藝 yì by Jereme Leung at Raffles Hotel is a gorgeous venue with expertly executed fine Chinese cuisine. Celebrity MasterChef Jereme Leung started his career in kitchens of Hong Kong, mastering all four cornerstones of Chinese cooking ranging from dim-sum, Chinese barbecue, wok-cooking to knife work.
After stints at some of the most prestigious hotels in Southeast Asia, he went on a food pilgrimage across China in the 1990s to explore the flavours of different regions, their ingredients and cooking techniques. With that knowledge, he has opened over 9 restaurants worldwide. 藝 yi by Jereme Leung is his first restaurant in Singapore and his long-awaited homecoming.
The food is not of any particular province, but you may see lost masterpieces and ancient favourites, with a modern touch.
The lobby and entryway alone will stun you. A herald of what experiences are to come.
For lunar new year, Yi has set menus from S$168++ per person, and also a la carte selections.
Suite Reunion Private Dining: For gatherings of five persons or more (capped at a maximum of 8 persons), guests can choose to celebrate in the privacy of the Hotel’s spacious Residence Suite with a choice of their preferred Lunar New Year set menu at an exclusive supplementary rate of S$500++. Guests are also invited to extend the merriment and continue the indulgence with a restorative stay after the sumptuous reunion feast at an additional S$500++.
But let's take a look at the highlights from their menu.
When at Raffles, start with a glass of their eponymous champagne.
For takeaway orders, each Yu Sheng is exquisitely assembled in a classy multi-tiered red box that's convenient to carry and easily to present on the dining table.
Each Yu Sheng serves 8-10 persons and offers a delectable choice of abalone, live lobster or salmon (smoked salmon is served for takeaway orders).
The Longevity Yu Sheng with Abalone, Arctic Surf Clams and Salmon (S$208) is the most premium yusheng they have. Auspicious ingredients are anointed with a Yunnan rose dressing crafted by MasterChef Jereme Leung.
Everyone has to wear masks for the yusheng ceremony, but the festive feel can't be dampened.
The yusheng takeaway container actually makes for convenient tossing. It keeps all the critical ingredients in. God knows how many times we have lost salmon, lobster and other yummy stuff flung off the dish.
Much yummy, as Doge would say.
Braised Abalone, Yunnan Ham, Sea Whelk and Cabbage Consomme (S$32 per person)
This is wonderful soup for the soul. Treasures from land and sea combine to present a piping hot and nourishing brew.
Steamed Cod Fillet with Fermented Black Beans and Olives (S$32 per person)
I loved this dish. It's a well-loved classic but the preparation here is faultless.
Radish Cake (S$38)
This came as a chef's surprise item. It's a CNY special available only for takeaway, and not found on their regular or dim sum menu. The delectable radish cake can be ordered online together with all their CNY takeaways at https://www.rafflescelebrations.com.sg
Baked Lobster with XO Sauce and Cheese (market price)
Possibly the star dish of the day, and that's not surprising. How do you one-up this combination? Molten cheese and umami XO sauce all over a fat, juicy lobster.
Slow-Cooked Sweet and Sour Pork Ribs with Fried Bun (S$18 per person)
This one is a close second in terms of wow factor. Succulent pork ribs completely infused with complex sweet and sour flavours. The mini mantou buns are just too cute.
Chef Jereme's Signature Golden Fried Rice with Preserved Meats (S$32)
Now, I have a new appreciation of this dish after watching a China chef make the "golden thread" eggs. This is definitely a luxury fried rice that even Uncle Roger will approve of.
Crispy Glutinous Rice Cake with Shredded Coconut (S$15 for 3 pieces)
Oh nian gao, the must have sweet snack for lunar new year. Served with refreshing coconut, this fried snack is extra yummy.
Fermented Rice Wine Ice Cream (S$16 per person)
This is certainly an acquired taste but quite exquisite if you like alcohol-flavoured ice creams. The fermentation yields a deeper complexity to the creaminess.
Stuffed Glutinous Rice Dumpling with Mixed Fruit (S$15 for 3 pieces)
This cute little dumpling is like stuffed mochi, but I'd rather have the nian gao.
Dining at 藝 yì is always an experience, and should be tried at least once. If you prefer celebrating at home, there are lunar new year takeaway menus from S$308 for six pax. Highlights include Rolled Yellow Croaker with
Sichuan Peppercorn, Sautéed King Prawns with
Spicy Creamy Pumpkin Sauce, and Chef Jereme’s
Signature Golden Fried Rice with Preserved Meats.
There is also an 8 persons (Auspicious
Set, S$728++). Apart from these set menus, guests can also choose to indulge
in the Bountiful Seafood Treasure Pot (S$488+), a delectable trove of 10-head
abalones, scallops, dried oysters and other delicacies simmered to perfection.
Many thanks to Raffles Hotel for the invitation and hospitality.
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