Craving decent foie gras at less than $10? Saveur is the place to go to.
Think of French dining and images of pompous wait staff, delicate food in small portions, grand décor and an even ‘grander’ bill that can feed someone for a week come to mind. Saveur is exactly the OPPOSITE of that. Affordable French dining, seriously? That was the objective of the two chefs Joshua Khoo and Dylan Ong – introducing quality yet very affordable French cuisine to the masses. Which they did extremely well.
The two chefs did stints at various fine diners like Guy Savoy, Fifty Three and Tetsuya’s in Sydney before starting Saveur in May 2011 at the most unlikely place – tucked away in a corner of Ali Baba coffee shop at East Coast Road. My mum used to buy the pasta and duck confit home, and it was amazing it still tasted good even hours later.
Photo: Saveur
The coffeshop stall became so popular that the duo moved into proper restaurant premises along Purvis Street within a year.
There is no reservation system so either get there promptly when the restaurant opens, or be prepared to wait up to an hour. Tiny secret – there is a hidden table for 1, so if there’s only 1 of you, go ask and you may be able to whizz right through the line, hiak hiak.
If zee French are eating here, it muzz be goodzzz… ;)
Due to the low pricepoints, most of Saveur’s crowd are youngsters and casual gatherings among friends.
The menu is short and sweet, focusing on the most popular dishes. Also do look out for the seasonal specials.
The restaurant is always a FULL HOUSE.
Duck Salad ($5.90)
My uber fave – Pan-seared foie gras served with creamy lentils & pickled pearl onion
Go for the apple-infused port wine version if you like it sweet (I prefer this).
Seasonal Specials
Chef preparing the restaurant’s popular dish – Saveur’s Pasta
SAVEUR’S PASTA tossed with chilli oil, fine-chopped Japanese konbu
& sakura ebi with minced pork sauce ($4.90)
At $4.90, it is a complete steal.
What to have for mains – fish, duck, chicken or beef? :)
I have to qualify that all the food shown were amassed from several visits, not just a SINGLE visit although I look like I can eat for an entire village, haha
Beef Bourguignon
Beef short rib braised in red wine served with root vegetables, meslun salad
& potato au gratin ($16.90)
OMG, the meat was so tender it melted in my mouth. The starch-phobic in me even managed to finish up the potato au gratin! Fat me die.
Duck leg confit, homemade mashed potato, sauteed shitake mushroom,
orange segments & orange infused natural jus ($12.90)
The duck is dry and not oily (which I like!), and I was able to finish the entire portion without getting sick of it. Nice.
Pork belly served with creamy green lentils, soft boiled egg & natural jus ($10.90)
CHICKEN ROULADE – thigh stuffed with foie gras-infused chicken farce,
creamy basmati rice & parmesan sauce ($9.90)
Pistachio Panna Cotta ($6.90)
Mmmmmm…desserts make me a happy gal! :)
TEXTURES OF CITRUS – Blood orange jelly with orange granite, freeze-dried pineapple,
feuilletine, citrus segments & lime zest ($6.90)
A must-order for those who like sour foods, will definitely perk you up.
Crème Brûlée with compote of mixed summer berries ($6.90)
My fave activity is to hit the crust with a spoon, that’s so fun! :D
Tofu Cheesecake with Passionfruit Sauce
And the final dish, is SO pretty I didn’t have the heart to eat it – for 5 whole minutes. Gluttony got better of me, and it was yumz!
Saveur is a great place for casual dining with your friends (or first dates) and not burn a hole in your pocket. The dishes are quite standard but well-made, but do not come expecting delicate, fine French food. I will definitely visit the restaurant whenever I crave for the sinful foie gras, or urge for some affordable gourmet indulgence.
SAVEUR
5 Purvis St #01-04
Singapore 188584
Tel: +65 6333 3121
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun 12:00PM – 2:15PM, 6:00PM – 9:15PM
Far East Plaza #01-07b
14 Scotts Road
Singapore 228213
Tel: +65 6736 1121
Opening Hours: Mon – Sat 11:30AM – 9:30PM; Sun 11:30AM – 9:00PM
Website: http://www.saveur.sg
1.296727
103.854949
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