The buzz: A recent Clarke Quay arrival comes in the form of this six-week-old Vietnamese restaurant and bar.
The vibe: It’s a cozy dimly-lit space with dark wooden furnishings that’s well-suited for the in-house band that performs easy listening and pop tunes from 9:30pm Mondays to Saturdays. For those who prefer being outdoors, there’s a laid-back (if somewhat touristy) alfresco area which affords a view of the river and Central shopping mall.
The food: Aside from familiar favorites like cha gio tuoi ($14)—fresh spring rolls with shrimp and roast pork—and pho bo ($18), beef noodle soup, there are also meat dishes including vit nuong mam gung, grilled duck breast with ginger sauce ($22), as well as the more unusual dui ech chien bo, deep-fried frog legs with onion-butter sauce ($16). If you’re after something light, give the refreshingly delish bo bop thau, a sliced beef salad with star fruit, onions and basil ($17), a go.
The drinks: A pretty decent selection of cocktails that’s a mix of classic ($15-16) and in-house concoctions ($15). Of the latter, interesting offerings include Exotic Hanoi, a lemongrass-scented tipple with vodka, lime juice and triple sec. You’ll also find Vietnamese beers like Bia 333 and Saigon (both $11), too.
Why you’ll be back: For those times when you’re having a craving for Vietnamese grub, this is a decent spot to chow down at before hitting the bars.
Eat this: Bo bap thau. It’s one of I-S Magazine’s 50 things to eat in Singapore before you die (2012).
