May Dining Guide: Indian Accent’s takeover at Mandala Club, Four Hands Dinner at Capella Singapore, Junglebird’s bar takeover at Burger & Lobster and other latest restaurants to check out in Singapore!

CONTENT: Isabel Tan

On the lookout for new places to dine in May? Mark your calendars as the local culinary scene is buzzing this month with exciting chef collaborations and more. Gourmands can look forward to a lineup of international chefs coming to town: Mandala Masters’ latest residency with renowned restaurant Indian Accent from New Delhi, an exclusive two-day Nordic-Cantonese chef collaboration happening at Capella Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur’s Junglebird Bar celebrates the return of Bar MF at Raffles Hotel.

Casual dining highlights include the launch of cult Korean chicken chain BHC Chicken’s first outlet in Singapore, and new parents’ day dishes at Dian Xiao Er.

From exquisite fine dining to casual eats with the family, here is the scoop on the latest food happenings to check out in Singapore this May.

Mandala Masters returns with Indian Accent from Mumbai, India

Gourmands would be no stranger to Mandala Masters, a culinary residency program by the Mandala Club. So far, they have brought to our shores a stellar line-up of internationally acclaimed restaurants, from Gaggan Anand to MASL and more.

Mandala Masters are making their long awaited return with their latest residency with Indian Accent, an internationally acclaimed restaurant from Mumbai, India. Available for two weeks in May, the residency sees celebrated Chef Manish Mehrotra and Chef Shantanu Mehrotra of Indian Accent, who will be in town to showcase the finest Indian cuisine.

Renowned for pioneering modern Indian cuisine, Indian Accent boasts a repertoire of awards and distinctions for their innovative dishes that pay homage to traditional Indian gastronomy. During the two-week residency, Chef Manish Mehrotra, together with Chef Shantanu Mehrotra, will present diners an array of traditional Indian flavours with an exciting modern twist.

From starters to dessert, the dining experience continues to excite the taste buds with unique iterations of well-loved Indian cuisine. A highlight from the menu is the Kanyakumari crab with sago pongal, with a delicate serving of caviar for a contemporary touch. Meanwhile, the mouthwatering Wagyu pathar kebab with bone marrow nihari is beautifully adorned with delicate lily buds. Round up your meal on a sweet note with the doda burfi treacle tart for dessert, glazed with caramelised milk ice cream.

The experience is available from 9 to 25 May at the Mandala Club. Diners can select from 4-, 7-, or 9-course menus, available for both lunch (S$188++) and dinner (S$238++).

Mandala Club
31 Bukit Pasoh Road , Singapore 089845

Embark on a Nordic-Cantonese culinary experience at Cassia, Capella Singapore

Norway-based Chef Matthew Leong returns to Singapore this May for an exclusive collaboration with Chef Alan Chan of Cassia, Capella Singapore. Chef Matthew Leong is the Executive Chef at RE-NAA, which is famous for being the only two-MICHELIN-starred restaurant in Norway. This marks his first return to Singapore since he moved to Norway eight years ago to embark on his culinary journey.

The collaboration sees Chef Alan and Chef Matthew join hands to present diners with a Nordic-Cantonese gastronomic experience. Diners can look forward to a six-course set menu that showcases Nordic cuisine, infused with Asian flavours. The chefs will curate two main dishes each, showcasing their individual culinary expertise. Meanwhile, the appetiser and dessert will be jointly created by Chef Matthew and Chef Alan.

Chef Matthew introduces a taste of Norway to diners, as he incorporates fresh produce sourced from the culinary region of Rogaland in Norway. From seafood to herbs, diners can relish in the native produce that best represent the flavours and cuisine of Norway.

Meanwhile, Chef Alan showcases his expertise in Cantonese cooking through his two main dishes, as the Executive Chinese Chef of Cassia. His impeccable cooking skills reflect his experiences working in various MICHELIN-starred restaurants and Chinese kitchens in Singapore.

The collaboration dinner is available for two nights only on 19 and 20 May, priced at S$298++.

Cassia, Capella Singapore
1 The Knolls, Sentosa Island, Singapore 098297

Kuala Lumpur’s JungleBird bar is in town, celebrating the return of Bar MF at Raffles Hotel

Burger & Lobster has finally announced the return of Bar MF at Raffles Hotel. To celebrate the reopening, Bar MF is hosting a two-week pop-up from 19 May to 2 June, with the award-winning JungleBird bar hailing from Kuala Lumpur.

The special takeover will see an exquisite cocktail menu curated by JungleBird co-founders Divyesh Chauhan, Joshua Ivanovic and Lolita Goh together with Head Bartender Lucas Chee. At the helm of Bar MF, the quartet will present the best signature tipples representative of JungleBird.

Some highlights of the cocktail menu by JungleBird include the Jungle Bird, a fresh summery concoction of Diplomatico Mantuano and Reserva Exclusiva, mixed with Campari negroni and finished with a spritz of fresh lime and pineapple. Try the If You Like Pina Coladas, a refreshing thirst quencher made with Lyre’s Dark and White cane, mixed with a fruity trio of pineapple, lime and coconut. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the Nonya Business, a unique rum cocktail featuring Diplomatico Planas Rum, pineapple, cucumber, as well as chilli cashew and rojak dressing for a spicy and savoury twist.

Cheers to Thursday nights as Bar MF is celebrating women empowerment with a special Women’s Night promotion. Starting 25 May, female guests can enjoy one-for-one deals on selected JungleBird cocktails every Thursday night.

Bar MF, Burger & Lobster Raffles Hotel
328 North Bridge Rd, Singapore 188719

Famous Korean chicken chain BHC chicken finally lands in Singapore

Kdrama lovers, you can now satisfy your kdrama chicken cravings as famous Korean fried chicken restaurant BHC chicken has finally opened its first outlet in Singapore. Located at Marina Square, BHC Chicken Singapore brings their best-selling menu items in Korea including the iconic Bburinkle chicken, cheese balls and more.

Diners can relish in a variety of mouthwatering chicken flavours and other authentic side dishes perfect for a Korean-style dinner feast. Their signature chicken flavours include the Bburinkle chicken, Macho King and Gold King.

The famous Bburinkle chicken is unmistakably golden yellow. Coated with cheese seasoning and vegetable powder, the Bburinkle is cheesy and savoury, yet sweet at the same time. Dip the Bburinkle into its matching Bburing Bburing sauce, and pair it with cheese balls for the perfect combination.

For a spicy kick, try the macho king chicken – BHC chicken’s take on the staple soy fried chicken. Crunchy fried chicken is lightly coated with sweet soy sauce, and topped with chillies for a hint of spice. If you’re not that adventurous, don’t worry – the Gold King is the classic crisp golden fried chicken. Like the typical Korean fried chicken, the Gold King is fried to golden perfection.

Cheese lovers can try other cheesy sides including the cheese sticks and mini corndog, both covered in bburinkle powder. Otherwise, if you prefer something spicy, order the Sotteok skewers, Kimchi Fried Rice or Rabokki.

BHC Chicken Singapore
6 Raffles Boulevard, Marina Square, #02-332A & #02-332F, Singapore 039594

Celebrate parents day at Dian Xiao Er, featuring new menu items and exclusive Parent’s Day set menu

This upcoming Parents Day, Chinese restaurant Dian Xiao Er is unveiling a special Parents Day set menu featuring its new and signature dishes. Available from 24 April to 18 June, the set menu features a wide spread of hearty, homely dishes fit for a family dinner feast.

Treat your parents to new dishes such as the aromatic Sauteed Scallops and Celtuce with Black Truffle, or Crispy Pork Slices with Assorted Mushrooms. Celebrate good health with the Steamed Ling Fish and Baby Chinese Cabbage, slowly cooked in Sweet Milky beancurd-based broth. Try the unique Tropical Coconut Deshelled Prawns, featuring fresh juicy prawns cooked with unexpectedly delicious combination of coconut and finished with a dash of lime juice.

The set menu also includes other well-loved signature dishes at Dian Xiao Er. These include the Signature Herbal Roast Duck, Signature Wheatgrass Tofu with seafood, and more.

The set menu is available at all Dian Xiao Er outlets from 24 April to 18 June, prices start from S$99++.

If you want to give a try at preparing a meal for your parents, we recommend opting for the ready-to-eat bundles. Dian Xiao Er will be launching two ready-to-eat dishes – Choose from either the comforting Braised Pork Belly with Spicy Sour Mustard Greens, or the nourishing Ginseng Kampong Chicken.

The ready-to-eat dishes are available for purchase at Dian Xiao Er either a la carte, or as a set bundle (S$25++).