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Mandarin Gallery presents Singapore Food Trail (13 July 2017)

So the Singapore Food Festival (SFF) is going on this month, and to join in the festivities, Mandarin Gallery teamed up with selected restaurants to present the Singapore Food Trail! We were invited to the official presentation of this event just last week, where familiar names such as Antoinette, Arteastiq, Lawry’s The Prime Rib, and The Providore have all created specials for you to enjoy from 14 July to 9 August 2017, leading up to Singapore’s 52nd National Day! I’ll go through each and every one of the dishes we got to taste that day, so sit tight!

The Providore

A homage to the cocktail that is often part of the repertoire of many bartenders’ across the globe, The Providore came up with the Singapore Sling Mocktail ($8.50++), so everyone can enjoy the refreshing and fruity notes of this Singapore classic! It was a really humid afternoon (like really surprising, huh?) so this was a good starting point to quench our thirst. We liked the pineapple crisp that gave that extra zest and crunch to the drink!

Antoinette

Fancy some sweets for high-tea? This quintessential Parisian pâtisserie and salon de thé combined the fragrance of Southeast Asia with French finesse, with the Orient ($9++; comes in a regular and mini size). This holy creation consists of a salted egg cremeux with lotus seed mousse, coconut cake, on a salted peanut sesame praline crispy. Think Liu Sha Bao (流沙包; salted egg yolk custard buns), but on delicate French confectionery. Heavenly!

Arteastiq

While better known for being a tea house and an art jamming studio (hence the portmanteau of art and tea), Arteastiq also has a generous brunch selection. For the food trail, they unveiled the Two-Way Lobster ($38++; totally unintended innuendo btw). It features (well) lobsters prepared in two very different styles; Lobster Thermidor (French) and otah-stuffed lobster shell (SIngaporean), served with barley risotto. The result is a burst of flavor (in fact, 2 bursts) which are both savory in their own rights, but are well-balanced with the other.

Lawry’s The Prime Rib

Last stop of the day! At this time we were already S-T-U-F-F-E-D. But who could say no to…

Chilli Crab Pasta($38++)! Lawry’s The Prime Rib is not only well-known for its steaks and roasts, also has a fresh seafood collection. With chilli crab ubiquitous to Singapore cuisine, from hawker centres to fine-dining restaurants, this steak house decided to have a go at it! On top of the chilli crab pasta, which is generously prepared with shreds of fresh crab, is yet another crab, albeit a soft shell one. But that’s not all, Lawry’s also came up with a refreshing Red Jubilee ($5.20++), a festive creation that calls for a celebration!

Psst. the chilli crab pasta will only be available for lunch in July, but will be available all day in August. Take note!

Win Some Good Food (Giveaway)!

Did I get your attention with all these wonderful dishes on the food trail? Now YOU can stand a chance to win dining vouchers worth $100 from each of the above restaurants, simply by following Mandarin Gallery on Instagram (@mandaringallery) and Facebook (facebook.com/mandaringallery), and leaving a comment (you need to tag 3 friends on Instagram) telling them which dish you would like to try the most and why! (See posts below). Good Luck!

More Information

Mandarin Gallery: Facebook | Instagram | Website

Antionette: Facebook | Website

Arteastiq: Facebook | Instagram | Website

Lawry’s The Prime Rib: Facebook | Instagram | Website

The Providore: Facebook | Instagram | Website

This post is brought to you by Mandarin Gallery presents Singapore Food Trail. Picture credits to Mandarin Gallery, the participating restaurants, and Kyla Tan (give her a follow @_kylatan too yea!).

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Let Freedom Ring! Burger Joint Singapore with Jolie (@joliehwee)

“Nothing is more difficult, and therefore more precious, than to be able to decide.” -Napoleon Bonaparte

Burgers. Originally just served as a meat patty in Germany (Hamburg, hence the name to hamburger and then burger), the modern burger was debatably developed by a few different sources in early USA history, but one thing in common was the mobility and ease of mass production it brought. Especially to a fast-paced metropolis like the big apple: New York City (cue nasal voice), the land of opportunity.

Jolie Hwee

When not learning how to scalp (literally, guys) people on surgical tables, Dr. Jolie turns to looking for new places to dine at. Check out her Instagram!

So when told of a burger joint that’s so obscure it literally doesn’t even have a front display and entrance, she had to come take a look.

Burger Joint Singapore

Of Le Parker Meridien down 56th St, NYC fame, Burger Joint opened their first outlet in Southeast Asia down in the Telok Ayer/Amoy Street area. Why am I being so vague? That’s because instead of a prominent front display, it is actually situated in what could have been a kitchen/pantry/worker’s quarters in the early 20th century. To access it, you would have to go round the back, along Gemill Lane before you spot the ubiquitous neon burger sign plastered next to a inconspicuous door… only to go in and be greeted by a dark corridor lined with curtains, and yet another neon burger sign.

Once you (finally) reach the restaurant, you’ll be greeted with a familiar sight (if you’ve ever been to the one in NYC; I haven’t though): the worn-looking wooden furniture and walls in a dimly lit room. If you come in a group you can try your luck at one of the booth seats, but most are happy at the standing tables or even to chill at the bar, where they serve a decent spread of cold beer and good ol’ American whiskies.

Ordering a burger here isn’t… too many layers of work. You are free to choose whether you want a plain hamburger or load it up with cheese, bacon, jalapeno peppers, or all of the above! For best results, go for ‘the works’ when asked for your vegetables. But of course in a capitalist free world, more will cost you.

The burgers come wrapped in paper bags and perfectly grilled to your liking (medium rare’s great), and piping hot. Now chomp on to that freedom and opportunity all the way from the East coast!

Yes, the burgers are quite expensive. Yes, the servings are not exactly very big. But does it matter? Not really, when you have the freedom of choice. If you like what you’re getting, feel free to scribble your words of praise or greetings on literally any surface you can find (most people choose the walls though) too! Verdict

hole-in-the-wall-ness: [star rating=”5″]
The only giveaway of any semblance of a restaurant is the neon sign in the door so yes, hole in the wall.

Price: [star rating=”3″]
For prices starting at $17 excluding taxes, it is definitely on the steep side when it comes to burgers. You do get quality meat that is grilled to your liking though. BUT I only found out after that they actually are on the entertainer app, so you can bring a friend along, or simply take two burgers!

Quality: [star rating=”4″]
I give credit that they make it up in quality, that their meat, vegetables and even buns are freshly made (buns are made in-house).

Overall: [star rating=”3.5″]
A good concept with no-nonsense and no-frills food, but I probably will only come here once in a while if I were on a budget. I mean, we’re free to choose right?

Wishing all readers from the USofA a happy 4th July!

More Information

Burger Joint Singapore
115 Amoy Street
#01-03
Singapore 069935
(Entrance at back on Gemmill Lane)
Tel: +65 6221 8648
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[CLOSED] Growler’s Craft Beer & Bistro Grand Opening – Till Death Do Us Party!

I’ll have another beer, I’m not driving – Father Theodore, Trappist Monk

 

UPDATE JUL 2020 – Growler’s has closed.

Craft beer in Singapore is still a pretty new scene, so while there are quite a few bars in the Central Business District, it’s quite uncommon to have one beyond the city boundaries. So when I heard of one in the Macpherson/Potong Pasir area, I knew I had to go there one day.

My memory of Tai Thong Crescent is pretty fuzzy as it has been really long since I’ve really gone there. ever since the old Jackson Center with its delicious ngo hiang (that has moved to an adjacent coffeeshop) was torn down. So to arrive there to see the iconic jagged edge facade replaced with swanky new condominium blocks was kind of melancholic. Not to mention it was still drizzling when I was there.

Courtesy of streetdirectory.com
Courtesy of myimagesofsingapore.blogspot.sg

Growler’s Craft Beer & Bistro

Opened just a few months back in February 2017, the bar’s concept is eponymous: apart from taking a (cold) pint at the bar after work, you get to buy a full growler (basically a big glass/metal beer bottle; usually 1-2 litres but this one here is 2 litres) worth of golden goodness home if you want to. So just a couple weekends ago they just had their grand opening, and boy was it a blast! Placed along row of shophouse units across where Jackson Centre used to be, it’s a minutes stroll from Potong Pasir. Don’t bother driving here because of 1) lack of parking and 2) don’t drink and drive (important!!!)

I didn’t get to try their regular menu when I arrived as only bar bites (free throughout!) were available (only to be opened later into the night but I was already so stuffed). I did however get enough of beer to make my trip worthwhile though. In between platefuls of sweet potato fries and chicken wings (rather good!), a beer on a rainy evening doesn’t seem like a bad idea at all. Speaking which, they have a curation of beers on tap and in bottles; currently they serve beers from local brewery Circa 7 on tap, and I do recall they switch it up now and then. So check their Facebook page for updates! In the meantime, enjoy ice-cold favourites like the Working People’s Golden IPA and Pursuit of Hoppiness IPA; or if you’re not into heavy beers, the Bohemian Pilsner. Definitely refreshing and suitable for Singapore’s warm humid climate!

We did manage to order the salted egg yolk chicken burger at the end for a hungry latecomer and yes as seen on the photos, it’s pretty big and filling, yum!

Special mention: sick jell-o shots bruh!

More Information

Growlers Craft Beer & Bistro
37 Tai Thong Crescent
Singapore 347862
Reservations: 83539572
Opening Hours: 11:30am to 11.00pm (12:00am on Fri/Sat)

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Fat Cow Review – Not Going’s A Huge Missed Steak!

So it was my birthday a while back, and the gf decided to bring me to a place she had found on the entertainer app for a lunch treat. At first when I first heard the place to be at Camden Medical Centre, I thought she wanted to bring me to a dietician clinic for some slimming!

Fat Cow

A paraphrased introduction to their history and name won’t do them justice so much, so here’s their self-explanatory introduction:

 

Established by Refinery Concepts, FAT COW first opened its doors in October 2011.

The word “FAT” in FAT COW stands for luxury and indulgence, and is also a play on the word “Fatt” which in Mandarin dialect means prosperity. Spanning slightly over 3500 sq ft, the restaurant’s design takes a contemporary approach to the Japanese “Wabi-Sabi” concept – the art of finding beauty in things modest, simple and humble.

Indeed, the interior is reminiscent of a simple Japanese inn despite its premium status; basically wooden outfit with straw mats, and warm, dim lighting. Separated sections also give you the privacy you’d like while enjoying really good beef!

Fat Cow Fat Cow Fat Cow

Let’s get on with the food, shall we? At Fat Cow, the set lunches apparently have lots of raving reviews, with their signature The Fat Cow Donburi being obviously the most popular. But for today, my only beef (hehe) is how limited my stomach space was!

Well, as the name suggests Fat Cow is known for serving quality beef, and in different styles. For the sake of variety, I ordered the A5 Ribeye Shabu Shabu, while my partner got the Grade A4 Ribeye Ohmi beef. Ohmi beef, being one of the “Top Three Wagyu” of Japan, is known to have one of the most intense flavours coming from its fine marbling of fats. Served with a plethora of seasonings, you can either top it up with some yuzu sauce or with just some good ol’ salt. As soon as I popped that piece of meat into my mouth, it just melted and true enough, the sweetness was simply put, glorious! The shabu shabu serving was also pretty generous, and the soup stock, unlike some more casual dining places, isn’t just blasted with MSG and doesn’t rob your taste buds of the inherent full-bodied flavour of the meat. If you’re looking for a fuller meal though, I’d recommend getting some carbs like “The Fat Rice” which is basically seasoned with their signature shoyu sauce mix.

Of course they also have a (very) mean collection of Japanese whisky and other good food on the menu, such as the sweet potatoes we ordered to start off but somehow ended up coming right at the end of the meal. It was for the better in any case, as it would have masked the taste of the good stuff (read: beef).

Fat Cow Fat CowFat CowFat Cow Fat Cow Fat Cow

Verdict

hole-in-the-wall-ness: [star rating=”4″]
They’re quite atas, but at the same time they’re tucked in a quiet corner of the Orchard district

Price: [star rating=”3.5″]
I have to say that it is dear to dine here given the strictest standards they give to their food preparation. However this was made much better with the entertainer app!

Quality: [star rating=”5″]
You mean you didn’t see my pictures above? Also, if you’re into a more well-rounded meals, you can also check out their set lunches which are relatively affordable and from what I observed from my dining neighbours, are generous in serving as well.

Overall: [star rating=”4.5″]
Trust me when I say that not coming here is a huge missed steak!

More Information

Fat Cow
1 Orchard Boulevard
#01-01/02
Camden Medical Centre
Singapore 248649
Tel: +65 6735 0308
Email: ENQUIRY@FAT-COW.COM.SG
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Teepee Bar & Restaurant
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Teepee Bar & Restaurant Review – So In Tents! (CLOSED, for now)

Update: Teepee is currently closed while the owners look for a new location. Check out their facebook page for further updates!

 

I’m a Happy Camper

Working, or just simply hanging around the Clarke Quay area is a great thing actually; you get spoilt for choice from budget noodles to atas noodles (ramen) or even atas satay bars depending on your mood and budget. Speaking about bars though…

Teepee Bar & Restaurant

Opened in December 2016 amongst the budding local boutique bar scene, Teepee Bar & Restaurant sets out to be a hidden abode for tired souls by day and by night, after an in tents day at work, geddit? It feels like a slight twist to the Melbourne cafe scene where it’s also a fully functional bar, and a more than decent one at that!

The setup and fare is what you’d expect from a boutique restaurant/bar: Slim outfit but cosy, simple food but not lacking substance. To even reach the entrance of the bar, you have to first locate the nondescript address and walk down an equally nondescript corridor before you finally see their signboard, which is still further past another doorway. Comfortable wooden stools and leather couch seats pepper the dining floor, and you also see their namesake (a teepee) hung up behind the bar counter.

It was a hot afternoon (surprise surprise) so the first thought was to get a drink, like their signature Earl Grey infused Gin & Tonic. Feeling you need a perk me up instead? There’s a good menu of coffee, like the lychee affogato up and ready for you too!

At their recommendation, I got myself the buttermilk fried chicken burger, and a side of their signature pork belly buns (kong4 ba4 bao1; 扣肉包), while my lunch partner got the wagyu beef bowl, another signature menu item. I got to say, the small outfit does not stop them from dishing out scrumptious and generous meals like these. The beef bowl for example has a copious amount of beef done just perfect medium rare, and topped with a marvelously prepared onsen egg. Did I also mention that their fries are done just right?

Teepee Bar & Restaurant

 

Verdict

hole-in-the-wall-ness: [star rating=”5″]
Like when their more well-known neighbour bar and another signboard-less cafe along Hongkong Street started out, you probably will not be able to locate them at first glance.

Price: [star rating=”4″]
It’s definitely not the cheapest option in Clarke Quay, but i definitely felt full after!

Quality: [star rating=”4.5″]
Food is made with fresh ingredients and meats are well-seasoned (and battered). Did I already say that their fries are good?

Overall: [star rating=”4″]
It’s perfect as a hideout regardless of the time of day, be it from the office hustle or the after-work party bustle. I am told it gets pretty crowded at night though so be prepared!

More Information

Teepee Bar & Restaurant
31 Hong Kong Street
#01-02 Singapore 059670
(just walk through the doorway and down the corridor at the first floor)
Phone: 6225 0025
Email: hola@teepee.com.sg
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VXX Cooperative
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[CLOSED]VXX Cooperative with Stephanie Phua (Duo Studio)

“I am a coffee fanatic. Once you go to proper coffee, you can’t go back. You cannot go back.”

– Hugh Laurie

UPDATE: VXX has closed.

As recent as 2010, Singapore was hit by a wave of artisan coffee houses, stemming from the Melbourne café scene that has pretty much took over the whole world. It’s no doubt that Singaporeans will always crave for better quality, and will jump on the first available choice AND be more than willing to shell out a premium. However it still remains a cut-throat arena; out of the 391 cafes that opened in 2014, at least a quarter of them didn’t make the cut since. That’s a lot of coffee going both ways!

Also, I personally observe that a lot of these cafés popping up like rabbits aren’t really that serious about the literal meaning of a café; well, the coffee.

Stephanie Phua (Duo Studio)

VXX Cooperative

Stephanie of Duo Studio sought out to disprove that by bringing me to a relatively new coffeehouse in the vicinity of her agency, in Jalan Besar. Speaking of the area, it’s a really under-the-radar and eclectic enclave of coffeehouses and small restaurants!

Creative & advertising agencies similarly have a tough life over here, and she’s glad that she can find such a place just round the corner that not only is a good place to tune out/do work in peace, but also has a satisfying dining experience.

VXX Cooperative

Started by coffee connoisseurs and professionals Joy and Aslam, VXX Cooperative takes pride in their coffee-centric nature, which is evident in the curation of available roasted brews. With a mix of local favourites Nylon Coffee Roasters, Cloud Catcher Roastery (Malaysia), Koppi (Sweden) and Tim Wendelboe (Norway), it’s a special kind of heaven for serious coffee enthusiasts. Coupled with the strong experience of both former baristas themselves, Joy and Aslam are able to bring out the best of what are already among the best roasts in town.

If you wanted to know, “VXX” is something of sentimental value to Aslam, as it is the area code (520) of the district.

I’m a relatively technical person myself, and I love it when being explained to the facts and technical aspects of just about anything, especially food. This was exactly the experience I got; Joy was really patient and enthusiastic to introduce the profiles of the special brews on sale that day and I made an informed choice to get the Nacimiento by Tim Wendelboe. Served in a metal flask, it’s meant to be enjoyed slowly to allow the aromatics time to vaporise and give you an olfactory treat.

If any, their logo is a good representation of their culture: sharp but multi-directional curation. Located at 20 Foch Road, the interior is nicely spaced, minimalistic yet comfortable. The flowery floor tiles were probably because it used to be a dispensary back in the days. It’s not somewhere you’d want to have a 50 seats birthday party at, but like Stephanie, it’s a pretty good place if you want some peace and quiet. When you enter the shop’s front hall you’ll be greeted with a really large flat wooden table, possible with some coffee drips running on it. Take your pick with the merchandise just next to it too, when I was there, I saw some really good chocolate!

In fact, she got so comfy with the place that her coffee choices are simply picked for her and she does not have to worry about not enjoying whatever is served! Joy does not disappoint.

VXX Cooperative VXX Cooperative VXX Cooperative VXX Cooperative

The food menu is something that constantly evolves, but keeps to their principle of serving simple food to a T. I do agree to not over-complicating your food as a café owner as it will rob the attention from the beverages, and turn you into one of those red-velvet-cake-eggs-benedict-please hipster cafés.

Opting for something balanced and light I’ve opted for the banana-walnut french toast, topped up with mascarpone cheese, berries and coffee custard. Stephanie (aka stooffi) got basically what she always orders: a beef chorizo bowl with shaved potatos and tomatoes, topped with a perfectly wobbly *jiggle* onsen egg. According to her this is the third iteration of the same dish, and it is rather different in terms of presentation and preparation style from the predecessors.

There are also several other interesting creations from breakfast items to full lunch menus. I heard the dessert is also to die for, so get them before they change the menu (yet again)!

VXX Cooperative VXX Cooperative VXX Cooperative

At the time of writing both Rudi and Joy are taking part in the Singapore National Brewers Cup 2017, happening at Cafe Asia 2017 over at MBS this weekend! All the best!

Verdict

hole-in-the-wall-ness: [star rating=”5″]
Nondescript shopfront, minimalistic furniture, artisan food and beverages? Check!

Price: [star rating=”4″]
While you have to be prepared for some premium in prices, care is taken to prepare the food and (especially) coffee. You won’t feel shortchanged at all!

Quality: [star rating=”4.5″]
See above. Portions are just right regardless if you want a midday snack, or a hearty lunch.

Overall: [star rating=”4.5″]
Definitely a good local effort to bring quality coffee to the scene (a refreshing change in my opinion). They change up every 3-4 months to keep things fresh too, so you won’t get bored.

More Information

VXX Cooperative
20 Foch Road
Singapore 209261
Tel: 8720 0093
Opens daily 9:00am to 6:00pm
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Nickeldime Drafthouse Review – Ain’t Dime A Dozen

Milk is for babies. When you grow up you have to drink beer.

Arnold Schwarzenegger

Tired of cycling through a list of the same few restaurant-pubs serving the same selection of deep-fried snacks? Or having to travel to far flung places like Changi Village for a change of scenery?

Nickeldime Drafthouse

Nickeldime is not a new player in the growing craft beer scene in Singapore, but they have recently moved to another block,just next door. While the new premises is slightly smaller, it still feels spacious and given that it’s a corner unit, the alfresco area remains just as refreshing!

New interior aside, they still boast a wide range of craft beers on tap (at the last count it was 19!), and an even wider selection of bottles; from old favourites like Stone Brewing, Anderson Valley to newcomers like Tuatara Brewery and Mountain Goat Beers. Craft beer selections can change from season to season so you guys got to find out for yourselves!

Another feature of Nickeldime is their beer-infused cuisine. These novel and hearty eats, handcrafted by their own kitchen with various brew styles, are sure to tantalise your tastebuds!

It was (supposed to be; yeah right) a slow and simple lunch so I got myself the Stout Braised Beef Ragu, and the Stout (again!) Shepherd’s Pie at the side. Paired with a pint of saison on a warm dreary afternoon, it’s the life!

Nickeldime Nickeldime Nickeldime Nickeldime

After that we had more beer-infused goodness from their bar snacks and (more!) beer, like their popular stout (see a trend here?) meatballs, the mini Jalapeño IPA burgers (i.e. sliders) and garlic fries. Their buffalo wings, served with a generous slather of spicy marinade and dressed with blue cheese sauce, is a heavenly match with a refreshing american pale ale (also on tap)! Other dishes recommended here are their signature 510 burger, the pizzas, such as the Salami pizza, and beer-desserts (yes!) such as the beer-infused waffles. May I also mention that their pizzas have really cheesy (hehe) names, such as “I Wanna Hold Your Ham”, “The Fun Guys(mushroom pizza, geddit)” and several others?

Nickeldime

The Verdict

hole-in-the-wall-ness: [star rating=”3″]
It’s a little bit out of the way, but this block of shops are known for being a F&B centre which lots of office workers will visit, so not that much of a hole-in-the-wall factor here.

Price: [star rating=”3.5″]
I heard their pizzas are a steal at nothing more than $20 for a 11″ pizza, but there was so much 2 guys can eat that day that we didn’t order that. They do have weekday lunch specials (1 for 1) for more value too! For best value, try out their platter sets on their menu!

Quality: [star rating=”4.5″]
Each of their dishes is well thought out and balanced in taste, even though they are largely beer-infused and meant to be washed down with copious amount of beer. Speaking which, beers on tap are fresh, which is imperative for any place selling decent beer.

Overall: [star rating=”4″]
While it may not be the most convenient place for lunch unless you work in the Novena/Thomson Road area, it is a good getaway in the evenings thereafter where you can enjoy a good pint of craft beer and some really creative food!

More Information

Nickeldime Drafthouse
273 Thomson Road
#01-01
Novena Regency
Singapore 307644

p.s. It’s just the next building from where they were previously located!

Opening Hours
Sun-Thu – 11:00am to 11:00pm
Fri-Sat – 11:00am to 1:00am the following day
Phone: 62560261
Email: enquiries@hiddendoor.com.sg

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Sam’s Cottage Review (Fish & Chips) – A Man Walks Into A Bar…

You can’t go wrong with fish and chips. 

-Michael Sandel

Dive bars used to get a lot of stick back in the days for being shoddy; even the name supposedly comes from people diving under tables whenever a bar fight broke out!

Sam’s Cottage’s Fish & Chips

But nowadays, it’s a label for a place of quaintness and good ol’ get-together. It started with a simple wish from Mr Samuel Sam over 10 years ago: to have a place where people in the neighbourhood can get together. With blocks of condominium apartments all over the Dairy Farm Estate where his dive bar is situated, he feels that neighbours don’t interact with one another as often as they used to back in the ‘kampung’ days. Home to many is just a hiding place to rest before the next day comes. He also finds it a safer alternative to heading out for drinks and possibly driving to bars elsewhere; several years before the Upper Bukit Timah area is connected by train with the new Downtown Line, which only started operation in late 2015.

It was a weekday when I first visited and even then there were quite a few residents just enjoying a pint or having some of Sam’s signature menu item: Classic English Fish & Chips.

Sam's CottageSam's CottageSam's Cottage

Like at any respectable Fish & Chips place, you get the  food piping hot and wrapped up in white paper. The fish has nice golden-brown batter and fluffy white meat, and the chips are well, chips! These are best accompanied with generous sprinkles of salt and malt vinegar. Now, although you can’t beat serving traditional cod fish, his take on the dish is decently done.

Other than Fish & Chips, Sam’s also takes pride in having free Heineken beer on tap, which turnovers relatively quickly. Supposedly, no keg is left unfinished after 2-3 days, tops! Here’s Sam himself taking pride in serving only the freshest food and drinks to his loyal following of customers:

The place itself is a perfect example of what this website seeks out: a quaint place that’s serves really good food, has a good ambiance, and serves a really niche group of customers but definitely deserve a lot of attention. With seating for just over a dozen inside and a handful of tables in the alfresco, it can get quite bustling on weekends. The bar is also run in a very relaxed and open style. Sam shows a great affection to everyone, and remembers almost all their names!  If you’re lucky enough, you can challenge Sam to a game of darts or fuzzball. But don’t ever think that he’ll make it easy for you!

Sam’s carefree attitude to running the place is even more reflected, the bar’s opening hours are “when he comes” and closes “when he leaves” (translated: about 8pm to 12am, with some variance). But don’t even fret; Sam is honest and reliable to a tee and will always be ready to let you have a place to unwind, mingle and have great food!
Sam's Cottage Sam's CottageSam's Cottage

The Verdict

hole-in-the-wall-ness: [star rating=”5″]
This place doesnt just feel hole-in-the-wall, it represents it!

Price: [star rating=”4″]
Be prepared to shell out a little bit more for fresh food and beer, although it is not very big of a pinch

Quality: [star rating=”3″]
Decent quality Fish & Chips and other finger food like chicken drumlets, with clean Heineken beer on tap

Overall: [star rating=”4″]
If you’re not put off by the distance because you live in the #eastsidebestside, or you live in the west, it’s worth visiting what could be one of Singapore’s best dive bars, tucked away in a little corner called Dairy Farm Estate!

Sam's Cottage Fish & Chips

Bonus: Check out their 90s spot commercial below!

More Information

Sam’s Cottage
17 Dairy Farm Rd
Dairy Farm Estate,
#B1-09
Singapore 679043
Opens daily from about 8pm to midnight, or as Sam puts it: “Sam’s Cottage is open when he comes and closes when he leaves”.
Phone: 6766 3907
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Sams-Cottage-169232239761773/

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