Always on a lookout for local culinary talents and the refined taste of Singapore, The Masses naturally comes under my radar. And this quaint, humble little restaurant delivers. Combining the meticulous techniques of French dining and the distinctive tastes of Singaporean food, the food here invokes the feel of familiarity and cosiness, enhanced by good doses of lux, uniqueness and creativity. I really enjoy tucking into the food here that offers a new perspective on local delights.
The place is an eclectic, interesting mix of stylish modern watering hole and old school Chinese restaurant. It actually feels cosy here, great to hang out with friends. In addition, the service here is friendly and sincere.
Crabmeat Kueh Pie Tee is generously stuffed full with briny sweet, silky crabmeat. This is so good! And the Kueh Pie Tee pastry shell is so thin and crispy. And part of the magic lies in the bottom of the shell: shredded turnip with XO sauce that showcases that beloved local flavour.
Charred Grilled Squid is nice, but I actually love the sauce and salad more than the squid. The salad is packed with flavours of all spectrum and tastes so refreshing. And the joy of biting into fresh crunchy apple and fennel to release refreshing juices that is complimented by the tangy, slightly spicy sauce of tomato and nduja, an Italian pork sausage. The squid goes so well with the sauce. The squid is quite easy to chew, but it can be more tender in texture in order for me to swoon over it.
I love C&C&C&C Pasta because of the generous dollops of crab meat, the hint of wok hey and smooth thin mee-sua-like pasta soaked in lobster bisque. The caviar amps up the umami meter further, which I always welcome. So luxurious and so satisfying. So unique and so old school. A must-try here.
Coconut & Lychee dessert is Chinese cracker and coconut ice-cream stacked on top of light, cloud-like coconut foam blanking over lychee salsa. A local flavourful dessert beautifully reinterpreted with French techniques to include excellent texture and juxtapose of flavours. Highly recommend.
The lunch set menu is really value for money since it has all the main stars of the restaurant featured here. And I also love the free drink of Pineapple Mango Basil that comes with the set meal. This is one of the great places to go to to enjoy luxurious local fare or just chill and have fun.
Thoughts: Totally worth it for the unique experience
25 Beach Road #01-02
Nearest MRT: Esplanade or City Hall
