Chef Wan is back in Singapore!!!After closing his namesake buffet restaurant at Plaza Singapore, the celebrity is back this time with a new ala Carte concept featuring dressed up version of his all-time favourite dishes.
As a celebrity Chef in Malaysia, Chef Wan has cooked for many prominent names in the region including royalties and international celebrities.
A huge selection on the menu will feature such dishes, for instance Brunei’s Sultan Bolkiah’s favourite Chef Wan’s Oxtail Soup ($17.90) and Cik Aini’s Mee Rebus with Prawn Fritters ($15.90). Another dish popular with dignitaries is Bibik Neo’s Laksa ($15.90) which is to date, ubiquitous in almost all of the parties hosted by Chef Wan.
The Prawn Curry with Pineapple ($21.90) and Chef Wan’s Selangor Beef Rendang ($22.90) are however two dishes that I am more likely to order if I were to revisit. I was busy savouring the spiced gravy on my white rice, and needless to say that simple gratification suffices.
One thing to note is that most of these dishes evolved from Chef Wan’s family recipes (Grandmother, Mother, Aunt) and they were subsequently refined to fit the status of those famous personalities.
My dining partners all love the two chicken dishes, the Ayam Goreng Java Chef Wan ($18.90) and Ayam Percik (Grilled Chicken in Spicy Gravy). The former was crispy and comes with a nice lemak sauce while the latter was beautifully grilled and paired with a equally potent spicy gravy. A caveat is however the dear price tag.
I would describe the desserts here as a little “out of nowhere”, like the Churros Cheese Tart ($5.90) which I felt did not fit into the theme of the restaurant. It was also stale and a little bland.
The Steamed Jackfruit Custard ($5.90) and Chilled Coconut Custard ($5.90) fared better. For a starter, I find jackfruit repulsive but Chef Wan’s version made it palatable with a stronger mix of cream and egg, so it was pretty enjoyable overall.
I was probably more reactive to the Chilled Coconut Custard ($5.90) since I fancy all things santan. Essentially a coconut cream jelly, flavoured with pandan and coconut sugar, I appreciate the simplicity of this composition and the direct happiness it translated to at the end of this meal.
Before the sweetness dissipates, be warned though. The prices here are in general a little steep, but if you want to have a glimpse of (the beautiful Marina Bay) and what royalty tastes like, this might be it.
The above article is written by @ramenking2017. You can find him on instagram where he shares his love for food and travel.
Chef Wan’s Kitchen
8 Raffles Avenue, #02-14 Esplanade Mall, Singapore 039802
Tel: +65 64974911
Email: reservations@chefwanskitchen.com
Operating Hours: 12pm-2.30pm, 5.30pm-10.30pm Monday-Sunday
