The Area
Within the bustling city of Singapore, nestled in the CBD area, lies a hill that isn’t quite a hill but rather a collection of post-war, two-storey shophouses. These historic buildings have been transformed into trendy and chic restaurants, catering to the working crowd on weeknights and providing a relaxed hangout spot for everyone on weekends. Ang Siang Hill has been one of the go to places for many to check out restaurants providing Avant Garde cuisine.
The Restaurant
JUNGLE THAI, a trendy 50-seater Thai restaurant, which opens its door in early June, is situated right in the centre of this trendy spot. Offering a fresh take on Thai cuisine, JUNGLE THAI is the perfect spot to explore new Thai flavours paired with a selection of drinks or alcohol. It’s a go to place to chill out, and have small bites and drinks with great company.
The menu features carefully sourced ingredients from various provinces in Thailand, ensuring the highest quality of their dishes.
Entrance of the JUNGLE
The Ambience
The interior is decorated with a trendy table setting of wooden furniture combined with traditional Thai art pieces displayed strategically within the restaurants.
Thai art pieces
Thai art pieces
There’s a turntable and several vinyls as part of the décor which gives a retro vibe.
Turntable and Vinyl
The kitchen is located right in the middle of the restaurant where you get to see the Chefs preparing the dishes using traditional methods such as charcoal to grill the meat.
Opened Kitchen
The Food
Their dishes are primarily designed for sharing, though you can certainly enjoy them all yourself. Each dish is presented that is pleasing to the eyes.
The Starters
Tomato Salad
This off-menu dish showcases the freshness of the ingredients. The cherry tomatoes, in various shades, are mixed with fish sauce and herbs, enhancing the dish’s flavour. Refreshing and appetizing, It’s an excellent starter to whet your appetite.
Lemongrass with Candied Coconut and Dried Shrimp
This is one of the best Thai appetizers we have tried. The pomelo was brought in from provinces in Thailand which has exceptional fragrance and juiciness from the fruit. Combined with the sweetness of the candied coconut and the umami note from the dried shrimp and their secret sauce, this salad is a keeper.
Northern Duck Laab Lanna Spices
Another unique starter is this dish made from duck meats that were diced and marinated with Lanna spices. Savoury, herby and smoky to the taste. Wrapped with the cabbage provided to enhance the overall taste of this dish.
The Main
Grilled and curries are their main courses. Every meat is marinated using their own concocted recipes and the curries are prepared using the finest spices from Thailand.
Northern Style Grilled Pork Sausage
Yes, it’s the sausages you get to eat in Thailand, especially in the Northern part such as Chiang Mai. Now you get to eat it at the convenience here. Made by a chef from scratch. You can be assured of the authenticity and freshness of the dish.
Northern Style Grilled Pork Sausage
At first glance, we mistook this dish for beef brisket due to the colour and texture of the meat, but it turned out to be Smoked Pork Jowl. The meat is incredibly tender and juicy, infused with the flavours of sugarcane and chargrilling. The initial bite tasted like char siew, but not as sweet. Expertly marinated and grilled to perfection, it is served with pickled papaya and Nam Jim Jaew which is a spicy dipping sauce consisting of chilli, fish sauce, lime juice and garlic, elevating the taste to a whole new level.
Southern Style Charcoal Grilled Chicken
To all Thai food lovers, you would have heard of or tried a dish called “Gai Galoe” or Coconut Milk BBQ Chicken. This is the JUNGLE version of “Gai Galoe” where the chef marinated the chicken with his own recipe and grilled it over charcoal to give that smokiness and aroma. Easy to eat and good to pair with the list of wine and cocktails available in house.
Beef Panaeng Curry with Banana Chilli and Pickled Shallots
Southern Crab Yellow Curry with Wild Rice Shoots
Curries are also the highlight of this restaurant Presently, they offer two types: Beef Panaeng Curry and Southern Crab Yellow Curry. Both are creamy with a delightful hint of spice. The beef is tender in the Panaeng Curry which is milder with a hint of peanut taste, while the crab in the Yellow Curry is simply delectable. It’s a rare treat in Singapore to enjoy a crab curry without the hassle of cracking shells for meat! This dish is a keeper. You have the option of white or brown rice, and surprisingly, the brown rice pairs exceptionally well with these curries, enhancing their flavours.
The Dessert
A dinner that ends with dessert is always a delight. While JUNGLE THAI currently offers only one dessert choice, the Grilled Banana Cake, it’s a treat that will satisfy all dessert lovers. Yes, you heard that right—the cake is grilled. The chef boldly experimented with grilling a cake, and the result was fantastic. The cake’s perfect sweetness combines with a smoky chargrilled flavour, creating a whole new dimension of taste. Warm Gula Melaka Caramel is generously drizzled over the cake, and paired with the Chef’s homemade Coconut Ice Cream, this dish is simply irresistible.
Grilled Banana Cake with Gula Melaka Caramel and Coconut Ice Cream Icing Donut with Pandan cream (off menu)
To End The Note
JUNGLE is an ideal venue for chillout with wholesome food as they do have selections of cocktails, wine and other beverages to pair with. Their menu will change every couple of months so do check out their social media or website for new updates.
Website: https://jungle.sg
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jungle.thai
Opening Hours: Tues – Sat 6pm till late
Address: 10 Ann Siang Hill, 069789 Singapore
For Reservations: https://www.sevenrooms.com/reservations/junglesg
Read More by Voice of The Ladies Cue, Veronica Chia