The Place Located along Outram Road is the newly opened Smolder, a dining concept opened by Fish Farmer Behind Ah Hua Kelong and Scaled. The concept of Smolder is farm-to-table concept with the idea of bringing a coastal backyard barbecue to town. The dining interior takes on a contemporary look and is very spacious, with an open kitchen and a private dining room.

The fun fact is that Ah Hua Kelong floating farm is one of three last remaining kelongs (traditional fish farms) in Singapore today and is situated at both Changi and Sembawang. 

The Food The menu highlights locally farmed seafood caught and delivered on the same day, prepared with minimal seasoning to let their natural flavours shine. At the crack of dawn, the fishes at Ah Hua Kelong are harvested so that they can be delivered before dusk on the same day.  

A variety of fishes are reared at Ah Hua Kelong, including the signature barramundi or seabass, pearl grouper, and golden pomfret. There are also other wild-caught seafood that include green-lipped mussels and crabs. 

For a start, I had the Zucchini & Parmesan Fritters (S$10) which is easy to share. The texture was a tad charred though still admittedly appetising. Goes with the garlic mayo aioli. 

The Elote (S$9) is a lighter starter to have where the grilled sweet white corn is coated with mayo, sour cream, parmesan, chili, garlic, coriander and lime. 

The Octopus and Potato Salad ($S16) is mostly potatoes along with bits of slow cooked grilled octopus and bacon tossed with capers in a red wine vinaigrette.   

For greens, I tried the Broccolini (S$16) where charred baby broccoli goes with homemade romesco sauce; and the Grilled Vegetable Salad (S$16) which is a mix of asparagus, capsicum, onion, eggplant grilled and tossed with lemon pepper. 

For mains, the Burger (S$28) I tried is a grilled wagyu beef patty in a brioche bun along with bacon, cheese. tomato, lettuce and aioli. Served alongside with fried potato, the beef patty is flavourful and tender enough.  

Fish is a must try here and I had the Whole Snapper (700g | S$65) which is just lightly seasoned and fresh. It might sound quite pricey for a whole fish, but this price also includes two side dishes which include the likes of the Broccolini and Grilled Vegetable Salad. 

For something hearty, I had the Portuguese Seafood Stew (S$25) which is a combination of wild-caught green-lipped mussels, clams, and prawns, along with pork belly in a tangy tomato-based stew. The stew goes very well with the accompanying grilled garlic bread.   

For desserts, go for the Olive Oil Cake (S$10) served with airy Honey Whipped Cream Cheese. Chocolate lovers will enjoy the rich Chocolate Cake (S$10) which is a double layered chocolate cake with a chocolate espresso almond cream.  

Alternatively, there is the unique Five Spice Apple Wonton ($15), where the fried wantons are filled with apple – a sweet rendition of the usual meat-filled wontons. 

Rants No direct parking in the restaurant’s exact location so drivers need to park at other options nearby. The team is still fine-tuning some of the flavours of the dishes at the moment.

Will I Return Again? Smolder is a nice casual addition to the Tiong Bahru precinct. If you love grilled dishes and especially local seafood, this is one spot to check out. The dining ambience is also quite relaxed which makes it an ideal spot for small or big group gatherings.

Make your reservations instantly at Smolder here.

TheRantingPanda says:
Taste bud: 3.5/5
Hole in the pocket: 3.5/5
Ambience: 3.5/5
Overall Experience: 3.5/5 

Smolder  
271 Outram Road 
Singapore 169062 
Tel: +65 9888 6849 
 
Opening Hours 
Monday to Thursday: 5pm to 11pm 
Friday to Sunday: 12pm to 2.30pm; 5pm to 1am (Last Order for food 10pm, Last Order for Drinks 12am) 

Ranted by The Ranter