Sofitel Singapore City Centre ups the culinary ante at Racines

by James Wilkinson

Racines at Sofitel Singapore City Centre recently unveiled a new menu that celebrates the harmony of French and Asian cuisines.

Thoughtfully crafted to surprise and intrigue, the refreshed selection highlights the fresh flavours of natural ingredients with light, delicate touches.

Available from Sunday to Friday for lunch, from 12pm to 3pm, and daily for dinner, from 5:30pm to 10pm, the new menu promises a dining experience that delights with every bite.

The journey begins with an enticing array of starters, where French classics are reimagined with Asian nuances.

The Pan Roasted Duck Foie Gras (SG$36) transforms a timeless French delicacy with a subtle Asian twist. Premium French Rougié foie gras is marinated in cognac, cured with salt and pepper, then pan-roasted to perfection. A touch of ginger lends piquancy and warmth, complemented by sweet grapes, crunchy hazelnuts, and a rich port jus.

The Seared Hokkaido Scallops à la Meunière (SG$36) is another dish that offers a refreshing take on a classic French favourite. Plump, tender scallops are lightly seared in butter, and enhanced with a splash of calamansi for a bright, citrusy lift.

Crafted from scratch in-house, Racines Lobster Bisque (SG$43) blends French tradition with sustainable practices. French butter and brandy infuse the broth with rich depth, while lemongrass adds an aromatic Asian flair. Served with half a Boston lobster, the dish follows a zero-waste philosophy — lobster shells are used to create a flavourful stock, while claw trimmings serve as garnish.

From land to sea, the mains showcase a vibrant interplay of French and Asian flavours, each dish thoughtfully crafted to highlight the best of both culinary traditions.

A perennial favourite, the Singapore Style Hokkien Mee (SG$37) features a house-made prawn and pork broth, simmered for 10 hours to develop deep, rich flavours. Paired with roasted pork belly, tiger prawns, squid, and a kick of sambal, this dish delivers exciting blend of depth and spice.

The Soy Baked Black Cod (SG$51) brings an Asian twist with a marinade of soy, ginger, and honey, infusing the fish with a delicate balance of sweet and savoury. Served alongside seasonal vegetables like asparagus and shimeiji mushrooms, and complemented with pickled tomato and edamame, the dish is a blend of umami and refreshing lightness.

The Marine Stewardship Council-certified Pan Seared Salmon (SG$49) features a crisp, golden exterior while preserving its tender interior. Paired with sautéed spinach and a clam and potato ragout, this dish strikes the perfect balance of delicacy and richness.

The Salt-Baked Pineapple-Fed Yellow Chicken Leg (SG$46) offers a burst of Asian flavours. Pineapple-fed yellow chicken leg, known for its tender, juicy meat, is marinated for six hours before being salt-baked for a distinctive texture. Served with cordyceps, truffle, milk cabbage, pickled vegetables, and brown rice, this zero-waste dish uses the same pineapple-fed yellow chicken as the following dish.

For a French twist, the Pineapple-Fed Yellow Chicken Supreme (SG$39) features tender chicken breast slow-cooked in a flavourful stock made from chicken bones. Paired with Paris mushroom duxelle, asparagus, mashed potato, and a rich truffle velouté, this dish marries both technique and tradition.

The meal concludes with desserts that blend classic recipes with familiar flavours.

The Cempedak Crème Brûlée ($24) puts a tropical spin on the traditional French dessert. Velvety custard is infused with the fragrant sweetness of fresh cempedak (tropical jackfruit), creating a delightful contrast to the signature crisp, caramelised top.

The Ondeh Ondeh ($25) reinterprets the nostalgic Asian treat through the lens of French pastry-making. Inspired by the layered structure of an Opera cake, this dessert features delicate layers of pandan, gula melaka, and coconut, topped with coconut biscotti for
a delightful crunch.

Sofitel Singapore City Centre’s new menu is an exciting addition to a popular hotel that’s ideal for both business and leisure travellers.

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