Want to try this seasonal delicacy? Head down to these four restaurants serving up the highly sought-after vegetable in various styles
If you’ve been keeping up with food news in Singapore, you’ll know that it’s white asparagus season. This white vegetable pops up on seasonal menus during spring, and is prized for its fresh, clean taste. White asparagus isn’t an entirely different vegetable though – it’s regular asparagus that is grown while covered in dirt, preventing photosynthesis and resulting in its pale white colour. This process (known as etiolation) also prevents the asparagus from developing its usual slightly bitter taste. But we’re not here to give you lecture on agricultural techniques – if you’d like to try this seasonal vegetable for yourself, here are four special menus to check out!
Brotzeit
Brotzeit’s Group Executive Chef, Wolfgang Ranner, will be serving up a special white asparagus menu featuring the vegetable – much treasured in Germany – in various styles. Start off with snacks and appetisers like the white asparagus spread paired with multi-grain baguette ($9) or grilled bacon-wrapped white asparagus ($9). Communal dining is all the rage here, so of course there’s a white asparagus sharing platter ($78) – 400g of classic poached white asparagus served with shavings of black forest ham, honey baked ham, smoked salmon, parsley potatoes, and two poached eggs, and topped off with Brotzeit’s own Hollandaise sauce. End the meal with Chef Wolfgang’s appropriately quirky dessert combination of – you guessed it – white asparagus, strawberries and panna cotta ($10).
Brotzeit, various locations. Available 28 April-11 June.
Gordon Grill
Less is more when it comes to preparing this delicate ingredient, so if you’re a purist, head to Gordon Grill for this Spring specialty served blanched or grilled ($52 for 500g, $103 for 1kg). The white asparagus comes served with just grated egg, a classic vinaigrette, and Hollandaise sauce. Also on the menu are more complex white asparagus dishes like chilled white asparagus with Japanese seaweed, farm caviar, and white truffle vinaigrette ($26).
Gordon Grill, 22 Scotts Road, Goodwood Park Hotel, Singapore 228221. p. 6730 1744. Open daily 12pm-2.30pm, 7pm-10.30pm. Available 1-31 May.
Min Jiang at One-North
White asparagus isn’t just prized in Europe. For a modern Chinese take on the delicacy, visit Min Jiang at One-North for white asparagus done in various Chinese interpretations like a double boiled wild chicken consommé with wanton, white asparagus and dried scallop ($15 per person) or have it sautéed with a duo of mushrooms and crispy silver fish ($28, serves 2-3 pax). You’ll also find richer dishes like the white asparagus topped with crabmeat sauce ($38, serves 2-3 pax).
Min Jiang at One-North, 5 Rochester Park, Singapore 139216. p. 6774 0122. Open daily 11.30am-2.30pm, 6.30pm-10.30pm. Available 1-31 May.
Brez’n
Hailed as the “King of Vegetables”, and celebrated in an annual ‘Spargelfest’ in Bavaria, it’s no surprise that white asparagus is getting put on a pedestal by Brez’n, pulling all the stops in this authentic Bavarian feast. Tuck into simple, comforting fare like the asparagus with beef tenderloin or sliced ham or a platter featuring both. And don’t forget lots of Paulaner beers as well – after all, what Bavarian feast is complete without lots of witbeer?
Brez’n, #01-21/22/23, 491 River Valley Road, Singapore 248371. p. 6235 1613. Open weekdays 11.30am-11pm, weekends 10am-11pm. Available until 31 May.
Want to try other delicacies without breaking the bank? Read our guide to fine dining at affordable prices, or keep up with the latest dining promos and deals in Singapore.