The Place Modern Arabic restaurant is uncommon in Singapore and The Prince along Peck Seah Street in Tanjong Pagar is one of the newest restaurants in Singapore which pays tribute to this exotic cuisine. Formerly Fat Prince, the interior of The Prince is gorgeous and takes on a contemporary homage to desert architecture.

I can relate to the style and space especially after my trip to Oman this year where I stayed overnight in a desert. The concept is by The Dandy Collection and other than The Prince, it also owns and operates Firangi Superstar, Lo Quay and Neon Pigeon in Singapore 

While there is the hint of desert architecture, I like how contemporary the whole space is designed – cream upholstered chairs, sofas adorned with cushions of silver and maroon, nude to the taupe leather chairs – I love these sandstone hues. In the day, you get natural light streaming into the restaurant while in the evening, the curtains are drawn down where the dining ambience is more intimate with the lanterns and candles turned on.

There is also a private room which seats up to 12 guests.  

The Food Central to The Prince’s dining philosophy is ‘Karam’, a term that embodies the spirit of generosity in Arab culture. As such, you can expect the Karam Menu here in the form of a nine-dish Mezze Platter.

Drinks wise, the menu features spice-infused cocktails and wines sourced from the heart of Arab vineyards along with an array of zero- and low-alcohol options. 

The Karam Menu is priced from S$78 per guest for the entire table which includes the mezze platter, soup, a choice of main, and dessert. If you do not wish to go for The Karam Menu, there are also ala carte options to choose from.  

I had the Karam Menu and it started with the gorgeous nine-dish Mezze Platter – Cashew Hummus; Pumpkin Baba Ganouj; Salmon Pastirma, labneh; Mushroom Pastilla, spinach; Potato Croquette, caviar; Kalamata Olives; Levantine Pickles; Smoked Date Butter; Fennel Salad.

To go with the Mezza Platter, freshly baked breads like the Malawah bread are also served where the bread is refillable.  

I love the smooth Cashew Hummus which goes really well with the bread. I also enjoyed spreading the unique Smoked Date Butter on the bread! Overall, it is a very hearty mix from the Mezze Platter where the presentation, colours and flavours are all on point.  

Next up I had the Lobster Shorbat Addas, a small but robust serving of spices, lentils, and tender lobster meat. 

For the choice of mains, do note that some mains options require an additional top-up in price. One of the mains which does not require additional top-up in price is the Sweet Vine Peppers which is uniquely stuffed with halloumi, char-grilled, and cloaked in a shakshuka-esque jackfruit “keema” sauce. 

For lamb lovers, there is the Lamb Porterhouse (+S$42 top up) with ottoman spice rub and celeriac.  The lamb is quite tender and not too gamy.

I enjoyed the Whole Mediterranean Seabass (for two at +S$32 top up per diner) where the fresh fish is deboned, sumac and tangerine-crusted, and served with zaatar yoghurt.  

Alternatively, there is also the Black Hog Tomahwak (+S$32 top up) with smoked mango and urfa biber for some tender pork goodness.

The last part of the Karam Menu is dessert where I had an Arabian classic – Kunafe dessert where the delicious pastry is stuffed with pistachio cream and rose syrup. 

If you still have space for more, there is also the ala carte menu which include the likes of the Sweet Potato Shoreek (S$19), where the tender, braided bread is sheathed with fig-infused fig brown butter. 

For a big group and protein hungry folks, go for the Beef Tomahawk 1.4kg (S$345), an enormous serving which easily feeds 6-8 diners.

I love that the beef is not too fatty with a pleasant beefy flavour, and it goes well with the chermoula sauce over the meat.  

Rants Modern Arabic restaurant might easily sound confusing to some diners since it encompasses a wide range of influences and cuisines.  

Will I Return Again? If you are looking for an exotic dining spot with familiar flavours, The Prince is quite the spot to check out in town. The Karam Menu is quite value for money as it offers a good variety for a “set meal”, not to mention the dining space at The Prince is pretty gorgeous too.   

This was an invited tasting, though all opinions expressed are our own.

TheRantingPanda says:
Taste bud: 4/5
Hole in the pocket: 4/5
Ambience: 4/5
Overall Experience: 4/5

The Prince  
48 Peck Seah Street 
Singapore 079317
Tel: +65 8876 8769 

Opening Hours 
Monday to Friday: 11.30am to 2.30pm; 5.30pm to12am 
Saturday & Sunday:11.30am to 2.30pm; 5.30pm to12am 

Ranted by The Ranter