On The Menu | Middle Eastern

It’s Good Friday! What better way to spend your long weekend than having a delicious meal at one of these newly opened restaurants? This month, we introduce Dreamworks-themed food, bold Middle-Eastern cuisine, and more exciting new eats for you to sink your teeth into.

1. ATOUT Restaurant

Chef Patrick Heuberger is back in the restaurant business with the newly-opened ATOUT Restaurant. “Atout” is French for “Trump Card”, and we’re certainly hoping this casual eatery will bring success to the renown (and greatly missed) chef. Even though it’s been open for just a few weeks, ATOUT has already won the hearts of many diners. Nestled in the midst of lush plants and serving up light nibbles as well as simple sit-down meals, it looks all set to be Singapore’s new favourite mid-day hangout.

Find it at 40C Harding Road, Singapore 249548
Earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG

2. Dreamworks Koukou Cafe Singapore

Is it possible to be too Instagrammable? Dreamworks Koukou Cafe opened last month at Bugis+, and it’s a massive cuteness overload. It serves Asian-themed dishes like dim sum, glutinous rice, and K.B.P (code for kong bak pau), all sporting the adorable faces of your favourite Dreamworks characters. Their “Night Fury Steak Rice” features black glutinous rice in the shape of Toothless’s face, while their dim sum baskets open to reveal Po the Kung Fu Panda.

Find it at 201 Victoria Street, #05-04/05/06, Bugis+, Singapore 188067
Earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG

3. Caffe Fernet

Caffe Fernet is an Italian restaurant with a refreshing concept: elegance in simplicity. It breathes new life into classic Italian flavours with deceptively minimalist dishes that are really, really, good. The key is high-quality ingredients served with just a little bit of seasoning because truly good food doesn’t need frills and fancy touches to shine. Don’t forget to order one of their classic cocktails to complement your food either. Lovers of good food, good cocktails, or both should definitely visit Caffe Fernet for modern Italian dining done perfectly right.

Find it at 70 Collyer Quay, #01-05, Customs House, Singapore 049323
Earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG

4. Winederlust

Everyone dreams of finding that combination of wine and food that’s a match made in heaven. With Winederlust, a cellar door-concept bistro with more than 300 wine labels from breweries all over the world, finding the perfect wine and dish pairing just got easier. Their extensive wine collection lets you have your favourite tried-and-tested wines as well as lesser-known vintages from Uruguay and Morocco for the more adventurous. Whether you’re a novice or a connoisseur, Winederlust lets you taste and learn more about wines in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

Find it at 2 Dickson Road, Wanderlust Hotel, Singapore 209494
Earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG

5. Ma Cuisine

Here’s another wine bar with an extensive wine list for your perusal. Ma Cuisine gives you a taste of the finer things in life, featuring over 600 wine labels to go with a short yet sweet menu of French classics, many of which come straight from the Burgundian chef’s family cookbook. The gastro-bar is distinctively drinks-first, letting wine lovers design their menu around the drinks. You can get everything from hearty meals to late-night nibbles at Ma Cuisine, along with a glass of fine vintage French wine.

Find it at 38 Craig Road, Singapore 089676
Earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG

6. Takayama Japanese Restaurant

Step into the world of exquisite elegance at Takayama Japanese Restaurant. Takayama embodies omenatashi, serving you with the composure and grace unique to Japanese hospitality. Watch Executive Chef Takayama, who has worked at Michelin-starred restaurant and served dignitaries like Japan’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, design his menu and delicately craft your dishes to perfection, using only the freshest ingredients while they’re at their peak.

Find it at 6A Shenton Way, #01-09/10, Downtown Gallery, Singapore 068815
Earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG

7. Kamo Soba Keisuke

Cr: eatbook.sg

Chef Keisuke brings his famous duck ramen to Singapore with the opening of Kamo Soba Keisuke in Holland Village. Duck isn’t commonly found in Japanese cuisine, but Chef Keisuke incorporates delectable slices of the fatty, juicy meat into his ramen flawlessly. Like all good ramen restaurants, there are a huge selection of broths to choose from to suit all tastes. Sitting on a bed of springy noodles are mouth-watering slices of duck, duck meatballs, and the ever-present seaweed and eggs. Time to grab a pair of chopsticks and dive in!

Find it at 16A, Lor Mambong, Singapore 277677
Click here for more info.

8. LES45

Short for Lower East Side 45, this restaurant and bar by Hidden Door Concepts takes Mexican cuisine to new heights. Enjoy authentic gourmet Mexican eats on the 45th floor of Singapore Land Tower. No bright-yellow nacho cheese nor chilli con carne here – that’s Tex-Mex you’re thinking of. Instead, expect authentic plates such as Scallop Aguachile, Chicken Tinga, and more.

The bar serves some great drinks as well, using only top-quality artisanal spirits in their cocktails. Pair your food with a refreshing tequila or sweet sangria for a more indulgent experience.

Find it at 50 Raffles Place #45-03, Singapore Land Tower, Singapore 048623
Click here for more info.

9. Fat Prince

Cafe meets kebabery at Fat Prince, an upscale Istanbul-inspired eatery in Tanjong Pagar. Bold Middle-Eastern influences permeate the cafe, from the exotic flavours to the intricate silverware brought in from the markets of Marrakech. Their menu is innovative and contemporary, blending rich flavours with vibrant seasonal ingredients that you won’t be able to get enough of.

Fat Prince’s selection of drinks is nothing to scoff at either. Authentic Turkish coffee is brewed in a sand pit and their bar serves wine from Lebanon, Morocco, and Jordan, as well as cocktails infused with bright Middle-Eastern flavours.

Find it at 48 Peck Seah Street, Singapore 079317
Earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG

10. Haru

Cr: sassymamasg.com

Easties can rejoice, because this new rice bowl joint just opened on Guillemard Road! Haru is a modern Izakaya restaurant offering healthy bowls of superfoods like kale and avocado sitting on multigrain rice or soba. When night falls, you can be treated to their rendition of the Chazuke. Douse your rice with a Korean tea-soup made with anchovy, kelp, and premium tea leaves for a unique dish bursting with umami. The best part: despite using luxe ingredients like lobster and ribeye, the bowls are surprisingly affordable, with options well below $20.

Find it at 100 Guillemard Road #01-06, Singapore 399718
Earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG

11. BlackTap

Ladies and gents, this is the moment we’ve all been waiting for: BlackTap is finally here in Singapore! Get award-winning speciality burgers like the Greg Norman Burger, featuring wagyu beef, buttermilk-dill sauce, and soft potato buns. You can bring your vegan friends too, because BlackTap offers a vegan burger, complete with gluten-free buns. Let’s not forget the famous CrazyShake™ milkshakes too – get ready to sink your straws into indulgent, sinfully decadent milkshakes sporting over-the-top decorations!

Find it at L1-80, Bay Level, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018956
Click here for more info.

There are countless reasons why Middle Eastern cuisine should be your top choice for your next meal. Rich, aromatic, and delectable, you’ll fall hopelessly in love with the smorgasbord of flavours it boasts. Health-conscious individuals can also indulge without fear: most Middle Eastern fare is grilled, baked or stewed, and olive oil is usually used in place of fats like lard or butter.

As part of your induction to the sumptuous cuisine of the Middle East, below are some staple dishes you have to try, as well as five restaurants where you can satisfy the cravings that will be kicking in quite soon. By the time you finish this article we promise you’ll be dying for crispy falafel and some sweetly addictive baklava!

Hummus

A creamy dip made of chickpeas and assorted spices and herbs, this dish is ubiquitous across the Middle East. Enjoy it with some freshly baked pita, another popular staple, and you’re good to go. Be sure to check out its popular sibling, the moutabal, too, an equally scrumptious dip made from charbroiled aubergine and tahini.

Falafel

A popular fast food in the Middle East, falafels are deep-fried balls or fritters of mashed chickpeas and herbs. Although they can be eaten on their own or as a mezze (a small dish), they are also often stuffed in pita bread with assorted veggies and drizzled with creamy yoghurt or sesame dressing to make a satisfying sandwich. We would recommend sharing a mezze platter with some friends, heaped with generous helpings of falafel, hummus and other Middle Eastern delights such as fattoush (a bread salad mixed with vegetables like radishes and tomatoes) and tabouleh (a salad comprised mainly of bulgar, onions, tomatoes, and a generous serving of chopped fresh mint and parsley).

Kebab and Shawarma

al_hamra_mixed_grill_jpg_1460539988 — Kebab

sofra_turkish_restaurant_chick_14676983201 — Shawarma

What’s the difference between the kebab and the shawarma, you might ask? Other than differences in their provenance, a kebab is diced or minced meat grilled on a skewer and served directly onto a plate or in a pita, while shawarma is shaved meat that’s grilled using a rotating vertical spit and served in a wrap. For the more authentic version, go with lamb over the beef or chicken. There’s nothing quite like piping hot meat served right off the spit, and when it’s served alongside some cooling yogurt and cucumber dip you’ll have to hold yourself back from devouring the entire thing in three bites like we usually do!

Baklava

This sweet and buttery delight features layers of crusty filo pastry and chopped nuts snugly held together by syrup or honey. Dating back to the former Ottoman Empire, this beloved dessert has been around for centuries and for good reason. Try it with mint or apple tea for a sweet finale.

Now, where should I go for some awesome Middle Eastern fare?

Sofra Turkish Cafe & Restaurant

For over 16 years this highly-regarded establishment has served up authentic Turkish fare at prices that won’t burn a hole in your wallet. Tuck into their indispensable Sofra Kebap, with its generous serving of meat, or freshly baked pide (Turkish pita bread) that’s so tasty an accompanying side dish of hummus is (almost) rendered unnecessary. Wash it all down with a delightful cup of Turkish apple tea for a quintessential Turkish meal.

If you work in the area check out their amazing set lunches – you can grab a full meal for less than $10!

Find it in Shaw Tower at 100 Beach Road
Book a table at Sofra Turkish Cafe & Restaurant.

Fat Prince

Fresh off of opening in October, Fat Prince bridges a decadent Istanbul café aesthetic with modern Middle Eastern Cuisine that’s simply delicious. Kebabs are the highlight here, with variations like a Smoked Kasar Cheese with avocado mousse, pomegranate vinaigrette, candied almond & cashew, and the Duck and Pistachio Kofte with fig compote, duck jus, rocket, & lemon vinaigrette. Sound amazing? Well they taste even better, and are a filling size at $8 a piece. They also serve up a selection of flavourful salads, starters like the epic ‘Fat Prince Hummus’ made with chickpeas, duck fat, garlic and lemon, in addition to an innovative selection of cocktails infused with Turkish flavours and herbal syrups that compliment the meal perfectly.

Find it at 48 Peck Seah Street
Book a table at Fat Prince.

Kazbar

Widely known for having some of the best kebabs in town, it’s definitely time to reserve this no-frills establishment for your next lunch break or dinner date. This Far East Square hideout also has some of the best mezze platters in Singapore – their Mixed Cold Mezzeh should not be missed!

Find it in Capital Square at 25 Church Street
Book a table at Kazbar.

Al Hamra Lebanese & Middle Eastern Cuisine

Dining is more than just a simple a culinary experience at Al Hamra. From the seductively exotic interior – complete with hanging bowl lights and oriental-style furnishings – to the top-notch food and service, this is a place is ideal for intimate dates. Indulge in their hummus, moutabal, and falafel dishes, all simply prepared yet authentic. Vegetarians will love this hideout too, with a menu that promises meat-free versions of their signature dishes.

Find it at Holland Village at 23 Lorong Membong

Shabestan

This popular joint is feast for the eyes as well as the tastebuds. Enjoy a sumptuous spread while taking in a nightly belly dancing show, but don’t let gyrating hips distract you from the real star of the show: their stellar kebabs. Trust us, Middle Eastern royalty have dined here. Situated along Robertson Quay, dine al-fresco or head indoors to enjoy the friendly ambience and memorable dancing.

Find it in Robertson Quay at 80 Mohamed Sultan Road
Book a table at Shabestan.