This Chinese restaurant's range of dim sum is good for any day of the week, so it's a shame that its ala-carte dim sum buffet is only available on the weekends.
On the Saturday afternoon that AsiaOne Just Woman dropped by, the place was host to a young family and two other couples. A spot of serenity in the midst of the busy Marina shopping belt, it makes an ideal afternoon getaway for you and your gal pals when you only want fine food and good company without having to contend with screaming kids and noisy families.
There are a wide variety of dishes on the menu, so consider bringing a larger gaggle of girlfriends along if you want to try more without filling up on a few dishes.
We were bowled away by the dim sum delicacies we tried - do order the Truffled Essence Crystal Dumplings stuffed with assorted fresh mushrooms, the scallop and spinach crystal dumplings as well as the prawn dumplings with carrot puree.
Opening hours
Two seatings for the Weekend Dim Sum Buffet: 11am-1pm (1st seating) and 1:30pm-3pm (2nd seating)
Lunch: 12noon - 2:30pm; Dinner: 6:30pm-10:30pm
Cuisine
Fine Cantonese fare. Choose from ala-carte items such as fresh seafood, roasted meats and dim sum.
Portions
Individual and sharing portions are available. Smaller appetites can opt to share individual portions. Or ask your server to recommend appropriate serving sizes.
Setting
A sea of low-hanging red silk lanterns greet you upon your arrival, while the interior is tastefully done in dark wood tones, channelling modern chinois chic. Smaller tables seat four cosily in their own alcoves, while large groups of ten or more can enjoy an outdoor view that looks into a zen garden of bamboo.
Must-tries (also available on the ala-carte menu) • Crisp Wasabi-Aioli prawns topped with fresh mango ($22 for sharing portions - 8 pieces or 2 pieces for one person): Juicy prawns batter-coated and freshly-fried with a topping of creamy wasabi-flavoured dressing and mango chunks.
• Truffled Essence Crystal Dumplings stuffed with assorted fresh mushrooms ($4.80 for 3 pieces): dim sum with skin so translucent, you can see its ingredients as you enjoy its delicately layered flavours.
• Oven-baked boneless spring chicken in Chef's special BBQ sauce ($12 for individual portions, $20 for sharing portions): For diners who need their meat, the chicken is pan-fried, then baked with a tangy sauce concocted by the chef.
Price factor
Ala carte buffet: $45++ for adults and $23++ for children
Things you didn't know
The Symphony of "Live" Pacific Grouper is a three-course fish dish consisting of crystal dumplings made with steamed grouper, Sauteed Grouper Fillet, and Grouper Fish Broth. The dish stays true to Cantonese form, and uses all parts of your live fish and does not let any of it go to waste. ($18/100gm, must purchase at least 600gm).
VerdictA versatile space of a restaurant that serves authentic Cantonese dim sum. And the new menu is a delightful surprise of treats.
