30pm – 10.30pm | Tel: +65 6311 8188 / +65 6311 8189 | Website
4. Chihuly Lounge @ The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore
“Make Gin Great Again With 4 Signature American G&Ts Served On A Gin Trolley”
I had never been to The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore before and immediately started thinking about all those wasted years – the hotel is stunning! I found my way to the Chihuly Lounge which was named after the American glass artist, Dale Chihuly.
People love coming here for the afternoon tea, but we’ve uncovered another gem that just has to be shared: Chihuly Lounge’s efforts to ‘Make Gin Great Again’.
Who doesn’t love a good ol’ gin and tonic? You won’t find your usual Hendricks or Bombay Sapphire on this special gin trolley though. Choose from four Signature American Gin & Tonics at only S$12++ per glass!
That’s a steal to enjoy the new and improved interactive cocktail service, where the lovely staff prepare your drink table side. If gin isn’t usually your poison of choice, this is the best way to ease into it.
I’ve never even heard of some of the labels before my gin trolley experience: Brooklyn Gin, Death’s Door Gin, Ransom Gin and St George’s Gin. Each comes with its own unique concoction and garnishes to complement the respective flavours.
Try the Brooklyn Gin for something totally different; it’s a mix of grapefruit tonic and lavender bitters which really bring out the floral and citrus notes of the gin. I loved this because of the strong grapefruit flavours and how the cocktail was beautifully garnished with lavender and sliced grapefruit.
Another interesting standout was the Ransom Gin from Oregon. Also boasting zesty and citrusy flavours, the cocktail comprised tonic and cardamom bitters, garnished with lime wedges and cardamom seeds.
It was very refreshing on the palate and slightly addictive – I could see myself knocking back a couple just because it was so delicious.
Get a few friends together or hey, even head down just by yourself for a quiet evening to enjoy a glass or two in the relaxing ambience of the lounge. I was more than happy to indulge in these special S$12++ cocktails, and then found out that OCBC Cardmembers get an additional 20% off.
You’ve got from now till 30 June 2017 to try it out!
Click here for more information on the OCBC Cards Dining Promotion.
Chihuly Lounge: Level 3 The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore, 7 Raffles Avenue, Singapore 039799 | Opening Hours: (Daily) 9am – 1am | Gin Trolley | Website
5. Smoke & Mirrors
“Spectacular View & Savoury Cocktails – Duck Fat Daiquiri Anyone?”
Singapore is getting increasingly popular for its rooftop bars with stunning views, and Smoke & Mirrors at National Gallery Singapore often tops the list. I must admit that I sometimes forget how breathtaking this country is, and this bar has the perfect backdrop for a great evening.
Destination rooftop bar Smoke & Mirrors is no secret to the public, but did you know that they make some of the most interesting cocktails in Singapore? A familiar name in the bar scene, Head Bartender Yugnes Susela drives the creative cocktail programme along with his team, and each of them have signature creations to recommend.
I started my evening of drinking with the Painting Class (S$25++), which was introduced as a floral, sweet and fizzy concoction that would get me going. And get me going it did – don’t be fooled by its dainty appearance as this drink packs a punch.
It was inspired by the art that surrounds Smoke & Mirrors, since after all the bar does sit atop a gallery. Indulge in a wonderful mix of pisco, elderflower, strawberry sake, bubbles and edible paint (white chocolate).
If there is one drink that you have to try when you visit, it’s Duck’s Fat Hope (S$22++). This is exactly the type of secret that I’m talking about.
Smoke & Mirrors is directly above the popular Cantonese restaurant Yàn, which is famous for its Peking Duck. Head Bartender Yugnes came up with the ingenious idea of bottling the peking duck jus and adding it to this unique daiquiri.
Drops of the duck fat are added to the mix of jackfruit rum, five-spiced honey and lemon, creating a one-of-a-kind savoury cocktail that is a treat for the senses.
The slew of interesting flavour combinations continued with Charles’s Journey (S$24++), which arrived looking deceivingly like a cup of Indian tea. It’s described as a herbal elixir and concocted from Tibetan gin, Amaro Montenegro, Lemon and Aperol rosemary soda.
The cocktail did have a chai tea-like taste to it which I loved, and an edible flower which just took the whole experience up a notch.
I know you’re probably already itching to try the cocktails at Smoke & Mirrors, and if you’ve got an OCBC Card, you even get to enjoy 20% off 17 signature cocktails on the menu, including the ones we’ve tasted! This promotion is valid from Mondays to Thursdays, 5pm – 8pm and till 31 October 2017.
I know what I’ll be doing after work today.
Click here for more information on the OCBC Cards Dining Promotion.
Smoke & Mirrors: #06-01 National Gallery Singapore, 1 St Andrew’s Rd, Singapore 178957 | Opening Hours: (Mon – Fri) 3pm – 1am, (Sat, Sun, Eve of & Day of PH) 12pm – 2am | Website
*This post was brought to you in partnership with OCBC Cards.
