The best-laid plans often go awry – no restauranteur could have predicted the Covid-19 pandemic. The show, as they say, must go on too; and despite the lockdown, restaurants have opened during the Circuit Breaker by started out with deliveries and takeaways. Now that we’re in phase 2 though, it’s time for them to open their doors and test their mettle in Singapore’s ferociously competitive F&B scene. The real winne though – is all our appetites. Here are some of the most exciting new restaurant openings in Singapore this month.
https://www.thepeakmagazine.com.sg/gourmet-travel/new-restaurants-in-singapore-june-2020/
new restaurants july 2020
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Chef Han Li Guang of one Michelin-starred Labyrinth goes the fine-casual route with Miss Vanda, a restaurant celebrating local, perennial favourites. Here, hawker and everyday dishes get a luxe upgrade — like laksa with Hokkaido scallops or an immensely sinful prata made with bordier butter and served with whipped curry lardo. In fact, the opportunity to sin seems to pop up with often at Miss Vanda — another of Han’s creations is a take on the same Portugeuse baked rice found in at Hong Kong-style cafes; this time featuring three cheeses, truffled beef fat fried rice, and wagyu. A couple of ideas from Labyrinth also appears in the new restaurant: Chinese rojak with a dressing made with fermented shrimp paste and sweet-tangy stingless bee honey; as well as a signature, “Ang Mo” chicken rice based on Han’s grandmother’s recipe — which includes a creamy chicken-mushroom sauce alongside all the traditional chicken rice accroutrements.
Esplanade Mall, #02-23. Tel: 6223 4098
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Legendary Brooklyn pizzeria Lucali — the very same one that appeared on an episode of Netflix’s Ugly Delicious — is launching a sister restaurant here in Singapore in a collaboration between chef Mark Iacano and Singapore-based hospitality consultant Gibran Baydoun. We could name drop for days with this opening, but the deal is: New York-style Italian food done in a fine casual setting. Proper lasagna, eggplant rigatoni, and Baydoun’s mom’s meatloaf recipe all make the menu; while the pizza takes centre stage with its “four hour tomato sauce”, light and crusty base, and three cheese mix. If that’s not enough important, NYC-cool cred for you; the restaurant’s sweets veer into highbrow comfort food realms of irreverence. Expect gold dusted rice krispie treats; brownies covered in sprinkles; and a selection of imported sodas like Faygo. And yes, the wine list is natural.
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66 Kampong Bugis
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Chef Emmanuel Stroobant goes the brasserie route with Kingdom of Belgians, a nod to his home country that gives Singaporeans a taste of classic Belgian cuisine — beyond just moules frites. Instances of traditional Belgian dishes on the menu include boulet liegeois: pork and beef meatballs with shallots, raisins, and beef jus; as well as carbonnade, a stew of beef braised with dark beer. Don’t forget to order the Liege waffles — rich, yeasted snacks that comes in a whole range of flavours including a savoury, salted egg glaze; and dark chocolate dusted with coconut flakes.
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8 Rodyk St, #01-05/06. Tel: 6634-0500.
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While most restaurants began offering takeaway options during the Circuit Breaker, chef Beppe De Vito has gone all out and opened a wholly online restaurant offering a mix of casual Italian fare, groceries, heat-and-serve meals, and even drinks. Highlights from the extensive menu include a porchetta sandwich with smoked cheese, apples, and Calabrian chilli; as well as baked casarecce pasta redolent with porcini and truffles. For smaller groups, there are also bento sets that come with a bit of everything. Meanwhile, their groceries feature Italian staples like cheeses, house-cured meats, and a range of condiments and sauces for the more culinarily inclined. Islandwide delivery, daily from 11:30am to 8pm.
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