November 6, 2024
Tucked inside the Grand Hyatt Singapore on 10 Scotts Road, Le Pristine feels like that perfect meeting point between the old and the new. It’s Italian food, sure—but not quite like you’ve ever had it. There’s a playful energy to the menu, which somehow manages to stay rooted in tradition while taking some pretty exciting leaps forward.
Imagine your favourite Italian classics but with a twist. Le Pristine’s kitchen team—under the guidance of the acclaimed Chef Sergio Herman—knows how to keep you intrigued. Starters like Vitello Tonnato or the delicate Hamachi with Zucchini & Gazpacho play with familiar flavours, but there’s always a little surprise thrown in.
Mains continue that sense of discovery. There’s a dish called Yellow Chicken with Pommes Fondant, brought to life with an Asian-inflected crab bouillon and a citrusy kick of calamansi mousseline. It’s Italian but with global influences, and somehow, it all works. If seafood is your thing, the Gnocchetti Sardi with Japanese rockfish and briny Pantelleria capers adds a salty punch that’s both unexpected and comforting.
And don’t skip dessert. The Black Forest—a blend of cherry, dark Manjari chocolate, and the delicate aroma of fig leaf oil—is a refined take on something that could’ve been overly sweet but stays beautifully balanced.
Wine drinkers will feel right at home here. Le Pristine’s beverage list is curated to match the food’s bold flavours, featuring selections from France, Italy, Switzerland, and even Tasmania. There’s also their house Champagne, Drappier-Cart D’Or Brut, that pairs particularly well with the seafood dishes. The sommelier clearly has fun with the wine list, so it’s worth taking a few recommendations.
The setting of Le Pristine itself mirrors the food: upscale without being stuffy, and polished with a touch of playfulness. The attention to detail in the design is palpable—from the artistic touches that fill the room to the subtle incorporation of music and lighting, everything feels well thought out.
Chef Sergio Herman’s influence runs deep here. He’s a bit of a legend, with three Michelin stars to his name from his early days at Oud Sluis and several more stars scattered across his other restaurants. His love for Zeeland’s culinary heritage is ever-present, but it’s blended with a modern sensibility that’s become his signature. It’s an intriguing combination, and you can feel his touch in every dish.
Le Pristine doesn’t just feed you; it makes you think about Italian cuisine differently. It’s a bit of an exploration—of flavours, textures, and even traditions. The food doesn’t shout; it invites you to sit back and enjoy the ride.
So, if you find yourself near Grand Hyatt Singapore, maybe check it out. It’s not about having a typical Italian meal; it’s about experiencing something new while holding onto those comforting, familiar flavours we all love. Just don’t expect everything to play by the rules.
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