The Place How was your first time walking along an unexpected path? Did you wonder at the new perspectives, slow down with every new view? Were the fragrances refreshing? Did your smile widen anew?

Strolling through the intimate enclaves of Alley on 25 felt like that. Andaz Hotel’s 5 dining concepts are well placed to maximise the beautiful city skyline, while curating the spaces for distinct and intimate experiences that speak of a clear creative vision and rich awareness of the local culture. Already a feast for our eyes before our dining adventures began, where we would explore local flavours, Japanese fare, Western takes, and delectable desserts.

The Food Andaz Hotel created 5 dining experiential concepts for dining guests; Auntie’s Wok and Steam offers comforting Szechuan-inspired dishes, Plancha’Lah! brings diners on omakase delight, Smoke & Pepper presents various grilled fare, The Green Oven takes on earthy food with aplomb, and Icehaus delights the sweet senses.

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Auntie’s Wok and Steam
Szechuan flavours rule at Auntie’s Wok and Steam. Everything here is cooked in a wok or steam, and I started my meal by surprising myself with eating Steamed Eggplant with Silken Tofu and Szechuan Dressing (S$14). I am a visual person and eggplants just never looked particularly yummy to me. Well, for some reason or other I decided to bite into this dish and it was hello, delicious. The spice of the dish gives the eggplant so much sass, while the muted tofu makes it all smooth and silky. Quite the balance between peace and passion, I must say.

Dumplings remind me of dimples; both so wonderful to look at. The Jiao Zi Dumplings with Tiger Prawn and Chicken, Black Vinegar and Szechuan Chilli Oil (S$12 for 8 pieces) immediately caught my eye. Singapore has Chinese food aplenty and dumplings abound, but these were hugely satisfying to devour. The meat and spice and oil meld as one and the dumpling skin, though a little thick, had a smooth texture that I would put in my mouth any day again.

The best dish here was definitely the Double Boiled Beef Short Rib Egg Noodles in Szechuan broth (S$18). The strong hearty flavour of the soup belied the tender texture of the meat, and coupled so well with the endless skyline out the window on a quiet evening. It is a welcoming embrace after a long day out in the world.

Make your reservation instantly at Auntie’s Wok and Steam here.

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Plancha’Lah!
Next up was the high communal tables at Plancha’Lah! Here, chefs craft their dishes live while diners enjoy the views both inside and out. We had three dishes from the omakase menus of Plancha’Lah! Our favourite was undoubtedly the Japanese Fruit Tomato with Pine Nuts, Balsamic, and Basil. The delicate sweetness of the fruit tomato is well balanced by the musty punch of balsamic, and the characteristic bite of pine nuts. I cleaned my plate well after this dish.

I have a thing for soup. The broth for the Atlantic Cod Papillote with Fennel, Tomato, and Shimeiji Mushroom really delivered, with the bouncy bite of mushrooms and that nostalgic flavour of the sea…I might have floated off into my memories of ocean views for awhile there. Sadly, the cod was way overcooked and we only finished the broth.

An apple a day keeps the doctor away, and my love for the apple chips in the Kurobuta Pork Chop with Wasabi, Fuji Apple Purée, and Apple Chips must shine bright like the sun as I gave it even more attention than I did the pork, which I found dry and tough.

Plancha’Lah! only serves dinner, and their menu consists of three omakase options, including the Vegetarian Set at $108++, and two Set Dinner options at S$118++ and S$148++.

Make your reservation instantly at Plancha’Lah! here.

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Smoke & Pepper
From there, we took a mere few steps and entered the third spatial creation, Smoke & Pepper where I had a foodgasm. The Black Angus Beef Skewer with Soy-mirin Glaze and Shishito Peppers (S$35), presented upon a smouldering charcoal bed nested in solid clay…You cannot get heartier and earthier than this. I took a bit on its own and another with the sauce dip – both were divine. A must eat.

The Spiced Fish Burger with Asian Slaw and Sriracha Mayonnaise (S$17) takes after otah, a familiar local dish. I found the fish patty too hard for my liking, but everyone else at the table finished their portion. Do with this information as you will.

Make your reservation instantly at Smoke & Pepper here.

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The Green Oven
By the time we entered The Green Oven, I was at a philosophical crossroads. Do I stuff myself with delicious food, or do I starve myself of delicious food?

I continued eating. Of course. And I met with comfort food to end all comfort food: Lobster Mac & Cheese with Half Lobster and Morel Mushrooms (S$35). To create that thick creamy texture, The Green Oven does not use cheese, oh no, because they use lobster bisque. You can read that again, and you can file this for a must eat when it is one of those days.

You’re welcome.

Make your reservation instantly at The Green Oven here.

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Icehaus
The Icehaus needs little preamble, because the dish speaks for itself: Andaz Chendol Pop with Gula Melaka Coconut Ice Cream, Red Bean Caramel, and Pandan White Chocolate (S$10). This weighty ice cream is a creation in collaboration with Neh Neh Pop, the Rantee thought it is too big but I have a separate stomach for dessert. So while everyone else’s was only half-finished, I entirely devoured my Andaz Chendol Pop. Andaz Chendol Pop. So good it made my heart go beep bop, Andaz Chendol Pop.

Make your reservation instantly at Icehaus here.

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Rants There were standout dishes in every dining concept, but only Auntie’s Wok and Steam consistently delighted our tastebuds throughout.

Will I Return Again? Cosy and classy dining spaces are rare in the city, and even if so affordability is often an issue. Andaz Hotel’s concept of Alley on 25 is memorable, diverse, and altogether enjoyable. So for the standout dishes we had, it’s a yes.

This was an invited tasting, though all opinions expressed are our own.

Make your reservation instantly at Alley on 25 on the links above.

TheRantingPanda says:
Taste bud: 3.5/5
Hole in the pocket: 4/5
Ambience: 4.5/5
Overall Experience: 4/5

Alley on 25
Andaz Singapore Hotel by Hyatt, 25th Floor
5 Fraser Street, Singapore 189354
Tel: +65 6408 1288

Opening Hours
Auntie’s Wok and Steam + Icehaus + The Green Oven
Daily 6.30am to 10pm

Smoke & Pepper
Daily  12pm to 2.30pm, 6pm to 10pm

Plancha’Lah!
Daily 6pm to 10pm

Ranted by The Ranbee