Want to enjoy fine dining without breaking the bank?
You can do just that the next time you visit the heritage wing of CHIJMES, at none other than the casual off-shoot of Michelin-starred restaurant Whitegrass, aptly named Dew by Whitegrass.
Whitegrass may be known for its curated course menus priced upwards of S$138 per diner, but Dew by Whitegrass offers a way more approachable menu showcasing European small plates with an Asian twist.
For instance, instead of the usual sashimi, why not start off with the Chef Smoked the Salmon (S$18), home smoked salmon with pickled onion and a delightful garlic herb mayonnaise? There’s also the Hamachi On the Way (S$20), hamachi carpaccio with marinated radish and olive soy sauce, which boasts lighter, more herbaceous flavours.
But we recommend enjoying the best of both worlds by simply ordering the Pink Ocean (S$22), a duo platter of salmon and hamachi.
Instead of the usual tater tots, you can find Potato Bombs (S$10), crispy bite-sized potato fritters in three flavours: Original, Anchovy, and Curry. My dining partners and I loved the savoury anchovy flavour the most, but we all felt that it could’ve benefited from a dipping sauce.
The Prosciutto on Brioche (S$15), though exquisite in appearance, also delivered on the taste front. I mean, how can you go wrong with prosciutto, stracciatella cheese, and marinated tomatoes layered on Whitegrass’ renowned black sesame brioche?
Those dining in a larger group can also order the Molten Cheese (S$28), a platter of molten brie, grapefruit jam, and chimichurri sauce with plenty of crispy crostini to nibble on while waiting for the mains.
However, it was the Cheese Choux Puff (S$10), starring soft and chewy choux puffs dusted with shredded parmigiano and black pepper, that the entire table couldn’t get enough of. If you’ve had Brazilian cheese bread, otherwise known as pão de queijo, or even Japanese mochi bread, you’ll definitely enjoy this.
Moving on to the mains, you can find both distinctly European and Japanese-inspired dishes, such as the Spanish Black Hog (S$28), IGA Wagyu Don (S$30), and the amusingly named My Tender “BB” (braised beef, S$30).
Despite not being particularly fond of cream-based pasta, I developed a (surprising) soft spot for the Yuzu Kosho Seaweed Pasta (S$20), comprising tagliatelle tossed with seaweed and yuzu pepper with a choice of prosciutto or salmon (my pick). It wasn’t as heavy or cloying as I’d expected, with the right balance of tart and umami.
Unsurprisingly, it was the ‘R’ IGA Ribeye (S$58), seared IGA A4 wagyu rib eye with sauteed mushrooms and wasabi, that truly stole the show. Each gorgeously marbled slice of wagyu was tender and buttery, all while retaining a robust flavour, and had us swooning hard.
The beef can be easily enjoyed on its own, with fresh wasabi, or with the special housemade sauce that combines soy sauce and red wine jus.
Those who want even more bang for their buck can drop by for the Dew Set Lunch, which comes inclusive of a main, otoshi (appetiser) and salad of the day.
With options like the Shiok! Oji Chick Don (S$28), consisting of shio koji marinated chicken with jalapeno on Japanese rice; Iberico Don (S$30); and Italy VS Japan (S$28), seafood udon in a unique carbonara dashi, you’re bound to leave feeling extra satisfied.
Although there are only two desserts on the menu, both are equally enticing and well-executed. The Nara Sake Kasu (S$8), or sake lees (the byproduct of sake) ice cream topped with cocao crumbs and black pepper, had a unique, slightly fermented flavour.
I preferred the “D” Little Kiss Cheesecake (S$12), a homemade cheesecake with a tangy red wine sauce and a dollop of cream, that wasn’t too sweet or dense. And you know I had to add on S$8 for a generous drizzle of Little Kiss Tea Liqueur, a fragrant black tea shochu.
Of course, the restaurant would not be what it is without the extensive selection of sake labels — you’ve got over 60 to choose from!
But if you’re not a sake aficionado, you’ve got a choice of highballs — the refreshing Sweet Potato Shochu High Ball is a must-order on hot days — and even cocktails.
I adored the creamy and fragrant Teh Tarik Martini, but those who dislike the taste of alcohol will probably enjoy the sweet and fruity Whitegrass Little Tokyo, composed of sake, yuzushu (yuzu liqueur), and Aperol.
Be it for a romantic date night, casual gathering with friends, or post-work drinks, you can count on the restaurant to deliver an experience that is “fresh, innovative, and bursting with flavour”.
Ready to dine and drink the evening (or day) away at Dew by Whitegrass?
Dew by Whitegrass
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📍 30 Victoria Street, #01-27A, CHIJMES, Singapore 187996
🕒 12pm–2.30pm, 6pm–9.30pm (Tue to Sat), Closed on Sun & Mon
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Photos by Christabel Tan
I'm always feelin' either boozy or boujee ✨