Perhaps it was the grandeur of Ritz Carlton, perhaps it was the steaming and delicious set lunch to which I sat down to, or perhaps it was the aura of Summer Pavilion itself – that this Chinese restaurant made itself popular to Singaporeans and foreigners alike. With its name appearing in Singapore Tatler's list of favourite restaurants, Wine & Dine Asia and the likes, Summer Pavilion has carved out a name for itself in both reputation and culinary history alike.
The Vibe Dressed in shades of champagne and peach highlights, Summer Pavilion has an oriental air about it, complete with an elegant finishing reflective of European influence. For one, there were no hints of the Chinese auspicious ‘red'. Neither was there tableware carved with Chinese motifs. Surrounded by glass wall panels with greens and water elements, the restaurant presented a peaceful and relaxing place ideal for quiet lunches, meetings and small gatherings.
The Food The day's set lunch menu (approximately $60+++) consists of an array of delicacies starting off with traditional Cantonese style dim sum. A platter consisting of Steamed Crystal Dumpling, Poached Pork Dumpling and Crisp Lobster Roll arranged exquisitely was the perfect starter dish. The Steamed Crystal Dumpling encased fresh prawns, Chinese spinach and soft carrots wrapped in the most delicate translucent dumpling skin was simply heavenly to the palate. Soft in texture and evidently fresh in its ingredients, both dumplings served carried their own unique taste and texture. The crisp vermicelli-wrapped lobster roll only added more oomph to the assortment of dim sum.
The generous serving of Double Boiled Shark Cartilage Soup with Wanton was thick in texture and nectar sweet. Boiled for a straight seven hours, the soup was a milky white liquid, smooth to the throat and revitalizing to the senses. Although the wanton skin was a little thicker than usual, its silky texture was its saving grace. It only gets better with the Baked Sea Perch with Hei Sin Sauce, cooked to golden brown perfection. Glistening fish meat reveals a honey sweet interior, its crisp roasted skin over tender fish meat that flakes off with a mere nip of the chopsticks. Finally, there was the last main dish – Braised Mee Pok with Baby Lobster in Superior Stock. Like its name suggests, the nest of soft flat noodles cradled two rich and creamy baby lobsters, extremely fresh and tender to the seafood lover. Cooked in sweet stock extremely addictive to the senses, this dish boasts a divine culinary perfection.
Ending the lunch was a Chinese dessert with evident Western influences – the traditional orni made into Chilled Yam Paste topped with Ice-Cream. This dessert differs greatly from its original sticky paste-like texture; this sweet and smoother dessert contained a mixture of yam as well as ice-cream, a definite favourite with the children.
The Service Professional and efficient, guests can expect dishes to be served promptly and piping hot. Each member of the staff is trained in efficient service of food and beverages, and their warm and friendly approach is guaranteed to make any visit a pleasant dining experience.
The SD Food Advisor's take on Summer Pavilion
Summer Pavilion's set lunches are generally pretty affordable and stand a competitive edge against other Chinese restaurants. With delicious food off their menu coupled with great service, it warrants a return even if it was merely to soak in the aura of Ritz Carlton's magnificence.