Buyan Russian Haute Cuisine & Caviar Bar



9/10 Duxton Hill. Tel: 6223 7008, www.buyan.sg Open: Mon-Sat. Vodka & Caviar Bar (Level 1) 12pm-12am. Fine Dining (Level 2) 12pm-2:30pm & 6:30pm-10pm. Casual Dining (Levels 1 & 3 12pm-2:30pm & 6:30pm-10pm.

CONCEPT Located in two original shophouses on Duxton Hill, this recently opened dining destination focuses on Russian fare, including some dishes inspired by the South Caucuses countries of the former Soviet Union. Check out the caviar bar, fine dining and casual dining options with their sumptuous red velvet and dark wood interiors. The downstairs Vodka & Caviar Bar serves more than 50 styles of premium vodkas - most labels unique in Singapore. Around 100 imported bottled beers are also available, some by draft and including one made for Buyan. Head up the wooden-crafted staircases, past stone feature walls, ornate railings and under ceiling frescos to the exquisite second floor fine dining room, or opt for the cosy casual enclave on the third floor, which is ideal for group dining.  
MENU The Russian ambiance is enhanced by the authentic dishes, showcased on iPad menus - an innovative touch. The menu selection is extensive, from tasty morsels ideal for sharing to heart-warming meat and vegetarian dishes. We started with soup, a traditional Borscht (beetroot soup) with tenderised slivers of beef, and Stchi, a hearty vegetable-based cabbage soup. These old-time Russian favourites are best enjoyed with Khachapuri, warmed Georgian flatbread oozing with a delicious and subtle goat's cheese.
     We then selected a variety of dishes to share, including caviar - a must. Served with blinis - mini crêpes - diced onion and shredded quail egg, crown the caviar with a fine smear of sour cream and taste. The flavoursome Vinegret - finely chopped beets, potatoes, carrots, pickled cucumbers, onions and baby green peas marinated overnight in seasoned vegetable oil - is a healthy option.
     Other winners included the traditional Pelemi, steamed dumplings filled with mushrooms, and Varenyky, baked dough pockets filled with meat or cabbage. For mains, we focused on beef stroganoff - beef with mashed potatoes and a creamy mushroom sauce and a buckwheat side dish flavoured with mushrooms. We finished our meal with a delicious honey cake - layers of biscuit
sandwiched with condensed milk and honey.
SURPRISE Buyan's cellar stocks $5 million worth of wines, some from the 1800s. Predominantly French, a variety of the total 600 old-world labels is also available by the glass. Another drawcard is the bar's extensive range of specialty vodkas and Swiss beers on tap. Book the Chef's Table, seating up to 20 people, for a private function, but keep in mind the minimum spend is $20,000 - not impossible to achieve, with caviars ranging from $30 to $650 per gram.
DAMAGE Casual Dining & Bar Starters $10, Soups $10, Mains $26, Desserts $10. Fine Dining Average spend $200 per person, excluding wine.
PERFECT FOR Bar After-work catch-up with friends or colleagues. Casual Dining Date for two or meal with friends. Fine Dining
Corporate entertaining or a special occasion.


Posted Jul 2011


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