21 on Rajah, Days Hotel Singapore At Zhongshan Park ~ New Menu Unveiled!

As 21 on Rajah welcomes its new Executive Chef Melvin Lim, an almost brand-new menu awaits us as he unveils an extensive range of tapas and Mediterranean delights, alongside a wide selection of local and Asian dishes. Chef Melvin has 20 years of culinary experience under his belt and is an advocate of presenting his dishes in a clean and simple manner. We shall see what he has up his sleeves!

The restaurant is nestled within the relatively new Days Hotel Singapore At Zhongshan Park which just opened in December 2012. Its centralized location along Balestier Road is an easy one to get to, and made even more convenient with complimentary shuttle bus services that runs from Novena Square. Special mention must be made to the interiors of the restaurant because I love it so much! The bright and spacious setting, white and blue color theme, everything spells a relaxed atmosphere and evokes the romance of the Mediterranean sea.

Soft Shell Crab Salad

Salmon Gravlax

"21 on Rajah" Bruschetta

Appetizers

Starting off the evening was the appetizer of Soft Shell Crab Salad ($13.90). I've always love fried food and this deep-fried soft shell crab easily won its spot as one of my favorites with each crunchy bite accompanied with refreshing cucumber salad and oriental dressing which lifted the overall taste. Salmon Gravlax ($9.90), where slices of raw spiced salmon are served with focaccia bread with homemade dill mayonnaise, was simple and pleasant. I appreciate the clean and light flavors of the "21 on Rajah" Bruschetta ($7.90), but wish it was less messy to eat as the medley of chopped heirloom tomato keeps falling off the toasted bread.

Poitrine De Poulet

Estofado

Mains

The main courses showcases an array of Mediterranean and Asian delights ranging from 21 on Rajah's signature dish, Paella ($17.90/$24.90), a traditional Spanish rice dish served with fresh seafood or roasted mushrooms to perennial favorites such as Fried Kway Teow "Penang Style" ($13.90) and Grilled Chicken Satay in Balinese Spices ($9.90). Poitrine De Poulet ($18.90) is a dish which I normally would not order because I do not like breast meat. But this rendition of oven-baked chicken breast was competently tender and surprisingly, not as dry as I expected. If you like stronger flavors of the Middle-eastern, Estofado ($18.90), a dish of pork meatballs with squid stew will probably appeal to you more than it did to me.

Slow-Braised Australian Beef Cheek Paella

Slow-Baked Norwegian Salmon

The next two mains suited my tastebuds better. Slow-Braised Australian Beef Cheek Paella ($22.90) features a slab of beef cheek braised in Rioja wine till fork tender and bursting with flavors. The bed of paella was tangy, appetite whetting and complemented the beef cheek rather well. Slow-Baked Norwegian Salmon ($19.90) was an easily well-liked dish! Very beautifully cooked with moisture retained in its meltingly tender flesh and paired with buttery mashed potato, it was delicious! Even the spears of sauteed green asparagus and vibrant red juicy tomatoes were just as enjoyable.

Homemade Gianduja Shortbread Cake

Mango Savarin

Dark Chocolate Fondant with Berries Coulis

Desserts

Desserts are always an alluring affair no matter how full the tummies are. Mango Savarin ($11.90), a rich yeast cake soaked in rum-flavored syrup and filled with pastry cream and fresh mangoes, was all fruity and refreshing. Chocolate lovers may prefer to turn over to the dark side with Dark Chocolate Fondant with Berries Coulis ($8.90) and Homemade Gianduja Shortbread Cake ($11.90), both being equally rich and satisfying.

The food at 21 on Rajah may not be on the overly fancy or stellar side, but wins for its ample variety which is bound to have something to suit local palates or travelers alike. Worth a try if you are in the vicinity.


Thanks to Days Hotel Singapore At Zhongshan Park for this tasting invitation.


21 on Rajah
Address: Days Hotel Singapore At Zhongshan Park, 1 Jalan Rajah, Singapore 329133
Contact: +65 68086868
Website: http://www.dayshotelsingapore.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/21onRajah
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri: Breakfast 6am-10.30am, Lunch 12pm-2.30pm, Dinner 6-10.30pm / Sat, Sun & PH: Breakfast 6am-11am, Lunch 12pm-3pm, Dinner 6pm-11pm