1 Cluny Road, Ginger Garden, Singapore Botanic Gardens

Tel: 6476 6711

Operating Hours: Lunch: Noon – 3pmDinner: 6.30pm – 11 pm Breakfast Buffet: 8am – 11.15am(Weekends & PH)

Nestled in amongst the aromatic ginger plants and lush foliage of the Ginger Garden at the Singapore Botanic Gardens is Halia restaurant, an impossibly romantic, intimate hideaway in the heart of the city. The menu is innovative and delicious and the service is impeccable. Our appetizers were impressive – seared toro (the only food in the world that makes me weep with pleasure) was sliced generously and served with avocado and a balsamic vinegar and sesame seed dressing, while deep fried soft-shell crab is served with a wonderful, punchy wasabi aioli. The foie gras duo is also worth trying: the pate with red wine jelly is of course delicious – it is made out of foie gras after all – but rather ordinary; its seared companion more than made up for it however, paired with caramelized apple segments that neatly cut the rich liver. .The mains were generous and comforting: seafood stew piled high with lobster tails, baby mussels, scallops, squid and pappardelle pasta, all swimming in a spicy, rich tomato bisque; and grilled beef tenderloin, soft and pink with delicate meat juices just pouring out of it. The house special – the Halia infusion, is a wonderful cup of ginger tea with honey and a terrific way to end the meal. .