Singapore Sling has came a long way and guess what? Maison Ikkoku will converting its level one into a new establishment named SLING on 17 February 2020. This will be a platform where internationally recognised Singapore Sling will be taking the centre place with an array of artisanal local cuisine.
Helmed by Founder of Maison Ikkoku, Mr Ethan Leslie Leong, Sling has the vision to bring the Singapore Sling back into the limelight of the cocktail scene. There are a total of 5 rendition of this iconic cocktail to suit to suit to different taste preference and mood.
Original SLING ($26) is crafted using the same cocktail Sling except that homemade fresh Grenadine and fresh pineapple juice are used with lemon foam that is lightly torched before serving to add a modern touch to the cocktail.
For those with sweettooth, do check out Coco SLING ($28) and SLING-a-pu-ra ($26) where one is created with inspiration by the kampong days in Singapore that was covered with coconut plantation and the other pays emphasises on our tropical heritage and nature reserves. Coco SLING ($28) would leave the coconut lover grinning with the addition of roasted coconut and young coconut meringue while SLING-a-pu-ra ($26) would appeal to those who like refreshing cocktail as passion fruit and fresh pandan, lemongrass, ginger, kaffir and calamansi are added.
If you are looking for something with a stronger punch, 1819 SLING ($25) is a spirit – forward interpretation which includes Giffard premium pineapple liqueur to balance the cocktail with a faint vanilla notes, delicate cinnamon, peppery spice and light citric acidity. While Majulah SLING ($25) is like a Negroni cousin of Singapore Sling with Campari added.
If you are feeling a little peckish and wanting to grab a bite, SLING by Maison Ikkoku also offers a compact menu with refined local favourites that is inspired by Ethan’s grandmother’s Peranakan homeage. Not only natural ingredients are used, Ethan takes pride in choose fresh and quality ingredients as well as cooking in either sunflower or olive oils with no MSG, preservative, artificial flavours or colouring added.
One of my favourite include the traditional D.I.Y Popiah with the option of Vegetarian ($36), Sweet Pork ($39), and Crispy Prawn ($49). Served in a traditional tingkat with homemade popiah skin, plant-based stewed turnip and carrots, long beans, eggs, coriander, shallots, beansprouts, tofu, roasted sesame seeds and other condiments placed in each tier, one can enjoy the joy of wrapping popiah according to your preference.
Nenek Chicken ($28), Babi Hitam ($39), Ikan Asam ($32) and Rendang ($45) are some items that one can find on the menu that are adopted from Ethan’s grandmother’s cookbook. Don’t forget to order a serving of Nasi Biru ($3), Japanese pearl rice with bluepea flower and lemongrass, to go with them as the gravy from the dishes are so good that diet can wait especially the nenek chicken which is a flavoursome dish cooked with rempah made of ginger, lemongrass, turmeric and other herbs and spices.
Another item that has the approval around the table was the Hey Mee ($38 for half, $48 for full), stir-fried Hokkien noodles in Asian rock lobster and lobster with homemade pork crackling. Packed with umami, this atas rendition of our local favourite is definitely the star of the night. Oh yes, not forgetting that the lobster is flambéed tableside for those who want to share this instagram-worthy dish with your friends.
To wrap the meal, the sole dessert item on the Sling’s menu is like a deconstructed version nonya dessert, Kueh Dadar ($16) with freshly made French – style pandan crêpe, homemade young coconut espuma, toasted coconut shavings and a shot of gula Malacca syrup. While traditional kueh dadar might seems to be a tad too much after a heavy meal, SLING’s rendition is very light yet packed with the heavenly aromas from the coconut, pandan and gula malaccca.
Although there are hits and misses, I do feel that it is a great place to let your hair down and enjoy some peranakan food with recipes that are passed down after all the teething problems are solved. Sling will be officially open on 17 February 2020 while retaining its art gallery featuring Singaporean-inspired paintings. Do check it out.
SLING
20 Kandahar St,Singapore 198885
Operating Hours: 11.30am – 2pm (Weekday Lunch)
6pm – 10.30pm (Weekday Dinner)
11.30am – 10.30pm (Saturday, Sunday, Public Holidays)
Tel: +65 6294 0078
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