Catkin by Huishan has dessert omakase
While most of us may be familiar with Japanese omakase, it’s less common to hear of dessert omakase. This interesting concept can be found at Catkin by Huishan, a new cafe headed by pastry chef Soh Hui Shan. Here, those looking to curb their sweet tooth will be treated to delicately crafted desserts inspired by local flavours.
Catkin is situated within the walls of Twenty-Eight Cafe, located right across the road from Peace Centre. It is also a seven-minute walk from Rochor MRT Station.
Before starting Catkin, Hui Shan was the head pastry chef at Willow, a contemporary Japanese restaurant. She’s also staged at fine dining restaurant Andre and Zen, and had a brief stint at the now-defunct Cheek by Jowl.
Catkin takes up the counter space within the cafe, allowing patrons to watch what goes on behind the scenes as Hui Shan meticulously prepares each plated dessert. Walk-ins are not accepted at Catkin, so you’ll have to make a reservation if you’d like to experience this unique omakase for yourself.
You can enjoy her desserts a la carte or go for the tasting menu, which features three special treats along with two tea pairings for $48++. We opted for the latter during our visit.
Our first dessert was the Goreng Pisang, a take on the classic deep-fried banana snack. This dessert features rastali banana gelato topped with edible flowers, sitting atop a bed of crunchy tempura flakes alongside miso-glazed diced bananas.
The next plated dessert, Kueh Bangkit, took us on a trip down memory lane with its familiar flavours: kueh bangkit gelato, coconut foam, and sweet coconut powder. The most enticing feature of this dessert was the transparent layer of coconut jelly aesthetically placed on top of the gelato, which had a glass-like appearance, but was surprisingly soft.
Our favourite item was the Limau Assam Boi, starring fermented calamansi sorbet plated with thin slices of jambu and jicama. This zesty number, which had a tartness that lingered pleasantly on the tongue, was a refreshing way to end off the dessert omakase.
For more unique plated desserts, check out our review of Pilcrow, a bar at Boat Quay with sourdough pizza and dessert-cocktail pairings. Else, check out our list of dessert box delivery services by talented bakers and local businesses.
Address: 28 Wilkie Road, #01-06, Singapore 228051
Opening hours: Wed-Thur 12pm to 4pm, Fri-Sun 11am to 4pm
Website
Catkin by Huishan is not a halal-certified eatery.
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Photos taken by Casandra Nicholas.
This was a media tasting at Catkin by Huishan.
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