Hottest restaurant in Yishun, Sembawang and Thomson @ Daruma Tavern, Singapore

I used to live in the north of Singapore.  Apart from Chong Pang Nasi Lemak, I really can’t think of any foodie destination. 

Since they started operations in Apr 2021, Daruma Tavern has quickly established itself as the dining hotspot in the north of Singapore.  On a boring Tuesday evening in the second week of January, the bistro/ beer haven was fully packed.  It was definitely the busiest F&B establishment along the row of shops at The Brooks I & II.  Incidentally,. Daruma Tavern is opposite Nee Soon Camp, which might conjure up bad memories for those who served BMT there like me.  

Oops.

Daruma is the name for Japanese dolls.  The name is a favourite for owners Eve, Alex, Claire and Jeff.  Eve and Jeff expertly manage the front house operations.  It’s clear they have built up a fan base as you see Alex interacting with regular customers and Eve actively going up to customers, introducing herself, and helping them with their selection of beer.  #supportlocal

In line with its Japanese name, there are many Japanese dolls In the decoration of the restaurant.  I heard from the staff that their decor changes seasonally.  For example, when I was there, a big red Chinese lion dance lion welcomed you as you entered the family business  eatery.  If that is not a big enough statement, I don’t know what is.  

Daruma Tavern is open for business everyday at 10am.  They have a breakfast menu consisting of local kaya toast sets and noodles sets.  

What they really shine in is happy hours wine and dine.  They specialize in a really wide, constantly changing roster of craft beers.  Daruma Tavern’s selection of craft beers ranges from local Singaporean beer to Japanese beer to Australian beer.

Santa Lucia Sauvignon Blanc, Chile $10/ glass

Notes of white flowers, pineapples, tropical flowers and dry fruits, a fresh and round palate with aromas of lemon and grapefruit

Besides beer, Daruma Tavern also has wine and whisky.  I started with an ice-cold sauvignon blanc.  It was acidic, refreshing and fruity.  The lemon definitely came through.  

Who says housepour wines are terrible?

Daruma Chicken Wings $5.90/ 3pcs

The chicken wings are a hot favourite item here.  Almost every table orders them.  I can’t say they are ground-breaking.  They are good old-fashioned party food, with thin crispy skin (none of that breaded rubbish) and juicy white meat inside. I have to say though: the chicken wings are huge and they seem fresh (none of the fishy stink of frozen chicken wings).  They go great with beer.  

Mandarin Wheat Beer $11

This is the kind of beer I like best – it is light.  Since it is light, it goes excellent with a variety of dishes, such as the fried chicken wings above and the grilled pork and squid below.

Thai BBQ Pork $12.90

Homemade Chilli

I love this tapas.  It is sweet and has beautiful grill marks.  Combined with the sour, sweet and very mildly spicy homemade chilli, the Thai experience is complete.

Grilled Japanese Ikura (Squid) $19.90

What a statement dish!  The squid arrived big, fresh, firm and free of metallic stench.  

The squid was also expertly grilled and flavoured just enough.  The squid has been mixed with a variety of spices including curry.  The result was savoury and addicting.

Enough of the tapas to go with the beer, I tried the mains too.

Hougang Six Miles Stone Fried Hokkien Mee $7.90

Fried noodles and rice vermicelli with prawns, squid and pork slices

Another one of Daruma Tavern’s hot sellers, the noodles are completely (I mean completely) infused with the sweet rich broth.  This is the best Hokkien Mee I have ever tasted.  The richness of the broth is a testament to how much time and resources they spent making it.  

Heretic Chocolate Hazelnut Porter $13

This is a special beer I recommend as a dessert as I can’t really see this beer being paired with any dish.  I thought it would be sweet but it’s not.  You definitely get the flavour of chocolate though.  

Daruma Tavern definitely enlivens the boring dining scene in the north of Singapore.  I highly recommend coming here for beer and tapas.

Daruma Tavern

25 Springside Green, #01-04, Brooks II Condominium Singapore 786015

Tel: 9734 3484

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