The buzz: The folks behind Tiong Bahru Bar open a seafood-centric locavore joint on Duxton Hill that reinvents classic dishes with zi char flair.
The vibe: A conservation shophouse is given an industrial metal-heavy update. Think hanging steel crates and corrugated cargo containers interspersed with traditional columns and a large vintage-looking mirrors. The atmosphere’s casual and friendly, so expect lots of tipples and family-style sharing plates.
The food: Fusion dishes like grilled king prawn in kimchi-miso butter ($26), blue swimmer crab in vermicelli claypot ($32) and a huge seafood platter for two ($68) with market catches like squid, crabs, prawns and clams. It’s not as zi char-inspired as we thought, but the Asian twist gives the dishes a welcome spicy kick. Don’t miss the addictive sriracha caramel popcorn ($8) that has a gentle heat and the banh mi fries ($12) with pork and jalapeño, which makes a great side. For those who don’t do seafood, there are options like sriracha honey lime chicken leg ($24) and a ribeye steak ($58) with kimchi-miso butter and lobster mushroom ragout.
The drinks: Easy and playful. There’s a wine list with mainly New World options like Chilean Sauvignon Blanc ($14/glass) and New Zealand Pinot Noir ($18/glass), as well as easy-drinking cocktails like Island Romp ($15), a cucumber-kaffir lime take on a classic G&T. Go for craft beers like California’s Lost Coast brews ($14) that pair well with spicy seafood.
Why you’ll be back: It’s a fun and easy option for seafood-lovers, with the fusion dishes and spicy Asian kick a welcome change.
