15 Stamford: Culinary and Mixology Escape in Singapore

Timeless Luxury at The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore

Nestled in the heart of Singapore's civic district, the Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore is an iconic address where modern luxury and historical charm meet. This elegant four-story retreat offers 155 luxurious rooms and suites housed within two historic buildings: the neoclassical masterpiece Capitol Building, constructed in 1933, and the Stamford House, inaugurated in 1904, which was one of Singapore's first shopping centers.

© 15 Stamford

Designed by renowned architect Richard Meier, the hotel captivates with its façade that seamlessly blends Art Deco and Renaissance styles. Inside, spaces have been meticulously restored to preserve their original elements while incorporating modern touches such as designer chandeliers, Italian marble floors, and travertine limestone columns. Guests can also enjoy high-level gastronomic offerings with The Bar at 15 Stamford and 15 Stamford Restaurant, which we had the pleasure of discovering during our stay in Singapore.

Mixology Journey with The Bar at 15 Stamford

Opened in 2018 within the Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore, The Bar at 15 Stamford quickly established itself as a must-visit for cocktail enthusiasts. Since its inauguration, this bespoke cocktail bar has captivated with one of the city's most extensive rum collections and continues to expand its offering with an impressive selection of spirits including gin, vodka, whiskey, bourbon, mezcal, and other agave-based liqueurs. Drawing inspiration from the Pan-American Highway, the longest road in the world, the new cocktail menu, titled 'Lost Highway,' offers a culinary journey from Alaska to Argentina. This mixological journey highlights 14 cities through cocktails that capture the essence of local flavors using iconic ingredients. Enriched by the history of the site that once housed the residence of the first American consul in Singapore, this menu reconnects with the American-Singaporean roots of the location.

© 15 Stamford

© 15 Stamford

© 15 Stamford

We had the privilege of savoring two exceptional cocktails, each offering a unique taste experience. The first, the Coffee Tonic, presents a bold interpretation of Nicaraguan flavors, harmoniously blending black sesame, peanut butter, and rum. This cocktail is crowned with a foam of hot coffee, creating a surprising and pleasant temperature contrast. The second, the Teapresso, subtly mixes Oolong tea with peach, high-quality Colombian cocoa, recognized worldwide for its exceptional taste, and a house blend of spiced rum. This reinterpretation of the classic espresso martini with an Asian twist offers an exquisite fusion of flavors, each ingredient complementing the others perfectly for an unforgettable taste experience.

Colonial Elegance and Asian Modernity: The Unique Design of 15 Stamford Restaurant

15 Stamford Restaurant stands as a bastion of culinary excellence and refinement. Located in the majestic Stamford House, dating back to 1904, this venue benefits from a design imagined by AvroKO studio, which masterfully merged neoclassical colonial architecture with distinctly South Asian accents. The décor, imbued with heritage charm, is accentuated by a ceiling of sparkling stained glass and delicate filigree, offering a sumptuous setting for an unmatched gastronomic experience.

© 15 Stamford

15 Stamford stands out in a city renowned for its culinary diversity, positioning itself as a true gem for romantic dinners, special celebrations, or simply the pleasure of a refined meal. Diners are invited to immerse themselves in an ambiance where Asian elements, such as wooden dividers and slatted doors, enrich every corner of the dining room. The incorporation of Chinese antiques and colorful vases adds a touch of authenticity and color, creating a harmonious link between colonial heritage and luxurious modernity.

© 15 Stamford

An Innovative Menu Between Land and Sea at 15 Stamford Restaurant

At 15 Stamford Restaurant, diners awaken their taste buds with impeccably fresh products from fertile lands and vast seas, thanks to the new menu concept 'Where the Land Meets the Sea.' Among the reimagined dishes, grilled Chilean sea bass, Maine lobster pasta, and pan-seared Hokkaido scallops perfectly illustrate this marriage of terrestrial and marine flavors, with a touch of modernity.

During our wonderful evening at 15 Stamford Restaurant, we were transported by a culinary feast that dazzled our senses. The meal began with a Fremantle octopus casserole, where marine flavors seamlessly blended with sweet peppers, Roma tomatoes, and Taggiasca olives, accompanied by crispy sourdough bread. The pan-seared foie gras, enhanced by a bold mix of rum and raisins and accompanied by textures of banana, offered a subtle sweetness that contrasted perfectly with its creamy richness. This original combination of flavors absolutely charmed us. In terms of wines, my husband opted for a French red, Château Tronquoy-Lalande, while I indulged in a Côtes de Provence Miraval rosé.

The main course, a grilled Black Angus beef fillet, was a masterpiece of tenderness, accompanied by a savory black pepper sauce, each bite was a pure delight. The pan-seared Hokkaido scallops, laid on a bed of cod brandade and caramelized beets, fused textures and flavors to perfection. The side dishes were equally outstanding, with a gratin of onions in Gruyère cheese and steamed green asparagus, enhanced by grilled almonds and wrapped in hollandaise sauce, bringing a welcome lightness to our meal.

For dessert, the hot Valrhona chocolate dip with sea salt, bread sticks, and banana ice cream created a contrast of textures and a burst of indulgence that stimulated the taste buds, while the longan tart with pecan nuts offered a sweet and crunchy touch, perfectly balanced, ending our evening on a high note.

My Opinion

I was absolutely charmed by the culinary and mixological experience offered by The Bar at 15 Stamford and 15 Stamford Restaurant at the Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore. Both establishments brilliantly embodied the harmony between tradition and innovation. The Bar at 15 Stamford, with its cocktails inspired by the Pan-American Highway, transported me on a captivating gustatory journey, combining boldness and refinement. As for 15 Stamford Restaurant, its superb setting and innovative menu between land and sea offered me a beautiful gastronomic experience. The dishes, combining freshness and inventiveness were prepared to perfection, making each bite a moment of pure delight.

Practical Information

A big thank you to 15 Stamford Restaurant for the invitation to discover their establishment. Naturally, I remain free in my comments in this article!