Empress: Comfort food with stunning view

 

Empress has one of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring views in Singapore.

This Chinese restaurant - the first from The Prive Group - is located at the side of the Asian Civilisations Museum, with a view of the CBD skyline and the Singapore River.

There are outdoor tables but head on inside because you will still get a good view in air-conditioned comfort.

The food here is simple but delicious. It is elevated zi char - not that I am putting it down - because zi char is comfort food and there is nothing better than comfort food.

It is a new restaurant so there are some inconsistencies with the food. I ate there twice and felt that my first (unannounced) visit was better.

Overall, Empress is worth checking out - and not just for the sights.

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INCONSISTENT

The salted egg yolk craze continues at Empress with the deep-fried tofu & salted egg yolk ($10). The first time I had it, I loved how tasty it was. But on a second visit, the sauce was milder and the tofu was too soft.

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IMPACTFUL

The teapot soup ($14) looks frou frou and tepid, but the taste of the pumpkin broth is delightfully rich and impactful.

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FLAVOURFUL

Don't skip the fried brown rice medley ($20) just because it is vegetarian and healthy. This is a flavourful and filling dish, and the goji berries and pine nuts add texture and dimension. This and the triple roast platter are all you need for a great meal.

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DISTRACTING

The sweet & sour pork ($24) uses aged vinegar, which gives the dish a very sharp taste. Some will love it, but I find it distracting.

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MUST-ORDER

If you order only one item, the triple roast platter ($28) must be it. The char siew is eyes-roll-back good, the roast pork makes a delightful sound when you bite into it and the pork ribs are tender.

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WHAT Empress

WHERE Asian Civilisations Museum, 1, Empress Place, #01-03

WHEN Lunch: 11.30am to 3pm Dinner: 6pm to 11pm

CALL 6238-8733