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.
Alley Bar
The favoured Orchard Road haunt has gone through a glow-up, combining spaces with what was formerly Black Nut upstairs, and offering a revamped menu that is familiar yet new at the same time. You still got your awesome happy hour drink deals (like $6 G&Ts and $10 Guinness pints), but add to that a new selection of craft cocktails (all $20), and you got yourself a winning formula. The new Baba Pisco Sour is a pandan version of the classic, concocted using a housemade pandan syrup and banana bitters, for a thoroughly fragrant, balanced drink. Then there’s the Salted Caramel Popcorn, made with popcorn-infused rum, that’s a good salty-sweet drink best had as a dessert. For more complex drinks, get the Lapsang Souchong (named after the smoky black tea it uses), or the layered Rickshaw Redemption Sazerac, made with black walnut bitters, rye whisky, absinth and cognac infused in caramel macchiato.
Chix Hot Chicken
Having recently turned one, fried chicken joint Chix Hot Chicken celebrates with an expansion of its deep-fried offerings, introducing new sliders and even the former weekend brunch delight of Chix and Waffles ($18.90) as a menu regular. The Dip ($6.90) is a messy sandwich that encases a generous chunk of buttermilk fried boneless chicken thigh painted with Chix’s hot sauce, while the Quorn Sliders ($7.90) features two meat-free Quorn patties in a bun, to satisfy vegetarians craving for a decadent slider. And of course, the original, Nashville-inspired, dry-rub Hot Chicken (with four levels of spiciness to choose from) remains a delight. But there’s a secret, fifth spice level we’re exposing so fearless spice seekers can try: the Atomic—have it at your own risk.
Como Cuisine
Refined Dempsey hotspot Como Cuisine is known to present a combination of all the international signatures from the leading resorts group’s various global dining concepts. Still sticking to this theme, all the menus, including breakfast and brunch, have been nearly completely revamped, with only favourites like the Tandoor Cauliflower ($22) kept. But don’t worry, the new items continue to do the restaurant justice. Try the Lobster Biryani ($48), available during both lunch and dinner, and enjoy the sustainably-farmed Canadian lobsters bathed in tomato masala together with fragrant basmati rice that’s been cooked in lobster broth. To top it all off, the dish is served covered with a house-made naan, so you can literally dig into it. Also, order the Pappardelle ($30) off its dinner menu, for a duck ragout with house-made pappardelle, basil and shaved pecorino; or the Spicy Prawn Relish ($12), a refreshing, coconut chilli relish dinner appetiser, to be paired with fruit crudites.
Fat Prince
Modern Middle Eastern restaurant and bar Fat Prince has reopened, with a brand new look and menu. It’s bigger now, occupying the same address as before, but giving off a vastly different vibe. It feels more elevated now, though still not taking itself too seriously. There’s a broader selection of mezzes (definitely try the Roasted Candy Beetroot and the Charred Shishito, both $16), a new earth oven selection featuring a killer Lamb Shoulder ($32/100g), and of course, the ever-popular kebabs. Try the new Chicken Shish Kebab ($10) that is smoky and tangy at the same time, the perfect accompaniment to their new cocktails. Their signature Negroni Blanc ($22) is still there, and is always a dependable option, but try the savoury Mary En Rose ($20), made using a house harissa sauce, if you’re feeling adventurous.
Junior
One of the best bars in Singapore (in our books) has unveiled its next concept (they change every six months or so), going from a sunny tiki one to a chilly, alpine concept they call Petite Chalet. Even the interiors has changed, looking like a snowy ski lodge on the inside. The drinks (all $25) are a showcase of alpine liqueurs and the team’s creativity in bringing to life what a cocktail culture in the Alps would have been like. Get drinks like the sweet and spiced Sweater Weather; the herbal and delicious Pines & Needles; and the chocolaty-good rum-based Swiss Miss that’s served hot. Meanwhile, the Garden Gnome, served in a cute gnome mug, deceptively holds a refreshingly complex concoction of tequila and absinth. It is the Cuckoo Clock however, made with brown butter rye whisky, apple brandy, dom, vermouth and green walnut liqueur, that has captured our hearts. The food too, like the giant Bavarian Pretzel ($7) served with sweet onion mustard, and the gratin-like Tartiflette ($18), are all on-theme. Be sure to try the Minty Monk ($30 for two) shot ski to really get into a holiday mood.
