A Review of Quenino by Victor Liong in Singapore: Peranakan Opulence

Quenino by Victor Liong

Artyzen Hotel, Level 4

9 Cuscaden Rd, Singapore 249719

Link to Quenino Website

The Gorgeous Interior at Quenino

Visiting Quenino by Victor Liong was an interesting learning experience. Firstly, we had never heard of the Artyzen hotel chain prior to our visit. It is largely based in Asia with most of their properties in China. The Singapore location opened in 2023 with renowned architects ONG&ONG behind its design, explaining the spaciousness and splendid use of space merged with the greenery. The overall theme blends Peranakan heritage with modern lux.

Amuse Bouche

Secondly, there are 2 Queninos at location, the first is Cafe Quenino on Level 1 and then Quenino by Victor Liong on Level 4. Following through with rich Peranakan heritage, Quenino by Victor Liong elevates this heritage with its interpretation of SEA fine dining. We were whisked away to Level 4 and shown our seats in this beautiful restaurant.

T'lur Oscietra Caviar, Raita, Banana Shallots, Szechuan Pepper

Finally, I never knew this before I arrived, but Chef Victor Liong is the owner of Lee Ho Fook in Melbourne, which currently holds 2 Chef Hats (or Michelin Star Equivalent). I had been to Lee Ho Fook in Melbourne a couple of times and always remembered loving the new age mod chinese cuisine they were serving down in the alley at Duckboard Place, nestled between some gems like Pastuso, A Hereford Beefstouw and Tonka, which hopefully I will get a chance to write about in the near future.

Raw Spencer Gulf Kingfish, White Fungi, White Radish, Burnt Garlic, White Soy Cream

The name "Quenino" is derived from the Malaccan Creole Portuguese word for "little one", which perfectly captures the restaurant's spirit - intimate, expressive and full of character. The concept was crafted by Chef Victor Liong and the kitchen is helmed by Chef de Cuisine Sujatha Asokan (Chef Su). The menu places a spotlight on overlooked ingredients and nostalgic flavours, weaving in SEA's heritage and history adapted in its modern form.

Our course meal consisted of:

• Uni Egg Tart with Sambal Belado

• Baby Cucumer, Caramelised Lemongrass Chili, Kaffir Lime, Finger Lim, Cashew Cream

• T'lur Oscietra Caviar, Raita, Banana Shallots, Szechuan Pepper

• Raw Spencer Gulf Kingfish, White Fungi, White Radish, Burnt Garlic, White Soy Cream

• Green Lip Abalone, Sweet Potato, Buah Keluak

• House-Made Flatbread, Full-blood Wagyu, Green Chilli

• Threadfin, Kokum, Pearl Meat, Garlic Shoots, Shrimp Floss, Samphire, Garam Masala

• "Fried Rice", Lardo, Bottarga, Tamarind, Ulam Rajah

• Taro Ice Cream, Fermented Rice Wine, Roselle, Sweet Potato

• Petit Fours and Mignardise

  
  

One of those bottles that we struggle to resist

We were absolutely delighted to see Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia offered by the glass, and a 2019 one for that matter. So of course that was our choice for the night and it was of course absolutely delightful. Sassicaias are complex yet delicate, structured and harmonious with a beautiful bouquet of juicy berries and a long persistent mineral finish. This 2019 was a beautiful display of that. Very young, but with so much potential. It's exciting to think about revisiting this bottle again in another 15 years or so.

Quenino by Victor Liong's interiors are truly gorgeous

Booking

At the time of writing, there is still availability of tables a week out. So if you have flexibility in your schedule, it does not seem too difficult to find a slot. However, we still highly recommend making your bookings as soon as you have your itinerary confirmed to prevent disappointments.

Accessibility

Located on the Cuscaden portion of the Orchard Road Belt, I always find this the more inaccessible area. However, it also houses some of our favourite hotels like St Regis and now The Edition. MRTs are about a 10-15 min walk to both Orchard MRT and Orchard Boulevard, so I'd recommend just taking a Grab unless you are familiar with the buses around the top end of Orchard.

The Damage

Let me start with a caveat. We went to Quenino by Victor Liong because of AMEX Love Dining, which meant that our meal was essentially 50 % off. The set menus for AMEX Love Dining is priced at 200 SGD ++ per pax and so we paid a total of just over 200 SGD for 2 pax not including. That is exceptional value. And for this price, Quenino by Victor Liong is worth absolutely every dollar.

If you are not with AMEX, there are a few menus to choose from, starting from 180 SGD ++ to 240 SGD ++ for the full experience.

Would we recommend?

Yes! We loved it more because it was part of AMEX Love Dining. However, this was a fantastic display of South East Asian Cuisine and one that I feel both locals and visitors can appreciate. The team at Quenino by Victor Liong made the whole experience wholesome and we had a delightful time. Chef Su also took the time to reach out after to hear about our feedback, which I think takes this to the next level of customer service.