[REVIEW] Yuè (乐): Aloft Singapore Novena's Music-Inspired Chinese Restaurant

Earlier in November, the newly launched Aloft Singapore Novena hotel under the Marriott group, introduced Yuè (乐), its first-and-only music-inspired Chinese restaurant. As the name suggests, the restaurant is themed around music and aims to strike a harmonious chord for both music and culinary enthsiasts. Nestled within the world’s largest Aloft hotel at Zhongshan Park, the restaurant offers a fusion of traditional Chinese flavours with a contemporary flair.

Named after the Chinese word for music, Yuè (乐) weaves itself into the fabric of Aloft Hotels’ brand essence, which pulsates with the rhythm and soul of music. The culinary experience at Yuè seeks to integrate popular song titles into each dish, evoking nostalgia and cherished memories among diners. For those who are into Mandopop, here are a few names for instance – “苏东, 你赢了世界又如何”, “宝贝在干嘛” and “寂寞沙爹热”.

Guiding this culinary symphony is Executive Sous Chef Awyeong Kin, a veteran in the culinary realm. Yuè showcases an extensive menu of over 130 dishes, ranging from appetisers to live seafood offerings.

We were invited for a dinner tasting and these were the dishes we sampled:

The dishes were all presented rather beautifully don’t you think? This is not easy to achieve for Chinese food which is usually served in large, shared portions. The catchy names aside, the cooking style is fundamentally traditional Chinese wok hei style of cooking, favouring large fire and stir-frying. Chef Awyeong adds his signature touch by infusing contemporary elements like the inclusion of surprising ingredients like popping candy and tobiko into the dishes.

The menu has heart and will appeal well to those who love music and looking to inject some fun into the usual Chinese cuisine. Yuè @Aloft beckons patrons with this philosophy: “Music is our inspiration, whether in life or in the culinary arts.” The restaurant’s dishes, each renamed after an inspiring song title from their daily playlist, invite diners to partake in a musical culinary voyage.

Overall, flavours across the dishes are on the intense side, with strong sweet, sour and spicy notes. For those who like strong flavours, Yuè would cater well to your taste buds.