The Mad Sailors British Kitchen, Singapore

World Class British Grub In An Unexpected Corner

Haji Lane is a young, hipster enclave right next to the Arab enclave (Kampong Glam). 

On the hot, weekend afternoon I was there,  Haji Lane was just teeming with tourists, the young, cool and hip.

Haji Lane is possibly the most youthful, the most “rebellious” part of Singapore.  At Haji Lane are funky  boutiques, souvenir shops, wall murals, tattoo parlours and cool cafes. 

Mad Sailors in one such cafe.  Mad Sailors offers British grub and it certainly has the atmosphere to match.  Housed in a two-storey shophouse, Mad Sailors has the look of a very laid back British pub,  though Mad Sailors, a halal establishment, does not serve any alcoholic beverages. 

All the portions served in Mad Sailors are quite big for an Asian appetite.  They may be just right for a Western appetite.

Cheeky Git S$21.90

Braised beef cheek stew with french beans and housemade mash.

The braised beef surprised me.  Firstly,  the beef chunks were substantial and filling.  Then, they were extremely flavourful.  The flavours are complex too— the chef has used herbs and most surprisingly,  there was just the mildest bit of spiciness to give the beef a very subtle, almost indiscernible kick. Though subtle, this kick makes the beef just that much more appetising.  Very clever; a small move like this reaps great returns. 

Also,  since the beef was already very flavourful, they have cleverly gone easy on the butter in the mash.  As a result, the mash is light and a wonderful balance to the flavourful beef.

Atlantic Cod Fish And Chips S$18.90

Atlantic Cod is lean and white with a sweet, delicate taste which flakes tenderly.  Served with handcut chips, fresh slaw and housemade tartar. 

Another unexpectedly quality dish.  The cod seemed fresh, white, firm and free of any odour.  The fried fish and the fried potatoes are not greasy.  The fried potatoes are absolutely delicious. They felt like the freshly made, real deal, not the frozen rubbish you buy from a supermarket. 

I didn’t intend to, but I ended up eating all the fried potatoes.  They were that addictive.  The tartar sauce was delicious too — there is a slight sweetness to it which offers balance to the fried fish and potatoes.

Good Ol’ English Fry up S$23.90

Garlic and herb beef sausage with baked beans, beef bacon, cherry tomatoes, eggs, hash brown, mushy peas, mushrooms and toast

What I missed most about England is their hearty English breakfast.  Imagine having this on a gray, dreary, rainy English morning.  How comforting!  I am so glad Mad Sailors offer this hearty fry-up (EVERY DAY, until 3PM!!!!) so I have an outlet to reminisce about my time in England.

White Chocolate Cake S$7.50

The cake is light and the berry compote at the centre of the cake is tart and refreshing.  Miss Aziemah, who attended to me, took care to scatter some crumbs around the cake, which made the presentation more beautiful and added wonderful texture.

Affogato S$8

Can’t go wrong with this classic dessert.

For a cafe that caters to one-off tourists and usually undiscerning youngsters,  the quality of the dishes far exceeds my expectations.  In particular, I am amazed by the attention to detail (the mild spicy kick in the braised beef, the sweetness in the tartar sauce, the crumbs around the White Chocolate Cake).  These re-creations of traditional British food can stand their own anywhere in the world, even in London. 🙂

The Mad Sailors British Kitchen

24 Haji Lane

Singapore 189217

Nearest MRT: Bugis & Nicoll Highway

Hours

Monday to Thursday; 12pm to 10pm

Friday: 12pm to 11pm

Saturday: 10am to 11pm

Sunday; 10am to 10pm

Tel: +65 8768 0465