Time really does fly – the end of the year is in sight, and this means the long-awaited holiday season is upon us! I’m sure all of you are excited to celebrate together with your friends and family, and as we all know, food is an important part of the festivities!
Each change of the seasons brings with it special foods and dishes that are significant to that particular holiday or season, and at Nalati, the chef makes it a point to have a special menu for each occasion – and the Christmas season is no exception.
We had the good fortune to sample some of the upcoming treats that Nalati has prepared especially for the holidays, and they do not disappoint!
In addition to these special seasonal menus, Nalati is also able to work with companies and individuals to design and create customized/personalized menus for any sort of event you may want to hold at their premises. Their space is extremely flexible, and they even have an event hall that you can rent out for celebrations like solemnizations, wedding parties or dinners, company gatherings, birthdays and baby showers, just to name a few.
Nalati’s Christmas Lunch (1 December – 22 December)
We open with the Christmas Lunch menu, which features a starter and a main, and you have a choice of two for both courses.
The Starters (Choice of one)
Cured Beetroot Smoked Scottish Salmon Salad with Orange, Radicchio & Pomegranate Jewels
This refreshing starter was both a visual and culinary delight. The orange lent a sweet and citrusy tang, and together with the textural contrast offered by the pomegranate, they alternated with the salty and smokey flavours of the salmon in a playful way that made us even hungrier.
Seared Foie Gras with Toast Brioche, Apple Chutney and Cherry Port Sauce (+$4)
It’s hard to go wrong with a well-prepared slice of foie gras – a veritable flavour bomb, the foie gras was perfectly seared, with a crispy exterior that gave way to a creamy and rich interior. The toasted brioche provided some texture, and the apple chutney cut through the richness of the foie gras and prevented it from becoming too cloying. We were informed that diners who want to opt for the foie gras instead of the salad will have to top up an additional $4, but we think it’s definitely worth it.
The Mains (Choice of one)
Seared Duck Leg Confit, Butternut Barley Risotto and Carrot Orange Puree
Another classic French dish, the duck leg was large and succulent, and fell off the bone upon gentle prodding with a fork. It was packed with flavour, though might run a touch salty for some. It’s complemented perfectly by the risotto, which is toothsome and full of chew thanks to it using barley instead of the typical risotto rice, making it lighter and less heavy than regular risottos.
Grouper with Cucumber Salad and Soy Mustard Dressing
For those who prefer something a little lighter on the palate, the grouper dish may be just the ticket. We were quite surprised to see how generous the portions were – two thick fillets of grouper, cooked to perfection and topped with plenty of shredded cucumber. It’s drizzled with a piquant soy mustard dressing that compliments the flavour of the fish.
To round off the meal, diners can top up just $8 for a glass of house pour wine – the staff will gladly recommend a suitable wine to compliment your choices.
The Christmas Lunch menu starts at just $24++ per pax, and will be available from 1 December till 22 December.
3-Course Festive Menu (23 December 2021 – 1 January 2022)
Next up is the 3-Course Festive Menu, which offers a starter, a soup, a choice of main, and a dessert.
Starter
Smoked Quail Salad with Pomegranate and Candied Pecan
When this dish was first served to us, we assumed it was a main course – but no, it’s the starter. The quail was a little chewier than expected but still quite tender and had a nice umami flavour. The pomegranate lent a nice tangy pop of flavour, and the candied pecans really elevated the dish.
Soup
Classic Bouillabaisse with Rouille and Garlic Toast
Those who are fond of seafood and shellfish will absolutely adore this dish – big, juicy prawns, scallops and mussels swimming in a vivid orange broth just full of shellfish flavour. The seafood was fresh and didn’t taste fishy, and we completely polished off all the soup.
Mains (Choose between two)
Salette 1920 Duck a l’Orange, Gratin Dauphinoise
A classical French dish, the duck breast was quite tender and had a great flavour – we didn’t taste the “gaminess” that duck can have, and the orange sauce really elevated the taste of the meat without being overpowering. The potato gratin was perfectly cooked as well without being mushy and too rich.
Barramundi with Salsa Verde, Torched Baby Carrot, Potato Mousseline
The other main dish that diners can choose from, the barramundi fillet was huge. It was grilled very well as the flesh was flakey and not dried out. The salsa verde lent an earthy, herbaceous note, which really brought out the taste of the fish.
Dessert
Panna Cotta infused with Kaffir Scent and Gula Melaka Reduction
We really enjoyed this rendition of the classic Italian custard. The kaffir infusion lent an interesting flavour profile and distinctive aroma evocative of Asian cooking, while the use of gula melaka in the sauce gave it a definitively Nyonya flavour.
Just like with the Christmas Lunch menu, diners can top up $8 for a glass of house pour wine. The Festive Menu is priced at $78++ per pax, and will be available from 23 December till January 1, 2022, so don’t miss out!
Nalati also offers membership options for patrons. Some of the perks include:
- Discounts on a la carte orders
- Meal voucher redemptions
- Chance to participate in free menu tastings
To make a booking, or if you have enquiries, you can reach Nalati’s team via the following channels:
WhatsApp: (+65) 97106471
WeChat Customer Service: Nalati9RepublicPlaza
Reservation Hotline: (+65) 62231258
Address: Level 1-2, Republic Plaza 1, 9 Raffles Place, Singapore 048619
