6 New Casual French Restaurants In Singapore To Try Now

1. Moutarde by Paul Pairet

Moutarde at Resorts World Sentosa is the first Singapore restaurant by chef Paul Pairet of three-Michelin-starred Ultraviolet in Shanghai (which closed last year). While that restaurant was famously spendy-spendy, Moutarde is a much less formal concept offering bistro classics finished off with simple but sophisticated desserts.

The massive 98-seat restaurant has a retro French bistro vibe with slightly industrial leanings. 

Here, the devil is in the drama, like the mesmerising carvery station, where meats like prime rib and turbot roasted in the wood oven are prepared; the souffles served table side; and a tap wall with wines and cocktails on tap, as well as two tanks featuring oxidised wine from Pairet’s home region of Perpignan in France.

Apart from some home-style French classics not commonly found on Singapore menus, like a cheese souffle ($20) or eggs mayo with a sherry soy aioli, fresh herbs and garlic croutons ($12), there are also some subtle references to the team’s time in China, like jasmine tea-smoked salmon with soy lemon cream ($24).

Next door, there is sister cafe Sundae Royale, serving up nostalgic sweet treats like ice cream sundaes, churros and and a caramelised brioche French toast.

Moutarde is at Weave at Resorts World Sentosa, #B1-219–221, 26 Sentosa Gateway. Tel: 6577 6256. More info via website.

2. The Plump Frenchman

With simple French classics done right, conveniently located in the heart of town, The Plump Frenchman is in the business of thankfully uncomplicated plates and straightforward flavours. 

Think classic rotisserie chicken ($39 for a whole chicken, $21 for half), Nicoise salad ($24), Boeuf bourguignon ($41), creme brulee ($11) and chocolate mousse ($14).

On the specials board, you’ll find, from time to time, French specialities that aren’t so well known in Singapore and might seem adventurous to the local palate, like deliciously fried frog legs.

For food so authentic, it may surprise you to learn that the eponymous Plump Frenchman is actually German chef Lorenz Hoja – formerly of L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon – proving that Frenchness is sometimes a state of mind.

The Plump Frenchman is at Guoco Midtown, 20 Tan Quee Lan Street, #01-20. Tel: 6817 3967. More info via website.

3. La Vache

Say what you will, but Parisian-style steak frites will never be out of style. And, when life is hectic, who doesn’t love not having to make menu decisions?

La Vache is a tiny hole-in-the-wall restaurant that keeps things uncomplicated by offering a set menu of a green salad dressed with mustard vinaigrette, a 10oz (about 283g) USDA Double Gold ribeye, unlimited crispy fries and their signature sauce.

End off by hailing the dessert trolley that arrives laden with seasonally rotating desserts.

La Vache is at 40 Gemmill Lane. Tel: 8972 0042. More info via website.

4. Bonjour Ma Cuisine

Bonjour Ma Cuisine is the casual brunch offshoot of Michelin-starred Ma Cuisine. With a charming bistro vibe in a heritage shophouse, it’s a spot that offers both vibes and solid cooking.

Partake of Croque Madame with truffle ($28.80) topped with a sunny side up egg; knife-chopped tenderloin beef tartare ($27.50); and French toast served with kaya and creme anglaise ($14.50).

There are also fresh salads and eggs done all ways, alongside lesser-known French classics like a fish quenelle in crustacean sauce, a specialty of Lyon; a ham terrine with parsley, a specialty of Burgundy; and the Ma Cuisine specialty of crispy veal head.

Bonjour Ma Cuisine is at 39 Craig Road. Tel: 9627 1058. More info via website.

5. Le Clos

Formerly known as Clos Pasoh, Le Clos at New Bahru has evolved into a wine-focused 70-seater with over 800 predominantly French labels. Here, you can also shop for wine to take home, or for cheeses, meats, ice creams and more at the deli.

Set menus are offered at $38 for two courses or $48 for three courses.

The regular menu features classics like a truffle and morel mushroom risotto with aged Comte cheese ($32), mussels in vin jaune served with house-made fries ($33) and Atlantic cod loin with leeks, rice and saffron beurre blanc ($39).

Le Clos is at 46 Kim Yam Road, New Bahru #01-18. Tel: 9387 4969. More info via website.

6. La Table d’Emma

A fine dining chef returns to his generous French roots: That’s the story of La Table d’Emma’s chef Michael Muller, who named his restaurant after his wife, Emma.

Formerly holding positions including executive chef at Jaan at the Swisshotel, Director of Culinary Standards for Resorts World and Asia Pacific Executive Chef for Meta, Muller wanted to spotlight cuisine from his native Alsace at his latest restaurant, such as Flammekueche or tarte tatin, a baked flatbread with hearty toppings; and Alsatian-style escargots braised in Riesling and garlic, then baked with parsley butter ($19 for six).

In addition, there are comforting classics like a French onion soup topped with emmental cheese and a crispy puff pastry crown ($26), a foamy mushroom cappuccino ($26), chargrilled Mediterranean octopus with confit potatoes and sauce vierge, and scallop mousse ravioli with lobster tail in tarragon-infused lobster sauce.  

With 130 seats, the eatery in the Tanjong Pagar area is an ideal choice for larger groups and gatherings.

La Table d’Emma is at 8 Club Street, Mercure Icon City Centre #01-08. Tel: 8101 8691. More info via website.

Source: CNA/my

The original version of this story first appeared in CNA Lifestyle.

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