In line with National Gallery Singapore’s exhibition ‘Into the Modern: Impressionism from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston’ ongoing from now to 1 March 2026, ANTI:DOTE at Fairmont Singapore presents their culinary fine pastry take on the art.
It might seem like a splurge to bring children for an afternoon tea, but worth it in exchange for a lovely afternoon with younger or older children, where you can have deep conversations or just an indulgent, feel good time.
Impressionism: The Era that Changed How Art was Seen
Impressionism emerged in late 19th-century France as a bold break from academic painting. Instead of Academic art’s idealized figures and historical themes, Impressionist artists captured everyday moments with loose brushwork and vibrant colour — sunlight on water, bustling streets, quiet gardens — inviting viewers to feel rather than simply observe.
Monet, Renoir, and Cézanne were central to the movement, each offering a distinct perspective: Monet’s shimmering landscapes, Renoir’s warm social scenes, and Cézanne’s structured yet expressive compositions. Iconic works like Water Lilies, Impression, Sunrise, and Cézanne’s still-lifes still resonate for their mood, simplicity, and softness.
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ANTI:DOTE’s Edible Gallery: From Canvas to Canapé
Known for their afternoon teas and bar, ANTI:DOTE has transformed their space into a mini gallery, where you can admire featured pieces while delighting in their Impressionist-inspired afternoon tea where they turned signature paintings into edible masterpieces.
Executive Pastry Chef Yong Ming Choong and Junior Sous Chef Ong Sze Ling, both Singapore-born and trained across respected progressive and luxury dining establishments, reinterpreted the works of Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Claude Monet, and Paul Cézanne into pastries and savouries that echo the emotion, spontaneity, and delicate luminosity of Impressionist painting.
As with all typical afternoon teas that reveal little treats in every layer, ANTI:DOTE’s afternoon tea is presented in its signature chest of drawers, and in theme, the selection is a feast of light, colour and emotion. The most unforgettable pieces are highlighted below.
A Series of Delicate Opening Strokes with Savouries
The savoury drawer sets the stage with refined yet flavour-forward bites.
The highlight is the Boston lobster with lemon confit and caviar. It’s basically an elevated lobster roll that makes you crave for more. The freshness of the lobster is evident in its sweetness. It is luxurious, expressive, and unforgettable, much like the bold, sunlit compositions of Renoir.
The foie gras terrine with roasted orange gel was a next favourite. Beaten into a light, silky mousse, its depth feels almost architectural in flavour, hinting at Cézanne’s structured approach to form.
The forest mushroom with winter truffle creation lands with earthiness and warmth, and mirrors the calmer, nature-focused sentiments often seen in Monet’s quieter landscapes.
Miniature Canvases of Flavour in the Sweets
Where the savouries introduce the theme, the desserts fully express it. A couple of desserts even had iconic paintings printed onto them, such as Dance at Bougival by Renoir; Carmen Gaudin in the Artist’s Studio by Toulouse-Lautrec and Two Peasant Women in a Meadow by Pissarro.
The coffee almond choux was an interpretation of the Haystack motif in Claude Monet’s paintings, something one would hope the chefs did more of. Not only was the design wonderfully executed, the flavours were spot on for a nutty, chocolatey choux where the coffee hits you once your teeth sink into the filling.
Taste wise, the charlotte pistachio with raspberry marmalade impressed the most. What looked like a simple swiss roll with pistachio chocolate mousse atop was unexpectedly luxurious in flavour. The cake’s softness and subtle green tones echo Monet’s garden scenes, with a delicate harmony that lingers on the palate.
The hazelnut cocoa bonbon, stamped with the National Gallery Singapore logo, is glossy and elegant. Although small, the rich hazelnut praline blended with chocolate creates a polished, satisfying bite that makes you want to sing.
What would Claude Monet Have Had for Tea
No afternoon tea is complete without accompanying drinks, and TWG tea and Nespresso coffee offered clean, aromatic brews to refresh the palate.
The Impressionist Fizz – the set’s themed drink, is peach-themed, lightly sparkling and citrus-forward. While refreshing, syrups tend to make drinks taste like medicine unfortunately, and it certainly did not feel complementary to the rest of the experience.
Hot and iced chocolate are an easy favourite with children, and this milky mixture with creamy chocolate won over the children instantly.
A Memorable Encounter Between Art and Taste
The Impressionist Afternoon Tea at ANTI:DOTE succeeds not only because of the flavours, but also the entire experience.
A small note made would be that, impressionist paintings tend to be brighter and lighter in colour, often depicting scenes in the day, which coincides with afternoon teas. However, ANTI:DOTE’s gallery unfolds in a more intimate bar setting which is moodier in ambiance. That said, service was warm and attentive, and the food definitely made up for the experience.
To sum up this artistic experience…
A Moment in Time, A Moment to Dine
Soft colours drift across the plate,
Flavours echo each painter’s stroke;
Each bite a hush of fleeting grace,
A world of taste and light awoke.
ANTI:DOTE
Fairmont Singapore, Level 1
80 Bras Basah Road
Afternoon tea seatings:
12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Pricing:
From S$78++ per adult (includes two non-alcoholic beverages)
S$39++ for children aged 6–12
This collaboration runs until January 2026, aligning with the Impressionism exhibition at National Gallery Singapore.
For more information, check out the details to ANTI:DOTE’s impressionist inspired afternoon tea.
