The Velvet Cut review: Does this new Joo Chiat steakhouse deliver?

The Velvet Cut, a new Muslim-friendly steakhouse by The Malayan Council, is shaking things up – here’s my honest take.

You can count the number of Muslim-friendly steakhouses in Singapore with one hand… so colour me curious when I caught a whiff of The Velvet Cut. Located in Joo Chiat, this new restaurant in Singapore is the latest addition to The Malayan Council’s portfolio. (Yes, that halal restaurant in Singapore, famous for its signature ondeh-ondeh cake and complimentary sides.) Will this new spot be a cut above the rest, or are we gonna have beef with it? My dining companion and I visited on a weeknight, ready for a sizzlin’ good time.

The Velvet Cut review: Details at a glance

Best for: Date nights when you want steak without the side of compromise
Must-try items: Tiger prawns; dry-aged burger; beef fat potatoes
How much: Starters from $16; mains from $28; sides from $10; pasta from $28; desserts from $12; drinks from $6
Opening hours: Daily, 11am to 11pm
Address: The Velvet Cut, #01-02, 51 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427373

Not your regular steakhouse setting

I was very intrigued about the restaurant’s location. Why Joo Chiat and not in central Singapore? According to Sue Fern, The Malayan Council’s marketing executive, the decision was intentional. “We want to target a different audience,” she told me. The Velvet Cut sets its sights on the expat crowd – a curious move for this enclave, which sits slightly off the usual path for that demographic. Perhaps that’s part of the appeal.

This new dining destination bears zero resemblance to its sister counterparts, trading a warm, brighter ambience for broody vibes. Think dark wood furniture, plush velvet seats, and intimate lighting. The fridge near the entrance is filled with dry-aged meat cuts, typical of many steakhouses. If I had to describe the restaurant, it’d be “Toni Braxton immortalised in interior design.” (Please don’t talk to me if you don’t know who that is!)

The Velvet Cut’s menu features a sizeable selection of a la carte dishes, with chicken and seafood options amidst all the beef. Can’t decide? When in doubt, just go for the chef’s recommendations and you’re all good.

Prawns, patties, and big flavours

I was hoping I could start my feast with the bone marrow, but unfortunately, it wasn’t meant to be, as it was unavailable. But it’s okay ‘cos the tiger prawns ($18) were a solid substitute. The two pieces were plump and oh so juicy, while the chimichurri and prawn bisque reduction lent a delectably spicy, tangy kick. The cream of truffled mushroom ($16) didn’t disappoint, packed with fried enoki, sage, and sour cream. Soup from a can? No sirree, it’s the real deal here.

For mains, I went with the dry-aged burger ($32), featuring a significant beef patty portion, horseradish sauce, caramelised onions, and chunky chips. The patty didn’t have that super intense, beef-forward taste – the oakwood fire grilling adds an inviting smokiness, resulting in a savoury meat that I couldn’t stop sinking my teeth into. The onions and sauce offer more dimension to the taste profile.

My companion chose the ribeye ($68) after much deliberation, and while the bold flavour slightly overwhelmed them, the dish was pretty well done. The piquant piri piri sauce ($6) perfectly complements the meat cuts.

If you wanna add sides to your order, I suggest having the beef fat potatoes ($10) and nothing else. Imagine the scream I scrumpt just as I was done with the first spud! The potatoes were done just right – crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside – with beef fat and Gruyere taking things firmly into indulgent territory. We also had the truffle mac and cheese ($12), but this felt like your typical carb dish to distract you from all the meatiness.

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Sweet endings, sippable extras

After eating my way through a very heavy meal, I was looking forward to a sweet treat. Naturally, The Velvet Cut came through with a few choices. The Milo tiramisu ($14) came highly recommended; I was also curious to see how this twist would play out. Spoiler alert: I wish the ratio were more balanced. It felt like a one-sided relationship, and the espresso was losing the tasting game. Dial the Milo down a touch, and we’re good.

Drinks-wise, diners can go for the tried-and-true coffee, tea, or sodas. If you wanna play up the bougie factor, go ahead and order the non-alcoholic wines. My companion and I went with the mocktails – something fun and flirty. The Velvet Rouge ($19) is a smooth, citrusy concoction that pairs well with the meaty mains, while the Lychee No 51 ($10.50) plays it safe by pairing the ubiquitous fruit with mint and lime.

Verdict: Is it a cut above?

It was past 10pm when I eventually waddled out of The Velvet Cut, my stomach sloshing with dry-aged meat cuts and too many carbs. The team might’ve been a bit ambitious with the concept, but thankfully, they weren’t in over their heads. Everything was well-executed, though I did have to wait a little longer than expected for some dishes. This is one blind spot the team can consider refining.

Overall, I’d say this Muslim-owned restaurant is a welcome addition to Joo Chiat’s burgeoning food scene. In a city where halal-friendly steakhouses are few and far between, The Velvet Cut is clearly trying to carve out its own space. Who knows, perhaps it’ll prove me wrong by telling me it’s not a mis-steak to be situated in this enclave.

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