Renowned for its artisanal pastries, Alice Boulangerie has recently undergone a stunning transformation. After a month-long makeover, this beloved café has evolved into an elegant restaurant and dining space. Guests can now savour a contemporary dinner menu with a unique Asian flair, offering a modern twist on classic flavours.
Herb Bread with Kombu Butter 4.5/5
We began our meal with a delightful complimentary appetiser: Herb Bread with Kombu Butter. The bread was served warm and pillowy-soft, paired perfectly with the house-made kombu butter, which was both savoury and aromatic. As I write this, I find myself longing for another taste.
Ruby Oolong Cooler & Virgin Fruity Mojito Cooler 3/5
They have an array of alcoholic drinks, but we picked 2 non-alcoholic coolers instead, which were decent.
Seabream Crudo 3.8/5
The Japanese-inspired appetiser, Seabream Crudo ($28), features delicately sliced Japanese ‘Tai’ fish drizzled with ponzu sauce, complemented by Aji Amarillo (Peruvian yellow chilli pepper) and crispy ginger threads. Lightly torched for added depth, this elevated sashimi dish offers a superb texture and a well-balanced flavour profile, making it an excellent choice for sharing and a refreshing start to the meal.
Otak Prawn Coquette 4/5
The Otak Prawn Croquette ($19/5pc) features juicy halibut and tiger prawn encased in a crispy panko shell. Unlike the mushy, potato-filled croquettes we often encounter, this dish surprises us with its satisfying texture and flavourful filling. The kaffir lime mayonnaise and a hint of curry leaves elevate the experience, adding an extra layer of depth and complexity.
Seared Foie Gras Toast 4/5
Our final appetiser, the Seared Foie Gras Toast ($32), was a true indulgence. Perfectly seared French foie gras rests atop house-made brioche and is garnished with pistachios, pickled raisins, green peppercorn jus, and a fig and balsamic compote. A side of herb salad adds a refreshing contrast, making this dish one I could easily savour on my own.
Laksa Paella 4/5
Designed to serve two, the new Laksa Paella ($46) combines the essence of traditional Spanish paella with a rich, homemade laksa gravy. Each grain of rice is perfectly coated, making it irresistibly moreish. This comforting dish features a generous array of ingredients, including Spanish grilled seafood (octopus, black mussels, and tiger prawns), quail eggs, and the essential tofu puffs. A squeeze of lime enhances the flavours, balancing the richness and adding a refreshing touch.
Braised Spanish Pork Claypot Rice 3.8/5
We were pleasantly surprised to find claypot rice on the menu! The Braised Spanish Pork Claypot Rice ($42) is served with a theatrical table-side mixing of soy sauce. While the dish leans towards a richer palate, it’s packed with a variety of ingredients: Duroc pork belly, mushroom kombu rice, salted fish, Chinese pork sausage, olive vegetables, and grilled asparagus. Although we found it a bit salty, the crunch of the asparagus and the perfectly balanced fat ratio of the pork belly were the highlights. The accompanying sambal cincalok is a must-have to cut through the saltiness and add a burst of flavour.
Sakura ‘Cherry Blossom’ Pork Loin 4/5
The final dish before dessert was the Sakura ‘Cherry Blossom’ Pork Loin ($60 for 400g), a must-try for meat enthusiasts. This tender pork loin is marinated in honey mustard spices and herbs, then grilled over binchotan for a rich, smoky char. The side of charred mustard greens was exceptionally flavourful, offering a unique twist on a classic ingredient. To enhance the experience, the pork can be paired with either a spiced apple puree or a creamy green peppercorn sauce, each providing a distinct and complementary flavour profile.
Pebbles 3.8/5
Alice Boulangerie, renowned for its exceptional desserts, now offers plated desserts for the first time. The Pebbles ($22) features black sesame mochi set atop a bed of peanut butter crumble, accompanied by smooth peanut butter and tangy raspberry jam. The mochi combines a chewy texture with a bouncy jelly-like quality, creating a unique experience. The black sesame flavour is robust and aromatic, adding a distinct and delightful touch to the dessert.
Forrest 3.8/5
We were informed that the exquisitely plated Forrest ($23) is a deconstructed Black Forest cake. This dessert features a chocolate log crafted from 72% Araguani dark chocolate, filled with cherry compote, almond Chantilly cream, pistachio praline, and kirsch-infused Morello cherries. Accompanied by dark chocolate gelato on a bed of sea salt dark chocolate crumble, the dessert is a perfect pairing. It’s a must-try for any chocolate lover.
To celebrate its re-opening, Alice Boulangerie is rolling out an exclusive promotion from now till 4 September 2024. Order a sharing platter from Monday to Thursday, 6pm to 9pm and receive 50% off your next main dish. Terms and conditions apply.
Photos and words by Jaslyn. An avid cook who lives to eat and travel for food. Note: This is an invited tasting.
Alice Boulangerie & Restaurant
ICON Village
12 Gopeng Street
#01-05/11
Singapore 078877
Tel: +65 8874 3300
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)
Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 8am – 10pm
Sun: 8am – 6pm
Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk down Peck Seah Street. Cross the road at the junction of Peck Seah Street and Gopeng Street. Walk to ICON village. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]