Restaurant Review: No Milk Bistro Serves Comforting Fish Soup and Cool Cocktails in Kampong Glam, Singapore

PUBLISHED May 7th, 2019 05:00 am | UPDATED January 21st, 2020 06:20 pm

Pahang Street in Kampong Glam – Singapore’s hip neighbourhood that’s also the Malay-Muslim quarter – is littered with a number of old-school coffeeshops and fashionable cafes and bars, and No Milk Bistro is its most recent addition. Started by four friends, the eatery prides itself on serving authentic Teochew-style fish soup that was taught to them by a master chef. And as you might have guessed from the name, it’s dairy-free!

This two-storied restaurant sees The Fish Shop Boutique on the first level, and The Rooftop Bistro on the second. The Boutique, which looks similar to the other coffeeshops along the street, is all about traditional local delicacies, and we expect this to be a hit with folks working in the nearby offices during lunch time.

In contrast, the neon-sign lit stairs leading up to the second floor is a conduit to another world. The Rooftop Bistro offers a fusion of modern European and Asian cuisine, and tasty tipples. A set of brown doors near the bar counter, when opened, reveals an al fresco seating area perfect for idyllic evenings.

You can’t visit No Milk Bistro without indulging in a steaming bowl of their signature. Like at your favourite neighbourhood stall, choose from the classic Sliced Mackerel Fish Soup (S$6), or the Fried Fish Soup ($6), which uses sea bass. There’s also the Mixed Fish Soup ($7) if you can’t decide which you prefer. With the conventional seaweed replaced by premium Japanese nori, the broth is richly-bodied and brings forth nostalgic memories of lunch with the family, yet carries unique characteristics that make it distinctive from other fish soups.

Fans of mala xiang guo will be delighted to know that the restaurant also offers their own take on the popular Chinese dish. Featuring the Spicy Fragrant Handmade Egg Noodles With Grilled Pork Belly or Fish Belly ($8), diners get to decide on the various levels of spiciness – from xiao la (less spicy) to da la (extreme spicy). Complete your meal with sides such as the succulent Grilled Pork Belly ($6.90) and Char Siew ($6.90) with an especially dark caramelised layer, making it a dash sweeter than usual. Each side comes with a specific housemade sauce so rest assured there are deep depths of flavours to be had.

As dusk approaches, unwind to an assortment of alcoholic beverages. The Trippin’ Wheat, Weizen ($13) is not only a favourite among diners, but it’s also locally-brewed by Singapore’s very own Rye & Pint Brewing Co. Possessing a floral scent, the beer contains fruity notes of banana and cloves that make it a perfect liquid refreshment for our humid weather.

Looking for something stronger? Their range of cocktails include the Hendricks Elixer ($15) too. Crafted by resident bartender and co-founder Marcus, it’s a light and invigorating drink concocted with freshly-squeezed lime and lemon juice, as well as cucumber and mint.

When a bistro is opened by four guys, you know that the Ladies’ Night specials will be generous (we’re not judging). There’s a wide range of promos at this deal driven nightspot; from 1-for-1 spirits by the glass to 15% off bottles of Korean soju, this is one place to gather the big bunch for a cheap(er) night out on the town.

No Milk Bistro is located at 18 Pahang St, Singapore 198615, p. +65 6291 5854. Open Mon-Sat 11am – 10pm. The Rooftop Bistro open 5.30pm – 12am. Closed Sun.