Amidst soaring skyscrapers that characterize the City Centre, Peach Garden, which is located on the 33rd storey of OCBC Centre, is a fine dining establishment where one can enjoy a spread of delicately-orchestrated Cantonese cuisine. Despite having moved into the block just last December, Peach Garden has definitely proven itself. It is not uncommon to see droves of power bankers and executives streaming into the restaurant during lunch hours. Business is so brisk that diners are encouraged to make a reservation before they arrive.
The Vibe Although a commonplace for entertaining large crowds, the serene atmosphere is preserved to create a relaxed dining experience for all. Through the clear glass windows, diners can enjoy a breathtaking view of the city and beyond while having their food. The restaurant even placed a telescope at a strategic corner for diners to truly appreciate the stunning skyline.
Be sure to be serenaded by sheer elegance that translates from the adornment of gold-rimmed Chinese paintings. Its sun-kissed interior is spacious and aglow with warmth and comfort. A wide array of delectable Cantonese fare coupled with great ambience, one cannot help but feel like he is at the top of the world.
The Food A spread of tantalizing Cantonese cuisine with contemporary flair is the star of the show. To whet your appetite, the Roasted Crispy Duck ($60 for whole) accompanied with Roasted Pork Cubes ($8 per plate) would be a good combination. Imagine the crunchy golden crust and smooth, juicy meat in your mouth. The tender meat is roasted to such perfection and its crisp skin concludes a fine touch to this delectable dish.
The Double-boiled Shark's Bone Cartilage Soup with Fish Maw and Bamboo Pith ($16) boasts of highly-nutritional ingredients. Painstakingly boiled for more than eight hours, the soup is said to contain nourishing essence from the Shark's Bone cartilage and is extremely beneficial for ladies who desire a good complexion. The savoury taste of the soup also lingers in your mouth for a while because of the gelatinous consistency of the soup.
For something light, try the Braised Homemade Beancurd with Local Spinach in Crabmeat Sauce ($6). A simple and heartwarming dish, the beancurd is so soft that it melts in your mouth. However, it is a pity that the sauce contained the shell of the crabmeat, which was not removed properly. It was definitely not pleasant to be chewing on hard shell every now and then. However, it does prove a point - Peach Garden uses real crabmeat in its dishes.
The Fried Prawn with Wasabe Sauce in Golden Cup ($18) is a highly recommended dish. The fresh, succulent prawn goes well with the mild wasabe sauce drizzled over it. Furthermore, the gastronomic experience is enhanced as the prawn is presented deftly on top of an adorable cup and then sprinkled with some tear-drop sized jellies.
For a more filling portion, try the Stewed Noodle with Fresh Scallop and Live Prawn in XO Sauce ($10). The noodles are springy while the XO sauce is remarkably tasty. The scallop is indeed so fresh that it retained its mild sweet taste.
To end the meal on a high note, go for the Chilled Black Glutinous Rice with Ice-cream in Young Coconut ($6). Refined and smooth, the dessert is refreshing and not too sweet for your palates.
The Service Members of the service staff at Peach Garden are knowledgeable, as they will take the initiative to recommend some of their specialties when you call to make reservations. Furthermore, they are attentive to diners and give them just the right amount of time to digest a little and clean one's palate with a few sips of fragrant tea before serving the next dish.
The SD Food Advisor's take on Peach Garden
Due to security reasons, all visitors are required to exchange their identity card for a visitor pass at the ground level, which can be a hassle for Peach Garden diners. Peach Garden, however, makes a commendable effort to make it easy for its diners by having its waitresses bring diners up to the 33rd storey during lunch hours.
In all, Peach Garden's service and food is definitely a class above the rest.