PUBLISHED December 2nd, 2015 04:00 am | UPDATED June 15th, 2020 10:11 pm
Before undergoing a complete overhaul in the 1980s, the Bugis neighbourhood was infamous for its aphrodisiac stalls and raunchy transvestite shows. It was also one of Singapore’s top tourist destinations in the 1950s, especially popular with British soldiers and U.S sailors.
The Bugis-Bras Basah Precinct today, however, is a vibrant arts, culture, and retail enclave. And this revival was partly due to the emergence of the InterContinental Singapore in 1995. Having recently finished their own multi-million dollar revamp in time for Christmas, the InterContinental Singapore is primed to be one of the hottest holiday destinations for year-end celebrations.
Here’s what to look out for:
Christmas Dining at Ash & Elm
Stylish new restaurant Ash & Elm takes centre stage in the hotel with its brand of hearty European comfort food. Value-for-money (something quite unheard of during the festive season) comes in the form of Ash & Elm’s splendid semi-buffet lunch. At $50 per person, diners have a choice of appetiser, a main, and access to the free-flow dessert buffet.
Boston Lobster Bisque Scented with Cognac
Nonetheless, Christmas is the season of sharing, so the Christmas a la carte lunch and dinner menus at Ash & Elm will feature two distinct sharing platters; the first with exquisite meats such as the Grain-fed Smoked Kurobuta Black Forest Ham and Pork Belly Pancetta; and the second with seafood delights like Smoked Fish, Peppercorn, and Dill Salmon. Diners with a sweet tooth will inevitably fall in love with the 72% Dark Chocolate Ganache – a sinful blend of sea salt chocolate soil, crispy meringue, cherry creméux and forest fruit sherbet.
Tasmanian Salmon Fillet A La Plancha
If you prefer to not go through the hassle of looking through the menu, the folks at Ash & Elm have also come up with set menus for the occasion. The sumptuous Christmas Eve Set Dinner includes appetisers such as the Boston Lobster Bisque scented with Cognac, mains like the Rossini-style Beef Tenderloin with mashed potatoes and truffle sauce, as well as a festive dessert buffet spread with treats such as the Warm Gingerbread Chocolate Pudding. The Christmas and Boxing Day Brunch specialties include the tenderly juicy Chargrilled Australian Angus Beef Striploin and the sustainable Scottish Salmon Fillet À La Plancha.
The best way to experience the wonders of this culinary mecca? Check out the InterContinental Singapore’s plush staycation package over here.
Festive Takeaways
Manuka Wood-Smoked Tom Turkey
Planning a gathering with friends or a feast for the family? InterContinental Singapore has got you covered with their extensive list of gourmet takeaway items. For instance, the Manuka Wood-Smoked Tom Turkey ($150 for 5kg), paired with winter vegetables, pork sausage and chestnut stuffing, charcoal-baked Idaho potatoes, and giblet gravy, is perfect for massive celebrations.
Ash & Elm Platter
For meat lovers, not only will the Ash & Elm Platter ($45 for small / $85 for large) satisfy with its delicate house-cured meats like beef pastrami to smoked pork loin, the Char-Roasted Angus Beef Sirloin ($165 for 3- 4kg) and Crown of Lamb Rack ($200 for 2-2.5kg) are must-have additions to the party.
Öh My Deer
Those who love sweets treats will be, well, in for a treat with InterContinental Singapore’s list of sugary pleasures. The Öh My Deer ($68 for 1kg) is a log cake that sees light caramel chocolate mousse suffused with house-made orange confit, while the Cheesy Mara De Bois ($68 for 1kg) is sublimely rich and smooth with its filling of mixed-berries compote and pistachio joconde sponge.
Luxe Christmas Hamper
If you can’t decide what suits you best, go for either of the handpicked selection in either InterContinental Singapore’s two lavish Christmas hampers – the Classic ($165) and Luxe ($320).
Check out the full list of festive offerings here!
Merry Christmas!