After showing our love and appreciation for mommy dearest on Mother’s Day, let’s not forget about daddy too, what with Father’s Day coming up on June 20, a week after Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) ends. Unless you’re staying with dad, chances are it’s going to be some time before you’ll be able to dine with him. We’re hoping the situation improves and you’d be able to make it up to dad by taking him out for a nice treat to celebrate. Why not make a booking now? You can also take this time to check if these places offer delivery.
Bringing dad out for a feast isn’t quite like taking mom out. Instead of the finest restaurant in town or a spot of afternoon tea, he likely just wants hearty grub and a pint to go with it. At these following places offering comfort foods and feel-good drinks done with polish, treat dad to a nice meal without breaking the bank. He’d thank you for it.
Aburi-EN
Dependable, with numerous outlets across the island, this Japanese grilled meats chain is best known for its range of delectable rice bowls that are affordable yet oh, so satisfying. Get generous slices of grilled pork loin laid atop a mound of fluffy rice with the signature Buta Don ($12), or you could go for the 3-Kind Buta Combo Jyu ($18) instead, where you get to enjoy premium slices of pork loin, pork belly, and iberico pork jowl at the same time.
If dad’s more a beef person, the Wagyu Karubi Don ($19), featuring tender portions of Australian wagyu and sauteed mushrooms, will be just the thing for him. Wash it all down with pints of ice cold Asahi ($13.80) or Highballs ($6.80), and you’re golden. Feeling slightly fancy? Open a bottle of sake to share instead. There’s a range to choose from, but the Nanbu Bijin Tokubetsu Junmai ($98) pairs best with food.
The Guild
A restaurant and bar opened by the guys behind Hong Kong’s famed Young Master Brewery, you can bet the food and drink pairings here are on point. Start with the Salt & Vinegar Fries ($9), an appetite-inducing plate of shoestring that goes really well with any of its refreshing core beers. We highly recommend the juicy and crushable Another One ($17/pint) for something light, or just go for the appropriately-named Dad Bod ($19/pint), a pale ale boasting moreish guava notes.
For mains, you can’t go wrong with the Mac N’ Cheese ($20) or Guild Burger 2.0 ($26) with Australian grass-fed beef, but trust us and give the Bone Marrow ($16) a try. The 6-inch beef bone oozes flavour, and comes with a sourdough that’s perfect for soaking up every last drop. Skip dessert (as dads do) and get a pint of roasty, chocolaty Hong Kong Black ($21/pint) to wash it all down.
Fat Prince
Still one of the best Middle Eastern concepts in town, Fat Prince is the place your dad probably doesn’t know about, but will be so glad you brought him there. Offer him a modern take on mezzes with the Kingfish Crudo ($22), where rich and savoury kingfish fillets are first dry brined to intensify its flavour, then cold smoked for added complexity.
Or get your hands dirty and try building your own kebab wraps with your choice of Wagyu Beef Cheek ($29/100g), Fried Turbot ($31/100g) or Celeriac Shawarma ($14/100g), that come served with piping hot pitas and unique toppings. Beers by the bottle are available, but why not go for the cocktails instead – these have been conveniently sorted according to whether they are bubbly, tart, bitter, adventurous or non-alcoholic.
The Feather Blade
Reserve (or as Singaporeans would say, “chope“) early for this one. It’s almost always fully booked out, and for good reason – supremely satisfying steaks and libations can be found here. The food menu is a succinct one, so go straight for their eponymous Feather Blade Steak ($21), a 200g slab of beefy goodness cut into beautiful slices ready to be dug into. Need some sides? The Burratina ($16) served with truffle honey is easily the best choice.
There’s a good selection of wines, even some interesting skin contact ones, to pair with your steak. Or enjoy concoctions inventively created using beef fat, like the Beefy Old Fashioned ($18). Here, beef fat-washed Maker’s Mark bourbon is mixed with a homemade blood orange perfume to create an aromatic cocktail packing plenty of nutty and umami notes.
Heart of Darkness Singapore
The local gastrobar of Saigon-based brewery Heart of Darkness has over 20 taps of craft beer running plus a good range of wines, sakes and cocktails available, making this the place to bring dads who enjoy a wide range of drinks. Its Futile Purpose Cucumber Pilsner ($18/pint) is a refreshingly unique brew to start with, or go bold with the Mistress Double IPA ($24/pint), that packs a tropical hop punch. Just don’t let mom know dad’s having one.
Divert her attention to the food. The Jumbo Family Nachos Platter ($38) with pulled pork or smoked brisket is an easy crowd pleaser, or try the Fresh Calamari ($18), a whole grilled squid dusted with flour and served with sriracha mayo, for an elevated nibble. For mains, definitely get the IPA Crispy Pork Belly ($22), made supremely tender after being marinated in beer for three days. And don’t leave without having the Eloquent Phantom Imperial Stout Tiramisu ($18). This alcoholic dessert will give dad the sweet ending he never knew he wanted.
Please check the establishments’ respective websites for opening hours as well as booking and seating requirements before visiting, and remember to adhere to safe-distancing measures while out and about.
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