In the third leg of Swensen’s Around the World series, we are brought to Hawaii, London and France with their innovative spins on three different countries’ signature cuisines.
In the month of August, we have Hawaiian Garlic Prawns. And in the upcoming months of September and October, we get to taste the mouthwatering British Classic Chip Shop Fish & Chips and Duck Leg with Fig Sauce respectively.
Besides trying out the signature dishes, we also get to enjoy the exclusive ice-cream and dessert buffet at Swensens, Ion Orchard. The buffet spread is rather comprehensive- from the various flavours of ice creams and gelatos to waffles and crunchy sinful toppings. It’s a table full of sinful treats.
Swensen is almost like this childhood American restaurant where each of us probably patronized this restaurant for a decent meal and ice cream.
There’s not one but TWO chocolate fondues! You can get to choose between the milk chocolate and white chocolate. I went for the white one.
One particular ice cream flavour that screams right into my face is the salted egg ice cream but I did not try it as I was so full after having the durian gelato.
Gelato or ice cream? Gelato for sure. It’s a more concentrated in flavours as compared to ice creams and has a richer and more condensed texture. I recommend the Durian gelato.
Black or white?
For dinner, we ordered one of the new dishes which is the Pulled Chicken salad – fresh lettuce, pulled chicken, cabbage, carrots and tomatoes accompanied by Swensen’s Japanese style of sesame dressing. It’s quite tasty and the portion is good. You can certainly have this salad as a main course.
The next dish we tried was the Chip Chop fish and chips (SGD $15.60). I wouldn’t think it would be any different from the ones I’ve tasted elsewhere but oh boy, the golden battered fish has this thick crispy and airy layer that leaves you craving for more. Not to mention that the fish itself is fresh and sweet. Thumbs up for the side of chunky steak cut chips which is probably homemade as they tasted like freshly cut potato fries. The dish is served with piquant vinegar as a dip and mushy green peas which we initially thought it was some basil leave sauce for the fries but it pairs well with the fries anyway.
I’m not kidding. This isn’t like your usual Fish and Chips served at other eateries. It’s surprising that Swensen’s can come up with something pretty legit. If there’s one dish at Swensen’s which you got to try, it has to be their Chip Chop Fish and Chips, not the regular one, though. However, it is only available in the month of September!
In the month of October, they will be introducing the Fresh-inspired dish called Duck Leg with Fig Sauce. I’m not a fan of duck meat really and I thought it tasted quite alright. It’s a classic fusion where they paired braised duck leg with creamy mash potato and vegetable-of-the-day. The braised duck leg is doused with aromatic brown fig sauce which is savoury yet a little sweet.
We saw that other tables were ordering the Hawaiian pizza which is also a new item on the menu so we ordered one for ourselves too. It was so cheesy! You can find Chicken ham, green peppers, pineapples, mushrooms, onions and cheese on their specially created charcoal dough crust. The crust is thin and crispy. And you can see that it is made fresh right out of the oven with generous amounts of toppings.
It serves 4 with a slice each. It can also be savoured as a main course if you really love pizzas.
We were more or less very satisfied after the meal so we had little room for desserts. For me, I tried their Durian gelato which is very flavourful and creamy.
My partner-in-crime went for the kill – chocolate mountain.
There are more dishes unveiling in the upcoming months until 31st December so stay tuned!
Swensen’s @ ION Orchard
2 Orchard Turn,#B1-31, ION Orchard
Opening hours:
[Weekdays] 10.30am-10.30pm
[Weekends & PH] 10.30am-10.30pm
Tel: 6884 5967
