SINGAPORE - (THE NEW PAPER) The opening of Capitol Piazza is a boon for foodies, with the latest draw being the Singapore branch of French tearoom Angelina.

The original outlet was opened in 1903 by confectioner Antoine Rumpelmayer, who named it after his daughter-in-law. Notable Parisians such as Coco Chanel and Marcel Proust were regulars.

Today, there are 29 outlets around the world, including in Japan, the United Arab Emirates and China.

I turned up unannounced at the Singapore outlet a few days after it opened last month. I was struck by the elegance of the place. You'll feel classy the moment you step in.

So I felt a bit guilty when I started going gracelessly crazy waiting for my food. It took so long to arrive that I had to stop myself from using crass words.

Luckily, that didn't spoil my experience. Though the surprisingly lacklustre Old-Fashioned Ice Chocolate "L'Africain" ($12) - the iced version of the famed hot chocolate drink - almost did.

Still, all was forgiven when the food arrived. The plating was beautiful and the service sincere and friendly.

SO PRETTY

I wasn't being a drama queen but I actually gasped when the dish arrived - it is gorgeous! The baby vegetable plate ($19, with beetroot, carrots and goat's cheese on toast) is refreshing and delicious.

HEFTY & MOIST

Ordering a dessert from Angelina is a must. The Paris-New York ($13), made of choux pastry and a pecan-flavoured cream, looks sweeter and heavier than it really is. After a meal of beautifully plated dishes, this is the perfect ending.

ROBUST

It doesn't get more French than an onion soup. The traditional crusted onion soup ($17) here is robust, flavourful and an absolute delight. There is nothing meek about this soup. Some will find it overwhelming. I deem these people boring.

WORTH TRYING