Whether you’re looking for late night nosh or the freshest the Mediterranean has to offer, this month’s issue of Hot New Tables is sure to excite the foodie in you. Here’s our roadmap to our best culinary discoveries for the month of March.
Miss Lok
Street food, hot pot and bespoke cocktails come together in this neon-drenched noodle bar on Magazine Road. It’s a crazy concept that wouldn’t look out of place in neo-noir film set in a futuristic Chinatown, but it’s ‘’also got the substance to back its style. This joint is wide awake ’til the wee hours, so if the post-pint munchies have got you craving for some grub, pop by and pick up a couple of lok lok sticks (dishes on skewers cooked in a variety of broths). An open sauce bar that includes homemade salted egg yolk and Nam Tom dips adds an additional layer of customisation to the menu for you picky eaters. And if you want to keep the party going, you’ll find a selection of Asian craft beers and sake shots to choose from. Rather work on chasing off the next day’s inevitable hangover? Rehydrate with some freshly squeezed juices.
Miss Lok, #01-01, 5 Magazine Road, Singapore 059571. Open Mon-Thu 6pm-2am, Fri-Sat 6pm-5am. Closed on Sun.
ALATI
Close your eyes, and you’ll almost feel a cool Mediterranean sea breeze waft through the rustic blue and white interior of this very Greek taverna. ALATI, helmed by General Manager Leong Khai Git and Athens-born Executive Chef Soutsos Dimitrios, makes use of fresh produce wild-caught by the fishermen of the Aegean Sea. Chef Dimitrious’ hands-on approach to cooking sees to it that every item on the menu is painstakingly and meticulously made by hand: from the beef mousaka (a traditional greek casserole) to the tzatziki (A yoghurt based sauce), and even quintessentially Greek desserts like the Ekmek Kataifi (phyllo pastry with mastika custard). The Greek Gods themselves will approve.
ALATI, 73 Amoy Street, Singapore 069892. p. 6221 6124. Open Mon-Fri 12pm-2pm, 6pm-10pm, Sat 6pm-10pm. Closed on Sun.
Sakurazaka
Wine Culture’s latest dining venture takes on authentic Japanese shabu shabu dining with a touch of European flair. The twist being that – unlike just cooking in boiling water – the broths served here are European-influenced, like beef consomme and boullaibaisse. Sakurazaka also offers less common pork and beef varieties, and also a mix of Asian and Western vegetables. Sakurazaka’s Chef Masashi, a Fukuoka native, has also introduced traditional sukiyaki, as well as a selection of European-inspired kakigori (shaved ice). We’re especially fond of the port wine flavoured one!
Sakurazaka, 24 Greenwood Avenue, Singapore 289221. p. 6463 0333. Open daily 6pm-10.30pm.
A slider with the ID of 468 doesn't exist.Shashlik
Long an icon of Russo-Hainanese cuisine in Singapore, Shashlik’s closure late last year was cause for mourning for fans of its signature borsch soup and Russian kebabs. If you have fond memories of the establishment’s bowtie-donning wait staff and tableside theatrics (especially the fiery preparation of the baked Alaska!), you’ll be happy to know that Shashlik will be reopening later in March. The new owners are sons of one of the restaurant’s longstanding waiters and have re-hired eight of the restaurant’s original staff – how’s that for an enduring tradition!
Shashlik, 545 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238882. p. 6732 6401.
The Armoury
If you’ve been following our Hot New Bars article, you’ll no doubt be familiar with The Armoury’s fantastic drink offerings; but this brand new gastropub concept in South Beach has just as robust a food selection. Pause your calorie counters and start with the 24-hour duck fat fries which is every bit as indulgent as it sounds. The hand-cut Russet potatoes are double-fried in duck fat and served with garlic horseradish mayo and house-made ketchup. For something more substantial, pick the short rib grilled cheese sandwich or the signature Armoury Burger with bourbon-candied onions. The gastropub’s décor is a mix of modern and classical, referencing its history as a British military armoury. While its war-worn brick and concrete walls have been retained, copper ceilings, vintage floor tiles and bronze subway tiles add a touch of modern urban chic.
The Armoury, 36 Beach Road, Singapore 189677, p. 6385 3173. Open Mon-Tue 5pm-11pm, Wed 5pm-2am, Thu 5pm-11pm, Fri-Sat 5pm-2am.
999.99 (Five Nines)
It’s no news that the Keong Saik area has become a veritable enclave of fine dining, and joining the already formidable line up of dining establishments is 999.99, or Five Nines. The name refers to the finest form of refined gold, a fitting moniker considering its aim to provide gold standards of service, presentation and ingredients, all at prices that won’t leave a smoking hole in your wallet. The dishes here make use of seasonal flavours and techniques from around Europe, as well as Japan. Look forward to mains like the lobster gratin, a whole lobster with a creamy béchamel sauce and melted cheese topping (only 20 available each day), or the Rossini. The latter features a pan-friend striploin of beef topped with seared foie gras. If that’s all a little to bourgeois to you, sink your teeth into the beef burger that sees itself elevated with the decadent addition of foie gras. A five course set dinner is also available at just $59++.
999.99, 29 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089136. p. 6221 7098.
Hokkaido Izakaya
Izakayas aren’t exactly known for their stellar food options, but Hokkaido Izakaya puts just as much effort into its food as its drink offerings. The restaurant distinguishes itself by being certified by the Hokkaido City Council to promote the city’s remarkably fresh produce. The freshest seafood and dairy are sourced from Yakumo Town while high quality beef is procured from Kamishihoro City. Pop by for dinner and enjoy dishes like the creamy milk hotpot with salmon, or if you’re with your mates, share a fresh sushi platter instead. Wash that all down with fine sake like Jyosen Kunimare.
Hokkaido Izakaya, 95 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088516. p. 6221 7118. Open Mon-Sat 11.30am-2.30pm, 6pm-12am, Sundays 11am-2.30pm, 6pm-10.30pm.