The Royal Mail Restaurant: Singapore Food Review (Closed)

“A modern take on classic British cuisine”

The Royal Mail Restaurant & Bar famed for its roasts and prime rib has recently revamped its ala-carte menu which stayed true to their concept of British classics with a modern twist. The Group Executive Chef Micail Chepi and his team draws cultural ingredient influences and reflect it into their dishes, showcasing their skill and creativity. The Royal Mail Bar is situated on the first floor of the Ascott building, an ideal spot for an after-work drink. The Daily Bar Promotions are absolutely a steal. On Thursdays for example, all Martinis are at $5++. The 60-seater restaurant is located on the second floor. The carpeted floors and cushioned seats provides a cozy setting yet giving enough privacy for the diners themselves. Cheese Gougères (Baked Puff Pastry with Cheese). A French cheese puff is served warm as an appetizer. The pastry is airy and fluffy with a slight cheesy aroma- high quality cheese used. Seared Scallop with Orange Jam and Olive Caviar. For Amuse-Bouche (appetizer, which chef changes daily), avocado mush is served in a shot glass topped with green apple slices, while scallop is served on a spoon with the orange jam. A good mouthful of scallop, there is an array of textures within this bite-sized appetizer which tasted splendid. The tanginess serves to open up the palate for more to come. Baby Octopus & Bay Scallops ($28). Daintily decorated with wasabi aioli, salmon roe and squid ink crust. The seafood is fresh, juicy with bursts of seafood flavour. Very rich in oceanic flavours yet not overpowering. The wasabi aioli serves to lighten the palate mood. Pan Seared Foie Gras ($24). Topped with toasted Camembert cheese, mixed dried fruits and honey mustard infused Riesling Jus. I thought the Foei Gras and cheese would be too creamy, but the cheese had a very delicate, light touch and didn’t give an umami overload. The luxurious creamy taste went well with the sweetness from the dried fruits, which was pretty impressive. Sous-vide Half Marine Lobster ($24). Paired with crispy Jamón Ibérico de Bellota, which is premium Spanish cured ham. Cooking sous-vide gives the lobster even, precise texture and tenderness without the risk of overcooking. The Saffron Beurre Blanc and Port Jus was buttery sweet, a way less complex sauce than the name suggests. Truffle Risotto ($14). Truffle Potato Mash ($10) and Sauteed Chestnut & Grapes ($12). The generosity of truffle is indeed satisfying and risotto has the perfect consistency. Do try it if you are a truffle fan. The potato mash has a buttery, creamy texture which rolls off your tongue smoothly, I like how the garlicky taste contends with the truffle flavor. Sauteed Chestnut & Grapes is another hot favorite and classic British dish on the menu. It also has apricots and almonds inside, topped with blue cheese and chive. Not exactly zealous for the chestnuts, but interesting savory-sweet combination nonetheless. Lobster Linguine ($28). The highlight of this dish is probably squid ink espuma, a foam cleverly made with gastronomy techniques that adds subtle squid ink flavour to the pasta. Go for this if you prefer something lighter on the palate. Roast Prime Rib, The Royal Mail ($68). There are three cuts available depending on how thick you prefer your steak to be – The English Cut (200g), Classic Cut (280g) and The Royal Mail (340g). But most importantly, they did justice to that thick slab of beef. The beef was tender, juicy and packs rustic flavours of peppercorn and jus. Very evenly roasted, this is one of the best prime rib roasts beef I’ve had. Comes with sides, sauteed Brussels sprout with blue cheese, Yorkshire pudding and veal Jus. They also provide grated horseradish for condiments. Related Guide: Best Steaks You Can Find in Singapore Kurobuta Pork Chop ($48). Pan-roasted then served with caramelized poached apple and apple Jus. The roast aroma and flavor is marvelous although the meat was a bit too tough for my liking. The apple sauce brings out the meat fragrance even more, so go free with the sauce. I liked that I could alternate between sweet and savory within a dish itself. Roasted Deboned Fish of the Day ($52). This is a huge portion meant for two unless you are a hearty eater. Fresh catch of the day, crisp skin, delicate flesh that is perfect to eat on its own. Add lemon for the citrus punch or garlic confit for an extra flavour. Overall, this is one good roasted sea bass. Chocolate Fondant ($18). While the molten lava cake wasn’t fantastic – probably baked for a minute too long. The vanilla ice cream and freeze-dried raspberry chocolate crumble combination was rather delightful.

Eton Mess ($15). The perfect traditional English dessert. The meringue is soft with a crispy exterior, combined with strawberries, hazelnut crunch, salted caramel and a lightweight Devon cream. An amazing combination of sweet, sour, creamy and crispy- this is an outstanding Eton Mess, one of the best in Singapore.

It is evident from the menu that draws various cultural inspirations to create an impeccable menu and dishes unique to The Royal Mail restaurant. The Prime Roast Beef and Eton Mess are highly recommended.

In fact most of the dishes we tried are all highly recommended. I was really impressed with The Royal Mail. Kudos to the waiters who are knowledgeable on each creation and ingredients on the list.

Do consider The Royal Mail for a hearty indulgence at the Central Business District area.

Expected Damage: $90-$120/pax

The Royal Mail: Ascott Singapore Raffles Place, 2 Finlayson Green, Singapore 049247 | Website