Sichuan restaurants are getting so popular in Singapore (who’s a fan?), and Chengdu Bowl nestled in the vibrant Tanjong Pagar neighbourhood is one to provide that different modern experience.
Yes, spicy Sichuan food in an contemporary, comfortable air-conditioned environment. No worries about sweating obsessively.
Brought by the team behind Chengdu Restaurant 成都 and Numb, you may remember Chengdu Bowl as the delivery-only grain bowl brand.
It has developed into a standalone physical unit which presents popular Sichuan dishes with a modern take.
If you just look at the exterior and interior, people may mistake it for a hipster café.
As the sun shines through the floor-to-ceiling windows during the day, the warm ambiance creates an inviting atmosphere for a quick and fuss-free lunch.
Come evening, the dimmed lighting sets the stage for a more vibey lounge feel with innovative drinks and fusion dishes, making Chengdu Bowl an ideal gathering spot with friends.
Menu-wise, Chengdu Bowl presents a blend of Sichuan cuisine and contemporary dining trends, with options ranging from grain bowls, noodle bowls, ‘tapas’, and classic Sichuan-style dishes great for sharing.
Let’s dive into the highlights of Chengdu Bowl’s offerings:
Flaming Beer Roasted Duck ($38.80)
The signature 火焰啤酒烤鸭 is a unique and mouthwatering dish that combines the rich flavours of roasted duck with a fiery twist.
The dish begins with a whole duck marinated in a flavourful mixture of spices, herbs, and seasonings, such as Sichuan peppercorns, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce.
The marinated duck is then carefully roasted until the skin turns crispy and golden brown, then wok-fried with other ingredients.
What sets this dish apart is the final step, where a special beer mixture is poured over the duck and ignited, creating a spectacular flame. Get your handphone ready to capture those flames.
The flame not only adds a visual element, but also imparts a subtle beer-infused aroma to the meat.
I would say let it simmer like a hotpot, which results in a succulent and juicy duck which absorbs the sauce with further depth of flavours.
Classic Spicy Chilli Chicken with French Fries ($24.80)
This is Chengdu Bowl’s version of the popular Sichuan-dish of “La Zi Ji”
The dish features chicken pieces that are first marinated with a blend of Sichuan spices, including chili peppers, Sichuan peppercorns, garlic, ginger, and various aromatic seasonings.
The marinated chicken is then deep-fried until it achieves a crispy exterior while retaining its juicy and tender interior. Crispy fries is also added to the mix.
If you like your “La Zi Ji” that is crispy with tender meat, yet not too greasy or salty, then this is for you. Great to go with drinks.
Sichuan Spice Braised Beef Bowl ($13.80 for regular, $15.90 for large)
Chengdu Bowl’s signature item are grain bowls which offer a healthier alternative for your lunch outings.
Each bowl is composed of one main, six side dishes, one base, and one secret sauce for the balance of flavours, texture, and nutrition.
Options include Chengdu Classic Sour Fish Bowl, Braised Pork Belly Bowl, Signature Stir-Fried Ox Tongue Bowl, Fiery Sichuan-Style Mala Chicken Bowl, Tender Pork Belly with Meicai Bowl, to Peppery Punch Black Pork Bowl.
I was recommended the Sichuan Spice Braised Beef Bowl, topped with tender braised beef which is infused with Sichuan spices. I liked that there were substantial greens – Sichuan food does not have to be oily.
Sichuan Dan Dan Noodle Delight ($12.80)
Noodle wise, there are the Tangy Sour & Spicy Beef Noodle Soup, Savoury Braised Beef Noodle, Mapo Tofu Tossed Noodles, to Flaming Chilli Chicken Noodles.
One standout dish is the Dan Dan Noodle. Prepared with healthier spinach noodles (that’s why it wil look greenish), the bowl features richness of stir-fried minced pork, complemented by the crunch of the purple cabbage and carrots strips.
Chengdu Bowl also offers Sichuan-style ‘tapas’, and these delectable small plates go beyond the typical “mala” (numbing and spicy) flavours.
Sichuan Spiced Mouthwatering Spicy Chicken ($13.80)
Inspired by the classic dish of “Kou Shui Ji”, the soft and tender chicken was infused with mouthwatering spices that would leave a lingering heat on your palate.
Spicy Barbecued Dried Tofu Tapas ($9.80)
Showcases the unique flavours of Sichuan cuisine, combining smoky grilled tofu with aromatic sauce.
Spicy Kelp Delight Tapas ($6.80)
Provides a refreshing and tangy contrast with its cool and crisp marinated kelp strands.
Classic Spicy Assorted Skewers ($16.80)
Available in both Red Chilli Oil and Green Pepper Sauce variations, these skewers which feature succulent meats and vibrant vegetables, offer a medley of flavours and textures.
Strange Flavoured Peanuts Tapas ($5.80)
For nibble to go with drinks, an addictive option is the 怪味花生小碗菜, which translates to “Unusual Flavoured Peanuts”.
There is nothing really ‘strange’ about this, but crunchy peanuts which are part-sweet and part-spicy – you would find it hard to stop at one.
Also don’t miss the unique cocktails – some are served in traditional earthenware pottery.
For a refreshing option to pair with the heaty dishes, try the Chengdu Summer Breeze ($21.80, $46.80), featuring gin, pineapple, and cool cucumber slices to cool down the spice.
If you prefer a smoother taste, Enchanted Wulin World ($26.80) offers a delightful combination of gin, yuzu-infused honey, and grapefruit. 干杯 Gan Bei!
Chengdu Bowl
120 Tanjong Pagar Road, #01-01, Singapore 088532
Opening Hours: 10am – 3pm, 5pm – 10pm (Mon – Sat), Closed Sun
https://www.chengdubowl.com
