Those able to dine out are in for a real treat this coming September. As the month fast approaches, get excited for new and budding concepts including Damian D’Silva’s heritage kitchen pop-up, Janice Wong’s latest ice cream shop as well as The Dandy Collection’s incredibly creative modern Indian restaurant Firangi Superstar. Time to dig in, people.
Club Street Wine Room
Vino lovers, rejoice. There’s a new wine bar in town, and this time, it’s by the same folks behind familiar concepts including Cure, Butcher Boy and Catfish. Designed as a welcoming space with an ever-evolving menu of drinks, expect your hankerings to be satisfied—whether you’re into natural wines or unique finds like sea-aged wines. As for food, you won’t go wrong with mains such as Guinea Fowl Confit or bar bites like Oysters Grilled With Bacon Jam and Truffle Potato Cheese Fries. Reservations for Club Street Wine Room opens Sep 1.
Damian’s Cookhouse
New pop-up Damian’s Cookhouse may be the closest we can get to the temporarily closed Kin restaurant, but we’re not complaining. Helmed by none other than famed Singapore chef Damian D’Silva, the latest concept offers a repertoire of Singapore heritage dishes based on his family’s recipes which feature familiar local delights.
You’ll have to get the Heritage Feast Bundle for four, which includes a variety of eats: two starters, meat, poultry and seafood dishes, plus turmeric or brown rice (or both), vegetables and dessert. If you need recommendations, we’d suggest some Beef Cheek Rendang, Ayam Lemak with Chilli Padi, Otah in Banana Leaf and Brinjal with Sambal Juliana. Delish.
Now available for takeaways and deliveries.
Firangi Superstar
The Dandy Collection’s (which owns Neon Pigeon and Fat Prince) latest establishment Firangi Superstar is no ordinary eatery. Located in the trendy Tanjong Pagar district, the entire venue is modelled after movie sets while paying homage to India, offering whimsical decor and furnishings to match its menu of modern Indian fare. Dine in rooms like the opulent Elephant Palace, or reside in the elegant Old Railway Room; otherwise, enjoy a theme of wilderness in the aptly named Jungle Lodge.
When it comes to grub, must-trys include the unique Prata Waffle, for a butter chicken-inspired dish serving waffle pressed prata and Madras-style fried chicken. We also enjoyed indulging in This Is Not Aloo Gobi, a deconstructed version of the ubiquitous traditional Indian dry curry made with cauliflower and potatoes. Mains like the tandoori lamb saddle and roasted and tandoor-charred pumpkin will satiate too.
Naeum
Credit: Photographer John Heng
Naeum may still be a newcomer to Singapore’s F&B scene, but it has already drawn rave reviews from critics and discerning diners alike. And it is easy to see why, since it offers approachable yet brilliant contemporary Korean cuisine.
Just get started with the dinner menus which begin at five courses for $148; what you’re paying for are innovative dishes like Hwae (sashimi), inspired by the popular Korean dish mulhwae, as well as Jjim, a dish that highlights the steaming technique through delicate flavours of brined grouper, accompanied by spanner crab encased in a roulade of thin zucchini slices, cabbage and daikon.
If you love Naengmyeon, you’ll also thoroughly enjoy South Korean chef-owner Louis Han’s version of the iconic noodle dish.
Just don’t arrive expecting KBBQ eats—although they do have a dish on the current menu that pays homage to the Korean method of grilling meats.
Softhaus
Singapore’s most revered dessert chef Janice Wong has debuted a brand new concept: Softhaus. All about delicious ice cream, handmade chocolates and freshly baked macarons, Softhaus will offer treats like the tangy Mango Banana Passionfruit, keto-friendly Chocolate Sorbet and even the unique, botanical-inspired Pear Thyme Honey Eucalyptus. With over 16 different ice cream flavours and 20 toppings to choose from, sugar fiends will be in for a treat. Just check out the sweet, sweet cafe here.
Young Whisky Bar
If what you’re looking for is a beautiful, discreet setting to indulge in a tipple or two, try the new English-inspired whisky room Young Whisky Bar. Located at 696 Geylang Rd, the whisky bar operates Mondays through Saturdays so you may sip on a fine dram, all while cosying up in the gorgeous lounge, filled with vintage finds.
Just travel back in time while you admire the luxurious ambience of the speakeasy-like joint.
