Another recent arrival to the lively artery that is Tanjong Katong Road, Big Bad Wolf lives up to its unusual name with quirky décor and a light-hearted vibe. Before we ordered we were quite taken by the casual, down-to-earth attitude of the service staff; they treated us like old friends. The menu here isn’t expansive, and mains are mostly burgers, Brit favorites and pizzas (only available on Mon and Thu), but quantity isn’t everything. We started with blue mussels served in a light cream sauce with garlic, onion, herbs and beer ($12). We scoffed down the two dozen plump, juicy and fresh bivalves and proceeded to dip the thinly sliced bread they provided into the tasty sauce. For mains, we had a chicken and mushroom burger ($12) and a cottage pie ($15). The burger looked like an old-fashioned chicken chop in a bun—moist and dripping with mushroom sauce, this is that rare burger that doesn’t come with a side of guilt. The cottage pie was classic. A thick layer of creamy mash, baked to perfection, with a thinner layer of ground beef hiding lots of gravy beneath. You don’t have to be one of those who grew up eating shepherd’s pie to understand how good it is. To finish, we had a delectable Bailey’s chocolate tart ($6) which packed way more of an alcoholic kick than we’d expected (it was served on a plate decorated with a cocoa dust incarnation of Big Bad Wolf’s logo). Might have been better served cold instead of at room temperature, though. Add a decent selection of Belgian beers and inviting drinks specials ($9 Hoegaarden pints all night on Wednesdays) to the good, low-priced food and personable service, and you’ve got a place fit for casual get-togethers with friends.
