Rooftop and sky dining spots in Singapore are easily one of the most popular establishments that one would choose for special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries. I mean, Singapore’s skyline on a cloudless evening looks pretty spectacular.

One of the latest to join the ranks is SKAI, located on Level 70 of Swissotel Stamford. Previously Equinox, it feels like the space has awakened, doing away with the heavy, dark wood and deep scarlet walls.

Instead, ample natural light floods the dining area and the decor takes on Scandinavian vibes.

SKAI offers a very affordable Lunch Set (S$39++ for two courses, S$49++ for three courses), but I wanted to give their a la carte menu a go, to satisfy my curiosity about their variety.

As such, I started with a refreshing plate of Yellow Fin Tuna (S$24) as my appetiser.

Meant to be enjoyed with their homemade sesame crackers, it was an absolute delight having the crunch of crackers and fattiness of tuna in a single bite.

What really elevated the flavours were the peppering of togarashi (a common Japanese spice mixture containing seven ingredients) and tiny pearls of ikura (salmon caviar) for a salty and subtly spicy edge.

Small eaters can opt for SKAI’s BBQ Quail Yakitori (S$26) that comes with a pair of petite quail wings. For the price point, I couldn’t justify the portion. The meat, as with all quails, was miserable, with its sole saving grace being its sweet and savoury marinade.

A well-cooked white fish can sometimes outdo a red meat dish, and this one came close to impressing me. The Miso Black Cod (S$70) was diminutive in its presentation, as well, and if you’re expecting the prices here to align with their portion sizes, you’ll be greatly disappointed.

Granted the cod was incredibly flaky and naturally sweet, but I felt like the miso made the overall taste overly sweet. There wasn’t much on the plate to contrast with the saccharine glaze on the cod, which resulted in a lacklustre reception on my end.

I’m so glad SKAI’s Rhug Organic Lamb Saddle (S$65) more than made up for the cod’s failed attempt at knocking my socks off. Complemented with shiitake mushrooms, broccoli, and Tosaka seaweed, the lamb saddle was satisfyingly fatty and didn’t carry the dreaded ‘gamey’ aroma that many are averse to.

If you had to blindfold me and put me through a taste test of what meat this was, I’d fail and say beef — beef that’s incredibly succulent and tender and warranted me asking for the last ‘paiseh piece’.

I wish I had more room for dessert after, but I had another meal to scoot off to (yes, #jobperks are also major #firstworldproblems). I wanted to soak in the vibrant ambience at SKAI and really bask in a leisurely afternoon meal.

I suppose I will have to return here next time, on an evening where I’ll be able to appreciate Singapore’s breathtaking skyline and give SKAI’s menu a second chance.

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