There’s a certain pleasure in finding a restaurant that does more than simply serve food. At JAAN By Kirk Westaway, dining becomes a reflection of memories, seasons, and the inspiration behind modern British cuisine.
Perched above Singapore on Level 70 of Swissôtel The Stamford, this Michelin Guide-recognised restaurant brings a refined interpretation of British flavours to the table.
Among the many nearby restaurants in the city, JAAN By Kirk Westaway stands apart for the way it gives traditional ideas new life. Chef Kirk Westaway’s approach is rooted in a simple idea: that the most memorable meals often come from a connection between heritage and imagination.
The Food, and the Confidence Behind It
The tasting menu at JAAN unfolds with a sense of patience. Each course feels carefully considered, from the opening Goose Mousse Tart to the seafood and savoury plates that follow. I liked that the kitchen’s focus stayed on the ingredients, the textures, and how each flavour arrived.
Signature Creations That Define JAAN’s Modern British Cuisine
- Goose Mousse Tart
I started with the Goose Mousse Tart, with the creamy goose mousse, paired with fried celeriac, is rich but controlled. There was a contrast between the crisp exterior and smooth filling that makes the dish feel lighter than expected. - Fish & Chips with Kristal Caviar
JAAN takes a simple British classic and turns it into something far more delicate, with crisp potatoes, fish, sour cream, lemon zest, and Kristal caviar. The acidity cuts through the richness, while the different textures across the plate keep each bite interesting. - Wild Turbot
The turbot was one of the more delicate courses of the evening. Cooked with brown butter and seasonal accompaniments, the fish retained its natural sweetness while gaining more depth.
Whether it was the careful use of ingredients, the balance of textures, or the way each course was paired with wine, JAAN never felt like it was trying too hard. The pleasure came from seeing familiar ideas given new life without losing their original character.
The Later Courses: From Scallops to British Comforts Reimagined
The later part of the tasting menu showed another side of JAAN’s cooking. The Hand Dived Scallop was a highlight, with the sweetness of the seafood brought forward by a delicate brown butter preparation. It was the kind of dish where every element had a purpose, allowing the natural flavour of the scallop to remain the focus while adding warmth and depth.
- Hand Dived Scallop with Brown Butter
The scallop had a soft, almost silky texture, balanced by the nuttiness of brown butter. What I appreciated was the restraint. The sauce supported the ingredient rather than becoming the main attraction. - Charred Leek & Potato Soup
This was a quieter course, but one that stayed with me. The sweetness of the charred leeks and the earthiness of potatoes created something comforting, while the different textures kept the dish from feeling too heavy. - Kagoshima Wagyu Beef
The beef course brought a richer finish to the savoury section. Cooked with precision, the meat carried the depth expected from a premium cut of Kagoshima Wagyu, but the surrounding elements kept the plate balanced rather than overwhelming.
A Toast to the Evening
The drinks at JAAN are not simply additions to the tasting menu. They become part of the meal, from the first pour to the final gin-inspired moment. Its the kind of experience where you don’t want to waste a single moment, whether it is a carefully chosen glass or the last lingering flavour of a dish.
- Wine Pairings
The wine selections move alongside the menu, complementing the lighter seafood courses before following the deeper flavours of the later dishes. - Gin
The drinks they offer with Gin was one of the more playful touches of the evening, I liked how bright and refreshing it was, the Cygnet 22 offered a small reset before the final part of the feast we had.
The People Behind the Plates
The staffs at JAAN played an important part in the evening. They took time to provide context for each course, sharing details that helped bring the menu to life without distracting from the food.
The service was one of the things that made the experience memorable. From the pacing between courses to the small details throughout dinner, the team added warmth to one of the world’s most recognised fine dining rooms.
Why JAAN By Kirk Westaway Stands Apart
JAAN By Kirk Westaway is a restaurant built around a simple idea: taking British cuisine and seeing how far it can go. With two Michelin stars and a philosophy that Executive Chef Kirk Westaway describes as “Reinventing British,” the restaurant looks beyond traditional interpretations to create something more personal.
The mix of heritage and contemporary cooking is what gives the menu its identity, creating a dining experience that feels both refined and pleasant without losing the character behind each dish.
Chef Kirk Westaway’s approach has also helped JAAN earn recognition beyond Singapore, including its place among Asia’s celebrated fine dining destinations.
For those looking to explore more elevated dining experiences around the city, our guide to high-end Marina Bay restaurants highlights more places you’d want to add to your next special occasion.
Essential Details for Your Visit
- Location: Level 70, Swissôtel The Stamford, 2 Stamford Road, Singapore 178882
- Nearest MRT: City Hall MRT Station
- Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, lunch from 11:45am to 2:30pm; dinner from 6:30pm to 10:30pm. Closed on Sunday and Monday.
- Reservations: Bookings can be made through JAAN’s official site
What Makes a Two Michelin Star Restaurant Truly Memorable
I left JAAN a little slower than I arrived, which is usually a good sign. It’s not the kind of place where you rush from one course to the next. Instead, it asks you to take your time and appreciate the thought behind the experience.
This is the kind of trip worth making for a milestone or a special evening. The restaurant’s focus on seasonality, British heritage, and careful technique is what makes everything feel true to its identity. It’d be difficult to miss the intention behind each detail, from the first impression to the final moment at the end of the meal.
JAAN doesn’t rely on spectacle. What stays with you is the feeling that every choice has a purpose, a final nod to a restaurant topped with recognition that continues to tell its own story.
