Singapore, December 2015 – The National Gallery Singapore, which opened just 2 weeks ago, is drawing not only art fanatics but also foodies to the museum, which is home to several gourmet restaurants.

Last night was a girls’ night out with my friend, Hilda. We started with happy hour at Smoke & Mirrors, the bar on the rooftop of National Gallery Singapore. View of the city’s financial and Marina Bay district was spectacular.

Smoke & Mirrors’ cocktails are “inspired by the exotic flavours of Southeast Asia. This is the Asianization of popular cocktails.” While I had a handcrafted Hibiscus Soda, Hilda enjoyed a Papaya Daquiri – a concoction of Caribbean white rum, fresh papaya and lime with Peranankan gula melaka sugar and charcoal olive oil.   Precisely 3 drops of charcoal olive oil were added to the daquiri to resemble papaya seeds.

After enjoying our beautiful sunset drinks, we proceeded to dinner at Yàn, a Chinese restaurant situated at the terrace courtyard. “Drawing inspiration from the restaurant’s Chinese name ‘宴’ — The experience at Yàn is reminiscent of convivial gatherings and feelings of togetherness.”

Yàn’s menu focuses on traditional Cantonese cooking with a modern twist. Each dish is presented in the most delicate manner.

Since there were only two of us, we didn’t have the capacity to try their signature dish – Crispy Suckling Pig Served 3 Ways. The manager informed us that it requires one day of advance order for the preparation, and it is best shared between 4-6 persons.

Instead, we ordered a few of the 15 Chef’s Signature Creations. We were most impressed by the Double Boiled Chicken Soup, served in a young coconut with crispy breadstick and the Stewed King Prawns with Shark Cartilage Broth.

Though delicate in nature, the noodle dish – Braised Duo Vermicelli with Fresh Crabmeat, Bean Sprouts & Golden Pumpkin Sauce – was served in a generous portion for two ladies to share.

This was one of the most memorable Chinese meal that I have had in Singapore.  Yàn perfectly compliments the National Gallery’s artistic spirit.

Other articles you may enjoy:  National Kitchen by Violet Oon & Odette at the Museum.

All photos were taken by Mrs. King.