The duck confit is a French classic dish well loved by foodies all over the world. ‘Confit’ when translated to English means preserved. This traditional delicacy was created centuries ago before refrigerators were made accessible to households. Fortunately, the advancement of technology and widespread affordability of fridges did not see this age-old recipe being made redundant. Instead, the duck confit had become a major staple of the French diet.

An excellent duck confit is one with fragrant crispy skin and succulent juicy flesh. Mastering the preparation of this French gourmet is not an easy feat and many restaurants in Singapore have yet to grasp the timeless French method of cooking it. For our love for duck confits, we have searched high and low across sunny Singapore for tasty duck legs that are worth splurging on and indulging in.

From Saveur’s affordable Duck Confit to fine dining establishment La Brasserie’s interpretation of the French classic, here is our guide to 13 Duck Confits in Singapore You Must Try.

#1 BISTRO DU VIN – S$32

French bistro Bistro Du Vin aims to serve authentic and traditional French fare with topnotch fresh ingredients. From music to décor, the ambience is strikingly similar to the typical eateries you will come across in France. Savour one of their signature dishes, Le Confit de Candar (S$32++) – a delicious duck confit served with pommery-infused mustard mash and mesclun salad.

1 Scotts Road
#02-12 Shaw Centre
Singapore 228208
Tel: +65 6733 7763
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

#2 BLACK SHEEP CAFÉ – S$26.50

Tucked away in the basement of Thomson V Two, Black Sheep Café’s secluded location renders an unlikely accidental visit. Instead, the French restaurant solely relies on its regular patrons and word-of-mouth recommendations. Do treat yourself to their popular Duck Confit (S$26.50++) served on Apple Roesti and Tangy Mango Relish.

#B1-30, Thomson V Two
11 Sin Ming Road
Singapore 575629
Tel: +65 6459 5373
Mon: Closed
Tue to Thu: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Fri to Sun: 11.30am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Marymount

#3 DB BISTRO – S$38

DB Bistro Moderne is housed in the luxurious The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands and celebrated French Chef Daniel Boulud is the owner of this contemporary Parisan establishment. Their Duck Confit (S$38++) is served with Brais Greens, Cranberry Bean “Cassoulet” and Parma Ham. This is one of our all-time favourites.

10 Bayfront Avenue
#B1-48 Galleria Level, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands
Tel: +65 6688 8525
Mon to Fri (Lunch): 12pm – 5pm
Sat & Sun (Brunch): 11am – 5pm
Sun & Mon (Dinner): 5.30pm – 10pm
Tue to Sat (Dinner): 5.30pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Bayfront

#4 EIGHT CAFÉ & BAR – S$26.80

Quaint restaurant Eight Café & Bar has an international menu of Italian and French cuisine with an Asian touch. Their crispy and juicy French Duck Leg Confit (S$26.80) is served with fragrant basil white wine peach sauce on the side, a generous portion of French fries and fresh greens.

8 Bukit Pasoh Road
Singapore 089822
Tel: +65 6220 4513
Mon to Thu: 11.30am – 3pm, 6.30pm – 11pm
Fri to Sat: 11.30am – 3pm, 6.30pm – 1am
Sun: Closed
Nearest Station: Outram Park

#5 NOUVELLE FUSION KITCHEN & BAR

From the crisp skin to the tender meat inside, Nouvelle’s Duck Confit (S$22) is one of those dishes that will totally keep us coming back for.

Scape, #03-03,
2 Orchard Link,
Singapore 237978
Tel: +65 6834 4063
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

#6 LA BRASSERIE – S$44

Sitting within the luxurious Fullerton Bay Hotel, La Brasserie is a posh European restaurant serving a delectable array of French food. Their Signature Duck Confit (S$44) – served with black garlic sautéed broad beans, field greens and truffle potato mousseline – is an indulgent treat perfect for any occasion.

80 Collyer Quay
Lobby Level, The Fullerton Bay Hotel
Singapore 049326
Tel: +65 6597 5288
Daily: 12pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

#7 LAURENT’S CAFE- S$26

Crispy skin and a warm interior, the duck fats left the meat still juicy, and the baked Lyonnaise potatoes on the side looked more than unassuming but were surprisingly very flavourful. If you are not the biggest fan of duck, Laurent’s Cafe’s classic French Crispy Duck Leg Confit (S$26) might covert you to one.

260 Orchard Road #B1-02C
The Heeren
Singapore 238855
Tel: +65 6235 2340
Daily: 9am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

#8 LA PETITE CUISINE – S$17.50

La Petite Cuisine is a no-frills longstanding French bistro that sees regulars constantly returning for their signature Duck Confit (S$17.50). Cooked the traditional way aka in the duck’s own fat, the duck confit might not be the healthiest option but is definitely one of the tastier (and more affordable) ones in Singapore.

10 Jln Serene, Serene Centre
Singapore 258748
Tel: +65 6314 3173
Mon: Closed
Tue to Sun: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Botanical Gardens

#9 SAVEUR – S$13.90

Saveur has successfully altered the mindsets of Singaporeans that mouth-watering French fare can be budget-friendly too. Their iconic Duck Confit (S$13.90) is impeccable and it is little wonder their patrons return regularly for more. The duck leg is served on a fluffy bed of mashed potato with sauté shitake, orange segments and orange-infused natural sauce on the side.

Saveur
5 Purvis Street, #01-04
Singapore 188584
Tel: 6333 3121
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 9.15pm
Sun: 12pm – 2.15pm, 6pm – 9pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

#10 SUNDAY MARKET CAFÉ – S$17.90

This Serangoon-based café wishes to be remembered as the café with a unique take on traditional dishes. Apart from their quirky decor with retro notes, the Crispy Duck Leg Confit (S$17.90) – served with chopped salads, fried baby potatoes and orange brown sauce – is also pretty decent.

22 Lim Tua Tow Road
Mon to Tue: 12pm – 10pm
Wed: Closed
Thu: 12pm – 10pm
Fri: 12pm – 11pm
Sat: 9.30am – 11pm
Sun: 9.30am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Serangoon

#11 THE CLAN RESTAURANT – S$35

The Clan Restaurant did not shut its doors – it basically moved to the area of Selegie and now sits in PoMo. Still serving delightful Asian fusion dishes, you have to try their divine Duck Confit (S$35++) with Plum Mustard, Truffle Mashed Potatoes and Seasonal Vegetables; it had us sold immediately upon first bite.

No.1 Selegie Road
PoMo #02-01
Singapore 188306
Tel: +65 6222 2084
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Bras Basah

#12 TOOTS BRASSERIE – S$19.80

Situated in lobby level of The Sultan Hotel, Toots Brasserie is a traditional French bistro that takes pride in offering a sumptuous range of irresistible French classics.

Toots Brasserie’s Duck Leg Confit (S$19.80++) is well cooked to an interesting contrast of textures; the crispy golden brown skin perfectly juxtaposes the fragrant delicate meat. Served with French beans, mushrooms and thinly sliced gratin potatoes, the classic dish is pretty reasonably priced for its quality.

The Sultan Hotel
101 Jalan Sultan #01-01
Singapore 199002
Mon: Closed
Tue to Sun: 12pm – 2.30 pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Bugis/Lavender

#13 VIOLET HERBS

Duck Confit is something we have to try if we see it on a menu, and of course, we tried the one at Violet Herbs. The Sous Vide Duck Confit (S$36) has a crackling outer crust and the most tender duck meat inside.

The duck jus reduction that accompanied the duck was just right. We also liked how the duck confit is placed atop a bed of rustic vegetables of herb potatoes and sautéed baby spinach.

81 Tras Street
Tanjong Pagar Conservation Area
Singapore 079020
Tel: +65 6221 3988
Mon to Sat: 11:30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Sun: Closed
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

Duck — Brad’s preferred choice of meat.

That’s the best way to describe my love for duck. While I’m a big fan of kurobuta pork, and there are many people who always rave about the marbling of the wagyu beef; I find it harder to say no to duck meat.

Many friends have told me about the famous braised duck rice at Lim Seng Lee Duck Rice Eating House, which is located right at the end of the winding South Buona Vista road. It’s kind of difficult to remember the name ‘Lim Seng Lee’, so my friends always call it the Pasir Panjang Duck Rice.

I have to admit that I seldom eat the Teochew braised duck, and I blame everything on the roasted duck. Every time I step inside a hawker center, I will tell myself to have braised duck rice, but somehow my head will always turn back and ogle at the roasted duck. It’s kinda, sorta, almost impossible to resist roasted duck, especially the drumstick. So you see, it isn’t my fault that I hardly have braised duck rice.

The braised duck meat at Lim Seng Lee appeared to be very ordinary, but in a good way. It was tender, smooth and very pleasing to the palate — I can eat this for lunch everyday!

There’s just something comforting about having braised duck meat with a bowl of porridge and an egg. It makes me feel better already! Among the places that I tried before, Lim Seng Lee Duck Rice Eating House definitely serves one of the best braised duck rice in Singapore.

Do you prefer braised duck or roast duck? And all my fellow duck lovers, please tell me where can I find the best Braised duck in Singapore?

Hawker Food Review
Lim Seng Lee Duck Rice Eating House
38 South Buona Vista Road Singapore
Tel: +65 6475 9908

Pu Tien Restaurant has been quite impressive in the Singapore Food scene. They have expanded from their original branch at Kitchener road to five other outlets within a couple of years. The other Pu Tien restaurants are strategically located in popular shopping malls like Marina Square, Tampines Mall, VivoCity, Jurong Point, and there’s even a Pu Tien Buffet restaurant at City Square Mall.

I have been wanting to drop by Pu Tien restaurant for dinner ever since I heard that they are a very affordable place for a good Chinese dinner. When I eat out with my friends, we tend to stick with Western food, or check out other cuisines. like the usual Japanese, Italian or French food.

I’m not sure if it’s the same case for you, with the exception of Dim Sum, I usually only have Chinese food and zichar dinner with my family, but not my friends. All this is about to change with our dinner at Pu Tien Restaurant.

Why don’t we have the Deep Fried Duck with Yam ($15)? One of my friends suggested.

It was a good choice. Held within the shattering crisp of the yam, was the most incredibly moist and welcoming duck meat. It’s a brilliant idea to coat a layer of yam around the duck.

The Deep Fried Chicken with Garlic ($12 for half chix) was golden and crispy to the tooth, with the meat retaining the moisture and sweetness even though it was deep-fried. The portion was a little small though.

“Brad, you need to check out Pu Tien restaurant soon. They have one of the best sweet and sour pork in Singapore!”

Ever since then, I have been waiting from the start of forever to go Pu Tien restaurant just for their sweet & sour pork. I could hear the drum-roll when I stretched out to grab a piece of the pork. It smelt good, and there’s lychee too! Emotions took over as I ignored my friends and concentrated on what’s supposedly the ‘best sweet & sour pork’

I wasn’t sure if it’s because I had too much expectations of it, but Pu Tien’s Sweet & Sour Pork ($10 for S, $15 for M) wasn’t what I was looking for. It was not bad, slightly better than most of the sweet & sour pork that I’ve had before, but it was definitely not the best.

Half mee sua, half bee hoon, apparently Pu Tien restaurant’s Fried noodle mee sua ($6) had an identity crisis. We were left wondering about a few possibilities: a) we ordered bee hoon instead of mee sua, b) the waitress took down a wrong order and got us the bee hoon instead, and c) the mee sua was supposed to taste like bee hoon. Not that it mattered actually. We enjoyed the moist and wet mee sua that came with a good mixture of ingredients

Pu Tien restaurant is a good place for families. The prices are slightly higher than what you’d pay for zichar, but it is still very affordable for a meal in a restaurant. If you are looking for a Chinese restaurant for a simple family dinner, Pu Tien restaurant may be just the one.

Restaurant Review
Pu Tien Restaurant
1 Jurong West Central 2
#02-34 Jurong Point Shopping Centre
Tel: +65 6795 2338

There are a few things in life which you can never forget. Your first love, the first time flying on a plane, the wonderful taste of food, and of course, my first visit to the prestigious 6 Star St Regis Hotel, and not to mention, the most expensive and excellent dim sum that I’ve there.

I can never forget the taste of Peking duck after trying it for the first time a couple of years back. The perfectly crispy skin with a thin layer of fats beneath. Yan Ting’s Crispy Peking duck ($60 whole duck) served with traditional condiments arrived within minutes after making our order. Instead of wrapping in the typical pancake, the chef decided to use flour skin instead.

Like the usual practice for Peking duck, the remainder of the meat was done in other methods. The one that we had was diced duck meat, which came across as salty. It would be a great compliment with a bowl of white rice, but other than that, there wasn’t much hint of the duck meat. I wondered where the rest of the duck meat actually went. And the second serving ($27) came at a cost of 3 bucks per head.

While I didn’t try any “San Bei Ji”, or claypot chicken with basil & golden garlic ($20 for medium serves 4) before, the rendition here was satisfying. The fragrance of the meat announced the arrival of the dish, the chicken was tender, with some fatty meat and the tasty sauce was the icing on the cake, or rather chicken.

The question mark on my face was evident when I couldn’t figure out what the vegetable on the table was. I was told, the Dou Bei ($26 for medium serves 4) was the superior cousin of the more common Dou Miao. An expensive plate of greens this was, for the seemingly average taste of the vegetables.

We also tried the Crispy garlic pork ($28 for medium serves 4). The pork ribs were crispy, and had a strong garlic taste. The dish also came across as a tad salty. Nonetheless, we dutifully whipped clear the plate of the ribs.

I can never forget my penchant for cod fish. Taking a bite of the Deep Fried Cod Fillet coated with Crispy Cereal ($28), the fish immediately melt-in-the-mouth, with the cereal giving an added crunch. There’s barely enough for all of us a piece each.

I ain’t a big fan of scallop, so this line could be pretty bias. The Pan Seared Scallop filled with Shrimp Mousse ($32 for medium serves 4) was big in size indeed. However, the scallop was overwhelmed by the strong shrimp mousse taste.

I can never forget my mother’s rendition of French bean. I’m of the belief that simplicity is beauty. Using garlic to stir fried the vegetables can always bring out the fragrance of the garlic without covering the freshness of the greens. So I was rather sceptical initially when i saw the Wok Fried French Bean with Minced Pork and Chilli ($20 for medium serves 4). But it did proved me wrong with the wok hei of the beans. And the minced pork didn’t complicate the taste.

Instead of the typical deep fried prawn with mango, the Deep Fried Prawn filled with Fresh Mango ($36 for medium serves 4) came with a twist. Prawns and mangos were wrapped in beancurd skin, and deep fried. To be frank, I dislike beancurd skins, especially those served during dim sum. But this one was decent, the mango could be sweeter though.

With the name Chef Chan Signature Baked Spring Onion Chicken ($28 for medium serves 4), the dish certainly was bundled with expectations. You can’t go wrong ordering the signature dishes, or so it seems. The chicken was plain ordinary, and definitely didn’t warrent the hefty price tag.

I can never forget the best char siew sou ($1.8 per piece) I had before, from Yan Ting of course. Dim sum is not served during dinner, but we made a request to the manager, who to our delight, agreed to ask the chef to make it for us specially. Maybe we were saddled by the huge expectation that we had, but we are guessing it’s most probably because of the shorter baking time, that the char siew sou didn’t turn out to be as good as before. Nonetheless, it was good of the restaurant to do it specially for us, and I’ll be back again for it.

Total bill was $362.85 for 9 person, after a 25% discount using the Astor card. This came up to about $40 per person, which was totally cheaper than what we expected. And if we didn’t drink tea ($40), and no desserts ($48), the add up will probably be around $283 or $30 per head. With the ambience of the place, the prestige of the restaurant, and the decent quality of the food, the price was definitely reasonable. I’ll definitely be coming back for their dim sum, Yan Ting IV. There are a few things in life, which you can never forget after all.

Read about my dim sum visit to Yan Ting here
& Yan Ting snowskin mooncake here

Yan Ting
29 Tanglin Road
The St Regis
Tel: 6506 6888

Yan Ting is listed as one of ladyironchef’s favorite restaurants in Singapore