Morsels at Dempsey: The Gold Standard of Gourmet Innovation
Restaurant of the Year and Chef’s Choice (Western) at the World Gourmet Summit Awards in 2017
At Morsels at Dempsey, dining transcends into an art form, where culinary excellence and innovation come together in perfect harmony. Nestled in the lush enclave of Dempsey Hill, this acclaimed restaurant stands as a beacon of gastronomic brilliance. Each dish is a masterful blend of creativity and tradition, meticulously crafted to deliver a dining experience of unparalleled quality. From its thoughtfully designed menu to its inviting atmosphere, Morsels exemplifies the highest standards of culinary artistry, making it a true gem in the heart of Dempsey.
Morsels, founded in 2013 by Chef Petrina Loh, began in a charming Little India shophouse and relocated in 2017 to the historic Dempsey Hill. Nestled in a Civil Service Clubhouse within Dempsey’s greenery, this 30-seater was transformed by Chef Petrina into a cozy barnyard cottage. The dining experience at Morsels feels like stepping into a rustic, homey retreat, with distressed brick walls, repurposed furniture, and eclectic décor, including artisanal plates from around the world and local potters Mudrock. Chef Petrina’s paintings and photographs enhance the ambiance, which is further enriched by herb and vegetable planters and grapevines.
Morsels offers innovative Asian Fusion cuisine, reflecting Chef Petrina’s Singaporean heritage and global inspirations. The menu, crafted with a washoku approach of balancing sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami flavors, also incorporates Traditional Chinese Medicine and holistic nutrition principles. Now in its 11th year, Morsels 2.0 features à la carte small plates, fine drinks, and dishes highlighting aged sauces and ferments.
The Creator behind Morsels – Chef Petrina Loh
Top 15 Chef at Truffle Competition in Soria, Spain
Chef-Owner Petrina Loh, a Singaporean, began her culinary journey inspired by her late father. After a successful career as a private banker, she transitioned to the culinary world, studying at the California Culinary Academy and working in Michelin-starred restaurants like Spruce and State Bird Provisions in San Francisco. She returned to Singapore in 2013 to open Morsels.
At Morsels, located in Dempsey Hill since 2017, Chef Petrina has continued to innovate, drawing on global and local experiences. Her work includes representing Singapore in Copenhagen, staging at restaurants worldwide, and collaborating with Korean sauce makers to craft unique ingredients.
Morsels has earned significant accolades, including Restaurant of the Year and Chef’s Choice (Western) at the World Gourmet Summit in 2017. Chef Petrina was also a top contender in the Bocuse d’Or Singapore Selection and the Truffle Competition in Soria, Spain. In 2018, she was named one of Prestige Magazine’s 40 Under 40 trailblazers and received the World Gourmet Awards Chef of the Year (Female) in 2022.
Chef Petrina’s cuisine reflects a commitment to both creativity and nourishment, blending Japanese washoku principles with her Chinese culinary background. Her dishes are known for their balanced flavors and artistic presentation.
Okayama Emperor Oyster | Yuzu pear vinaigrette, homemade kosho
Experience the delicate, briny essence of the Okayama Emperor Oyster, beautifully complemented by a zesty yuzu pear vinaigrette. The citrus notes of yuzu, paired with the subtle sweetness of pear, enhance the oyster’s natural flavors, while the homemade kosho adds a nuanced kick of heat and depth. This harmonious combination creates a sophisticated and refreshing dish, elevating the oyster to new heights of culinary delight.
Aka Ebi Tartare | raspberry gochujang, compressed green apple, nori rice cracker
The sweet and succulent ebi is paired with a tangy raspberry gochujang for a unique flavor twist. The compressed green apple adds a crisp, refreshing contrast, while the nori rice cracker introduces a savory crunch. This dish masterfully balances sweetness, spice, and texture, creating a compelling and memorable culinary experience.
Blue Swimmer Crab Cigar | kimchi thousand island
A sophisticated blend of tender crab meat wrapped in a crisp, cigar-like shell. The dish is elegantly paired with a Kimchi Thousand Island sauce, which adds a tangy, spicy twist to the creamy, rich notes of the classic dressing. This fusion of flavors and textures delivers a unique and indulgent culinary experience.
Kimchi Thousand Island Pulled pork | kuih Loyang
Enjoy the bold flavors of pulled pork, elevated by a tangy Kimchi Thousand Island sauce that adds a spicy, fermented depth. Accompanied by kuih loyang, these traditional honeycomb cookies provide a delicate, crunchy contrast, creating a delightful blend of savory and sweet with a hint of spice. This dish offers a unique and satisfying combination of textures and flavors.
Suggested wine pairing for the above bites: 2022 Zephyr, Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand
The 2022 Zephyr Sauvignon Blanc is a beautifully crisp and vibrant wine that captures the essence of Marlborough’s famed terroir. Its pale, lime leaf color hints at its refreshing character, while the nose is an enticing blend of snow pea, lime skin, and a touch of verve, presenting a pure and invigorating bouquet.
On the palate, this Sauvignon Blanc delivers a delightful medley of lemongrass, salted lemon, and fennel seed, with subtle notes of white currant and lime that add depth and complexity. The wine’s sinewy texture provides a sophisticated balance, making it a versatile choice for a range of dishes.
Pair this bright and zesty Sauvignon Blanc with dishes such as rock cod or scallops to enhance its lively acidity. It also complements prosciutto and goat cheese beautifully, highlighting the wine’s nuanced flavors and refreshing finish. An excellent choice for those seeking a well-crafted, expressive Sauvignon Blanc with a distinct Marlborough character.
Fjord Trout tartare | alabama white sauce, dill arugula salad, belinjo
The delicate, fresh trout is finely chopped to preserve its pristine texture and subtle flavor. This dish is elevated by a rich Alabama white sauce, which introduces a creamy, tangy element that beautifully complements the trout’s natural sweetness.
The tartare is served alongside a refreshing dill arugula salad, which adds a vibrant, herbaceous crunch and a hint of peppery spice, enhancing the overall freshness of the dish. The accompaniment of belinjo chips introduces a delightful contrast with their crisp, slightly nutty profile, providing an additional layer of texture.
Together, these components create a harmonious and sophisticated dish that balances creamy, tangy, and fresh elements, making for a refined and memorable dining experience.
Suggested wine pairing: 2022 Zephyr, Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand
Whipped Burrata | kale onion salad, vadouvan vinaigrette, crostone, Brazil nut crunch
The burrata’s velvety texture is perfectly contrasted by a vibrant kale onion salad, which introduces a refreshing crunch and savory depth. The kale provides a hearty, green base, while the caramelized onions lend a sweet, umami note that enhances the overall flavor profile.
The dish is artfully drizzled with a vadouvan vinaigrette, which imparts a warm, aromatic spice blend to the creamy burrata. Vadouvan, with its complex notes of curry spices, adds an intriguing layer of depth and sophistication to each bite, seamlessly integrating with the burrata’s richness.
Accompanying the burrata is a selection of crostones, offering a satisfying crunch and a touch of toasty flavor that complements the smooth, creamy cheese. The addition of Brazil nut crunch introduces a delightful nutty texture and a hint of earthiness, providing a contrast that elevates the dish’s complexity.
Together, these elements create a beautifully balanced and multi-dimensional dish, where the creamy burrata, spiced vinaigrette, crisp salad, and crunchy textures come together to deliver an indulgent and memorable dining experience. Each bite harmoniously combines richness, freshness, and a range of textures, making this dish a true celebration of culinary artistry.
Suggested wine pairing: 2022 Zephyr, Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand
Pulled Duck dumpling | brodo, pickled kale, juniper kombu oil
Each dumpling is packed with succulent duck, offering a deep, savory taste that is perfectly complemented by a flavorful brodo—a light yet robust broth that enhances the overall depth of the dish.
Accompanying the dumplings is a zesty pickled kale, which adds a bright, tangy contrast and a touch of crunch, balancing the richness of the duck. The dish is finished with a drizzle of juniper kombu oil, infusing the dumplings with a subtle, aromatic complexity from the juniper berries and the umami depth of kombu.
This dish masterfully combines layers of flavor and texture, with the rich duck, flavorful broth, tangy pickled kale, and fragrant juniper kombu oil creating a sophisticated and satisfying culinary experience.
Suggested wine pairing: Atago no Matsu, Tokubetsu Junmai, Miyagi, Japan
The Atago no Matsu Tokubetsu Junmai presents an enticing aroma that delicately weaves hints of melon and white peach, offering a fragrant preview of its refined character. On the palate, this sake strikes a perfect balance with its refreshing acidity and delightful umami, providing a well-rounded and satisfying taste experience.
The sake’s flat polished rice contributes to its exceptionally crisp aftertaste, enhancing its versatility as a food pairing choice. Whether enjoyed alongside a meal or on its own, Atago no Matsu promises a harmonious and elegant sipping experience. Its clean finish and nuanced flavors make it a superb complement to a variety of dishes.
Threadfin | yucca mash, fermented tomato fish jus, laksa oil, pickled fava beans, ikura, capers
Savor the delicate flavors of threadfin, expertly cooked to achieve a tender, flaky texture. It’s served atop a smooth and creamy yucca mash, which provides a subtly sweet and earthy foundation that complements the fish perfectly.
The dish is enhanced by a rich fermented tomato fish jus, adding a deep, savory complexity with hints of umami. Drizzled with aromatic laksa oil, the dish gains a fragrant, spicy undertone that introduces a hint of Southeast Asian flair.
Bright, tangy pickled fava beans offer a refreshing crunch and a burst of acidity, while vibrant ikura (salmon roe) adds a touch of luxurious brininess. The capers contribute an additional layer of tangy depth, rounding out the dish.
Together, these elements create a harmonious balance of flavors and textures, showcasing the threadfin in a sophisticated and innovative presentation that delights the palate with every bite.
Noodle of the week:
US Rib Fingers | curry mee tai mak, fukujinzuke, quail egg, tendon, tripe, daikon, fermented tomato chili
Indulge in the rich, savory depth of US rib fingers, braised to perfection and tenderized to melt-in-your-mouth consistency. The dish is served over a bed of curry mee tai mak, a comforting noodle base enriched with a fragrant curry sauce that adds a spicy and aromatic complexity.
Accompanying the rib fingers is a selection of traditional accompaniments, including fukujinzuke, a tangy, pickled vegetable relish that provides a crisp, slightly sweet contrast. A soft quail egg adds a luxurious, creamy element, while tendon and tripe introduce hearty, gelatinous textures that complement the tender rib meat.
Thinly sliced daikon adds a refreshing crunch and a subtle sweetness, balancing the richness of the dish. The addition of fermented tomato chili offers a spicy, tangy kick that enhances the overall flavor profile.
This dish artfully combines bold, comforting flavors with a variety of textures, delivering a satisfying and multifaceted dining experience that celebrates both traditional and contemporary culinary elements.
Suggested wine pairing: 2022 Mr Glover, Pinot Noir, Central Otago, New Zealand
The 2022 Mr Glover Pinot Noir showcases a deep crimson red color with alluring purple hues. Its nose offers a captivating bouquet of strawberry, blackberry, and dark cherry, enriched by a subtle, warming oak spice that adds depth.
On the palate, this Pinot Noir is both elegant and approachable, seamlessly carrying the rich fruit aromas from the nose into a mid-weight body. The balanced interplay of lush fruit flavors and toasty oak spice creates a harmonious profile, while a gentle, lingering fruit finish imparts a well-rounded and indulgent mouthfeel. An exemplary Pinot Noir from Central Otago, perfect for savoring on its own or pairing with a variety of dishes.
Morsels Signature Milo Tiramiso | Saratoga dark rum, shiro miso
Experience a unique twist on a classic dessert with Morsels Signature Milo Tiramisu. This inventive creation blends the rich, nostalgic flavors of Milo with the traditional elegance of tiramisu, offering a delightful fusion of sweet and savory elements.
Infused with Saratoga dark rum, the dessert gains a warm, complex depth that enhances the chocolatey Milo flavor. The addition of shiro miso introduces a subtle umami richness, balancing the sweetness and adding an intriguing layer of sophistication.
Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of creamy mascarpone, aromatic cocoa, and a hint of miso, finished with a luxurious rum-infused finish. This dessert reimagines a beloved classic with inventive ingredients, creating a memorable and indulgent treat that captures the essence of Morsels’ innovative culinary approach.
Morsels Restaurant & Tapas Wine Bar
25 Dempsey Rd, #01-04, Singapore 249670
Tel: 6266 3822
