Just off the busy reception area of the Sheraton Hotel, Soie is a capsule of calm and culinary delight. Even before ordering, guests are drawn in by the subdued lighting, authentic decor and the quiet but respectful welcome. A refreshing hot towel once seated, and it’s down to business.

Perusal of the menu takes some time, but anticipation is enhanced by the complimentary prawn crackers and delicate taster. Butterfly prawns with chilli, and tender chicken and prawn dumplings make excellent openers and bode very well for the rest of the meal. Seafood fried rice (from a long list of possible rice choices), along with broccoli and mushrooms, are fresh and tasty accompaniments to the lamb clay pot and crispy duck. The only slight disappointment in the aromatic and colourful array before us is the crispiness of the duck, which has a tendency to be slightly floury.

Too tempting to resist, the lychee and mango sorbet, and the green tea ice cream with strawberry sorbet are delightful light notes on which to end this generous repast.