Drinks & Bar Bites at 28 HongKong Street
A bunch of us visited 28 HongKong Street recently to wish Y well before her operation and recovery-related abstinence from alcohol. The speakeasy derives its name from its actual street address and reservations are highly recommended.
Truffled Mac & Cheese Balls @ S$12
It was my first visit even though I'd heard a lot of buzz about the place. I was starving, so I ordered the Truffled Mac & Cheese Balls as suggested by the waitress. Served piping hot without any utensils, the golden balls were crisp and oozing with molten cheese when bitten into. I felt like I was in Truffle Heaven as the added earthiness of the divinely fragrant truffle oil that was thoroughly infused within the balls filled my mouth. These are a Must-Try!
Pork Belly Sliders @ S$16 for 3 buns
My friends were peckish even though they'd had ramen for dinner while I made a mad rush from work so we shared an order of Pork Belly Sliders. The succulent pork belly had been drizzled with the Worcestershire-based sauce that accompanied the sliders. Not a fan of Worcestershire sauce, I didn't like having the flavour of the sauce dominating what would otherwise have been a juicy and probably pretty tasty, naturally-flavoured slider.
Surf & Turf @ S$16
One of their daily specials, the Surf & Turf, was available that evening. Though barely discernible from this picture that was taken in extremely low lighting conditions - each skewer consisted of prawns, a beef cube, home-cured bacon and cherry tomato. Given that each item on the skewer has a different cooking time, they were all excellently grilled. Save for the prawns that bordered on the slightly dry side, the beef and home-cured pork belly were cooked to perfection. Definitely a Must-Try if this is available when you visit.
The Nymph Cocktail @ S$20
Paris. 1920's.
Willet Pot Still Bourbon, Bianco Vermouth, Mathilde Cassis Liqueur & a dash of Bitters
My hunger sated, I was ready for drinks. The folks at 28 HongKong are committed to reviving classic cocktails and educating their clientele about the history of the drinks. I started with a classic cocktail that was interestingly named The Nymph. The waitress warned that it was going to be a strong drink as it was pure alcohol without any mixers nor ice to tone it down. Having developed a taste for Single Malt Whisky neat, I was game to try it. This drink was really strong but very good! I loved the caramel flavour of whiskey and blackcurrant flavour from the Cassis Liqueur in this cocktail. It gave me a pleasant buzz and left me yearning for more. The bartender told us that they use premium alcohol that doesn't cause a bad hangover. I'm liking the sound of this even though I'm *ahem* usually pretty teetotaler-ish. *shifting sand with toe & trying to look nonchalant*
Bourbon Old Fashioned Cocktail @ S$15
We were supposed to adjourn for ice cream but I wanted to skip dessert and have another cocktail before retiring for the evening. I ordered a Bourbon Old Fashioned. It was delicious, however after having had a stronger cocktail before that, I felt that it was noticeably weaker due to dilution from the ice that had been added to it. I'm going to have to order it without ice the next time I visit so I can fully savour the ingredients that went into it.
For reasons unbeknownst to us, the "No Photos" policy seemed to be lifted for the evening as the ladies at the table close to us were busy snapping away on their point and shoot camera. We followed suit. :P
28 HongKong Street 28 HongKong Street, Singapore 059667 Phone: +65 6533-2001 (Reservations recommended) Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday: 5.30 pm to 1 am Friday & Saturday: 5.30 pm to 3 am Closed on Sundays.