Want to tuck into primal slabs of BBQ meat or tuck into hearty Mexican mains? Or maybe you’d rather kick back with your mates and scarf down bespoke baos with a modern twist? Go on a culinary adventure at seven brand new restaurants with this month’s edition of Hot New Tables.
Full of Luck Club
If the last place you got a bao from was a convenience store hot box, your luck is about to change. This offbeat purveyor of brilliant baos has set up shop at Holland Avenue, where you’ll get to sink your teeth into some interesting renditions of this Cantonese classic. Instead of traditional buns, expect pairs of slider-like baos (that have the silky texture and mildly sweet taste of a man tou) with fillings like braised pork belly, kung pao fried chicken, smoked duck, and my personal favourite, the salted egg yolk prawn bao.
Full of Luck Club, 243 Holland Avenue, Singapore 278977.
Camp Kilo Charcoal Club
Our infatuation with the Kilo brand is no big secret, so it’s not surprising that its latest concept has knocked our socks off and made our mouths water: Camp Kilo Charcoal Club, a hip BBQ restaurant located right below Kilo Kallang at Ture Building. The décor is simplistic yet inviting – wood-topped tables and chairs laid across a concrete floor, adjacent to booths of rusting metal that we hear might be used for impromptu DJ sets during BBQ backyard parties. But it’s the food that’s the real MVP – whole roasted pig, the Kai Yang roasted French poussin, and sides like the tom yum stewed beans, patatas bravas and coconut rice. So join the club while it’s hot; Camp Kilo’s all set to grill the competition.
Camp Kilo Charcoal Club, 66 Kampong Bugis, #01-01, Singapore 338987. Open Fri 5.30pm-11pm, Sat-Sun 11am-11pm. Closed Mon-Thu.
Sprout
Sprout is the latest piece of evidence that healthy food can taste hella good. This new Duxton Road resto serves your garden variety salads as well as some poké-inspired salad bowls, which come with healthy energy-packed carbs like buckwheat noodles, quinoa and pearl couscous so you won’t feel those hunger pangs at 4pm. Go Asian with the Japanese salmon bowl or the Korean chicken bowl, or pick something a little on the wild side like the Moroccan chicken bowl or the ahi poke bowl. You’ll also find plenty of options here, even if you’re avoiding gluten, dairy and meat in your diet.
Sprout, 41 Duxton Road, Singapore 089505. Open Mon-Fri 10am-8.30pm, Sat 11am-7pm. Closed on Sun.
A slider with the ID of 714 doesn't exist.Barrio by Mex-Out
If you’re a purist when it comes to Mexican cuisine, you’ll be happy to hear of this brand new Mexican taqueria at 313 Orchard. Barrio, the latest venture by Mex Out, is a 70-seater restaurant that places a particular emphasis on fresh ingredients and authentic flavours. Expect tortas (Mexican burgers) and larger dishes like marinated flank steak and pan-roasted snapper. Goes without saying that Mexican classics like burrito wraps, rice bowls tacos and salads are also on the menu. Stave off the spice with a refreshing jug of sangria or their mean margaritas.
Barrio by Mex Out, 313 Orchard Road, 313@Somerset #01-14/15, Singapore 238895.
Knicker + Bockers Pizza
Want to get a little more hands-on with your pizza? At Knicker + Bockers, you’ll be presented with a menu that allows you to pick from four crusts, a sauce and cheese, and finally vegetable, gourmet meat and seafood toppings. Go crazy with your combinations or, if you just want to tuck into a tasty pizza without wracking your brain, pick from pre-made selections like the Millennial, the Carnivore or the Super Hipster.
Knicker + Bockers Pizza, 10 Collyer Quay, #B1-10 Ocean Financial Centre, Singapore 049315.
Kama British Indian Company Kitchen & Bar
British Indian cuisine has birthed such wonders as mulligatawny, chicken tikka masala and, believe it or not, Worcestershire sauce, so we’re pretty excited about what Kama has up its sleeves. The restaurant décor is decked out in an eclectic mix of old-school and modern fixings. The first floor provides diners with an intimate dining experience, while the second floor offers a more laid-back lounge-style seating area. If your preconceptions of Indian cuisine conjure up thoughts of heavy, greasy curries and over-spiced dishes, you’ll be pleased to know that the restaurant specialises in immaculately crafted tapas style bites that won’t have you loosening your belt. And just as well you don’t get too full, you’ll want to enjoy some of Kama’s expertly mixed cocktails as well!
Kama British Indian Company Kitchen & Bar, 10 North Canal Road, #01-01/02, Singapore
Chow Fun Bar & Restaurant
Cantonese food takes on all manner of exciting twists at this new restaurant/bar concept at The Grandstand. While many of the dishes here are anchored in Cantonese tradition, expect some interesting twists from the noodle selection. Served in either full portions or tasting sizes (think boat noodles), try out quirky noodle dishes like fried mac and cheese, creamy tom yum, pineapple fried noodle, and even a bak kut teh noodle dish with sweet garlic and pork ribs. If you happen to be dining with kids, fret not; Chow Fun offers kid-friendly menu items like potato, bonito and cheese pancakes, hand-rolled meatballs, and the perennial childhood favourite, crispy seaweed chicken.
Chow Fun Bar & Restaurant, 200 Turf Club Road, #01-08, The Grandstand, Singapore 287994. p. 6464 6900.