Revered for its distinctively seductive Chinese architecture, the 150-year-old Riverhouse stands as a tall and proud National Monumentin the heart of Clarke Quay precinct as one of only two remaining historic Chinese mansions.
Built in the 1870s along the banks of Clarke Quay, once the headquarters of the notorious Ghee Hok Society, The Riverhouse now pays homage to its long-standing culture and heritage of its history.
The Riverhouse team welcomes new chef Jesse Lim who breathes fresh air into the contemporary Chinese cuisine at Mimi 秘密 in a location steeped in mystery and tradition, together with the launch of the ‘Dragon’s Den’, an intimate new space, seating up to a maximum of 16 people. Mimi 秘密 also launches its weekend dim sum (see images below) where Chef Jesse introduces his modern take on everyone’s favourite piping hot dim sum delicacies.
Whether one is unwinding under the stars at Yin bar with its stunning historic façade or chill al fresco setting by the Singapore River, or checking out the new vibey Hush.by Mimi experiential dining concept, The Riverhouse is the perfect lifestyle destination located in the heart of Clarke Quay..
Hidden in plain sight, Mimi 秘密 is an open secret, housed on the upper floor of The Riverhouse and aptly named ‘secret’ in Mandarin, which the restaurant embraces. After all, this heritage site was once the headquarters of the notoriously Ghee Hok Society, a Teochew secret society that was a godown that stored gambier. Embodying its heritage nature, the restaurant is a secret location within the grandiose structure, with two indistinct entrances.
Mimi 秘密, helmed by Chef Jesse Lim with 14 years of experience including 3 years at the famous Shang Palace restaurant at the Shangri La Hotel, brings to life its enchanting blend of tradition and modernity, through its unique Modern Chinese menu.
A classy and chic concept, Mimi epitomises the sultry and elegant personality of the mansion, elevated by Chef Jesse’s injection of contemporary twists to long-standing traditional Chinese cuisine, predominantly the four major ones of Shandong cuisine, Sichuan cuisine, Cantonese cuisine and Huaiyang cuisine.
Under the lead of Chef Jesse and his crew of experienced chefs, the team boasts seasoned skills and expertise across various areas of Chinese cuisine. With an emphasis on communal dining and sharing, diners can expect modern renditions of old and forgotten dishes.
Every dish mirrors the venue’s former status as the enigmatic backdrop to clandestine meetings, which seeks to convey the secrets, origins, and stories that passed through its doors.
Choose from the Typhoon Shelter Duck Leg Confit, a “falling-off-the-bone perfection with a crisp skin” adaptation of the popular cooking method in Hong Kong’s Causeway Bay area, where the meat is tossed and mixed with garlic, red chilli, scallions and black beans - a sinful combination of silky meat and crackling skin; or the Chicken on Fire where a whole roasted spring chicken is flambéed in rose wine at the table - a fiery display of deliciousness; or the crowd favourite Unsubtle Truffle Mein of vermicelli and glass noodles stir-fried with prawns and asparagus served with Black Truffle sauce, a Mimi signature that has taken many to Truffle heaven.
Not forgetting, the Saucy Crab & Egg Affair, which features an arresting ‘yīn-yáng’ pool of spicy chilli crab and a briny soup of egg whites with fresh crab meat served in a ring of fried mantous. Perfect for those with the preference of Chilli Crab sans the shells and mess.
Taking secrecy to another level is the new Dragon’s Den, with expansive oriental windows allowing guests to bask in the natural daylight or immerse in the romantic evening ambience, for small intimate occasions up to 16 guests (subject to existing regulations). Imagine clandestine and hush-hush meetings can be had with plates from either its Private Dining Menu or its Main Dining Menu.
Diners can also opt for a private menu of 5 to 6-Courses starting from $108++ to $148++ per menu for a minimum of 5 pax.
By night, Mimi 秘密, is a buzzy hotspot for intimate meet-ups over modern Chinese dishes and cocktails. By day on the weekends, indulge in Mimi’s Modern Chinese weekend dim sum. East meets West with an injection of a modern and western influence in traditional dim sum offerings. Savour steaming baskets of Xiao Long Bao, Kurobuta Siew Mai with Pan Seared Foie Gras, and Har Gow, amongst many more. These exquisite bite-size favourites are specially made in-house using the finest ingredients.
Available as à la carte on weekends and public holidays from 11 am to 3 pm.
Reservations for Mimi Restaurant can be made via email mimi@theriverhouse.sg or directly on our website here
