Cavern Restaurant at Rainforest Wild ASIA

by | Nov 23, 2025 | Uncategorized | 0 comments


Location: Rainforest Wild ASIA, 20 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729825
Contact: +65 6022 0229
Cuisine Type: Contemporary Asian Fusion
Price Range: $$-$$$ (Mains $24-$30, Appetizers $16-$22)
Dining Style: Casual Fine Dining

Comprehensive Review

Overall Experience Rating: 4/5

Cavern Restaurant has significantly elevated its offerings since its opening. Located within Rainforest Wild ASIA, this dining destination combines innovative cuisine with an immersive cave-inspired setting. The refreshed menu showcases confident execution, creative Asian fusion elements, and refined flavour profiles that justify a return visit.

Strengths:

  • Creative fusion of Asian and Western flavours
  • High-quality ingredients with attention to freshness
  • Unique, memorable ambience
  • Well-crafted desserts
  • Professional presentation

Areas for Improvement:

  • Some dishes feature unconventional preparations (like the broth-style vongole)
  • Premium pricing reflective of location
  • Limited accessibility via public transport

Ambience & Interior Design

Cave-Inspired Dining Experience

Design Elements:

  • Textured Stone Walls: Natural rock formations and carved stone surfaces create an authentic cavern atmosphere
  • Intimate Lighting: Warm, subdued lighting mimics the mystery of underground caves
  • Spatial Layout: Cave-like alcoves and chambers provide cozy, semi-private dining areas
  • Rainforest Integration: Large windows or openings connect the interior to the surrounding rainforest views
  • Natural Materials: Stone, wood, and earth-toned furnishings reinforce the organic theme

Atmosphere: The restaurant successfully transports diners into an underground sanctuary while maintaining comfort. The ambience is romantic yet family-friendly, making it suitable for dates, celebrations, or casual dinners. The immersive environment enhances the dining experience beyond just the food.

Seating Options:

  • Indoor cave-themed dining areas
  • Bar seating at the beautiful cocktail bar
  • Possible outdoor or semi-outdoor sections with rainforest views

Noise Level: Moderate – The stone surfaces may amplify sound during busy periods, but the intimate layout helps contain conversations.

Best Time to Visit: Early evening for sunset views transitioning to the dramatic cave lighting at night.

Full Menu Analysis

Appetizers & Starters

Prawn Cocktail – $16 (3 pieces)

Rating: 4/5

Description: Fresh prawns served on a bed of crisp lettuce, topped with sriracha mayo, sweet pomelo segments, and crispy cucumber.

Taste Profile:

  • Sweetness: From fresh prawns and pomelo
  • Spice: Gentle heat from sriracha mayo
  • Texture: Crunchy cucumber and lettuce contrast with tender prawn
  • Tanginess: Citrus notes from pomelo

Dish Analysis: This is a modern take on the classic prawn cocktail. The Asian twist comes from the sriracha mayo instead of traditional cocktail sauce. The pomelo adds a Southeast Asian touch that’s both refreshing and unexpected. The multi-textural experience keeps each bite interesting.

Pairing Suggestions: Pairs well with sparkling water, white wine, or the Berry Good Time mocktail.

XO Burrata with Heirloom Tomato – $22

Rating: 4/5

Description: Creamy burrata cheese topped with savory XO sauce, chilli oil, and served alongside fresh heirloom tomatoes.

Taste Profile:

  • Creaminess: Rich, milky burrata center
  • Umami: Deep savory notes from XO sauce (dried seafood, chilli, garlic)
  • Heat: Layered spice from chilli oil
  • Freshness: Sweet, juicy tomatoes balance richness

Dish Analysis: This dish represents bold fusion cooking at its best. XO sauce (a Hong Kong specialty) traditionally accompanies stir-fried dishes or congee, making its pairing with Italian burrata unexpected yet harmonious. The combination works similarly to sambal-burrata dishes found at other innovative restaurants. The heirloom tomatoes provide necessary sweetness and acidity to cut through the rich cheese and intensely flavored sauce.

Why It Works: The cooling effect of burrata tames the XO sauce’s intensity while allowing its complex flavors to shine. The tomatoes add brightness and palate-cleansing properties.

Recommended For: Adventurous eaters who enjoy fusion cuisine.

Main Courses

Smoked Pork Rack – $30

Rating: 4/5

Description: Tender smoked pork loin served over creamy mashed potatoes, accompanied by a strawberry chilli herb salad.

Taste Profile:

  • Smokiness: Well-developed smoke flavor penetrating the pork
  • Richness: Buttery mashed potatoes
  • Brightness: Strawberry provides sweet-tart contrast
  • Herbaceous: Fresh herbs lift the dish
  • Spice: Gentle heat from chilli in the salad

Dish Analysis: This is a sophisticated protein-forward dish that balances richness with brightness. The smoking process adds depth without overwhelming the pork’s natural sweetness. The strawberry chilli herb salad is an inspired choice—strawberries’ natural sweetness and acidity work surprisingly well with pork, while the chilli prevents the combination from becoming cloying.

Cooking Technique: The pork is likely brined, then cold-smoked or hot-smoked at low temperature to maintain tenderness. The exterior shows good smoke penetration while keeping the interior juicy.

Portion Size: Hearty and satisfying as a main course.

Clam Vongole – $24

Rating: 3.8/5

Description: Al dente tagliatelle pasta with fresh asari clams, chilli padi, parsley, chives, garlic, and white wine. Served with white wine broth.

Taste Profile:

  • Brininess: Sweet, oceanic flavor from fresh clams
  • Garlic: Aromatic foundation
  • Heat: Sharp spice from chilli padi (bird’s eye chilli)
  • Herbal: Fresh parsley and chives add brightness
  • Wine: Acidity and complexity from white wine

Dish Analysis: This dish executes the classic Italian preparation with an Asian twist via chilli padi. The pasta achieves proper al dente texture, and the clams are plump and well-cooked. However, the inclusion of white wine broth is unconventional—traditional vongole (alle vongole) is typically served “in bianco” (white style) without excess liquid, allowing the pasta to absorb the clam juices directly.

The Broth Question: While the broth adds moisture and flavor, it deviates from authentic preparation. This may appeal to diners who prefer saucier pasta dishes but might disappoint purists.

Spice Level: Moderate to high, depending on chilli padi distribution.

Beverages

Berry Good Time – $16 (Mocktail)

Rating: 3.8/5

Ingredients: Mixed berries, fresh mint, lime juice, soda water

Taste Profile: Bright, fruity, refreshing with balanced sweetness and acidity. The mint adds cooling notes while soda provides effervescence.

Best For: Non-alcoholic option, hot weather, pairing with spicy dishes.

Ginger Slammer – $23 (Cocktail)

Rating: 3.8/5

Ingredients: Tequila blanco, house-made ginger syrup, fresh lime juice, soda water

Taste Profile: Bold and zesty with prominent ginger heat. The tequila provides earthy agave notes while lime adds brightness. The ginger’s spiciness creates a warming sensation.

Best For: Ginger lovers, aperitif, pairing with rich dishes.

Strength: Medium (appears to be a highball-style cocktail with soda dilution)

Desserts

Brulee Oolong Cheesecake – $12

Rating: 4/5

Description: Creamy cheesecake infused with oolong tea, set on a biscuit base, topped with caramelized sugar.

Taste Profile:

  • Creaminess: Smooth, dense cheesecake texture
  • Tea Notes: Subtle oolong flavor (slightly floral, toasted)
  • Sweetness: Balanced, with caramel topping adding complexity
  • Crunch: Bruleed sugar provides textural contrast

Dish Analysis: This dessert successfully incorporates Asian tea culture into Western cheesecake. Oolong tea’s natural complexity—somewhere between green and black tea—adds sophistication without overwhelming the cheese. The brulee technique (torched sugar) creates the signature crack and caramel bitterness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy base.

Appeal: Perfect for those who find traditional cheesecake too sweet or heavy.

Rocher – $16

Rating: 4.2/5 ⭐ Highest Rated

Description: Dark chocolate ice cream with hazelnut cream, crushed hazelnuts, and chocolate elements.

Taste Profile:

  • Chocolate: Rich, intense dark chocolate (likely 60-70% cocoa)
  • Nuttiness: Toasted hazelnut in multiple textures
  • Creaminess: Smooth hazelnut cream layer
  • Crunch: Whole or crushed hazelnut pieces

Dish Analysis: Named after Ferrero Rocher, this dessert captures the essence of the famous chocolate-hazelnut combination. The use of dark chocolate ice cream instead of milk chocolate provides sophistication and prevents excessive sweetness. The layering of hazelnut in different forms (cream, pieces) creates textural interest throughout.

Visual Appeal: Likely presented with architectural plating and chocolate garnishes.

Recommended For: Chocolate lovers, nut enthusiasts, those seeking a rich finale.

Recipe Recreation: Prawn Cocktail (Home Version)

Ingredients (Serves 2-3)

For the Prawns:

  • 6 large prawns (16/20 count), peeled and deveined, tails on
  • Salt for boiling water
  • Ice bath

For the Sriracha Mayo:

  • 3 tablespoons Japanese mayonnaise (Kewpie preferred)
  • 1-2 teaspoons sriracha sauce
  • ½ teaspoon lime juice
  • Pinch of salt

For Assembly:

  • 2 cups shredded iceberg or butter lettuce
  • 1 pomelo, segmented (substitute: grapefruit)
  • ½ cucumber, julienned and fried crispy, or fresh and very thinly sliced
  • Fresh cilantro or microgreens for garnish
  • Lemon wedges

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Prawns

  1. Bring a pot of salted water to boil (water should taste like sea water)
  2. Prepare an ice bath in a large bowl
  3. Add prawns to boiling water
  4. Cook for 2-3 minutes until prawns turn pink and opaque
  5. Immediately transfer to ice bath to stop cooking
  6. Once cooled, pat dry with paper towels
  7. Refrigerate until ready to serve

Chef’s Tip: Don’t overcook prawns—they should be just cooked through. Residual heat continues cooking even after removal from water.

Step 2: Make Sriracha Mayo

  1. In a small bowl, combine Japanese mayonnaise and sriracha
  2. Add lime juice and salt
  3. Mix until smooth and uniform
  4. Taste and adjust spice level to preference
  5. Transfer to a squeeze bottle or piping bag for neat plating
  6. Refrigerate until needed

Customization: Adjust sriracha from 1 teaspoon (mild) to 2+ teaspoons (spicy)

Step 3: Prepare Vegetables

  1. Lettuce: Wash and shred into bite-sized pieces, dry thoroughly
  2. Pomelo: Peel and segment, removing all membrane
  3. Cucumber:
    • For crispy: Julienne thinly, pat dry, fry in 350°F oil until golden (1-2 minutes)
    • For fresh: Slice paper-thin using mandoline, keep in ice water for crispness

Step 4: Assembly

  1. Create a small bed of shredded lettuce in serving glasses or plates
  2. Place one prawn atop each lettuce bed
  3. Drizzle or pipe sriracha mayo over prawns
  4. Arrange 2-3 pomelo segments around each prawn
  5. Add crispy or fresh cucumber
  6. Garnish with microgreens or cilantro
  7. Serve with lemon wedges on the side

Plating Presentation

Restaurant Style:

  • Use clear cocktail glasses to show layers
  • Pipe mayo in decorative pattern
  • Arrange ingredients with height and color contrast
  • Add edible flowers or upscale garnish

Home Style:

  • Small appetizer plates or bowls
  • Rustic, abundant arrangement
  • Focus on freshness and color

Recipe Recreation: XO Burrata with Heirloom Tomato

Ingredients (Serves 2)

Main Components:

  • 1 large burrata (approximately 200g), room temperature
  • 2-3 heirloom tomatoes (mix of colors), sliced
  • 2-3 tablespoons XO sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 tablespoon chilli oil
  • Flaky sea salt
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Crusty bread for serving

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

  1. Remove burrata from refrigerator 30 minutes before serving (room temperature is ideal)
  2. Slice heirloom tomatoes into ½-inch thick rounds
  3. Arrange tomatoes on serving plate, slightly overlapping
  4. Season tomatoes lightly with flaky sea salt

Step 2: Assembly

  1. Place burrata in center of plate or slightly to one side
  2. Spoon XO sauce generously over burrata (2-3 tablespoons)
  3. Drizzle chilli oil over burrata and around plate
  4. Add a final drizzle of high-quality olive oil
  5. Tear fresh basil leaves and scatter over dish
  6. Finish with another pinch of flaky salt

Step 3: Serving

  1. Serve immediately while burrata is at room temperature
  2. Provide good bread for soaking up sauce and cheese
  3. Instruct diners to cut into burrata to release creamy center

Chef’s Tips:

  • Room temperature burrata has the best texture and flavor
  • Don’t skimp on XO sauce—its complex umami is the star
  • Quality matters: Use authentic XO sauce and premium burrata

About XO Sauce

What is XO Sauce? A luxurious Hong Kong condiment made from dried seafood (scallops, shrimp), chilli peppers, garlic, and oil. Named after XO cognac to denote premium quality.

Where to Buy:

  • Asian supermarkets (Lee Kum Kee, Mum’s)
  • Online specialty stores
  • High-end grocery stores

Homemade XO Sauce (Advanced): Requires dried scallops, dried shrimp, Chinese ham, shallots, garlic, chilli, oil—stir-fried slowly until fragrant and shelf-stable.

Delivery & Takeaway Options

Current Status: UNKNOWN – VERIFICATION NEEDED

Based on the restaurant’s location within Rainforest Wild ASIA (a zoo/wildlife park), delivery options may be limited or unavailable. Here’s what to consider:

Likely Scenarios:

Option 1: No Delivery Available

  • Located within a paid-entry attraction
  • Focus on dine-in experience
  • Ambience is integral to the concept

Option 2: Limited Self-Collection

  • Possible takeaway for attraction visitors
  • Pre-ordering via phone or website
  • Pick-up at restaurant entrance

Option 3: Third-Party Delivery Platforms Check these apps for availability:

  • GrabFood
  • Deliveroo
  • foodpanda

Recommended Action:

📞 Call the restaurant directly: +65 6022 0229

Ask about:

  • Takeaway availability
  • Delivery partnerships
  • Pre-ordering for collection
  • Catering options

How to Get There

By Public Transport:

From Springleaf MRT (TE Line):

  1. Exit at Springleaf MRT, Exit 3
  2. Walk to bus stop opposite Thong Soon Road (Stop ID 56091)
  3. Take bus 138
  4. Alight after 12 stops
  5. Walk to destination
  6. Total journey time: ~25 minutes

From Choa Chu Kang or Khatib MRT (NS Line):

  • Take connecting buses (check timing)
  • Journey time: 30-40 minutes

By Car:

  • Parking available at Rainforest Wild ASIA
  • Address: 20 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729825

By Taxi/Grab:

  • Most convenient option
  • Direct drop-off at entrance

Dining Tips & Recommendations

What to Order:

For First-Timers:

  • Start: XO Burrata (unique fusion)
  • Main: Smoked Pork Rack (crowd-pleaser)
  • Dessert: Rocher (highest rated)
  • Drink: Ginger Slammer (bold choice)

For Seafood Lovers:

  • Prawn Cocktail + Clam Vongole

For Sharing (Group of 3-4):

  • Prawn Cocktail
  • XO Burrata
  • Smoked Pork Rack
  • Clam Vongole
  • Both desserts

Budget Planning:

Per Person Estimate:

  • Light meal: $40-50 (appetizer + drink)
  • Full meal: $60-80 (starter + main + dessert/drink)
  • With alcohol: $80-100+

Money-Saving Tips:

  • Visit during lunch if available (check for lunch menu)
  • Share dishes family-style
  • Skip alcohol for mocktails

Final Verdict

Who Should Visit:

✅ Perfect For:

  • Date nights (romantic cave ambience)
  • Special celebrations
  • Food enthusiasts seeking fusion cuisine
  • Families visiting Rainforest Wild ASIA
  • Those who appreciate unique dining environments

❌ Skip If:

  • You’re seeking traditional, authentic cuisine
  • Budget is very limited
  • You require easy public transport access
  • You prefer bright, open dining spaces

Overall Rating: 4/5 Stars

Excellent for: Creative fusion, ambience, desserts
Good for: Fresh ingredients, presentation, service
Needs improvement: Menu clarity, accessibility

Contact & Reservations

Cavern Restaurant
📍 Rainforest Wild ASIA, 20 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729825
📞 +65 6022 0229
🌐 Website | Instagram | Facebook

Reservation Recommended: Especially for dinner and weekends

Note: Prices and menu items are accurate as of November 2025 and subject to change. This guide is based on an invited tasting experience and represents the reviewer’s honest opinions.