Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? As much as we love the spate of new F&B joints popping up everyday, there’s some respect to be had for a restaurant that’s stood the test of time in tumultuous Singapore, and continued to keep things fresh for its loyal fans. Every month, we scope out some of your best-loved places for the new menus they’re bringing to the table.
Baba Chews
Having not just undergone a menu change but a complete overhaul with around 80 percent of items new to Baba Chews, the former Peranakan restaurant now offers a wider range of items that sports an interesting mash of Asian flavours. The new dishes are no less appetising and punchy than before, with items like Otah Yu Tiao ($12), Peranakan Pulled Pork Burger ($20) and Laksa Salmon ($26) being some of the best new additions. But it’s the Chilli Crab Tagliatelle ($20) that is perhaps the most memorable. It is a good balance of sweet and savoury as expected from a good chilli crab sauce, but rounds off with a truly spicy kick that makes it highly addictive. They’ve added several western dishes too, including a generous and smoky BBQ US Pork Ribs ($30) rack, Quinoa Salad ($17) and more, that are all best paired with a glass of wine.
Guzman Y Gomez
Not that they needed an update, but the folks at GYG have really upped their game this time. If you’re already a fan of their burritos, you can now order a Cali Burrito ($13.90; $9.90 for mini) that has everything you love about burritos inside (guacamole, salsa etc.), without the rice and beans, but with crunchy skin-on potato fries in it instead (yes, fries!). It’s by no means healthier, but way tastier in our books. So if you’re loading on the carbs anyway, you might as well make it worth your while. Btw, they’ve got a new Nacho Fries (same price as Cali Burrito) too, that’s basically their already awesome nacho dish but with everything topped over fries instead. Head down to any GYG outlet and try em, or order it exclusively from Deliveroo and stand a chance to win free churros while you’re at it.
Rumah Rasa
The halal Indonesian restaurant at Bay Hotel Singapore is now offering a new Sunday brunch menu ($48), and while there is no booze, they’ve still made it super indulgent by offering free-flow Ben & Jerry’s ice cream inclusive with the buffet spread. On the buffet line are perennial Indonesian favourites and delights like ikan bakar salmon fillet with sambal, as well as a good spread of grilled meats and seafood from their carving and live BBQ stations—definitely try the herbs-marinated beef. And once you’re done with the savouries, remember to head to the Ben & Jerry’s booth, choose from six different flavours and have em in a cup, cone, or even on a freshly-made waffle if you can still find the stomach space.
Strangers’ Reunion
After seven years of great coffee and waffles, OG brunch joint Strangers’ Reunion charts a new direction for its food—one that bridges the gap between fine dining and regular cafe food. The first obvious step up is the elegant plating; then the introduction of unconventional plates like a tart Snapper Ceviche ($13.90) and Roasted Cauliflower Salad ($14.50) with homemade labneh. The new menu also heralds a conscious effort to use upcycled ingredients and more inventive cooking methods. For example, salmon offcuts and trimmings from the Strangers Coffee Smoked Salmon on Toast ($18.90) are turned into the equally savoury Salmon Skin Chips ($11.90), further accented with sesame aioli, avocado coulis and salmon puree. But we’re most taken with the Pork and Broccoli ($21.90), which pairs sous vide pork collar with oft-discarded broccoli stems—they’re steamed then charred to bring out that naturally rich caramel flavour they apparently hide. Who knew?
