Le Petit Chef at Jewel Changi Airport’s Changi Experience Studio offers an immersive, filmic dining experience where technology and culinary storytelling collide into a travel experience that takes you across Mexico, Italy, France, Japan and Singapore.
World’s smallest chef Le Petit Chef comes to Changi Airport in a whirlwind travel-themed adventure that feasts the eyes more than the taste buds
The highlight of the experience is a captivating animated chef who leads diners on a whimsical journey across the world through vibrant 3D projections, blending humor, creativity, and technology in a way that captures attention from young to old. The animation is like a watching a movie on a personalized screen and enthralls you in a story about how the chef hones his culinary skills.
That said, as much as the visual presentation is impressive, the food did not match the innovation of the animation. The dishes, although beautifully presented, lacked flavor and consistency. While the ingredients were fresh, the cooking lacked finesse and much to be desired. The food felt more like an afterthought, designed to accompany the spectacle rather than to offer a memorable culinary journey.
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Our Le Petit Chef at Changi Airport Experience
The first dish of tomato soup with pico de gallo on toast which set us off to a good start. The toast was lovely and warm, and the soup was spicy to give the umami-ful tomato a good kick.
The next were aburi tiger prawns. The accompaniments of cucumber pappardelle with sauces made a refreshing tasty side, but the prawns seemed to sit separate to the rest of the dish as they looked and tasted boiled. Some diners at my table found their prawns overcooked.
The signature chicken wing roulade was the most disappointing as it did not look like a wing and looked and tasted spongey. The dish lacked depth of flavor and there was no taste of the truffle jus.
The poached mekajiki (swordfish) certainly regained some points for its freshness, but the general consensus was it would have been much better as a sashimi. The kombu broth was bland without any hint of the sesame chili oil.
As for the dessert, it was forgettable as we couldn’t tell what flavours it was.
My child did not finish half of her food. Her disappointment lay primarily with the wing roulade and fish fingers (in place of our mekajiki), as they were both dry and spongey.
She did enjoy the interactivity of the dessert though, sprinkling popping candy all over her bowl.
Visually Stunning Experience with Immersive Backdrop
As a slight note, the technical setup at our table was slightly disappointing. Throughout the evening, the projector was jittering, and while it wasn’t disruptive since the animation was exciting, it diminished the overall experience. Additionally, while the host was enthusiastic and decked out in themed costumes, he stood in the dark. His delivery was also slightly awkward.
That said, the venue itself is undeniably stunning. Located within Changi Airport, a global icon of innovation, the restaurant benefits from a breathtaking location. The view of the Rain Vortex, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, adds a layer of grandeur to the setting, enhancing the overall atmosphere. The location provides an immersive backdrop that is hard to ignore, even when the meal doesn’t fully meet expectations.
Also, the adjacent Changi Experience Studio is an excellent complement to the dining experience. This interactive space celebrates aviation and innovation, offering engaging exhibits and games that highlight Singapore’s leadership in these fields. It’s a fantastic addition to the experience, particularly for families or those with a keen interest in technology and aviation.
Ultimately, Le Petit Chef at Changi Experience Studio succeeds in offering a visually stunning and innovative experience but falls short in terms of the culinary execution. If you come for the spectacle, the ambiance, and the creativity, you’ll likely enjoy the event. However, if you’re expecting a finely crafted meal to match the technology, it might leave you wanting more.
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