APANAGE 1874 X THE BLACK PEARL

THE BLACK PEARL

黑珍珠 The Black Pearl is a one-of-a-kind rooftop dining destination that seamlessly merges modern sensibilities with classical Chinese inspirations.

‘Yue’ cuisine embraces the various sub-cuisines of the Cantonese, in particular Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Chaoshan, and Dongjiang.

Taking inspiration from the Qing dynasty and its imperial feasts, The Black Pearl brings contemporary ‘Yue’ fine dining to new heights of epicureanism, incorporating regional Cantonese influences to provide a feast for the senses.

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What led you to the chef’s path?

My dad, mom, and uncle were all in the F&B industry, so it’s no surprise that I eventually followed in their footsteps. Looking back on my childhood, I often hid in my father’s kitchen to have lunch before going home. Our fridge was always stocked with dinner my mother had prepared that morning, and my brother and I would heat it up ourselves.

Around the age of ten, I began experimenting, adding my own twists to dishes. “My brother loved these creations,” I recall — and it was this curiosity and creativity that set me on the path of constant innovation as a chef.

Working in the restaurant industry means long hours and little family time, but it also gave me more opportunities to connect with my father. We would share meals and discuss ideas from the kitchen. My father is a master dim sum chef. “I had initially hoped to follow in his footsteps, but my hands weren’t nimble enough, and my dim sum never looked perfect.”

Following his advice, I turned to stir-frying, and over time, I truly fell in love with this craft. That was 18 years ago, and the passion hasn’t faded.

What makes Apanage 1874 an ideal pairing for your creation?

The first time I tasted it, I was captivated by its fine bubbles and distinctive fruity aroma. Instantly, I thought of our Peking Roasted Duck and decided to pair it with foie gras — a first in Singapore.

The richness of the foie gras combined with the duck creates a luxurious, indulgent flavor, yet the champagne’s crisp bubbles and lively acidity cut through the fat beautifully, while enhancing the fruitiness on the palate.

We also added caviar, which harmonizes perfectly with the champagne’s fruity notes. With every bite, your taste buds are treated to multiple layers of flavor, each one more delicate and nuanced than the last.

The result is a truly elevated tasting experience — complex, balanced, and unforgettable.

Gastronomic Showcase