The buzz: An offshoot of Serangoon Gardens European eatery Arbite, this second project by chef-proprietor Mark Wee in Kampong Glam offers experimental fusion plates.
The vibe: Housed on former schoolhouse premises, the place is done up in cheery primary colors, with long communal tables and a big black chalkboard where you can check out the daily specials.
The food: Dig into small plates like miso mussels with pink peppercorn butter ($12.90), scotched egg with yuzu wasabi hollandaise ($7.90) and fingerling truffle potato ($10.90). Plus, larger dishes such as Angus ribeye steak with porcini red wine sauce ($42.90). For dessert, there’s green tea panna cotta ($9) as well as an old favorite from Wee’s first restaurant, My Wife’s Chocolate Cake ($8).
The drinks: The highlight is their range of Belgian craft brews—including Palm ($12) and Steenbrugge Double Brown ($14)—which are exclusive to the venue. The beers are also available in tasting flights of five ($25) and come with helpful tasting notes. For non-drinkers, there are proprietary teas in flavors like osmanthus oolong ($6). The food menu comes with handy dandy little icons suggesting beers or teas to pair with each dish to boot.
Why you’ll be back: For its easy-to-navigate yet creative selection of generously sized-small plates in a playful laidback space. Plus Kampong Glam is always a hip hood to hang out in.
Eat this at A for Arbite: Cookies and cream cheese cake espuma. It’s one of I-S Magazine’s 50 things to eat before you die (2013). Or order up craft Belgian brew Steenbrugge Double Brown. It stands out for its dark cinnamon-y flavor and rounded caramel notes.
