An acronym for “Asia, Roots, Distinct, Singular”, ARDS is all about going back to the roots, and refining Asian culinary eats with ingredients sourced only from the region. The restaurant located along Duxton Road is an independent one helmed by chef-owner duo Ace Tan and David Lee, with the intent to celebrate Asia’s rich variety of culinary flavors and techniques.
The dishes are as fancy as you can expect—Ear of the Sea is an ode to the perennial favorite abalone, slow-braised for 18 hours and served with homemade noodles, snow chrysanthemum, yuzu and sea succulents. Tan and Lee have taken it upon themselves to travel across Asia—think Cambodia, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Malaysia—to work with farmers and fishermen for the freshest ingredients. Five-course set lunches range from $48-68 while dinner menus start at $88 for three signature dishes. If you’re feeling lavish, a luxurious 15-course tasting menu titled “Piquant Illustration” ($188 per person) breathes life into traditional Asian favorites.
With such a dedicated menu, the beverage list doesn’t fall far behind in celebrating Asian cultures. It highlights teas, wines, spirits and beers from Asia, like Korean makgeolli, Japanese sake, sochu and rice wines—perhaps a cheeky testament to the fact that Asia knows its alcohol.
