Violet Herbs: Affordable Fine Dining Along Tanjong Pagar

Opened on the 28th of January this year, Violet Herbs is collaboration between a husband and wife duo – Danni and Chef Edward Hoe, who has more than 19 years of culinary experience in the kitchens of Restaurant Ember, The American Club Singapore and Fish Market & Bistro. The restaurant occupies a two-storey shop house located conveniently along Tras Street – no more than a 10-minute walk from Tanjong Pagar MRT station – with a white and purple signboard you simply can’t miss. While the ground level comes adorned in a romantic wash of purple, which is perfect for date night, the second level boasts a casual setting great for a large party of friends catching up over a meal.

We recently hosted a food tasting at Violet Herbs, with 6 of our invited OpenRice members, who were treated to a 6-course meal (including dessert) for dinner.

Our fine dining experience began with an Amuse Bouche of Beef Tender (pictured above) flavoured with Madiera sauce and a crisp Saffron crust, followed by a rather visually appealing plate of Mango Scallops.

Indeed, fruit and seafood came together in this zesty dish, which was topped with mango gel, a thin slice of potato with parma ham, mango salsa and herbs. We then continued on with Parsnip Velouté – a thick and creamy soup with Sri Lankan Crab Meat, topped with crumble (chocolate soil), as well as edible flower petals and fresh herbs.

An assortment of mains was lined up before us thereafter, with the Truffle Foie Gras paving the way. Besides the crispness of the foie gras’s outer layer, what stood out here was the accompanying one-hour poached egg. The dish was served with summer truffle, cepes reduction and shiso cress.

violet herbs, braised kurobuta pork belly

After our tangy interlude of Yuzu Sorbet, was a melt-in-your-mouth serving of Braised Kurobuta Pork Belly, served with spicy blood orange sauce, asparagus, micro herbs and homemade herb fries on the side – a favourite amongst the majority of members who attended that night.

Lastly, we were treated to Marinated Red Miso Cod with roasted pumpkin puree, almond eggplant and mixed herbs.

As always, the night ended on a sweet note with Frozen Nougat in Raspberry Sauce, mixed fruits and Lychee Sorbet. Indeed, it was a cosy night out filled with flavourful dishes. A must-visit! Set Menu for Lunch and Dinner plus ala carte prices available, from $12. To find out what our tasters have reviewed, click here. Check out the full menus available at Violet Herbs Find out about Violet Herb’s ongoing Set Lunch, Set Dinner and more (Top image: Violet Herbs Facebook Page) See also: Popular fine dining in Singapore Best restaurants at Tanjong Pagar

Written by Reka Sadagopal and Peh Yi Wen