Singapore is a city that thrives on culinary excellence, offering everything from Michelin-starred fine dining to world-famous hawker stalls. On our latest trip, we decided to experience Summer Pavilion, a one Michelin-starred restaurant known for its elegant take on Cantonese cuisine. This restaurant has held its Michelin star for eight consecutive years, so we were eager to see if it lived up to the reputation.
Contents
An Elegant Setting Inspired by Nature
Located within The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore, Summer Pavilion offers a sophisticated, garden-inspired ambiance. The dining room is contemporary yet traditional, with soft lighting, hand-painted tableware, and private dining rooms that create an atmosphere of understated luxury.
One standout detail? The tea pairing. Unlike traditional wine pairings, we opted for a selection of specialty teas from Tea Bone Zen Mind, which were thoughtfully curated to complement each course. A unique touch that added to the authenticity of the experience.
The Signature Dinner Menu: A Showcase of Cantonese Craftsmanship
We selected the Signature Dinner Menu, which featured a mix of classic Cantonese dishes and premium ingredients like bird’s nest, abalone, and lobster.
Highlights from Our Meal
Double-Boiled Superior Bird’s Nest & Chicken
This dish was as visually striking as it was flavorful. Served inside a young coconut, the broth was rich and nourishing, with the bird’s nest and chicken absorbing the coconut’s natural sweetness. A beautifully traditional Cantonese preparation that showcased clean, delicate flavors.
Steamed Dong Xing Grouper Fillet
One of the standout dishes of the night, this perfectly steamed grouper fillet was elevated by the subtle citrus notes of aged tangerine peel and preserved lemon. The superior stock tied everything together, making it a well-balanced and deeply flavorful dish.
Braised Three-Head South African Abalone
A luxurious course, featuring tender South African abalone bathed in a rich, umami-packed abalone sauce. The crispy deep-fried sea cucumber added an interesting textural contrast. The Vega Sicilia Alion from Spain was a bold pairing that complemented the dish well.
Dessert: Chilled Cream of Sago, Mango, Vanilla Ice Cream & Chinese Pastries
A refreshing end to the meal, the chilled sago and mango cream was light and subtly sweet, while the Chinese pastries added a traditional touch.
Service: Warm, Attentive, and Personal
One of the highlights of our evening was our waitress, who had the warmth of a sweet Chinese grandmother. She took genuine joy in explaining the dishes and teas, making us feel welcomed and well taken care of.
The tea pairing was an interesting addition to our meal. Throughout the evening, we were served a selection of hot teas, each chosen to complement different flavors. While we typically opt for wine pairings, this was a nice change that felt authentic to the Cantonese dining experience.
Would We Return to Summer Pavilion?
Probably not. The food was very good, beautifully prepared, and well-executed, but it didn’t surprise us or leave a lasting impression. With so many incredible dining options in Singapore, we’d rather explore something new next time.
That said, if you’re looking for an elegant Cantonese dining experience with premium ingredients and great service, Summer Pavilion is a solid choice. For us, it was a good experience—but not an exceptional one.
Plan Your Visit to Summer Pavilion
📍 Summer Pavilion, The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore
🌟 Michelin Stars: ⭐
🍽 Signature Cantonese Cuisine
Have you dined at Summer Pavilion or had another memorable Cantonese fine dining experience? Drop a comment and share your thoughts! 🍽✨