The hype: Emerald Hill is easily one of the coolest dining and drinking stretches along glitzy Orchard Road, but with the addition of Hej Kitchen & Bar (which took over Odd One Out), the hip alleyway is now made even cooler.
The vibe: Though still managed by the guys behind Peranakan Place, Hej is a very different beast from Odd One Out from before, and from their other adjoining venues like Acid Bar, Alley Bar and Black Nut. While obviously scandi-cool in design (it’s Hej, afterall), in departure from the more grungy, oriental decor of the other venues, Hej’s main difference is that food comes first. Still, the garden terrace area is the perfect spot for people watching over a pint.
The food: While scandi themed and named, Hej’s cuisine is anything but. Rather, expect a broad selection ranging from local to Western, and from bar grub to housemade desserts, all well-executed thanks to Chef Gary Kwang’s former experiences in Michelin-starred restaurants and more casual eateries alike.
His fine dining chops can be seen even with the snacks. Go straight for the Crispy Chicken Crackling ($15), a plateful of deep fried chicken skins with a side of ginger-rojak dressing that will keep you hooked for more. Or try the Har Cheong Kai Mid-Wings ($12); these fried prawn paste morsels can give the famed No.5 Emerald Hill one, found just a stone’s throw away, a run for its money.
For more filling eats, the Margherita Al Funghi Pizza ($24) and Crispy Buttermilk Chicken with Waffle ($26) are highly recommended. The former whiffs strongly and fragrently of truffle without being overpoweringly so, while the latter is a time-honored soul food combo that gets a slightly spicy, tangy twist here to good effect. But the best main has got to be the Angus Beef Lasagne ($20). The common comfort food takes on a refined texture thanks to sheets of pasta and bechamel sauce being painstakingly layered on one by one.
The drinks: Being equally a bar, Hej has a good range of cocktails on offer. Start with their refreshing range of fresh fruit mojitos ($18 each), or get crafted concoctions like the Apple Shandy ($20), a herbaceous Cognac-based drink that comes served in an Insta-worthy dim sum basket. Of course, if all you’re feeling like having is a good pint of beer or glass of wine, this is the place to have it too.
Why you’ll be back: It’s cool, casual and accessible, and made even more alluring thanks to an awesome Happy Hour deal that goes from noon to 7pm daily. Great for starting the night early.
