Forage: Be Guided by Nature with Chef Marcus Tan

Forage: Be Guided by Nature with Chef Marcus Tan

At the speciality restaurant at Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree, Chef Marcus Tan presents a new seasonal harvest-to-table menu where nature’s finest ingredients meet culinary intuition.

Singapore, 27 August 2025 — Nestled within Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree, Forage offers a speciality dining experience inspired by nature. Helmed by Chef de Cuisine Marcus Tan, the restaurant offers guests an immersive harvest-to-table experience, shaped by what is freshly foraged and sourced from the markets. This season, Forage unveils a menu that mirrors the rainforest’s seasonal abundance, transforming nature’s rhythms into an unforgettable dining journey.

“At Forage, we are guided by nature — the changing of seasons and the surprises that are brought with it has inspired our latest menu. My goal was to create a sensory journey that reflects the richness of our surroundings here at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve. Shaped by our philosophy of seasonality and sustainability, the day’s freshest finds are transformed into a distinctive dining experience that honour the land, waters, and communities around us,” shares Chef de Cuisine Marcus Tan.

Beyond technical mastery, Chef Marcus’ culinary philosophy is rooted in deep respect for ingredients, for heritage, and for the land that inspires his cooking. This ethos guides his work at Forage, where his menus channel both precision and creativity. With over a decade of fine dining and Michelin-calibre experience, Chef Marcus’ dedication to the craft has seen him hone his skills at several Singapore’s most acclaimed establishments. His cooking has also delighted the taste buds of discerning diners ranging from heads of states to seasoned food connoisseurs alike.

                                                                                      A culinary story by Chef Marcus, where seasonal harvest meets sustainable ingredents.

The newest offering is shaped by the seasonal harvest from the resort’s own rooftop edible garden where herbs and microgreens are grown. Guests are treated to a choice of a five- Discovery Menu or eight- course Experience Menu, where each evening sees a different culinary story unfold. With the season’s produce as Chef Marcus’ canvas, he harnesses each ingredient’s character to create modern, beautifully composed dishes that embody elegance and balance.

This gastronomic journey begins with a warm basket of fresh, house-made bread and butter and amuse-bouches. The mains are anchored by the finest from both land and sea, each course revealing a delicate balance of refinement and elegance. They are paired with herbs and aromatics harvested from the resort’s rooftop edible garden. From thyme to rosemary, ginger flower, lemon basil, and pandan, these botanicals are infused into oils, garnishes and transformed into tangy pickles, ensuring each plate embodies both culinary artistry, and a firm commitment to environmental stewardship.

Forage’s dedication to reducing waste means stems, skins, and other often-overlooked elements are transformed into flavour-rich stocks, sauces or garnishes, ensuring each part of the ingredient is honoured. Ingredients are also sustainable sourced locally by partnering with respected producers who have been recognised for responsible farming practices such as Toh Thye San Farm for poultry and Ah Hua Kelong for farmed seafood and fish. This approach reduces food miles, supports the local economy, and ensures the freshest produce reaches the table.

Each epicurean affair concludes with a dessert that celebrates the freshness of the region’s bounty. A rotating selection of petit fours concludes the meal on a sweet finale.

Forage offers a single exclusive seating each evening, with interiors shaped by the resort’s biophilic philosophy.

Forage echoes the verdant forest it overlooks, with interiors that reflect the resort’s biophilic philosophy. Intricately crafted stone tile carvings of native birds and wildlife adorn the walls—among them, golden leaf monkeys that cradle soft ambient lighting. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame uninterrupted views of Upper Seletar Reservoir, with all 40 seats thoughtfully angled to embrace the panorama. Guests are invited to savour the transition from dusk to nightfall during a single exclusive seating at 6pm, as the mirrored reservoir reflects the layered glow of the setting sun along with a glass of  welcome champagne.

Priced at $138++ for five-course Discovery Menu or $198++ for eight-course Experience Menu per person with seating at 6pm, Forage is suitable more for guests aged ten and above, extending the resort’s signature hospitality to global travellers, residents, and couples alike.