I’ve always admired the Singapore Flyer from afar, watching it slowly rotate against our vibrant skyline. In fact, I can see it from my home every day as I live just a mere five minutes’ drive from this towering Singapore icon. But as someone with a fear of heights, I never imagined myself stepping into one of its capsules, let alone dining in it.
My curiosity, though, got piqued recently when I got an invitation to try the new Skyline Lunch Experience offered by the Singapore Flyer. Should I go, or should I not? Promising a five-course Cantonese meal with spectacular views, I decided it was time to conquer my fear.
A Gourmet Adventure in the Sky
Arriving at the Singapore Flyer, I felt a mix of excitement and nerves. Checking in at the VIP Lounge provided a calm start, with priority boarding that made the whole process smooth. As we stepped into the spacious capsule, I was surprised to find five tables of individual table settings; I had expected a long table which I would be made to share with other strangers. It was really like a mini restaurant dining area.
Our culinary journey began with a specially curated dim sum trio platter. The presentation was stunning: chicken dumpling siew mai with abalone sauce and tuna flakes, cheesy lychee prawn ball, and barbecued chicken puff pastry. Each bite was a delightful blend of traditional flavours and modern twists, perfectly setting the tone for the meal. As the Flyer slowly made its rotation, I was relieved to find it felt stable and secure, with large windows offering panoramic views without feeling overwhelming.
Next up, we were served a nourishing double-boiled chicken soup. Packed with morel mushrooms, dried conch and bamboo fungus, the soup was both comforting and rich in flavour. The warmth of the soup combined with the slow rotation of the Flyer began to ease my initial apprehension.
The next course, osmanthus-smoked cod, was a revelation. The fish, paired with pumpkin puree, tomatoes and broccoli, was tender and infused with a subtle, smoky sweetness that was utterly delicious. The attention to detail in both the cooking and presentation was evident.
My dining companion and I did wonder: how do the staff keep the food warm? Our question was answered when the Singapore Flyer made one full round of rotation. At the boarding point, staff deftly and swiftly brought in new dishes and carried out used crockery.
The highlight of the meal was undoubtedly the mini lotus leaf rice with 10-head South African abalone. Each component, from the prawns to the dried scallops and shiitake mushrooms, was cooked to perfection. The abalone was soft, succulent and rich, a true luxury that made this dining experience feel all the more special. The softness of the abalone was a testament to the chef’s technique in cooking the abalone.
As we reached the peak of the Flyer’s rotation, our meal concluded with a refreshing lemongrass jelly adorned with assorted fruits. The light and zesty dessert was the perfect end to our gourmet adventure, leaving us feeling satisfied and pleasantly surprised by the entire experience.
Savouring New Heights
What started as a nerve-wracking challenge ended up being one memorable dining experience. The attentive service of our in-capsule staff, combined with the breathtaking views of Marina Bay and beyond, created an atmosphere of calm and enjoyment that made me forget my fear of heights. In fact, I was just beginning to enjoy myself and thought that the lunch ended all too soon.
For anyone, especially locals like me who have never ventured onto the Flyer, this is a unique way to appreciate the beauty of our city while indulging in some of the finest Cantonese cuisine. In the past, I would wonder why anyone would bother taking a flight on the Singapore Flyer; if they had wanted a bird’s eye view of our city skyline, they could jolly well just head to the top of Marina Bay Sands. But having experienced the Singapore Flyer, I have changed my mind. In fact, a flight on the Singapore Flyer is a much more serene and less stressful way of viewing our skyline compared to jostling with the tourist crowds at Marina Bay Sands.
I left the Singapore Flyer not only full from an incredible meal but also with a newfound appreciation for our city’s skyline and a sense of accomplishment for having faced my fear. If you’re looking for a unique dining experience that offers both culinary delight and an unforgettable view, the Skyline Lunch Experience is one not to be missed.
The Singapore Flyer Skyline Lunch Experience costs S$300 for two pax and lasts two flight rotations of the Singapore Flyer. For more information or to book your experience, visit the Singapore Flyer website.
