From the folks behind Michelin-starred Ma Cuisine, Bonjour Ma Cuisine serves up delish brunch fare without the exorbitant prices.
After operating as a gastro wine bar in Tanjong Pagar for almost a decade, Michelin-starred restaurant Ma Cuisine ups its culinary game by catering to the daytime crowd. The result? Bonjour Ma Cuisine, where diners can sink their teeth into delicious French fare without the astronomical prices. I’m told the founders, Mathieu Escoffier and Anthony Charmetant, established this concept in Singapore to call their own. (Ma Cuisine originated in France and was founded by Mathieu’s parents.)
I’m not a breakfast or brunch person – intermittent fasting ftw! But I’m also a perpetually hungry human, so when I discovered this new brunch spot, I cut my fasting window short to eat my way through the menu. Here’s the 411 on your potential new hangout.
Bonjour Ma Cuisine review: Kick off your day with a slice of Parisian charm
This brunch spot shares the same space as Ma Cuisine, so regulars can expect the same vibes and hospitality. However, if you’re a new visitor (like moi), take note: you might miss the eatery unless you’re actively looking for it. Bonjour Ma Cuisine hides along a row of shophouses, further down from the basketball and futsal courts. Once you’ve passed Ice & Time, look up. You’ll spot the brand’s logo and an arrow pointing left.
What caught my attention were red accents all over the space. From the awning and red tabletops at the terrace to the carpet and curtains indoors, I felt like I’d been transported to a bistro along the Seine… or the set of Moulin Rouge. Furry friends are welcome to join their human companions at the outdoor seating; everyone else can take refuge from the heat by heading inside.
“I hope you’re hungry!” the jovial staff exclaimed as I settled into the high chair. Oh, I was ravenous and couldn’t wait to chow down. Shoutout to the one-page menu, which makes it easy to find what the spot offers without flipping through pages or scanning QR codes. Just straight-up savoury items, sweet treats, and bevvies.
Elevated interpretations of French cuisine
You can’t dine at a French brunch spot and not order the croque madame ($28.80) – that’s like, the rules of feminism! (Totally not made up. Just ask Gretchen Wieners from Mean Girls.) Think crispy sourdough, Comte cheese, and a perfect sunny side up with that runny yolk money shot. What’s not to love? I ran my knife across the sando a few times like I was filming an ASMR video just to appreciate the crunch. Bonjour Ma Cuisine takes it up a notch with a generous dose of truffle.
Final verdict: a deliciously strong start. But if you’re not fond of eggs, go for the croque monsieur ($25.50) instead which is served without the sunny side up.
The linguine au parmesan ($14.80) and quenelle de brochet sauce nantua (fish quenelle in crustacean sauce, $20.80) are menu standouts. I mean that literally, as they’re highlighted in maroon boxes. Between the two, I much prefer the linguine. Despite branding myself an adventurous eater, the quenelle was a little hard for me to swallow. Strong fishy flavours and the sauce didn’t help its cause. Let’s just say I’ve ticked this Lyonnaise speciality off my list – no encore needed.
Meanwhile, the linguine totally delivered. Its bright yellow hue caught my eye, but it was the taste that sealed the deal. Al dente pasta, creamy and cheesy parmesan… it was giving comfort food energy. It can get a little cloying, so I recommend adding some protein. I went with Parisian ham, which gave the dish a savoury, satisfying boost.
French toast with a local twist
Even though I was stuffed from the mains, I wasn’t about to pass up the chance to indulge in some sugar-laced sins. The sweet treats are cheekily listed under “bad habits” on the menu – how cute! You’ve got your usual suspects like the butter croissant, creme caramel, and pain au chocolat, but I was looking for something different. Enter the pain perdu kaya ou creme anglaise (kaya French toast with creme anglaise, $14.50).
My curiosity was piqued when the dish landed. Why was the French toast round instead of the classic triangle or square? It wasn’t the prettiest plate, but colour me intrigued. “An innovative blend of French technique and Ya Kun” is the best way to describe it. Oddly enough, it reminded me of my lazy-day quick-fix: kaya and condensed milk on toast. Nostalgic yet elevated? I’ll take it.
One bad habit wasn’t enough for this sweet tooth, so I went ahead and ordered the trou nomad (apple sorbet and Calvados Chateau Du Breuil 15 YO, $12.60). The brandy totally overpowered the sorbet, which is great if you’re chasing a potent kick. But if you’ve got stuff to do post-brunch, ask the staff to go easy on the pour. (My suggestion: 1.5 teaspoons instead of a whole tablespoon.)
Is Bonjour Ma Cuisine Singapore’s next top brunch spot?
So, was cutting my fasting window short worth it? Absolutely. My waistline might disagree, but my taste buds have no regrets. As for the other question, it’s still too early to declare the eatery as the new spot to beat. Was it love at first bite? Not quite. But it’s definitely brunch with benefits.
Still, it was a delightful first date, and I’d totally recommend it if you’re scoping out your next morning hang. Next time, I’ve got my eye on the wagyu beef skirt steak. Till then, Bonjour Ma Cuisine – it’s not au revoir, it’s a bientot.
Must-try dishes: Croque madame truffe; linguine au parmesan; pain perdu kaya ou creme anglaise
How much: Food from $6.80; beverages from $4.80; expected spend from $30
Opening hours: Weekdays, 8am to 2.30pm, reservations accepted
Address: Bonjour Ma Cuisine, 39 Craig Road, Singapore 089677
