Bistro Soori is one of those off-the-radar restaurants that you will never know of unless someone recommends it to you.

It is a cool, cosy, informal restaurant with a small open kitchen and a few tables, which makes you feel as though you are dining in a friend’s place. The prices aren’t too high (although not too low, either), and you can have a good meal without spending ridiculous money.

The meal that we had at Bistro Soori was a revelation. The food was simple and unpretentious, prepared with just enough care that you know you are dining at a restaurant where Chef Benjamin McBride and his team take their food seriously.

At lunch time, they offer a great set lunch at $39 (you can also choose to order ala carte); and during dinner, they have a different menu with slightly higher prices, and it ranges from $15-21 for starters, $25-39 for main courses, and $12 for desserts. There’s also the option of ‘Omakase‘, with 5 course at $105, and 6 course at $130.

The menu at Bistro Soori is simple, with a few selection under each category. For starters, you can choose between Scallop with truffle Vinaigrette ($19) and Duck Rillette ($15). You will also be tempted by the Karaage Fried Prawn ($18) and Slow Roasted Pork Belly ($18). I did.

For main courses, the Roasted Pork Tenderloin ($28) sounds good on its own, but you will eventually want to go for either the Brown Butter Maine Lobster ($38) or Rack of Lamb ($34); or both. Desserts too, are special. Pandan Souffle ($12), Almond Milk Panna Cotta ($12), and Cognac Creme Brulee ($12) will make sure that you end the meal on a sugar high.

If you’re one of those people that likes to watch their food prepared, the bar counter is just the place for you.

Together with a glass of champagne, the Karaage Fried Prawn with Cherry Tomato ($18) was a great way for us to start the meal.

While I liked the pairing of poached pair with foie gras, I thought that the Foie Gras Duo ($21) was only decent. I probably had better foie gras before. Or maybe because it was overshadowed by the other starter – Slow Roasted Pork Belly ($18), which without a doubt, was the highlight. It was by far one of the best roasted pork belly I’ve had.

We also thoroughly enjoyed the Slow Baked Salmon ($34) with corn pudding. A slightly different rendition of the Slow Baked Salmon (with corn, chilli, shallot, lime) is available on the set lunch menu.

Among the main courses that we had, my favourite was the Rack of Lamb ($34). I’m sure the staff thought I was some sort of hungry ghost the way I attacked it, but it was really quite good.

The Beef Duo ($39) is the best way to enjoy the best of both worlds. The steak was fair, but nothing to write home about.

Like how all good meals end with desserts, we had Chocolate Tart ($12) with lemon curd and Pandan Souffle ($12). The Chocolate Tart came highly recommended, but we didn’t like it as we felt that it was too dense and heavy; not something that you would want to eat after a heavy meal. Thankfully, we had the Souffle to save the day. It was magnificent: the pandan flavour was fascinating and the souffle was done just right.

Since I went to Bistro Soori for dinner a while back, I’ve been recommending it to my friends. It was one of the best meals that I had in 2011, and I think you will like it too. Reservations are highly recommended.

Singapore Food Blog Review
Bistro Soori
2 Teck Lim Road, Singapore
(Near Outram/Tanjong Pagar)
Tel: +65 6438 3802

Note: This was an invited media tasting.