The latest restaurant by multifaceted Gaia Lifestyle Group, The Black Pearl opens its doors at Odeon 333 in downtown Singapore where heritage meets modernity. Perched on level 7, the one-of-a-kind rooftop Chinese fine dining destination is nestled in the exclusivity of an entire floor, spanning picturesque views of the charming arts and cultural surrounds.
The allure of pearls lends the restaurant its name. These treasures are not only icons of culture and connectors to the cosmos, but embodiments of opulence and regality as epitomised by the Qing Dynasty Manchu–Han Imperial Feast (满汉全席) it brought into being. As the most luxurious banquet in Chinese history, the extravagance of dishes from different ethnicities was, at heart, an endeavour to express generosity and bridge cultures.
This same beneficent outlook to building connections and nurturing successful relationships underlies The Black Pearl experience; expressed in the restaurant’s contemporary presentation of ‘Yue’ cuisine (粤菜).
The Iridescence of Canton Cuisine
Cantonese cuisine is revered in China and across the world. The saying ‘Born in Suzhou, live in Hangzhou, eat in Guangzhou’ (生在蘇州、住在杭州、食在廣州) rhapsodises its elevated status. In the inclusive spirit of the Qing banquet, The Black Pearl presents a contemporary rendition of ‘Yue’ cuisine (粤菜), which encompasses the flavours of the Greater Canton region. Various Cantonese sub-cuisines fall within its embrace, most famously that of Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Chaoshan, Dongjiang, and Shunde.
At The Black Pearl, multi-award-winning Executive Chef Dee Chan crystallises this diversity of Cantonese cuisine into a contemporary epicurean repertoire. Chef Dee is a familiar face on local culinary television, making his reputation in prestigious international competitions. Born in Hong Kong to Cantonese and Teochew parents, with a Hakka maternal grandmother, the chef
grew up surrounded by authentic, regional Cantonese flavours.
This formative birthright, coupled with years of training and experience, endow Chef Dee to lead his team through the nuances and complexities of ‘Yue’ cuisine (粤菜), crafting flavours that seduce the palate and imagination of today’s diners.
The Black Pearl’s gastronomic voyage features two experiences highlighting the different regional influences of Canton. In the A La Carte Menu, Chef Dee interprets the classics with an innovative approach as familiar dishes are skilfully refined. Additionally, original creations are presented, including dishes that have won him awards.
This resplendent menu is ideal for sharing and features signatures like the Black Pearl Signature Pork Knuckle Jelly; Double-boiled Homemade Cured Duck Leg Soup with 10-year Aged Tangerine Peel; and Smoked Braised Goose with Sugar Cane. Live seafood are prepared with a choice of diverse cooking techniques, ranging from the traditional Teochew method of steaming with salted vegetables, mushroom and bean curd, to the Hong Kong ‘Bi Feng Tang’ style of wok-frying with garlic and dried chilli. Other delectables on the menu include claypot dishes, roast delights such as Crispy Roasted Pig Stuffed with XO Glutinous Rice and BBQ Premium Iberico Char Siew, and handcrafted dim sum such as Quail Egg Spinach Siew Mai and Charcoal Crust Duck Meat Bao, available daily with specials on display from a chic dim sum pushcart on weekends.
Reinventing tradition, the omakase-style 5-course Experience Menu ($198++ per person) is an elevated dining experience that will be introduced in March 2025. This is a sophisticated showcase of Chinese ingredients, prepared and presented with contemporary flair; and as the seasons change, so does the quarterly line-up. Anticipate a tasting progression of individually plated and creatively composed courses including a medley of small bites to start and a collection of petit fours to round off the exquisite meal. During the experience, guests are invited to luxuriate in one of the courses at the exclusive and intimate Chef’s Table – a sleek 6-seat counter that offers up-close interactions with the Chefs as they present and personally introduce the dish.
The stylish bar is a ambient alcove primed for pre-, post- or prandial drinks, meticulously curated to complement the exuberant flavours of The Black Pearl. Within this beverage programme is a growing collection of premium Chinese teas sourced from China, perennial cocktails, spirits with prestigious picks such as Macallan Sherry Oak 30 Years and Hibiki 30 Years single malt whisky, artisanal and premium Chinese liquor like Kweichow Moutai 60 Year Old and Dong Qu Huang Jiu 2007. There are, as well, exquisite Champagne from the distinguished houses of Louis Roederer, Dom Perignon, Krug and more, and an extensive list of old- and new-world wines with a focus on Bordeaux and Burgundy.
An Immersive Theatre of Sense and Discovery
The stage to it all is an elegantly ornate interior reminiscent of a black pearl enshrouded in its magical aura. The palette of gold, bronze, blue, black and radiance is embellished with astral elements to evoke the night sky and horoscopes. Astrolabes – ancient astronomical devices used to measure the movement and location of heavenly bodies – are transformed into motifs for magnificent centrepiece chandeliers. Impeccable, personalised service complete the indulgence.
Enriching the sensory ambience are tunes exclusively composed by South Korean celebrity, Kangta, an accomplished singer, songwriter, actor, radio personality, and executive producer of SMASHHIT Productions Team – a subsidiary of the highly successful SM Entertainment, one of South Korea’s largest entertainment companies. The multi-hyphenate brings his talents to The Black Pearl via instrumental pieces of modern oriental pop with touches of house vibes, engaging guests as they immerse in the enchanting space.
Seamlessly able to accommodate different group sizes, The Black Pearl is a breathtaking venue for all occasions – personal, social or business. Whether sipping cocktails and wines at the bar; communing as couple or in groups of up to 10 guests at the main dining hall; hosting associates or grand events in one of the three private dining rooms that seats up to 11 guests or merged into a larger space; or interacting with the culinary team at the counter-style Chef’s Table, the strands coalesce and shine like celestial bodies aligning.
Dining at The Black Pearl is a cherished moment where every detail alludes to hidden treasures. Chart the unchartered with a dining experience like none other.
