The Place Nestled within Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree, Forage restaurant is quite a destination dining. Helmed by Chef de Cuisine Marcus Tan who has over a decade of fine dining and Michelin-calibre experience, the dining concept of Forage is harvest-to-table experience, shaped by what is freshly foraged and sourced from the markets. 

The space of Forage is gorgeous with a view that overlooks the lake and forest. Intricately crafted stone tile carvings of native birds and wildlife adorn the walls along with soft ambient lighting.

The best seats are the tables beside the floor-to-ceiling windows which frame the uninterrupted views of Upper Seletar Reservoir. That said, all 40 seats are angled such that you get a view no matter where you sit. 

The Food Some ingredients are sourced by seasonal harvest from the resort’s own rooftop edible garden where herbs and microgreens are grown. For the menu, only tasting menus are available where you get to choose from the five-course Discovery Menu (S$138) or eight-course Experience Menu (S$198).

Expect ingredients from land and sea where each course is paired with herbs and aromatics harvested from the resort’s rooftop edible garden with the likes of thyme, rosemary, ginger flower, lemon basil, pandan, and more. There is also the sustainability element where it partners with local producers where possible such as Toh Thye San Farm for poultry and Ah Hua Kelong for farmed seafood and fish. 

Every guest is also entitled to a complimentary welcome drink of champagne or wine. 

I had the five-course Discovery Menu and here is what to expect: 

Sourdough Bread & Maison Bordier Salted Butter 

Canapés 

Soybean, Leek & Tarragon (Kaluga Hybrid Caviar (6g) + supplementary S$30) 

Skipjack Tuna, Red Pepper Ponzu & Cashew Nut 

Beijing Cabbage, Foie Gras & Shiitake Broth 

Chicken Expression, “Sanbeiji ” & King Oyster Mushroom Or Wagyu Striploin MBS 6/7, Celeriac & Truffle Jus (+ supplementary S$28) 
For mains, I had the wagyu beef which is tender and succulent without being too fatty. 

Peach Veil, Raspberry & Basil 
Dessert is a relatively light and refreshing combination. 

Petit Fours 
Last but not least, a rotating selection of Petit Fours to conclude the meal.  

Rants As a fine-dining concept, I do think children below 12 should not be allowed in the main dining hall to keep the dining experience more peaceful. This is not strictly enforced at the moment. 

Will I Return Again? Forage is easily one of the most gorgeous restaurants in Singapore with a one-of-a-kind dining view of nature. It is a destination by its own, given that it is located within Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree. The dining ambience is relaxed and romantic, best suited for couples or small groups, or even for special occasions. 

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

Forage 
60 Mandai Lake Road
Level 4, Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree
Singapore 729979

Opening Hours 
Monday to Sunday: 6pm to 10pm 

Ranted by The Ranter