I was recently invited to try Summer Hill's Brunch Trolley experience and I must confess, I had completely misjudged what this place was about. From its name, I had wrongly assumed it was just another "basic" eggs benedict café. How delightfully wrong I was!
The concept is brilliantly simple: pay one price (S$69++ per person, half price for kids under 12) and experience 11 small dishes from different regions of France. Better yet, you can re-order anything you fancy as many times as you like. It's essentially a French culinary tour without the Eurail pass!
11 dishes, 11 regions! Mid-way we were also treated to a bit of storytelling from Chef-Owner Anthony about how the dishes came about.
My friend and I visited on a Friday at noon (apparently they've just launched Friday service due to popular demand), and I was surprised to find the place nearly full. Once seated, Chef-Owner Anthony Yeoh personally came to chat with us, explaining that he wanted to create something truly novel and outstanding in the highly competitive Orchard belt—something compelling enough to make people walk over. Judging by the crowd, his strategy has worked brilliantly.
The trolley soon arrived at our table, and the culinary journey began. From the Sud Quest region came the Tourain, a fragrant garlic, onion and tomato soup with meltingly tender duck confit and indulgent duck fat croutons. The richness of the duck balanced beautifully with the slight acidity of the tomato. 4/5
Next from Piedmont was the Salade Piemontaise—a sophisticated potato salad with cornichon, ham, aioli, crème fraîche and egg. The contrasting textures and the tangy dressing made this humble dish unexpectedly memorable. 3.5/5
The absolute standout for me was from Normandie—the Poularde à la Normandy served with sourdough bread. This creamy, savoury dish with clams was so utterly delicious I could have happily eaten more. The sauce was velvety and richly flavoured, with the sourdough providing the perfect vehicle to mop up every last drop. 5/5
We also tried the Ouefs en Meurette from Burgundy which featured poached egg in red wine, onion veal jus, lardons and mushroom. This was also another highlight for me actually - the deep flavour surprisingly did not overwhelm my tastebuds but excited it. 4/5
Next, the Quiche Lorraine from Lorraine that needs no further introduction. Probably one of the most famous exports from France other than the croissant! Here this was just the right amount of savouriness. 4/5
From Averyon came the Farcous, a herb and leafy green pancake with crème fraîche that I learned is typically street food you won't find in restaurants. These were delightfully rustic with a pleasant herbal note. 3.5/5
The Mackerel Grenobloise from Grenoble was a revelation. Chef Anthony explained that Grenoble, being landlocked, developed this preparation method using lemons, capers and brown butter sauce to mask the fishiness. The result was a beautifully balanced dish that highlighted rather than hid the mackerel's natural flavour. 4/5
Toulouse offered up Poulet à Aillade Toulasaine—grilled chicken with a garlic-walnut liaison that I found slightly odd-tasting, though still interesting. It was served with Montpellier fine beans with Montpellier butter, anchovies, capers and herbs, which were absolutely divine. 3/5 for the chicken, 4/5 for the beans.
From Langue-doc came the Cousetelou au Feu de Bois—grilled pork spareribs that were fall-off-the-bone tender, served with herb oil and tomato-onion relish. These were so good that had I not been rapidly running out of stomach space, I would have definitely ordered another serving. 4.5/5
Provence contributed La Daube Provençale, a deeply flavoured beef stew with olives, dried orange peel and red wine. The meat was fork-tender and the sauce rich and complex. By then we were bursting... 4/5
For dessert, Paris offered the Savarin, a yeasted cake with chantilly cream and fruit, while from Genoa came the Gateau Roulé, a classic Genoise sponge cake. Both were light and not overly sweet—the perfect end to a substantial meal. 3.5/5
Summer Hill's Brunch Trolley concept is nothing short of brilliant—casual enough to feel relaxed but with sophisticated food that would not be out of place in a fine dining establishment. At S$69++ per person (with the option to add S$55++ for free-flow Prosecco and wines), it offers exceptional value for the quality and quantity of food. The current "Le Tour de France" menu runs until 16 March, with a new theme debuting on 22 March. If you're looking for a brunch experience that stands out from the crowd, this is it. I'm already planning my return~!
🙅 Thank you, next
🤷 Try if nearby
💁 Bookmark this ✔️
Summer Hill - The Brunch Trolley: Le Tour de France
442 Orchard Road, Claymore Connect, #02-17, Singapore 238879
Every Friday: 12pm, Every Saturday & Sunday: 11am & 1:30pm (2 seatings)
S$69++ per person (half price for kids under 12 @ S$34.50++)
S$55++ for free-flow Prosecco & wines
Book online at www.summerhill.sg or WhatsApp +65 86905907
Thanks Sheena and Summer Hill for the invite!
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