Violet Herbs is what we call an alternative dating spot if you want to do away with the crowd and pretentious vibes at posh establishments.

Conveniently located at Tanjong Pagar, this modern semi-fine dining restaurant is within walking distance from the train station. The restaurant occupies the entire three stories of the shophouse unit along Tras Street – with the first two floors for dining, and a rooftop herb garden where fresh produce are used for the cooking.

Helmed by Chef Edward Hoe, Violet Herbs is one of the most underrated restaurants in Singapore that offers splendid 3-course set lunches (S$33+/pax) and 4-course set dinners (S$58+/pax) at very decent prices that feature high quality and intricate plating.

The main courses are also nothing short of impressive. Mark Violet Herbs down – it should be your next romantic lunch/ dinner spot.

Chef Edward Hoe runs the show in Violet Herbs’ kitchen. He who was part of the pioneer team that spearheaded Restaurant Ember has 20 years of culinary experience, and at Violet Herbs, traces of familiarity are evident from the restaurant’s star dishes. Chef Edward was the head chef in The 2nd Floor-The American Club, as well as Greenwood Fish Market & Bistro.

SOUPS & APPETISERS

The menu boasts a good range of appetisers that include both hearty and light options. Lighter options include the Basil Pesto Salad (S$18) and one that we thoroughly enjoyed – Pistachio & Herb Crusted Scallops (S$18).

The scallops were wonderfully plump and we liked the textural distinction between the soft juicy scallop flesh and the crunchy outer layer of pistachio and herbs. The dish is complete with tasty butternut pumpkin puree, bisque gel, parma potato chip and chocolate soil. This dish deserves a star for its presentation too!

Guess what we love most about Violet Herbs’ appetisers? The variety of foie gras options from Roasted & Poached Foie Gras (S$24) and Truffle Foie Gras (S$26).

We are usually unimpressed with lobster bisques because they are more often than not fishy or artificially flavoured. But the Lobster Cappuccino & Brandy (S$16) at Violet Herbs is easily the best we’ve tasted in recent times.

The bisque was so intensely flavoured – the sheer sweetness of fresh lobster coupled with brandy is a feat in itself. With every scoop, we became more and more addicted. This is one stellar soup.

ALL THE MAINS TO LOVE

With so many interesting mains to choose from, it will be one of those I-can’t-decide-because-I-want-everything-from-the-menu moments. We started with Violet Herbs’ bestseller – the Marinated Red Miso Cod (S$39). It is an a la carte main, but can be a top-up option in the dinner menu.

The cod cooked to a glistening glory with a miso marinate was spot-on. With a side of roasted pumpkin puree, almond eggplant and some dehydrated parsnip chips, this stunning dish is a combination of healthy veggie goodness and fresh white fish presented in varying textures and colours.

Even if you are not the biggest fan of lamb, we still urge you to try the Colorado Lamb Rack (S$48). Of course, besides the fantastic medium-rare cook on the lamb, it was the simple marination itself that made it so tasty with every bite.

It also comes with mini pistachio foie gras roulades that you can choose to eat with the meat to cut the richness.

Duck Confit is something we have to try if we see it on a menu, and of course, we tried the one at Violet Herbs. The Sous Vide Duck Confit (S$36) has a crackling outer crust and the most tender duck meat inside.

The duck jus reduction that accompanied the duck was just right. We also liked how the duck confit is placed atop a bed of rustic vegetables of herb potatoes and sautéed baby spinach.

Feeling really hungry or looking for something hearty? The Sous Vide 48 Hours Wagyu Beef Cheek is for those who are after something more robust.

The beef is fork tender, has a sweet red wine glaze, and is jazzed up with Sardinian fregola sarda and zucchini spheres.

In the pasta menu, you can find dishes such as Homemade Butternut Squash Gnocchi (S$42) and Lobster Risotto & Fregola Sarda (S$44).

These aside, you should go for the Ebi Angel Hair Pasta (S$38) if it is your first trip to Violet Herbs. The pasta is cooked to a beautiful al dente, then tossed in lobster essence, rayu oil and bird eye chilli (or as we call it, chilli padi). Using only premium air-flown Japanese sakura ebi, the pinkish-red dried shrimps are sweet and crispy. That’s all we need for our pasta, really.

SWEET TREATS

Some desserts to expect here include Yam Strudel (S$12), Chef’s Special Tiramisu (S$16) and Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake (S$16).

However, our heart was stolen by the Frozen Nougat (S$14). The dessert comes with little bits of lychee sorbet all around that complements the nougat with varying sweetness.

Also, being huge fans of chocolate-anything mean we couldn’t miss the Valrhona Chocolate Fondant (S$16).

The surprise of this dessert lies in the fact that it comes with truffle oil – an unexpected ingredient that actually makes the dessert even more fragrant.

VALUE-FOR-MONEY SET MENUS

Violet Herbs has superb set menus for lunch that is priced at S$33 per person, and that includes a total of three courses.

To sample Chef Edward’s signature foie gras dishes, you have the option to upgrade your set menu appetiser to a foie gras (+S$7) of choice. It is little wonder Violet Herbs is such a popular lunch spot, especially for business luncheons. Such value for money; we can all do away with the lunch hour rush and noise everywhere else, and embrace the cosiness of Violet Herbs with an intimate lunch.

Dinner degustation menus begin from S$58 per person. Now, that is practically impossible if you want some fine dining. A typical main at fine dining establishments would usually start from S$40 already! But at Violet Herbs, the degustation menus begin from S$58 for a 4-course meal.

EVENTS AND PARTIES

If you are looking to host your events and/or plan your company gatherings here, you can also have a menu personalised for you. Private rooms are also available, else if all else fails, we say book the entire second level – which is the prettiest spot at Violet Herbs that is more than befitting for events of all sorts.

For more information and reservations, call +65 6221 3988.

Violet Herbs
81 Tras Street
Tanjong Pagar Conservation Area
Singapore 079020
Tel: +65 6221 3988
Mon to Sat: 11:30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Sun: Closed
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

This post is brought to you by Violet Herbs.

This guide to the best chocolate lava cakes in Singapore was last updated on 14 April 2015.

Molten chocolate cake, warm chocolate cake, hot chocolate fondant, chocolate lava cake – call it whatever you want, a warm molten chocolate lava cake with a scoop of ice cream is immensely satisfying, and a must-order whenever we see it on the menu.

Here is a guide to the best chocolate lava cakes in Singapore.

#1 CHOCOLATE ORIGIN

The chocolate lava cake from Chocolate Origin is decent, but not extraordinary. However, there’s really nothing to complain about when it is only $5. It is worth a try if you want a quick fix in town.

313 Orchard Road
#B3-10A 313 @ Somerset
Tel: +65 6884 4019
Daily: 10am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

#2 CHILI’S

Only two words to describe Chili’s Molten Chocolate Cake ($15) – gigantic and immensely satisfying. If you love chocolate lava cake, you must try the one from Chili’s.

163 Tanglin Road
#02-23 Tanglin Mall
Singapore 247933
Tel: +65 6733 3317
Nearest Station: Orchard

#3 EMBER RESTAURANT

It is not a secret that Ember at boutique hotel 1929 has one of the best set lunches in Singapore. But what many do not know is the restaurant also does a very good Chocolate Molten Cake ($14).

50 Keong Saik Road
Hotel 1929
Singapore 089158
Tel: +65 6347 1928
Nearest Station: Outram

#4 FIVE AND DIME

Absolutely brilliant. A molten chocolate lava cake with a salted egg yolk custard center… This tastes as good as it sounds; it makes you wonder why other places did not come up with this wonderful creation.

297 River Valley Road
Tel: +65 9236 5002
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 10am
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 12 midnight
Sun: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

#5 LA CANTINA

The only reason why we would travel across Singapore and go all the way to La Cantina in Changi for a meal – other than to have the signature crabmeat linguine – is the Chocolate Lava Cake ($9.50). This should speak volume of how good it is.

1 Netheravon Road
#08/09-02 Changi Village Hotel
Tel: +65 6546 9190
Mon to Fri: 11am – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Pasir Ris

#6 MAX BRENNER

What else do we need to say? The picture above tells it all. Max Brenner’s Chocolate Souffle ($16) is sinful, and so damn good. Definitely one of the best in town.

8 Raffles Avenue
#01-06/08 Esplanade Mall
Tel: +65 6235 9556
Sun to Thu: 10am- 10.30pm
Fri to Sat: 10am – 11.30pm
Nearest Station: City Hall

#7 MEZZA9

mezza9 has a slew of delicious desserts – such as banana & nutella crepe (S$15), stone fruit tart (S$17), and pink lady apple tart (S$17) – but our favourite is definitely the Chocolate & Praline Fondant, which comes with a scoop of caramel ice cream.

Grand Hyatt Singapore
10 Scotts Road
Mezzanine Level
Tel: +65 6730 7188
Nearest Station: Orchard

#8 MORTON’S STEAKHOUSE

At $30, Morton’s legendary Hot Chocolate Cake is not cheap. And of course, many people will be put off by the price. Is it really worth paying $30++ for a chocolate lava cake? As compared to most places that only charge $15 tops, it sets all wondering if in direct proportion, is Morton’s rendition truly twice as good?

Morton’s version is, hands up (pun intended), one of the best, if not the best chocolate lava cake you can get in Singapore.

Yes, you heard us right. Hall of fame standards. It is that good.

5 Raffles Avenue
4F Mandarin Oriental Singapore
Singapore 039797
Tel: +65 6339 3740
Mon to Sat: 5.30pm – 11 pm
Sun: 5pm – 10pm

#9 MUSEO

MUSEO is an enchanting restaurant that sits on the mezzanine level of Quayside Isle at Sentosa Cove that works perfectly for all occasions. By day, the restaurant is filled with sunlight and the chinaware glistens like gems; by night, the low-light setting calls for a romantic dinner for two.

If you are looking for a place to have afternoon tea with your girlfriends, MUSEO is just the place to go. Get the Vodka Chocolate Lava Cake (S$13). It is a true crowd-pleaser, and worry not, that amount of hard liquor ain’t enough to get you drunk.

MUSEO’s vodka chocolate lava cake is also listed in our guide to the best chocolate lava cakes in Singapore.

31 Ocean Way #01-22
Quayside Isle, Sentosa Cove
Tel: +65 6734 8066
Sun to Thu: 11.30am – 10pm
Fri, Sat & Eve of PH: 11.30am – 1am
Nearest Station: Harbourfront

#10 OSIA

Over at Osia Resorts World Sentosa, they serve a slightly different rendition in the form of a soup. Yes, that’s right, a CHOCOLATE SOUP!

Osia’s Hot Chocolate Soup ($22) is one of the signature items on the menu. For regulars, it is a must-order dessert to end the meal, while we know of many new customers come to Osia just to try this.

8 Sentosa Gateway
Level 2 Crockfords Tower
Resorts World Sentosa
Tel: +65 6577 6560
Sun to Wed: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Thu to Sat: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Harbourfront

#11 QUAYSIDE FISH BAR & BISTRO

Quayside Fish Bar is one of our go-to places for good quality seafood in Singapore. Besides daily fresh imports of wild-caught seafood and fish from different parts of the world, Quayside Fish bar also serves excellent desserts.

In particular, we love their White Truffle flavoured Chocolate Lava Cake (S$12). What makes the chocolate lava cake here different from the rest is that it is lightly drizzled with truffle oil, giving it a distinctive and pleasing scent.

31 Ocean Way #01-11
Quayside Isle, Sentosa Cove
Tel: +65 6268 8633
Tue: 9am – 12 midnight
Wed & Thu: 12pm – 12 midnight
Fri: 12pm – 1am
Sat: 9am – 1am
Sun: 9am – 12 midnight
Nearest Station: Harbourfront

#12 RELISH BY WILD ROCKET

Relish’s Dark Lava Chocolate Gateau ($12.80) – which comes with flambe banana and vanilla ice cream – always hits the spot.

1 Maju Avenue
#02-07/09 myVillage at Serangoon Garden
Tel: +65 6634 3422
Nearest Station: Seragoon/Lorong Chuan

#13 THE CONNOISSEUR CONCERTO TCC

This may come as a surprise to some, but The Connoisseur Concerto does a very good Dark Chocolate Cake ($11). In fact, we’d go so far as to say that it is among our top 5 chocolate lava cakes in Singapore. If you are a regular, be sure to try it next time.

3E River Valley Road, #01-01
Clarke Quay
Tel: +65 6336 1121
Fri, Sat & Eve of PH: 11am – 4am
Sun to Thu & PH: 11am – 12midnight
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

#14 WIMBLY LU

Wimbly Lu is one of our favourite places for desserts. They have an impressive selection – such as the popular waffles and root beer float cake – but what we will go back for again and again is the Molten Lava Cake ($6).

15-2 Jalan Riang
Tel: +65 6289 1489
Tue to Fri: 12pm – 11.30pm
Sat to Sun: 9am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Lorong Chuan/Serangoon

#15 WOOLOOMOOLOO STEAKHOUSE

Wooloomooloo Steakhouse’s Hot Chocolate Cake ($25), also known as the sore-throat inducing dessert, is one of best in town. It is pricey for a dessert, but trust us, it’s worth every cent.

2 Stamford Road
Level 3 Swissotel the Stamford
Tel: +65 6338 0261
Daily: 12pm– 11pm
Nearest Station: City Hall

For more recommendations, read our guide to the best desserts that you must try in Singapore.