‘Hidden’ restaurants are getting trendy in Singapore, with hip dining restaurants found behind inconspicuous entrances – think The Dragon Chamber, Bincho at Hua Bee, and Mama Diam.
But you know, nothing is really ‘hidden’ in the world of TikTok and IG.
Synthesis 食拿酒稳 at Suntec City is another, with a TCM oriental medical hall shopfront but a swanky, modern restaurant-bar within.
As the Chinese saying goes “paper cannot wrap fire”, this place will soon appear in many videos with “hidden”, “secret”, and “undiscovered” labelled all over.
Located at Suntec City Tower 4 (make your way outside and find the ‘sinseh’ shop front), this is established by the Mama Diam team who knows a thing or two about making their place potentially viral.
Behind the apothecary medicine chests is an entrance that first leads to a neon-lit passageway (which really is the perfect spot for the #OOTDs), then to a chic and upbeat bar and main dining hall.
The design aspect takes element of the Chinese five elements of water, wood, fire, earth and metal, though the owner mentioned he did not really consult a fengshui master for this.
The name “Synthesis” represents the bridge of the old and new – in which the kitchen team incorporates some TCM elements in the food and drinks; and present nostalgic food in modern bites.
Its Chinese name “食拿酒稳” is a clever play of the Chinese phrase, representing their dedication to getting both their food and drinks right.
Menu wise, think in the direction of Mod-Sin?
There are local dishes reimagined small plates such as Laksa Prawn Tartare ($22), Pani Puri with Cold Assam Curry ($22), Snow Crab Chawanmushi ($22), Kung Fu Kueh Pie Tee with Kung Bao Chicken ($18), and Butter Chicken En Croute ($18).
I tasted a bite or two. And while I thought they were fairly interesting; some items possibly needed some fine-tuning for a more distinct burst of flavours.
Perhaps they were trying to incorporate too many elements at one time, and sometimes less is more.
The true stars to me are the more hearty and filling mains and pastas, with options such as Australian Wagyu Beef Striploin ($38), Pan Seared Barramundi ($28), Burnt Butter Cauliflower Steak ($24), King Prawn Tagliatelle ($34), “Dong Po Rou” Ramen ($26), and Glazed Pork Satay Bee Hoon ($28).
The Sakura Chicken Herbal “Pao Fan” Poached Rice ($24) was my favourite, coming with grilled chicken, a combination of rice and puff rice, egg floss and herb fritters.
It would then be poured with herbal pork collagen broth (coming in an oriental teapot nonetheless) which was nourishing and added depth of flavour.
There was some Chinese herbs such as dang gui incorporated but not over (so it is not too medicinal-tasting), and so was comforting for this weather.
I did enjoy both the concept and taste of the “Suan Pan Zi” Truffle Carbonara ($30), giving the Hakka yam abacus seed dish a fresh spin. Why not?
The abacus seeds were soft and chewy, matched with the luxurious and velvety texture of the truffle carbonara sauce.
There were also burdock root and wild mushrooms which added some crispiness and earthiness to the overall mix.
For a fusion-concept like Synthesis, it is easy to write it off as pretentious or gimmicky, but I do think the team did a thorough job in terms of the décor, ambience, menu, and attention to details.
It will be the next IT place to look out for.
Synthesis 食拿酒稳
Suntec City Tower 4 #01-643, 3 Temasek Boulevard, Singapore 038983
Opening Hours: 4pm – 10:30pm (Sun – Thurs), 4pm – 2am (Fri – Sat)
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