SKAI Review
This is my second SKAI review. My first SKAI review on this blog was written over two years ago, in 2020. Previously, I visited SKAI just before the COVID19 lockdown befell Singapore.
Two years later, the menu is revamped, but the meal is equally impressive, if not more.
SKAI is a contemporary dining establishment at Swissotel the Stamford. Located on the 70th floor, it boasts amazing view of the City Hall area in Singapore.
And this SKAI review comes from TWO vistations there.
Views from the 70th floor of Swissotel the Stamford
I’ll never get tired of this view
Entrance to SKAI
Our seating area
American Express Love Dining
Impressive fine dining aside, a key reason for dropping by – is the American Express Love Dining programme. It’s an amazing dining benefits that comes with a qualifying American Express credit card. I personally own the American Express Platinum Charge card and CANNOT recommend it enough. A whole host of lifestyle benefits aside – the Love Dining discounts alone gives up to 50% off when dining in at reputable hotels and high-end restaurants.
At Swissotel the Stamford – SKAI, Kopitiam, and The Stamford Brasserie – all offer Love Dining benefits.
American Express Platinum Charge Card (Image source: American Express)
Want to apply for an American Express credit card? Apply through one of my referral links and receive either bonus Membership Rewards points, vouchers and / or Krisflyer miles:
- The Platinum Charge Card: Use this referral link and receive up to S$900 statement credits and Samsonite Choca Spinner 68/25 (worth S$700) when you apply and minimum spend criteria is met.
- The American Express Platinum Card: Use this referral link and receive up to S$350 statement credits when you apply and minimum spend criteria is met.
- American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Ascend Credit Card: Use this referral link and receive up to 38, 000 Krisflyer miles and S$50 statement credits when you apply and minimum spend criteria is met.
Bread Basket and Starters
We made our orders quickly. Meanwhile, a server brought some freshly baked buns with mushroom butter.
Complimentary Bread and Mushroom Butter
Spreading it out
The starters usually arrived within 20 minutes.
Crab Cakes
Quite a large volume of Crab
Scallop and Salmon Tartar
Crispy Tofu
Mains
Not to be outdone, the mains were equally unique and impressive on their own.
Grilled Lobster (Crab Squid Ink Spaghetti)
For the Crustacean Lover
Westholme Wagyu, Flat Iron
Topped with Mint Sauce
Impressively, when the dish shows up, the servers immediately drizzle some clam butter over the fish.
Black Cod
Served with Green Pea Gnocchi and Clam Butter
Rhug Organic Lamb Rump
Lamb Shoulder, Caramelised Cauliflowers, and Curry Spice
Asparagus (left) and Hand-Cut Chips (right)
Desserts
In this SKAI review, I declare that desserts are a MUST HAVE.
Chocolate Tart
Amber Peach
Honeycomb, Cream Fraiche, Honey Mochi, Yogurt Ice Cream, Peaches
The show has started
Strawberry Trifle
Lemongrass, Jelly, Basil Sorbet, Strawberries
Complimentary Cake or Wine from Amex
With the American Express Platinum Charge card, card holders get a bunch of vouchers upon payment of the card’s annual fees every year. One of the vouchers is this one.
Complimentary Cake or Bottle of Wine – at participating restaurants at Fairmont, Swissotel the Stamford, or Swissotel Merchant Court
Decided to go with Chocolate Mousse
Took home the Red Wine
General thoughts
Modern, fusion, complex, unique – these words come to mind when exploring the contemporary cuisine at SKAI.
If you want something that is different and non-mainstream, something that surprises – SKAI is a great place for that.
What SKAI is not, however, is traditional. You won’t find a typical mainstream burger or fish and chips here. Hence, if you prefer predictable, ubiquitous, idiot-proof food, SKAI might not be ideal – the fare here is adventurous and meant for exploration.
Service staff were friendly; however with the easing of covid19 measures, it was evident that everyone was busy, so the staff might not have been as attentive as they would have liked to.
Otherwise, generally positive experiences here, and 10/10 highly recommended.
AMEX love dining discount (50% off)
As an holder of the American Express Platinum Charge Card, for my SKAI review, to enjoy Love Dining Benefits – there must be a minimum order of two qualifying mains for two adults. Do check with the servers what are the qualifying items for Love Dining – as a few selected mains may not count towards Love Dining benefits.
In total, I received the following dining discounts:
SKAI Review – First visit
- Crispy Tofu – $20.00
- Salmon Tartar – $26.00
- Lamb Rump – $65.00
- Black Cod – $70.00
- Hand cut Chips – $8.00
- Asparagus – $8.00
- Amber Peach – $20.00
- Strawberry Trifle – $22.00
- Cappucino – $8.00
- 2 Nordaq Still water – $6.00
– Original Sub Total: $253.00
– AMEX 50% discount: Minus -$123.50 (for all items except Nordaq Sparkling Water)
– AMEX 25% discount: Minus -$1.50 (Nordaq Sparkling Water)
– 7% GST: $9.86
– 10% Service Charge: $12.80
– Total cost: $150.66 for two adults
SKAI Review – Second visit
- Crab Cake – $36.00
- Grilled Lobster (squid ink pasta) – $70.00
- Westholme Flat Iron – $75.00
- Chocolate Tart – $24.00
- 2 Nordaq Water – $6.00
– Original Sub Total: $211.00
– AMEX 50% discount: Minus -$104.00 (for all items except Nordaq Sparkling Water)
– AMEX 25% discount: Minus -$1.50 (Nordaq Sparkling Water)
– 7% GST: $8.24
– 10% Service Charge: $10.70
– Total cost: $125.94 for two adults
Want some Love Dining?
Apply for an American Express credit card and get bonus points!
Inspired by this post and want to apply for an American Express credit card? Apply through one of my referral links and receive either bonus Membership Rewards points or statement credit:
- The Platinum Charge Card: Use this referral link and receive up to S$900 statement credits and Samsonite Choca Spinner 68/25 (worth S$700) when you apply and minimum spend criteria is met.
- The American Express Platinum Card: Use this referral link and receive up to S$350 statement credits when you apply and minimum spend criteria is met.
- American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Ascend Credit Card: Use this referral link and receive up to 38, 000 Krisflyer miles and S$50 statement credits when you apply and minimum spend criteria is met.
Disclaimer: the views and opinions expressed on this page are that of Happy High Life and may not necessarily reflect the position of American Express. Happy High Life is not responsible for any decisions made by readers. The terms and conditions for credit card applications may be subject to change by American Express. Readers are recommended to check with American Express or its partners; the list of all benefits of the Platinum Charge Card can be found here.
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