We are delighted to announce Singapulah: The UK’s only dedicated Singaporean restaurant which opens in Soho today.
Singapulah & Arôme, a restaurant and bakery concept, will open on Soho’s Frith Street on November 6th and November 13th respectively by a team including experienced restauranteur, and Singaporean, Ellen Chew of Chinatown’s Rasa Sayang, Lobos Tapas in London Bridge and Soho.
By day, the bakery (Arôme) will operate in an area with 12 covers and serve a collection of breads and savoury and sweet pastries rooted in master patissièr Alix Andre’s French training (Alain Ducasse, Ladurée) with East Asian flavours (experience from Yauatcha, Roka and marrying into a Singaporean family). Items include Gula Melaka Coconut Bun, Laksa Tomato Coriander Roll and a signature dish of Arôme Milk Bread Toast; a caramelised milk loaf similar to both French toast and candied bread.
During the evening the space will be repurposed to create a 50-cover restaurant (Singapulah) with Singaporean Head Chef Lynette Zheng serving authentic hawker dishes such as Bak Chor Mee (literally translating to ‘noodles with minced pork’ where noodles are tossed in a chilli vinegar sauce and topped with minced pork, pork belly slices, pork liver and pork balls) and Chwee Kueh (savoury rice cakes served with preserved radish that’s packed full of sweet-salty umami and sambal chilli) and in a dedicated brunch menu the classic breakfast Kaya Toast (two slices of Arôme milk bread toasted on the grill and slathered with homemade coconut jam).
Singapulah has collaborated with Singaporean restaurateur Willin Low to bring Roxy Laksa to Europe for the very first time. This variety of Laksa is so called because it first opened as a cart outside the popular Roxy Theatre in 1952. Now in it’s third generation Low acquired it to preserve its specific taste for the future. The Roxy Laksa is more “feminine” rather than “masculine” in flavour and real taste of home for Singaporeans.
As well as destination for great hawker food Singapulah will be a destination that represents true Singaporean culture and will act as a platform for both modern and traditional Singaporean cuisine and arts. “Singapulah is born out of love for true Singaporean cuisine” says Ellen Chew. “Through my years in the UK it has been challenging to find a place to satiate my cravings for authentic hawker food and Singapulah aims to plug that gap, as well as acting as a platform to share our diverse culture with Londoners” she adds.
The interior design will visually showcase both traditional and modern Singapore; contemporary art from Singaporean artist Allison M Low will decorate the walls while the playlist will feature popular Singaporean artists of the 1960s, the golden age of Singaporean music. The drinks menu will offer the kitsch Singapore Sling as a nod to colonial Singapore of the turn of the century.
Editors Notes
Address
Singapulah & Arôme
15 Frith Street
W1D 4RF
Telephone
020 3730 3938
Links
instagram.com/singapulah_london
Opening Hours
Arôme
Mon – Tue: closed
Wednesday – Sunday: 8am – 4pm
Singapulah
Monday – Tuesday: closed
Wednesday – Friday: 5.30pm – 11pm
Saturday: 10.30am – 2.30pm / 5.30pm – 11pm
Sunday: 10.30am – 2.30pm / 5.30pm – 10pm
Arôme Quote
“When I was a child, I grew up in a home that was situated next to a boulangerie, and the aroma of freshly baked produce wafted through the air every day. Arôme is the result of my efforts to recreate that childhood memory after spending years as a humble student of the art of baking,”
Alix Andre