Fairmont Singapore ANTI:DOTE Marks SG60 With Lim Tze Peng-Inspired High Tea

Fairmont Singapore honours the nation’s rich heritage with a first-of-its-kind high tea experience, inspired by the iconic works of local artist Lim Tze Peng. This celebration of Singapore 60 blends art, culture, and exceptional culinary artistry at ANTI:DOTE. You will not only savour exquisite culinary creations but also be immersed in the legacy of Lim Tze Peng, through a curated display of his artworks, provided by Ode to Art, within the newly refurbished ANTI:DOTE. ‘

At 103 years old, Lim Tze Peng is Singapore’s oldest living active artist and is widely regarded as a national treasure whose art chronicles Singapore’s transformation from humble beginnings to the modern metropolis it is today. Renowned for his evocative depictions of old kampongs, Chinatown streets, and the Singapore River, Lim’s work captures the essence of the nation’s journey. His calligraphy and paintings, deeply rooted in heritage and cultural identity, have earned him Singapore’s highest arts accolade, the Cultural Medallion. This distinction makes him the perfect inspiration for this SG60 high tea celebration.

Running from 2 January to 31 March 2025, the afternoon tea pays tribute to one of Singapore’s most iconic artists while reflecting on the nation’s rich cultural heritage. William J. Haandrikman, Managing Director at Fairmont Singapore and Swissôtel The Stamford, shares:

“2025 marks a significant milestone—60 years of Singapore’s independence—and Fairmont Singapore honours this occasion by celebrating the nation’s rich arts and cultural heritage. We will transform our spaces into platforms that respect and elevate Singapore’s cultural icons; and this tribute to the legacy of the great Lim Tze Peng is the perfect way to commence the celebrations. Lim believes that the arts are integral to Singapore’s quality of life and spirit. We’re proud to play a role in supporting and raising awareness of the art emerging from this small but mighty nation.” 

Jazz Chong, Owner, at Ode to Art, echoed: “This collaboration is more than a culinary experience; it is a tribute to a legendary artist who dedicated his life to education and nation-building. Through his art, Lim Tze Peng has told the story of Singapore, and now, through this collaboration, we celebrate both his legacy and the nation’s journey.”  

Crafted by Executive Pastry Chef Yong Ming Choong, the high tea’s palette of sweet treats are inspired by Lim Tze Peng’s masterpieces. Calligraphy Brush is beautifully crafted from praline, reflecting the artist’s signature brushstrokes, capturing the artistry of his calligraphy. Vibrant Macarons, filled with almond calamansi and chilli, evoke the bold energy and expressive hues of his paintings.

A nostalgic nod to Singapore’s history, the Sampan—a chef’s take on the local min jiang kueh—is infused with toasted peanut cream, recalling the sampans along the Singapore River featured in Lim’s iconic works. The Attap House, with its kopi cream and mandarin confit, honours the resilience of Singapore’s past, inspired by the attap houses that symbolised community and perseverance during the nation’s formative years. The Harmony dish, with Hazelnut Feuilletine and 70% Chocolate, draws inspiration from Lim’s famous painting 家和万事兴 (Harmony in the Home Leads to Prosperity), symbolising unity and familial harmony. A choux puff with raspberry rose mascarpone revisits the nostalgic flavours of the iconic Bandung drink, blending familiarity and artistry in a fitting tribute to Lim’s work. To complete the experience, the Festive Kueh combines Mango Yoghurt and Pomelo Lime Confit, inspired by the pomelo featured in Lim’s painting of Chinatown. This dish symbolises good fortune, health, and happiness, reimagining the pomelo as a vibrant tribute to the artist’s work and the spirit of prosperity.

The savoury menu by Chef de Cuisine Jacky Lai draws inspiration from Lim Tze Peng’s artistry, with each dish playing on iconic Singaporean flavours. Smoked Salmon Blinis feature the Chinese calligraphy character “家” (home), engraved to symbolise family, warmth, and tradition. This classic blini is localised with the addition of peanuts. Boston Lobster is inspired by the popiah, elevated with luxurious lobster and paired with leek jam. The iconic Hainanese Chicken Rice is reimagined with Poached Chicken, rice puffs, and chilli caviar, while the Har Cheong Chicken is reinvented with a slider of charcoal bun, wasabina, and onion jam. The Spicy Prawn is a fresh take on the breakfast classic chee cheong fun, transformed into a tart shell filled with spicy prawn and sakura ebi. And because Lim exclusively paints on rice paper, rice serves as the base for many of the savoury dishes.

You can enhance your high tea experience with a handcrafted mocktail or cocktail conceptualised by Marlon Aseoche, Lead Mixologist at ANTI:DOTE. The Singapore River is a crisp, non-alcoholic tribute to Lim Tze Peng’s iconic depictions of the river, blending cucumber, mint, and lemon to reflect its tranquil flow. Edible blue paint draped along the glass melts as you sip, evoking the shifting ripples captured in Lim’s brushstrokes. For a more spirited option, A Life of Art (+$25++) celebrates Lim’s lifelong dedication to art with vibrant tropical flavours inspired by the fruits in his paintings. Featuring coconut pandan rum, banana liqueur, midori, lemon juice, and a vegan foamer, this sweet, creamy cocktail is a distinctly local nod to his artistic legacy.

Available daily at ANTI:DOTE from 3 pm to 5 pm, and additionally on Saturdays and Sundays from 12 pm to 2 pm, this high tea will take you on a journey through Lim Tze Peng’s art and Singapore’s development since its independence in 1965, all through the art of gastronomy. The high tea experience is priced at $68++ per adult with a choice of two non-alcoholic beverages (mocktail, coffee, or tea) and $35++ per child (6 to 12 years old).

All guests will automatically enter a sweepstake with a chance to win a limited edition Lim Tze Peng memorabilia curated by Ode to Art. Additionally, National Gallery Insiders can enjoy 10% off the high tea menu when they present their physical membership or ecard on the app. Reservations can be made at +65 6431 6156, email at dining.singapore@fairmont.com.  or online at www.antidotebar.sg .