The Masses - Truly Singaporean with a Modern Touch

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

Ippai Modern Izakaya - Special Yummy Japanese Tapas

This restaurant is no longer in operation 

I actually noticed Ippai from quite a long time ago since the eclectic exterior design of neon lights, Japanese ukiyo-e drawings is very striking. But since it is located within Dorsett Hotel, I had assumed it is a Japanese Buffet. Yes. I should have known it’s lzakaya instead due to the setting. Anyway, better late than never.

I’m all hyped up to try the food here the moment I saw its menu featuring Japanese Tapas, called Tapasu in Japanese Romanji. I like unique concept of Japanese food served in small plates so that I can try more menu items in one sitting. In addition, the food here is pretty unique, and of course yummy, so dining here is a worthwhile experience.

The interior of Ippai is that of modern, cool, upmarket Izakaya style. A great place to chill, get comfy, enjoy some good food with friends. And enjoy some sake while at it lol

The service is also very good and attentive. And they make some good recommendations on sake and food. In addition, it’s nice that they let me know of this “one for one tapas” promotion so as to be kinder to my wallet 👍🏻

The very interesting Negitoro Cone is packed with so many ingredients, as evident from the photo, and so much flavours. Creaminess, umami, tangy zest, planty pungency all stuffing into the cute cones, whose crunchiness works very well to enhance the overall texture. I also love the thoughtfulness for wrapping the cones with paper.

Kurobuta Miso Yaki is pretty juicy with nice lightly charred exterior, and comes miso sauce and mayonnaise. A hearty nice treat to munch on.

I love Ebi Tartar Yaki. This is my favourite of the night. Lightly seasoned with a dollop of tartar and a dose ofvflying fish roe, the subtle briny sweetness of the succulent prawns shines through and takes the centrestage.

Hotate Truffle Uni Ice-cream is so luxurious. The uni ice-cream at the centre is naturally sweet with a lace of umami. It’s coldness complements the scallop slices very well. It’s decadent and delicious, but the price is much steeper than that of other dishes.

Interesting trio of sake pairing, and it's for twenty bucks only. Super value for money.

Besides the items I had tried, here are lots of other unique dishes in the menu. I want to try them too!

By the way, this restaurant serves Don sets instead during lunch. Some look interesting, but since I’m more for the experience, I opted for dinner to try the tapas.

Thoughts: Nice Unique Japanese Tapas!

332 Dorsett Residences #01-03

Nearest MRT: Outram