Set amidst the Ginger Garden of Singapore's famed, beautiful Botanic Gardens, it is appropriate that the multi-faceted dining sensation that is The Halia should take its name from the Malay word for ginger.
Located in what is perhaps the most enviable spot in a country full of enviable spots, The Halia Restaurant and its adjunct Villa Halia have been created with the greatest reverence for the impressive, lush tropical nature which defines the ginger garden. Diners can enjoy a feeling of being situated in a secret space surrounded by tall palm trees, rich greenery and the special beauty of over 200 species of ginger plants.
All of this can be enjoyed through the full-sized glass windows that divide the sultry gardens from the cool, air-conditioned interior of the restaurant dining room. Those who prefer to soak in the sun's warmth, only have a few feet to go before they are on the sheltered, elevated wooden deck. The deck is the perfect place for an al fresco brunch on weekends, lunch, or even just a nourishing draught of beer. At night, the Halia transforms into a low-lit space of tropical romance; the only glow coming from the discreet lamps, candles and the silvery tint of moonlight.
On Sundays and public holidays, an a la carte brunch menu entices many to the fresh, cool gardens. A range of traditional breakfast and gourmet offerings fill out the menu, as well as a few tasty favorites from the lunch menu. Whether you're in the mood for muesli with fresh fruits and wild mountain honey or a truffle-scented egg white scramble with sturgeon caviar, there are few restaurants in Asia which offer such an alluring brunch venue like The Halia.
While the venue is sure to be the first attraction for many first-time diners, it is the food created by the team of talented chefs which will ensure their regular custom. Lunch is served from noon, every day, and boasts a menu of creatively conceived dishes which marry Western and Asian elements. Don't be surprised to find an infusion of ginger in some of the dishes. If you linger long enough, you might move swiftly into The Halia's famous Traditional English Afternoon Tea. With your chosen brew from the premium selection steaming in the cup, you couldn't do better than to savor a butter scone with ginger-perfume fresh cream and home-style apricot and ginger jam.
In the soft glow of dinner, served every evening from 6.30 pm, diners can enjoy delights from a continental menu which has been creatively realized through inspired Asian touches. Of course, a signature dish like the rack of lamb in Javanese spices deserves a fine wine, and those who know their vintages will be suitably impressed by the comprehensive list.
The recently established sibling to Halia Restaurant is Villa Halia. The Villa is divided into three areas, namely the Wine Bar, the Courtyard and the Gallery Room. The entire Villa has been created in the same environmentally reverential spirit as Halia, and is defined by a celebration of the ginger plant, which can be enjoyed through food, drink and the marvelous art.
The artworks have been created specifically for Villa Halia by renowned local artists Tham Pui San and Ong Kim Seng. The large mural of many wondrous ginger plants is a focal point of the Wine Bar. It is in the Wine Bar that visitors can enjoy a pre-dinner drink, perhaps with a sampling of tapas. It is a relaxing space equally perfect to wind down after a meal, with dessert and a special Halia cocktail.
The Courtyard is where those who prefer to get closer to the surrounding greenery can relax and experience Singapore at its most exotic and beautiful. For private dining without equal, the Gallery Room makes up the trio of spaces at Villa Halia. The Gallery Room is ideal for business lunches, seminars or just a special meal in a room which has floor-to-ceiling glass windows and is adorned with those lovely original artworks depicting the ginger plant in its many beauteous variations.
The Halia has the best of everything, the most beautiful location in Singapore, design which embraces its environment, cuisine to inspire and delight, and, last but not least, the warm service which brings it all together.
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