Innholdsfortegnelse for August 2024 i epicure

We believe that there’s no better moment than now to shine a light on the dynamic culinary landscapes of our Southeast Asian neighbours. In this issue, we delve into the vibrant dining scenes of Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, and Manila, and explore how inventive restaurateurs and chefs are redefining modern Asian cuisine with a deep connection to their ingredients along with a touch of nostalgia. In these multi-cultural cities, cuisines are rich and complex; bold yet comforting. Find out how the chefs of Akar Dining in Kuala Lumpur, ESA in Jakarta and Hapag in Manila have refined their respective menus with distinctive flair. Over in Seoul, the gastronomic scene continues to intrigue us. As the city shifts towards more environmentally conscious and health-focused diets, innovative approaches to vegetarian and vegan cuisine…

Paying homage to Indonesia’s rich tapestry of spices, Spice Island Distilling Co. has garnered acclaim and a coveted reputation through its distinguished and authentic distilling process. Following a series of impressive wins in the first quarter of 2024, including East Indies Banda Fine Spiced Negroni Gin’s gold medal at the 2024 World Spirits Awards, this time the distillery’s East Indies Gin adds to its growing list of accolades with a commendable showing at the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) 2024. Facing stiff competition from over 4,000 global distillery entries, the Bali-based distillery rose to the challenge at the most prestigious and longest-running spirits competition. The East Indies Bali Pomelo Pink Gin and East Indies Archipelago Dry Gin emerged triumphant, bringing home gold and solidifying the brand’s quality on the…

If there’s one tropical beach club where you can soak up the sun by the pool, topped with cocktails and an impressive variety of cuisines – without having to leave the premises – this place is it. Launched earlier this year, NOX Beach Club is touted as the first and largest multi-experiential destination in central Vietnam. It’s set amid prime beachfront land overlooking the ocean. The lifestyle concept nestled within Hoiana Resort & Golf is about 45 minutes from Danang and just 15 minutes from Hoi An. If you want to go for a stroll in the charming town, you could do so for several hours, and come back in time for sundowners and dinner at one of the six dining outlets, followed by lively evening entertainment. This immersive beach…

The Biltmore Mayfair (44 Grosvenor Square) is an urban sanctuary right in the heart of London. Reminiscent of a posh residence, the elegant guest rooms and suites feature bright, airy interiors decked with plush furnishings and contemporary art. This hotel is within walking distance to Mayfair’s vibrant shopping streets including New Bond Street, Oxford Street, Regent Street, which are especially stunning during the Christmas season. Start your day with breakfast at Café Biltmore, which offers a range of European dishes as well as Singapore-style fare (for those craving for comfort food or a spicy kick). And wrap up your evening with a night cap at The Pine Bar. The Biltmore Mayfair boasts 250 luxury rooms, 49 suites, and eight signature suites which were recently refurbished. The interiors are woven with…

Meet some of Southeast Asia’s rising stars who have taken their cuisine to new heights. They champion local ingredients and flavours, while weaving in their personal journeys and culinary philosophies, presenting thoughtful, nuanced menus layered with inventive techniques and their versions of nostalgia. Proud of their rich cultures, they choose to showcase the vibrant diversity of what their backyard has to offer, while elevating their creations on a global stage. We shine a spotlight on these mavericks. One singular sensation ESA’s exciting ‘new Jakarta cuisine’ aims to represent the Indonesian capital in all its colourful, vibrant diversity, playing with home cooking and modern culinary techniques to infuse their debut menu with a generous dash of nostalgia. Here’s a tricky question: in a city as sprawling, densely populated, and diverse as…

Jurong West’s street cred just went up. At the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center Singapore (HMGICS), a state-of-the-art vertical farm operated by giant robotic arms has sprouted, alongside Na Oh, a Korean restaurant that promises a unique and innovative farm-to-table dining experience. This restaurant marks the first collaboration between Hyundai and renowned three-Michelin-star chef Corey Lee. Na Oh translates to "moving from inside out" in Korean, and hints at the heart behind the dishes. Chef Lee’s menu, which will be updated every season, takes the essence of Korean hansik cuisine and elevates it with modern techniques and presentations, creating dishes that are both familiar and refreshingly new. Bridging traditions with modernity As the meal proceeds, it is clear that dishes are crafted with the same meticulous attention to detail one…

It was an entire cellar dedicated to the quintessential Super Tuscan, Sassicaia. There were thousands of bottles, including magnums. There were even some extraordinarily rare large formats to boot, a fact that caught the sharp eyes of Charlie Rudd, regional manager and fourth-generation of Britain’s oldest wine and spirit merchant Berry Bros. & Rudd (BBR) founded in 1698. These were, as he puts it, “rare as hen’s teeth”. “When asked why, the collector said it was his first bottle of Sassicaia that really blew him away,” Rudd recounts. “And he’d been hooked ever since [on collecting only Sassicaia].” Indeed, it proved incredible foresight, given that vintages from this pioneering Italian winery is more in demand than ever, thanks to their complexity and aging potential. For Rudd, then newly arrived in…

Makgeolli, a Korean rice wine known for its milky appearance, gentle sweetness and effervescence, boasts a rich history dating back over 2,000 years. The foundation of this beverage is three simple ingredients: rice, water and nuruk. Nuruk is a Korean fermentation starter typically made from rice, wheat, barley, or mung beans. The starter introduces essential enzymes and yeast to the cooked rice, which then converts the starches in rice into sugars and then ferments those sugars into alcohol. Traditionally, makgeolli played a central role in Korean culture, featuring prominently in social gatherings and religious ceremonies. However, the Japanese occupation of Korea (1910-1945) significantly disrupted traditional ways of life. Many cultural practices, including home brewing, were discouraged or even banned. Even after Korea’s liberation, commercial production’s convenience and efficiency led to…

If you’re spending a long weekend or just 48 hours in Bangkok, consider a gourmet trail through the upscale Pathum Wan district (including Wireless and Langsuan Roads). During the day, fuel your stomach with casual fare like robust beef noodles or local family-style dishes, followed by pre-dinner drinks at Kimpton Maa-Lai’s newly opened Ruby’s. This bar is adjacent to the casual chic Ms.Jigger which offers modern Italian dishes. What’s great is that most of these eateries are committed to serving top quality locally sourced produce. Caffeine fix Kick-start your morning with ethically sourced coffee at Craft, the lounge on the ground floor of Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok, which opens as early as 7am. Craft is not only known for excellent coffee, but for creative cocktails and craft beers served in a…

The best memories are often made at home, something which Hideaway, Nae:um Group’s latest venture, aims to recreate. This new private experience venue featuring a cosy design inspired by nature, is nestled on the second floor of a shophouse unit on Telok Ayer Street, just above one-Michelin-starred restaurant Nae:um. The space is bathed in soothing ambient lighting thanks to the striking pendant lights. The dining room comes with a sizeable custom-made organic shaped wooden table that can host a party of 14, making it ideal for intimate gatherings. The adjoining cosy living room is designed for lounging and sipping champagne. With full view of the open kitchen, guests can watch chefs perform their culinary skills at an island counter. Enjoy up-close interactions with Chef Louis Han, as he presents exclusive…

From the intricate nuances of Japanese fermentation mastered by Chef Hirofumi Imamura to the bold and dynamic flavours of Korean fermentation devised by Chef Kim Do-yun, and the rich art of Vietnamese fermentation techniques wielded by Chef Peter Cuong Franklin – each expert offers a distinct perspective on the art of fermentation and its profound impact on the culinary world. Anan Saigon, Vietnam The one-Michelin-starred Anan Saigon in Ho Chi Minh City offers a unique culinary experience that fuses traditional Vietnamese flavours with contemporary techniques. Led by renowned Chef Peter Cuong Franklin, the restaurant is celebrated for its innovative approach to Vietnamese street food, elevating familiar dishes with a modern twist. When it comes to selecting ingredients for fermentation at Anan Saigon, Peter is firm on three main criteria: its…

If you crave for fresh Japanese flavours during your beach holiday, KO Restaurant at InterContinental Bali Resort is the place for you. Nestled in its own Japanese-inspired garden in Jimbaran Bay, this is one of the most sought-after Japanese restaurants on the island. At the Sushi Bar, you can choose to sit at the inviting outdoor terrace or comfortable indoor setting. Here, Chef Mitsuaki Senoo curates a delicate selection of nigiri sushi showcasing the artistry and precision for which Japanese culinary culture is celebrated. For the a la carte menu, the team has introduced several new items including the KO Special Roll comprising white fish, yellow tail, salmon, tuna, crab, avocado and tobiko, and the KO Unagi Special Roll with shrimp tempura, avocado, cream cheese and grilled eel. A unique…

Melbourne officially became Australia's largest city by population in 2023, as it outpaces Sydney's growth over the past decade. This buzzing destination recently welcomed a slew of upscale hotels and restaurants located in its iconic laneways and trendy fringe suburbs. Many of these new spots offer one-of-a-kind experiences infused with Melbourne's vibrant culture. It’s undeniably a perfect time to revisit the city. The best way to burn off those calories after all the feasting is to explore the grid-like streets on foot. Here’s our recommendations for noteworthy places to eat, drink and stay on your next trip. Dining experiences Grill Americano This wildly popular Italian steakhouse at 112 Flinders Lane was launched in 2022 by respected restaurateur Chris Lucas, known for his modern Asian-inspired joint Chin Chin and other brands.…

Is it possible to spend a fortnight on board a luxury cruise ship and emerge equally well-fed and well-travelled? This is the question I set out to explore as I embark on Oceania Cruises’ Asian Gulfs & Deltas voyage – a 14-night journey that sails from the port of Sriracha near Bangkok, tracing the coastlines of Southeast Asia and pausing at selected ports in Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, and Hong Kong. The good news is that Oceania Cruises is a cruise line for travellers who relish being gourmands on both land and sea – so much so that its trademarked phrase is ‘The Finest Cuisine at Sea’. “Exceptional cuisine has been a hallmark of Oceania Cruises since the first cruise set sail in 2003, earning the reputation as the cruise line…