‘Seemingly’
bizarrely situated next to a ‘late night library?’ on Keong Saik Road in the
increasingly trendy Bukit Pasoh Conservation Area, ‘Keong Saik Snacks’ or just ‘Snacks’
is the latest Singaporean project from Michelin starred Chef Jason Atherton.
The
description taken from the Singapore’s ‘Hungry Go Where’ review site (here)
says: ‘Inspired by British café culture, Keong Saik Snacks is a laid-back snack
bar ('comfort eatery' we like to term it) introducing a curious twist on
traditional English food. Try the kimchi burger ($20, pictured) or the D-I-Y
tuna tartare ($17) – perfect for in-between meal munchies.’
Executive
Chef, Andy Walsh from nearby Esquina oversees the menu at Snacks. Riveted
copper bar and semi open kitchen is overseen by the executive (see here).
Galvanized steel mesh plate racks add to the industrial looking aspects of the
décor that overlooks a more modern, homey white painted dining area with pops
of colour coming from a large red corner banquette – the perfect place to sit
and eat their casual food with a large group of friends.
D-I-Y Tuna Tartare – served
on a bespoke wooden board, the components of an Asian inspired Tuna Tartare are
presented so that the diners can ‘do-it-yourself’ (themselves). The ingredients
included: sesame seeds, chives, coriander, soy sauce, wasabi mayo, fresh lime, a
miso based dressing and, of course, tuna.
With
a little of this and a little of that and a bit of the other, I had soon
created the ‘perfect tuna tartare’ to serve on the crisp toasts. Well, I have
to say that… I made it!
The Kimchi Burger –
the ‘burger revolution’ hasn’t yet landed in Singapore; so by UK standards this
was a pretty average burger. Albeit made from tasty beef and served with crisp
fresh salad and sesame seed bun. What made it special was the side of ‘kimchi’
– it was not as spicy as I had expected but it was still Gangnam Style!
Chilli Garlic Fries –
the garlic and chilli fries did exactly what they said on the tin i.e. they
were both garlicky and had a hint of chilli.
As
I was nearing the end of my ‘cup’ of chips, one of the chefs asked me what I
was doing later. At first it was unclear if he was simply making polite conversation
or was about to proposition me. It turned out he was just offering me the
‘password’ to gain entry to the ‘library’ next door.
‘The Library’, it became apparent, conceals a ‘speakeasy’ style cocktail bar. A ‘secret entrance’ is hidden
in one of the bookshelves through which, access can only be gained by
mentioning the password to one of the ‘book keepers’.
As
I already had plans to meet people at the nearby Cufflink Club (see here) I
didn’t enter The Library on this occasion. Next time I am in Singapore I plan
to check it out when I return to Keong Saik Snacks.
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