Summerhouse’s sister establishment keeps it casual with stellar burgers, steaks, mac and cheese, and more
For too long, the denizens of Seletar have been subjected to countless jokes about the neighbourhood’s remoteness and lack of exciting amenities. But developments in the Seletar Aerospace Park look like they’ll keep those jabs at bay. Case in point? Wildseed Bar, sister establishment to Summerhouse (read our full Summerhouse review), is one of the newer restaurants in Seletar, and one I was eager to revisit.
Set below Summerhouse, Wildseed bar gives you a spectacular sunset view of the restaurant’s edible garden – it’s rustic, outdoors-y, and delightfully laid-back. In short, it’s the perfect spot to sip on refreshing summery cocktails like the signature Flora-Lola ($18). This refreshing spritzer-style cocktail incorporates hibiscus, ginger ale, and cucumber bitters with a backbone of the crowd-pleasing Hendricks Gin.
While ostensibly a bar, Wildseed’s food offerings are far from an after-thought. The menu takes Summerhouse’s focus on seasonal ingredients but dials the poshness down a notch. Menu items like the yuzu mac and the cheese ($12) and curly truffle fries with truffle mayo and Parmesan ($12) should reveal that Wildseed is a whole different beast.
Other intriguing sides on the menu include the grilled garlic and cheese buns ($8); here’s where you’ll notice that Wildseed isn’t afraid of a little heat. The buns, packed with bacon and cream cheese, and garlic butter pack a surprisingly spicy kick.
The mains are where Wildseed truly shines. Key among its offerings is the harrisa baby back ribs ($28). The smoky, spicy dish is brined overnight, and marinated with paprika and harrisa paste before being cooked sous-vide for a whole two days. Not surprisingly, the meat falls right off the bone when teased with a fork.
If you’re after something more straightforward, Wildseed also offers a 200g Tajima wagyu bolar blade steak ($28) seasoned solely with salt and pepper. Served up medium rare (of course), the steak comes served with a pat of seasoned butter. In line with the casual vibe Wildseed aims for, the bar also does up a Tajima wagyu burger ($28). The dish features a toasted cheese bun, Tajima wagyu beef, garlic butter, cornichons, and their own house-made sambal tomato sauce.
The highlight of my dining experience at Wildseed was undoubtedly the whole grilled red snapper ($59), a clear winner that showcases the attention placed on fresh ingredients. The grilled fish was served stuffed with dog’s fennel (from the edible garden), garlic, lemons, thyme, and rosemary. Adding a little sweetness to the dish was the preserved lemon and orange butter.
While Summerhouse might be the occasional treat, Wildseed Bar aims, instead, to be a casual neighbourhood hangout – one that Seletar residents will certainly appreciate. With its laid-back garden digs, easy-drinking cocktails, and spectacular grub, you can bet I’ll be back at Wildseed for more.
Wildseed, 3 Park Lane, Singapore 798387, p. 6262 1063. Open Tue-Fri 10am-7pm, Sat-Sun 9am-7pm.
Wildseed isn’t all Seletar has to offer. Suss out the coolest cafes and restaurants with our guide to Seletar.