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Smitten By Le Binchotan

by Anton D. Javier
Photographs courtesy of Le Binchotan
05 Apr 2018

Delicious new menu, impeccable service, and charismatic chef — what's not to love at Le Binchotan?

When Le Binchotan opened a year and a half ago, I made an assumption that it was going to be one of those places I would never visit because I wouldn’t be able to afford it anyway. But after a menu rejig and change of hands this year, I’ve already been twice and currently planning my third visit. That says a lot.

So why the change of heart? Le Binchotan’s new approach, spearheaded by the charismatic chef-owner Mr. Jeremmy Chiam, is honest, friendly, and personalized. If you’re a returning customer, Mr. Chiam and his staff will most likely remember what you like and don’t like, and make an effort to ensure your next visit goes the way you want it.

Beyond the stellar service, the dishes are fantastic too, with crowd-pleasers like the Uni & Caviar (corn mousse with bacon broth, smoked sea salt flakes, caviar, and a mound of wild-caught bafun uni, $25) and Edible ‘Charcoal’ (deep fried, charcoal-covered popiah skin stuffed with pulled Angus short rib, and garlic yoghurt, $23) earning very high marks.

Meanwhile, some of my personal favorites from the sharing portion dishes are fuelled by rich umami flavors. These include the Sakura Ebi Cappellini ($27), which is given a Japanese twist by adding Sakura Ebi, shio kombu, and finished off with butter and chives, as well as the Mushroom Risotto ($29) that’s made earthier with a combination of truffle jus and truffle paste and topped with crispy garlic chips.

Visit Le Binchotan at 115 Amoy Street, #01-04 (Entrance via Gemmill Lane), Tel: 6224 1045