Known for his culinary expertise and introducing coffee pork ribs now found on many restaurants’ menus, local celebrity chef Sam Leong has been a household name for a long time—and for good reason. Forest, the chef’s contemporary Chinese restaurant that’s named after his wife, takes an exquisite and unique approach to Chinese fine dining, evident in its meticulously crafted menu that offers a twist with every course. Not to be missed is the milky chicken broth (served in a coconut) that’s double-boiled and full of flavour. The Ah Sam abalone mee sua is also a crowd favourite; slow-cooked for hours with Sri Lankan crabmeat in a superior chicken stock, and topped with three pieces of abalone. Desserts aren’t your typical Chinese offerings, either. Instead, creative options like black sesame ice cream and a warm Thai coconut custard abound.

TATLER TIP

Be sure to order the barley porridge with condiments if you’re looking for a comforting meal. Using barley grains instead of rice, it’s a twist on the typical porridge dish, accompanied by three condiments on the side. Fun fact: this dish was served to the late Lee Kuan Yew when he dined at Forest in 2013, and he commented that it brought him plenty of warmth and comfort.

SIGNATURE DISHES

1. Milky chicken broth
2. Australian beef tenderloin cubes
3. Ah Sam abalone mee sua
4. Mapo tofu and crabmeat with Japanese pearl rice