Vietnamese eateries often follow a well-trodden path, offering classic staples in settings that resonate with the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh or Hanoi.
And there is LILY.S Modern Vietnamese – a breath of fresh elegance in the Vietnamese culinary scene.
Nestled within Tanglin Mall, LILY.S Modern Vietnamese is distinctly apart from the usual, replaced by an experience that redefines what we expect from Vietnamese cuisine.
To get to Tanglin Mall, it is conveniently located next to Orchard Boulevard station – just one MRT stop away from Orchard via the Thomson-East Coast Line.
Stepping into this restaurant, diners are greeted with an ambience that expertly marries the intimacy of casual dining with the sophistication of a semi-fine dining setup.
The menu is also wide-ranging, offering items you may not expect initially, with even mains such as Grilled Sirloin Steak, XA XIU Iberico Pork Collar, Lemongrass Duck Leg Confit, Vietnamese Roat Chicken, to Stewed Beef Cheek.
When I spoke to Executive Chef Alex who comes from Vietnam, he shared how the restaurant marries the intricate art of French culinary techniques with the hearty and homely flavours of Vietnam.
Also, the team prides on presenting the dishes as a visual masterpiece, tempting the eyes even before one takes a bite.
However, underneath all the presentation lies the soul of authentic Vietnamese flavours. Here are some of the highlights from LILY.S Modern Vietnamese:
Classic Pho ($26)
The Pho stands as a testament to LILY.S’s commitment to quality. Each bowl of Pho is prepared and served individually.
The key element is definitely the soup base, which interestingly had a consommé like texture.
This broth is simmered for over 12 hours, which exudes a depth of flavour that can only be achieved with time and the finest of ingredients.
The use of hormone and antibiotic-free marrow bones infuses the broth with a rich, meaty aroma that is both comforting and luxurious.
Included are air-flown chilled beef from Australia – I had the classic version with eye round beef which melted in the mouth with its tenderness.
For more indulgence, there are other versions such as the Premium Pho ($38, available during dinner service) complete with braised short ribs, herb-infused meat balls, honeycomb tripe and tendon.
Braised Pork Belly Banh Mi ($16)
The Vietnamese-style baguette made using flour imported from Vietnam was crusty on the outside but gave way to pillowy inside, acting as the vessel for the varied fillings.
This ranges from Grilled Lemongrass Chicken, Pate & Vietnamese Ham, Chilli Crab, Grilled Pork Belly, Roast Beef, to the luxurious Duck Confit.
I had the braised pork belly, and complementing the meat were the pickled vegetables which added a crunch and tang, balancing the richness of the meat.
Summer Roll ($14)
The first thing you probably notice is the plating. This Vietnamese is further elevated with the inclusion of succulent prawns that paired with cured pork loin for a touch of saltiness.
The fresh greens wrapped in a translucent rice sheet added layers of crunch and earthiness.
Grilled Tiger Prawn Pomelo Salad ($24)
One of my favourite dishes here, both visually and gastronomically.
The Vietnamese-style salad featured robust tiger prawns that were grilled, with smokiness that contrasting beautifully with the juicy, sweet bursts of pomelo.
The sate fish sauce dressing drizzled over the salad was a revelation, including a tangy and spicy undercurrent.
Sweet Crêpes
Adjacent to the main establishment, you would find a LILY.S Creperie displaying a range of cakes created by the pastry chef who graduated from Le Cordon Bleu.
With the butter aroma wafting in the air, you would be tempted to also order Crêpes made fresh upon order, with choices of the classic Sugar Crêpe ($10), Nutella & Banana ($16), or the Grand Marnier Crêpe ($25)
The crepe served had delicate golden hue, folded over a generous slathering of butter and sugar.
But the highlight was undeniably the shot of Grand Marnier. Its orangey liqueur note permeated the crepe, elevating it to a dessert that was both sophisticated and sinfully delicious.
Crème Brûlée ($12)
If you prefer something else for a sweet end, get the Crème Brûlée. The first crack of its caramelised top revealed a soft, creamy custard beneath.
Infused with lemongrass and ginger, it was a dessert that paid homage to its French origins while incorporating Vietnamese flavours.
LILY.S at Tanglin Mall is not just a restaurant; it is a journey through Vietnam with a contemporary lens.
Go try the Pho and more – it is really quite different from the ordinary.
LILY.S Modern Vietnamese
Tanglin Mall #01-132, 163 Tanglin Road Singapore 247933
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon), 9am – 10pm (Tues – Sun)
DFD Exclusive: Receive 500 Great Rewards Points (worth $2.50)
Key in promo code TMXDFD500 in your Great Rewards App (under “Claim Promo Code”) to redeem. Limited to first 500 redemptions. Happy shopping and dining.
For more information, visit https://www.tanglinmall.com.sg
* This entry is brought to you in partnership with Tanglin Mall.
All rest in singapura is expensive. Wa mai. My opinion my choice as a retired sinkie. Only hawker and kopitiam where prices are up 50% oready can we retirees afford. Than can save go ‘ban that thong’ and ‘Yaowaratj’ in bkk for the good stuff. Thks yr review to yr 20..30s yr old sg.