The "TCM" Secret? My Mystery Birthday Dinner at Synthesis!

Birthdays always feel a little more special when there’s a surprise on the menu! This year, my bestie decided to kick off my celebration early by treating me to a pre-birthday dinner at Synthesis.

It’s our very first time actually stepping through the doors. I saw this TCM hall inspired restaurant and bar's unique atmosphere and fusion flavors on social media and I’m so ready to see if it lives up to the hype. Ready to join us for a night of good food and even better company? Let’s dive in! 

Are we at TCM hall or ice cream store? 

Array of Chinese herbs

Can I have a concoction? 

I need to cure my sweet tooth

Tried their Seasonal flavour: Pu Er Tea with Longan Sorbet

By the way, instead of ordering dessert at the table, we decided to grab some of their signature ice cream right outside the restaurant (spot in the photos above!). Taste test before getting one for yourself. 

​I’m not sure if it’s the unique ingredients or just the perfect end to a great meal, but why am I feeling so rejuvenated after a sweet treat? It was the ultimate refreshing finish to our night!

The Ambience & A "Secret" Entrance

Walking up to the restaurant, you might think you've accidentally stumbled into a traditional Chinese medical hall! The entrance is tucked behind a wallpaper of medicinal herbs and wooden drawers, creating a "speakeasy" vibe that immediately sparked our curiosity. Once inside, the mood shifts into something chic, modern, and perfectly celebratory.

Oriental vibes

A walk down the Neon light alley? 

A Stunning Reflection

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Once inside, the chic interior takes center stage, especially the bar. It’s a total showstopper! A massive glass mirror sits opposite the bar counter, creating a beautiful reflection that makes the entire dining room feel endless.

The way the mirror catches the vibrant neon glow from the liquor shelves is pure artistry. It reflects the rows of premium bottles onto the ceiling and walls, bathing the space in a warm, moody light. It’s the perfect, high-energy backdrop for sipping on their unique herbal cocktails. Don’t forget to have your camera ready for this view!

The bar took the centre stage in the dining room 

The Feast for Two

One thing that really impressed me was how thoughtful the menu is. They’ve carefully crafted each dish with dietary restrictions in mind. Every item clearly indicates if it contains dairy, shellfish, or gluten, and they have clear labels for Pescatarian and Vegetarian options. It’s rare to find such a place that makes inclusive dining feel so seamless!

Since it was our first time, we shared a mix of dishes that promised a bit of everything:

Tempura King Tiger Prawn 黑虎 天妇罗 - BEST!!! 

Springy Fresh Tempura King Tiger Prawns

This dish is a serious texture party! It features fresh, juicy Black Tiger Prawns drizzled with creamy, fragrant and sweet Herb Aioli sauce. It’s loaded with savory Chicken Floss and Tobiko (flying fish roe) that pops in your mouth. Definitely not your typical tempura! A little like Fried Prawn Balls from Zi Char stall maybe. And we actually love this dish so much! Highly recommend. 

Sizzling Skillet Tofu 铁板秘制豆腐

Skillet Tofu that wasn't really Sizzling when served

Served in a cast-iron skillet, the soft tofu is nestled in a rich, spiced mock bolognese sauce with a mix of diced Red Wild Mushrooms and Shiitake that packs a savory punch, which makes a total standout than the usual Mapo Tofu sauce, but actually taste alike though. 

8-HOUR Braised Iberico Eefu Noodles 子夜卤香 养元长寿面

Eefu Noodles served in a fancy bowl

Thin cut, flavourful, smoky Char Siew Kurobuta Pork

 

Noodles Lover gonna Love

Bestie said must order this dish because is advanced birthday dinner and for longevity purpose. The Eefu noodles were perfectly braised (though Bestie said it wasn't fully absorbed with the sauce, however the sauce taste like those drizzled on Braised Pork Rice 卤肉饭. But the real star was the smoky Char Siew Kurobuta Pork which isn't the usual thick-cut Char Siew at hawker or coffee shops. Thinner cut, tender and flavourful with smoky taste. 

The Iberico Pork Belly on the other hand was fine but not my ideal as the lean part was alittle hard. To top it off, it came with a Danggui Soy Egg, which I actually didn't get that strong herbal taste but it did cooked like an Onsen Egg inside. Overall, it was rich and comforting though a modest portion of noodles. 

A Unique "Healing" Happy Hour?

Beyond the food, the drink menu is where things get really experimental. They offer a range of alcoholic drinks that are herbally-infused. It’s such a unique experience, blending the craft of a modern cocktail bar with the traditional roots of Chinese herbs. It definitely adds an extra layer of "synthesis" to the name! We tried:

Unusual Remedy 冬去春来 & Sereni-tea 合生茶

(Left to Right) Unusual Remedy & Sereni-tea

Unusual Remedy: This one was a bold surprise! Concocted with Highland Park 12 Years Whisky and grapefruit coffee, it’s finished with a house ginger honey foam that adds a spicy, zesty kick to every sip. My first sip was the mix of wbisky and coffee taste, and as you drink, it starts to taste sweet. They did pretty well with the foam as it stayed foamy for longer. 

Sereni-tea: Ever tried warm cocktail? Here you have it. A sophisticated blend of The Macallan 12 Years Double Cask, sweetened with honey date syrup and finished with ginseng tea. It felt incredibly smooth and calming. Bestie had this and said towards finishing the drink, the strong alcohol taste took over the sweetness.

And so, from the "secret" entrance to the inclusive menu and those fascinating herbal cocktails, Synthesis definitely delivered on the "fun and curious" front. Huge thanks to my bestie for the wonderful treat and for exploring this new spot with me.

Synthesis 食拿酒稳

3 Temasek Boulevard #01-643
Suntec City East Wing Tower 4
Singapore 038983

Nearest MRT: Promenade MRT (Circle/Downtown Line), Exit C

Reservation: https://www.synthesis.sg/

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. All expenses were personally covered by the writer's friend. The opinions expressed are entirely herself and her friend, based on personal experience and preferences, and do not represent the views of any other individual or organization.