There’s a smorgasbord of ridiculously appetite-whetting spots to eat at in both these districts; ask anyone and they’ll give you their very own curated list of go-to’s for certain cuisines and dishes. While there are the usuals you’ve probably already heard of (or frequent), we found four more that you might want to add to your list.
Char
The fact that droves of Char devotees make regular visits to this casual eatery shows just how addictive their renditions of sticky, unctuous char siew and roast crispy pork belly are. That’s the happy result of the owners of Char having spent a year mastering how to replicate the roast meats at KL’s legendary Oversea Restaurant, which itself attracts heaps of food-obsessed, day-tripping Singaporeans. Aside from their two signature items, other dishes worth a go include the homemade charcoal beancurd with spinach and mushrooms, and black garlic stewed chicken in casserole. For fans of craft brews, there’s also a range of options such as Brewdog Punk IPA, Wychwood Ginger Bread and Hobgoblin to pair with all that porky goodness. Chinese. 363 Jalan Besar, 6842-7759. $
Cicheti
At this Venetian restaurant, wood fire oven-baked Neapolitan pizzas are on offer, as well as tapas-style snacks known as “cicheti”, like the burratina with onion marmalade, pesto and ham, and the oven- roasted asparagus with spicy crumbs. With wrought iron furnishings and beat up oak tables, regional Italian cuisine and an all-Italian wine list is the name of the game at this cozy gem. Italian. 52 Kandahar St., 6292-5012. $$
Meatsmith Little India
We can’t think of a more fitting locale for this laidback establishment that’s a little rough around the edges than a corner shophouse on Campbell Lane in Little India. Chef Andrew Baldus of the original Meatsmith is the man responsible for the punchy, Indian- inspired menu—think winners like bone marrow curry, coconut chutney pork ribs, BBQ corn & curry lead za’atar, and gun powder potatoes. To quench your thirst, Beverage Director of Burnt Ends and Meatsmith Andrew Cameron has put together everything from Indian lager, wine and whiskey to craft brews and goli soda cocktails. Be sure to pop by Rogue Trader, their sister bar, for tasty tipples accented with Indian spices. BBQ, Fusion. 21 Campbell Ln., 9625-9056. $$
Mustard
There’s no shortage of decent Indian eateries along Race Course Road, and this restaurant specializing in Bengali and Punjabi cuisine is one of its brightest stars. Occupying a modest space in the shadow of its bigger and better known neighbors, eating here is a truly delightful experience. Service, while good, plays second fiddle to the mouthwatering food. You’d do well to order yourself the rich and spicy coconut prawn curry, a moreish dal tadka and kosha mansho (sauteeed mutton curry). This truly is the best mid-priced Indian establishment in town. Indian. 32 Race Course Rd., 6297- 8422. $
