Enter a mystical land of magic and sand (okay, not literally) at The Prince, Singapore’s newest restaurant for modern Arabic food.
Out with the old, in with the new. The Fat Prince you once knew has graciously bowed out and made way for The Prince, a fresh concept in Singapore that beckons you through its doors for an enchanting experience. By day, it’s a vibrant bistro shimmering with jazz and blues, catering to the lunch crowd from offices nearby. But once evening glides in, it transforms into an intimate, sensuous space. The blinds go down, the lights dim, the music twinkles and the restaurant lures you in with its nod to desert architecture.
Warm decor that welcomes you to desert dining
So, you’re done with a long day at work and all you want to do is let loose with good friends and fab food. Picture stepping into a space kitted out with polished wood, marble and wooden tabletops, sandstone hues, plush sofas, and mosaic-tiled walls. From shades of cream to taupe to tan, the calming colour palette is reminiscent of the quiet desert.
Take a seat by the bar, where sphere-like pendants hang overhead, or walk through the lantern-lined arch to enter a dining space where the open kitchen sits. Furnishings like statement art with brass calligraphy, rugs, lanterns, and candles set the mood for an elegant evening. You can also book a private room for 12 to enjoy your meal on navy blue velvet chairs surrounding a wooden table.
Share cosy conversations and communal celebrations
If you’re dining in a group, it’s highly recommended to order The Prince’s Karam prix fixe menu ($78 per person) for the table. In true hospitable Arab fashion, the four-course dining experience starts with a vibrant nine-dish shared mezze platter that encompasses a bounty of textures and flavours.
Nibble your way through mushroom pastillas, potato croquettes, salmon pastirma, and fennel salad. Our favourites were the smooth and creamy cashew hummus, the smoked date butter, and the pumpkin version of baba ganouj. Enjoy ‘em with bites of fluffy bread but don’t fill up too much before you reach the next course.
After a little interlude featuring a dash of Arabic lentil soup and lobster, it’s time for the main course. Take your pick from vegetarian options like romanesco steak with pumpkin dukkah or sweet vine peppers with jackfruit “keema” and halloumi.
If you’re going for meaty mains, expect to top up a little extra. The beef, lamb and fish options are generously portioned, cooked till tender and juicy, and well-seasoned. Nothing’s bland here, though if you’re the type who doesn’t like your food salty, you might find the flavours a tad overpowering. Dishes we loved include the black hog tomahawk with smoked mango (+$32), lamb porterhouse with ottaman spice and celeriac (+$42), and whole Mediterranean seabass (+$32, serves two).
Vibing with the venue? Linger a little longer to lounge and savour a sweet ending. The Prince’s rendition of kunafe, a classic Middle Eastern dessert, slathers light pistachio cream and a saccharine splash of rose syrup on shredded crispy pastry layers.
Besides dinner, you can also swing by for a four-course lunch set ($32) or the four-course brunch ($65) at The Prince. On weekends, mezze plates include baby squid and fattoush salad, while mains range from lamb hash and shakshuka to truffle scrambled eggs and pulled beef cheek shatiira. Best of all, you can add $75 to your bill for a two-hour free-flow booze bonanza featuring sparkling wine, Aperol spritz, and cocktails. Cheers to a Middle Eastern feast!
The Prince, 48 Peck Seah Street, Singapore 079317
