#B1 -08 CHIJMES, 30 Victoria Street, Tel: 6338 6108Operating Hours:5pm – 1 pm (Sun – Thu) 6pm – 2am (Fri, Sat) 

Behind the doors of this mod Asian eatery is a chic dining space dressed in scarlet and ebony and stylishly lit by silk lanterns. Ignoring the fact that this place is seen as something of a mawkish ‘dating’ venue (the restaurant features a row of tables hidden by Chinese screens to shield courting couples from prying eyes) I went to check out the food. I went for the local favourites – the prawn mee (made with good, savoury roasted pork bone and prawn stock) and the sambal stingray – the hot and spicy sambal going beautifully with the fresh, firm, gelatinous ray. They were both wonderful. Other items on the menu – originating from Thailand, Vietnam, Italy and America – looked far less inspired: reminiscent of many a hotel coffeehouse menu.  WINE: There is a good cocktail list which I suggest sticking to – if you want wine I suggest you bring your own.