Singapore’s darling shopping belt has got a new retreat and no, it is not another cafe that you can’t sit in. Located in the chic new grounds of Pullman Orchard, Eden is well and truly a fitting reflection of its own name.
First off, the modern Asian restaurant is spruced up with plenty of lush foliage, giving guests the pleasure of dining in a verdant glasshouse sanctuary. When the spacious dining room is illuminated by natural sun rays during the day, you're promised visually stunning photos.
In the kitchen, Asian flavours are playfully showcased and expressed with a contemporary touch. Whet the appetite with a citrus-forward yellowfin tuna ceviche ($26) perfumed with the richness of coconut cream and briny ikura. Or go with the Eden signature of crispy yet succulent spiced crab cakes ($26) accompanied by a zesty chilli aioli.
Take your tastebuds on a journey through familiar regional entrees – think rich satay peanut sauce and a spicy yet creamy Thai coconut curry. The former comes with a juicy grilled lamb rack ($40) while the latter is paired with a generous slab of crispy skin salmon ($32). Another underrated dish is the memorable coriander garlic chicken ($30). It arrives extremely tender and chock full of flavour.
Eden’s headlining act is none other than the showstopping Szechuan T-bone steak ($138). The Szechuan spice rub makes for a bold combination – but don’t expect the typical devastating numbness from peppercorn overdose. Instead, sink your teeth into tender grain-fed beef redolent with floral and earthy notes.
From the bar, a series of crafted cocktails by Orientalist Spirits are designed to pair with the modern Asian fare from spiced pineapple and roselle to oolong and miso. There is also a nifty list of Asian spirits that pays homage to the region. For oenophiles, the wine list is lean but manages to impress with a progressive bio-dynamic orange wine served by the glass ($23). Two-course lunch sets are available from $35 but the real draw has got to be complimentary parking during those hours.
