Fancy a meal that’s creative without tasting too unfamiliar? While the mention of “fusion food” 10 years ago might have sent diners running in the opposite direction, chefs these days have turned fusion food into an edible art form. Just look at our picks below and you’ll see what we mean.
1. Otah Taco from Gallery & Co.
Leading the pack at an eatery nearest to all the National Day celebrations is Gallery & Co., a restaurant which is part of the National Gallery Singapore Museum Shop. The idea for Otah Taco was to localise a Mexican fish taco by using otak-otak, a spicy grilled fish cake popular in Southeast Asia. Is it better than a Mexican fish taco? You bet. But you’ve got to try it to believe it.
Address: 1 St. Andrew’s Road, #01-05, National Gallery Singapore
2. Nasi Lemak from Native Kitchen
Native Kitchen‘s decadent plate of Nasi Lemak consists of a cone of fragrant rice cooked in blue-pea dye and coconut milk, surrounded by jazzed-up nasi lemak side dishes and more. You’ll find the regular cast of cucumber, sambal, ikan bilis, peanuts and sunny-side-up sitting next to achar (spicy pickled vegetables), petai, and a deliciously satisfying piece of fried chicken.
It’s a feast for the eyes, for Instagram, and of course, your Singaporean soul.
Address: 10 Artillery Avenue, #02-02, Sentosa Island, Village Hotel at Sentosa
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3. Char Siew Kurobota Pork Belly from The Marmalade Pantry at Downtown
Fancy something meaty? Then you’d appreciate the succulent Char Siew Kurobuta Pork Belly by The Marmalade Pantry at Downtown. Inspired by Cantonese char siu, this entrée dish features slices of tender pork belly having been marinated in soy and honey for two days and then sous-vide for 12 hours before being charred. The result? An exquisite melt-in-the-mouth texture. Its sweet and savoury flavours go perfectly with a side of creamy, roasted pumpkin mash. Crispy sweet potato chips break the monotony in texture and an apple-chilli chutney injects a welcome acidity to balance the richness of the dish.
Address: 100 Peck Seah St, #01-01, Oasia Hotel Downtown
4. Truffle Beef with Garlic Pepper Claypot Rice from Full of Luck Restaurant
Full of Luck Restaurant is one of those places that’s full of pleasant surprises. Helmed by a team of creative young chefs, its menu promises to serve up classic Cantonese cuisine with a contemporary flair. The Truffle Beef with Garlic Pepper Claypot Rice is a full meal unto itself, with tender slices of beef coated with a black truffle garlic glaze, a runny egg and crisp kailan served on top of a bed of clay pot rice.
Address: 243 Holland Avenue
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5. Cereal Prawn Pasta from Inspirit House
If you feel that your tze char meal isn’t complete without cereal prawns, then you’d love the Cereal Prawn Pasta from Inspirit House. This nook in the heart of the quaint Punggol Settlement prides itself in its fusion creations, such as Kecap Manis Sea Bass, Truffle Chow Mein, and more. Bring your family during sunset to take full advantage of the views at this seafront locale.
Address: 3 Punggol Point Road, #01-05, The Punggol Settlement
