One Prawn & Co at New Bahru review: A smoky seven-course dinner that takes you from sparks and flames to embers

I tried the new Fireline dinner menu at One Prawn & Co at New Bahru, a flame-kissed experience that spotlights woodfire and dry-aged seafood.

New Bahru’s food scene is about to get hotter with the latest dinner experience from One Prawn & Co. The mod-Asian spot brings its two defining elements together – seafood and woodfire – to introduce the Fireline dinner menu. Characterised by fiery flames and glowing embers, this seven-course feast embodies the progression of smoke and woodfire char. It entices with premium ingredients like jumbo tiger prawns and dry-aged fish, bold Asian flavours, and an unbeatable price at $98 per person. Say less; I set aside my evening for a flame-kissed spread.

One Prawn & Co review: Details at a glance

Best for: An unpretentious fine dining experience with woodfire specialties
Must-try items: Smoky prawn toast; burrata and smoky beans; ‘Typhoon Shelter’ prawn
How much: The Fireline dinner experience at $98 per pax (minimum 2 pax); starters from $12; mains from $18; sides from $8; desserts from $9; drinks from $5
Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 11am to 10pm
Address: One Prawn & Co, #01-10, New Bahru, 46 Kim Yam Road, Singapore 239351

The ambience: Laid-back intimacy

True blue fans of One Prawn & Co will know that its first home was a humble coffeeshop in MacPherson. Since mid-2024, the restaurant has welcomed a swankier space at New Bahru. The interiors are sleek and minimalist – save for some hanging lantern lights – which allows the food to steal all the limelight.

I was perched at the counter seats for my dinner experience – a spot I’d highly recommend for front-row views of the open kitchen action. The ambience hits the sweet spot between casual and fancy, while still retaining a sliver of intimacy. It’s a suitable spot for both first dates and regular date nights.

And hey, the Fireline dinner experience requires a minimum of two guests to enjoy, so take that as your sign to (finally) ask that special someone out.

The canapes: Initial sparks

Think of the seven-course Fireline dinner menu as a work of art shaped by flames. It deliberately starts lighter, before gradually descending into greater depth and intensity as smoke and char take centre stage.

My feast began with the hamachi tartare, served on a crunchy sago cracker and topped with kimchi and tobiko. While rarely applied to seafood, dry-ageing gave the hamachi an extra oomph. Read: richer umami flavour and a more buttery texture. I also liked the addition of kimchi for a tangy touch.

Next, I tried the smoky prawn toast. Think a two-part wonder, consisting of intensely charred bread that’s not bogged down by oil, and bouncy prawn paste. The aioli was the cherry on top, adding a creamy layer that harmonises all the elements. Spoiler alert, but my dining companion and I easily agreed it was one of our favourites of the night.

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The starters: First flames

As the feast descends, the smokiness ascends with the third course: burrata and smoky beans. Picture glistening green beans served atop a bed of burrata, and sprinkled with cracked chilli and white bait.

The deep char from the green beans was first to hit me, followed by the oceanic flavour of the white bait and slight heat from the chilli oil. From the crisp chilli to the luscious burrata, it was a textural party in every mouthful. I found myself happily shovelling spoonful after spoonful.

The mains: Roaring fires

Although the Fireline dinner is a seafood-centric spread, chef-founder Gwyneth shares that steak was intentionally chosen as a fourth course for a breather from the seafood. Don’t take beef? Let the team know and they’ll whip up an alternative.

The umami steak came with a miso black pepper aioli and slivers of pickled pear. Even though it was a protein-forward dish, it remained bright, clean and refreshing on the palate.

Next, it was on to the seafood highlights, starting with the ‘Typhoon Shelter’ prawn. Meticulously smoked over open flames for a delicate char, these plump, juicy prawns are served on a buttery elderflower vermouth sauce with swirls of burnt leek oil. Seafood lover or not, it is the kind of dish that steals the spotlight – and your heart.

I was most curious about the sixth course, woodfire scorched hor fun, said to be Singapore’s first hor fun grilled directly over woodfire. This cooking style gives the noodles laced edges of char, while preserving a chewy texture.

The use of XO sauce and Sichuan peanuts added a sharp tanginess to the dish, reminding me of a sweet-savoury pad Thai. Unfortunately, the ‘Typhoon Shelter’ prawn edged out the hor fun with its layered flavours and stronger smokiness.

The desserts and drinks: Final embers

Finally, dessert was served. The Malt Black is a three-part masterpiece, featuring sourdough ice cream, white chocolate mousse topped with candied buckwheat, and a dollop of osmanthus yuzu. Each component shone on its own, but the yuzu overshadowed the more delicate elements when enjoyed in a single mouthful.

Wine is a no-brainer pairing with a flame-kissed feast like this, but I’d suggest switching things up with the BBT drinks menu. Nope, it’s not the bubble tea you’re thinking of, but the restaurant’s iteration of creative, non-alcoholic beverages.

Priced from $8, the line-up is made for the experimental at heart. Inspired by a nostalgic bowl of breakfast cereal, the Cereal Sabai ($8) is my pick. Sip a fragrant lemongrass base brew generously topped with lush strawberry cream and a fun mix of fruity pebbles. Or, go for a thirst-quencher like The High Roller’s Fruit Tea ($9). It’s a roasted medley of da hong pao oolong tea and fresh fruits, with a splash of honey lemon.

My verdict? One Prawn & Co nails the nuance of unpretentious fine dining. While the space and food feel effortlessly premium, it still offers a laid-back ambience suited for both casual dates and hangouts.

At a reasonable price of $98 per person, the Fireline menu treats you to a curated dinner experience that moves seamlessly from sparks to flames and embers. My first experience at One Prawn & Co set the bar high, and I’ll be back to try that prawn bisque ramen that has earned these folks their cult following.

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