The buzz: The latest addition to the colorful Kampong Glam area, this Moroccan restaurant-bar is just over a month old and housed in the recently launched 64-room shophouse boutique hotel, The Sultan.The vibe: With the well-lit, elegant restaurant on the ground floor and the very attractive bar to chill out at on the second, it’s hard to decide which one to hit first. Our suggestion? Have a nice sit-down dinner and then head up for more drinks in round two.The food: It’s more than just a happy coincidence that executive chef Said Ibrahimi hails from Morocco. Whether you’re at the restaurant or the bar, be sure to order the mezze. At the former, chef’s selection ($28, serves two) may include dips like hummus and tzatziki. If you’re at the latter, we suggest trying less common ones such as zaalouk (a Moroccan specialty: Cooked eggplant salad; just think of it as a chunkier version of baba ghanoush, $8) and mohammara (roasted red bell peppers with walnuts and pomegranate molasses, $8). Or opt for some kebab brochettes, skewers of grilled prawn, chicken or lamb ($8). Those looking for something more filling will do well with mains such as beef kefta tajine (slow-cooked beef balls topped with a sunny side up, $24), and tajine ghanmi ba’l barkouk (semi-sweet braised lamb with prunes and almonds, $24). All come with a serving of cous cous.The drinks: Aside from the classics of mojitos and daiquiris (both $16), they’ve got a handful of signatures (all $18) as well. Have an Arabian Dream—vodka, fresh apple juice, Champagne, honey and black pepper—or some Camel Booze—Bailey’s, crème de cassis and milk. More into the vino? Then select from a list that includes wines from Lebanon, India and Argentina, as well as France and Italy (from $42 per bottle).Why you’ll be back: The charming alfresco bar is reason enough; it’s also nice to have an upscale dining option in the area serving up authentic Moroccan fare.
