Some people would asked me where to go to experience the night out scene in Singapore. I know are quite a few spots all around the Lion City for a great night outing but I would readily say, “Clarke Quay!” Clarke Quay offers you a lively atmosphere to enjoy a night of drinks, food, music, dancing and lots of fun possibilities.
Recently, a new establishment has joined Clarke Quaye’s colorful atmosphere. Shui Gastrolounge just opened to the public last December 2015. It is strategically located in front of Gmax so it shouldn’t be missed by night owls looking for an awesome night of food & drinks.
Shui Gastrolounge have a masculine cool interiors with its dark wood tables, textured cement walls and dim yellow lighting. You would feel the cozy chill vibe of the place, nothing fancy or pretentious. It’s a place that you feel you can come as you are but still come off as a cool cat hanging out in a well-designed hang-out place.
You also opt to enjoy your food and drinks alfresco while sight-seeing as the riverboat cruises passed by and taking a peek of the lively bright night all around Clarke Quay. Shui Gastrolounge offers live deejay nights every Friday evening and a live band on Saturday evenings which starts at 8PM. They also provide a TV screen for football enthusiasts to enjoy watching the game. And during football nights, they get to enjoy a buy-one-get-one-free deal on their beers. Isn’t that awesome?
My date for the night is my fellow foodie friend, Jas, who knew a thing or two about gastrolounge after living a few years in the United States as well as a seasoned traveller around the world. Gastrolounge concept was launched after there was a note of the poor quality of food served in pubs and bars where the drinks were the highlight but with little emphasis on the food. However, a couple of guys who loves to enjoy cold alcoholic drinks with good food decided to introduce to the public a venue for both quality drinks and food. So basically, gastrolounge or gastropub is a term use for a bar and restaurant that served high-end beer and food.
Shui Gastrolounge has this really cool approach in how their customers would choose their wines/spirits for the night. No wine/spirits list needed. In one side of the restobar is rack and a chiller for the drinks to choose from. I love this no-nonsense approach. I know most men & women would like to just go over the array of bottles, grab the bottle that calls for them and head to the cashier to pay for it. The price is on the bottle for the customer to check before paying. Easy peasy, I love it!
We were happy to meet Lawrence Khong, the owner of Shui Gastroloungei. His laid-back and cool personality reflects every bit of Shui Gastrolounge’s charm. This was surprisingly Lawrence first venture into the food & beverage business but his passion and dedication to this new business sparked a fire to continue providing the best service for his growing customers. Along with him, he has Jeremy Poh, food consultant and chef to help him in offering his customers with exemplary menu for his customers to enjoy. The ever sweet-smiling chef explained to us that he draw inspirations from Asian influences, food that reminds you of home and childhood with a bit of subtle flair and high-quality presentation. Jas and I were ready and excited to try the foods Shui Gastrolounge has to offer.
TRUFFLED FRIES ($9.00)
I been loving fries now especially during this pregnancy. Add in some truffle oil and Jas (who is also a big fan of truffle oil) & I are a couple of happy gals. This comes in shredded seaweed and roasted sesame. The truffle oil was perfectly added into the fries, not too much but just right. We can’t help but dig into this.
SAMBAL TUMIS PRAWN BOWL ($10.00)
I am not a fan of spicy food but this dish really surprised me. Jas and I agree that this definitely is one of our favourite dish. It was spicy sweet and the texture of the prawn was just right. Jas even took a spoonful of the sambal sauce when we finished off the prawn. Having the the cucumber on the side was great to counteract with the spiciness of the dish. The spiciness of this dish is tolerable for someone like me who is not a spicy-food eater.
SMOKED DUCK SLICES ($13.00)
This is also another of our favourite dish. We were informed that this is a Japanese-influenced in cooking this duck. It was cut into a perfect slice of not too-thin nor too-thick. Sesame seeds are tossed on the duck slices with drizzle of its special sweet sauce and salad on the side. It was tender and succulent. I was wishing for a bowl of rice to pair it with this dish.
SHUI’S SIGNATURE DRUMLETS ($10.00)
These chicken drumsticks are a perfect match to a cold beer. It has this distinctively unique chicken coating that is different from the regular chicken coating I have tried before. It was crispy and not dry. It can be bit oily so have some extra serviette on the side because these are best enjoyed eating using your hands. I am not really into the sauce that came with it. I prefer it with the regular ketchup instead.
SNAPPER FILLET ($27.00)
Doesn’t look like perfection? It is pan-grilled with a flavourful broth and sautéed vegetables. It has this creamy texture beneath the fish. We first tried it without the broth and cream then when we did, it was even better.
SHUI’S DUO CHICKEN FILLET ($20.00)
Going on a date night? This is a good choice for dinner. It is a Harashi-rubbed grilled chicken fillet and lemongrass & ginger-infused grilled chicken fillet that comes with truffled mash potatoes and vegetables. Jas, the truffle-lover, noted that there was a generous amount of truffle in the mashed potatoes that was much appreciated. The chicken fillets were juicy and tender. I am not sure though which is the Harsh-rubbed and the lemongrass & ginger-infused.
For drinks, Jas got the Somersby Apple Cider ($10.00).
Somersby Apple Cider is an original apple juice drink with 4.5% alcohol.
I opted for a refreshing non-alcoholic Cranberry Juice ($5.00). Maybe after I give birth, I will try some of the spirits available in the Shui Gastrolounge.
Shui Gastrolounge is a great place to check out if you are dropping by Clarke Quay for night of fun and relaxation. It has a very cozy ambience and the service is excellent with its very friendly, accommodating staff. It is place that would be a good hang-out spot for your friends when you want a regular place to go to for wide variety of drinks and quality yet affordable food.
Shui Gastrolounge
Clarke Quay Central
#01-15, 6 Eu Tong Sen Street
5 minutes away from Clarke Quay MRT
Tel. no. :6225 9388
Email: enquiry@shui.com.sg
Website: www.shui.com.sg
Facebook: shuigastrolounge
Disclaimer: This was a private food tasting event by Shui Gastrolounge. The food tasting was free. No monetary compensation is involved. All thoughts and opinions are 100% mine.