The Best Restaurant of 2023 @ Oud Restaurant, Singapore

Situated on Kandahar Street, ‘Oud Restaurant’ made its debut in mid-September. The name ‘Oud’ draws inspiration from the enchanting scents of perfumes, and it’s this intriguing fusion of fragrance and culinary artistry that guides the utilization of firewood in the restaurant’s kitchen.

Taking the reins at Oud Restaurant are Chefs Indra and Ridz, most notably recognized as the culinary minds behind the popular and budget-friendly burger chain, Burgs by Project Warung. However, their culinary journeys commenced long before they started flipping burgers.

Chef Indra, a co-founder of Burgs, refined his skills under the tutelage of acclaimed mentors like Daniel Boulud and Patrick Hendriroux.

On the other hand, Chef Ridz’s culinary voyage took flight at ‘terra Tokyo Italian’ under the guidance of Chef Seita Nakahara.

Together, they have embarked on the Oud Restaurant venture, motivated by their shared mission to offer outstanding Halal-friendly dining in Singapore.

Oud’s centerpiece is its open firewood grill, which adds a rustic charm to every dish. The crackling flames cultivate an authentic ambiance that enriches your overall dining experience. The enticing aroma of grilled ingredients permeates the air, beckoning you to embark on a culinary journey like no other.

With an open kitchen concept, diners are immersed in the precision and care that goes into meticulously crafting each dish. These elements blend harmoniously to provide a sophisticated yet approachable dining experience that we eagerly anticipate in Kampong Glam.

As for the menu, Oud Restaurant pays homage to the Southeast Asian tradition of savoring food with your hands, aptly named the ‘Use ‘Em Hands’ section.”

Oud Fries with Avocado Mousse $12
(One of each) – Beef Tartare, Spicy Salmon Tartare, Sea Scallops
Unlike the typical slender French fries, these are hearty potato wedges that have been fried to a delectable golden crisp. They are generously adorned with your choice of Beef Tartare (S$4), Spicy Salmon Tartare (S$4), or Sea Scallops (S$4.50).

My personal favorite was the Sea Scallops. They exuded a fresh and sweet flavor, with a subtle sour cream and onion aftertaste that harmonized beautifully with the crispy potato. If you’re uncertain about which one to pick, consider going for the ‘One of Each’ option (S$12) so you can savor all the flavors.

Every table is presented with a freshly baked in-house focaccia, accompanied by a unique homemade butter. Interestingly, the butter’s flavor undergoes periodic variations, and during our visit, we were treated to the delightful furikake butter. This particular butter offered a harmonious blend of creamy sweetness and savory notes, accented by the presence of sesame seeds and nori.

Oudgrilled Corn Ribs With Chilli Oil and Roasted Garlic Aioli $5
The corn ribs were perfectly grilled, offering a delightful smokiness and a subtle char that added depth to the flavor. The Chilli Oil provided a satisfying kick, while the Roasted Garlic Aioli balanced the heat with its creamy richness. The combination of flavors was a harmonious dance on the taste buds.

At $5, it’s not only a treat for the palate but also for the wallet.

Oudgrilled Asparagus $12

With fried egg, ghee hollandaise and truffle sauce

The dish featured perfectly grilled asparagus, with a slightly smoky and charred exterior that added depth to the flavor. What truly set this apart was the inventive combination of accompaniments. The fried egg provided a rich and velvety contrast, while the ghee hollandaise offered a luscious, buttery element that paired exquisitely with the asparagus.

Argentinian Ribeye (250g) $38
With choice of truffle, bearnaise or peppercorn sauce
I had the pleasure of savoring the Argentinian Ribeye with Truffle Sauce, and it left an indelible mark on my taste buds.

The ribeye was a true star – perfectly cooked to my desired level of doneness and bursting with rich, beefy flavor.

What took this dish to the next level was the truffle sauce. The sauce was a masterpiece of flavors, earthy and luxurious, with the unmistakable aroma and taste of truffle. It was the perfect complement to the ribeye, elevating each bite into a gourmet experience.

While $38 might seem like a splurge, the quality and taste of this dish make it a worthwhile indulgence.

Grandma’s Banana Cake $10.50
With vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce 

The presentation was simple but inviting. A generous slice of moist banana cake was beautifully accompanied by a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. The combination of warm, comforting cake with the cold, velvety ice cream created a delightful contrast that immediately won me over.

The banana cake itself was the highlight. It had a rich banana flavor that was not too overpowering, and it was incredibly moist and tender. The cake was sweet but not excessively so, making it the perfect canvas for the vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce. The ice cream added a refreshing coolness, and the caramel sauce provided a luscious sweetness that tied the elements together.

Oud Restaurant

48 Kandahar St, Singapore 198899

Tel: 9727 3048

Oud Restaurant Singapore (@oudrestaurant.sg) • Instagram photos and videos