Featuring a bespoke cocktail programme, meat skewers (especially offal), claypot rice and Asian desserts, this new communal-dining restaurant in Dempsey has our attention
Whenever I think of Chinese food served in a claypot, I tend to think of claypot chicken rice in Chinatown, claypot frog porridge in Geylang, or claypot bak kut teh in the grubbier side of Joo Chiat. The common denominator (aside from the use of a claypot for cooking)? Most of these places I visit are found in grittier neighbourhoods. But a new claypot rice cocktail bar in the upscale area of Dempsey? Now that’s a concept that gets my attention.
Provisions is the newest f&b contender on the block, marketing itself as Singapore’s first skewers and claypot rice cocktail bar with Asian-inspired cuisine and cocktails. Like many Asian restaurants, dining here is a communal experience suitable for big groups, and claypot rice is definitely a dish meant for sharing.
Pegged at affordable prices, the seafood rice ($16) is one standout that almost resembles a seafood paella with prawns and clams; except the rice is charred ’til slightly crispy instead of moist. And thanks to the material of the claypot, you get that earthiness infused into the rice, similar to what you’d expect from claypot chicken rice (the addition of chewy, salted liver sausage (lap cheong) adds authenticity as well.
Another bowl I’d recommend is the oyster omelette rice ($18) – yes, oyster omelette as in the hawker food classic, orh luak. Unlike Japanese omu rice, the fried omelette isn’t wrapped around the rice but layered on top, so you get a medley of textures with each bite. This dish is also generously cooked with garlic, giving it that addictive umami flavour one would expect from a garlic fried rice at a teppanyaki restaurant. Definitely my go-to dish if I’m a craving a post-drinks supper.
As for the restaurant’s other food concept – the skewers – this would greatly attract any fan of Japanese kushiyaki. Like what you’d find in an izakaya, skewers here range from pork belly ($7) and chicken thigh ($5) cooked in yellow curry and lemon grass for conservative diners, to spice-coated chicken hearts ($4) and pork intestines ($5) for the adventurous. My personal favourites were the beef tongue ($9) that’s neither too gamey nor mushy, and the salted egg sotong ($8) that transported me to the streets of Taiwan’s night markets. All in all, with their affordable prices, these are all perfect for sharing.
While Chef-owner, Justin Foo, helms the kitchen, Head Bartender and co-owner, KC Rahmat, is the brains behind the bar. Specialising in Asian-inspired cocktails – just like its cuisine – the mixology programme here encourages diners to state their bevvie preferences to Rahmat. Want something sweet, not too spicy, with a strong herbal aroma and a potent dose of whisky? Say the word, and let Rahmat do the rest. But if you don’t like surprises, there are some craft beers and ciders too, like Mac’s Hop Rocker ($13) and Falling Apple Cider ($13).
Open ’til 1am on most days (2am on Friday and Saturday), Provisions is your new reason why you’d wanna stay past your bedtime at Dempsey. With sinful skewers, creative cocktails, and a contemporary spin on the traditional Asian art of claypot cooking, this place is suited for your squad.
Provisions, 7 Dempsey Road, Singapore 249761, p. 6250 7090. Open Tue-Thu 4pm-1am, Fri-Sat 4pm-2am, Sun 10.30am-3pm, closed on Mon.
What else to eat in the area? Check out these places for brunch in Dempsey. And if you’re hungry for more after reading this, check out these best yakitori restaurants in Singapore, and top cocktail bars in the city.
