Retaining it’s Michelin star for 3 years (UPDATE: they were awarded a star in 2019 too, so currently they have retained it for 4 years!) is certainly a testament to the team’s unrelenting passion and commitment.
But what is even more awe-inspiring is Alma’s Executive Chef Haikal Johari and his miraculous recovery, after a near fatal motorbike accident in October 2015 left him paralysed from the neck down. Defying doctors’ prognosis that he will never leave a wheelchair, the 41 year old homegrown culinary star, can now walk with some assistance. It was an honour to meet him at the launch of his brand new dinner menu that already promised to impress and surprise, based on the round of snacks we were treated to before our first course.
Chef Haikal’s training in European cuisine and his flare for incorporating Asian flavours in surprising ways, was evident in this cold dish which had both hints of tom yam and laksa.
Another homage to Chef Haikal’s Asian roots was the presentation for the Foie Gras Toast, which was reminiscent of traditional kaya toast in a brown paper bag. It was so good that we devoured it before taking a photograph!
Pictured below is another tantalizing snack topped with crispy seaweed and a spoonful of something delightful that literally burst in our mouths.
His signature potato bread with oats and bits of coffee bean is heavenly and an additional order is chargeable at $5 for 3 pieces per basket.
Finally, the moment had come to present the first course – Okayama Muscat Grape. The briny creaminess of the Hokkaido uni, combined with the sweetness of the Okayama grapes and the spicy yuzukoshō seasoned chutoro (medium fatty tuna) hidden underneathe it all, was an explosion of both flavour and texture.
But the dish that will take your breathe away is the Muirgen Oyster. This duo-layered chawanmushi made with egg and Irish oysters is layered with small sweet shrimp (botan ebi) and creamy homemade choron sauce enlivened with uni, truffle jus and topped with crispy kale to complete the umami experience.
There is always one dish in any degustation menu that I wish I could upsize or order seconds and the Iberico Pork Jowl would be it. Continuing with the Japanese inspired flavours, this lovely piece of meat is glazed with red miso, sous-vide then grilled on a traditional binchotan grill. Binchotan is a charcoal that produces no smoke or flames and requires alot of skill to master. The result is a smoky, juicy, tender piece of pork that had me lusting for more. Prettily plated with delicate purple flowers, it was paired with crispy artichoke and earthy black sesame purée.
Most steak lovers will know that wagyu refers to premium beef from Japan but did you know that there are several varieties? Of the best wagyu beef brands, ōmi beef is one of the top three and has the oldest history. Dating back 400 years, it was the steak of choice for warlords and given as a treat to those who distinguished themselves in battle. This tender Ohmi Beef melts in your mouth and has a slightly crusty, charred finish. Together with an intense wine and beetroot reduction, fine horseradish potato and crispy seaweed, that beautifully compliments each bite, you will sit there feeling contented and grateful that you did not have to survive combat to simply enjoy this meal.
To round off the feast, was the Mango dessert. Floating on a cloud of calamansi foam, was a colourful mix of mango sorbet, yoghurt flavoured with a touch of myoga (Japanese ginger), meringue, passionfruit and even more pretty little flowers. It was slightly sweet, tangy and looked like a dream. I don’t have a sweet tooth and never order desserts at restaurants but I always look forward to desserts on degustation menus as they are always well-balanced and not achingly sweet.
And that wasn’t all! To top the night off, we had this beautiful Petite Four. The “four”, in case you were wondering, does not refer to the number of items – because if it did, we lucked out with one extra confectionary! It is French for “oven” and pertains to small bite-sized treats. Eating fancy often requires a language lesson or two, it appears!
Speaking of which, “Alma” means “the soul” in Spanish. And aptly named, because throughout our gastronomical journey, it was clear how much heart and soul Chef Haikal and his team put into this menu. Each dish was exquisitely presented and, while it boldly challenged culinary boundaries, marrying Asian ingredients with modern European cuisine, the sensory experience was both familiar and fun.
If you have ever wanted to level up your foodie game but were too intimidated to try a degustation menu, the service and ambiance at Alma will put you instantly at ease and so will their prices. The new dinner menus come in 4-course ($117++), 6-course ($158++) and 8-course ($197++) options. Diners can pair the menus with wine at $38++, $58++ and $68++ respectively. We personally loved the Reference Book, a label sold exclusively at Alma, and bought two bottles to take home. Incidentally, Alma also has the largest collection of wines imported from America, all specially curated by their experienced and very affable in-house sommelier, Mr Saravana.
ALMA BY JUAN AMADOR
22 Scotts Road, Goodwood Park Hotel, Singapore 228221
T: +65 6735 9937/+65 9119 8928 (Events & Non-Operational Hours)
E: reservations@alma.sg
Closest MRT: Orchard
OPENING HOURS
Bar
Monday to Thursday: 6-11pm
Friday to Saturday: 6pm-12mn
Restaurant
Tuesday to Saturday: 12-2.30pm
Monday to Saturday: 6-10pm
(Closed on Sunday)
Click here for more information!
