Restaurant Review: Wildfire Chicken & Burgers Blazes Back with Gourmet Burgers & Fried Chicken in Bras Basah, Singapore
PUBLISHED August 29th, 2020 05:00 am | UPDATED September 4th, 2020 01:37 pm
If you haven’t had the chance to check out Wildfire Chicken & Burgers after their relaunch a couple of months ago, it’s time you did. Located in the artsy Bugis-Bras Basah district within the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, expect a tighter menu of show-stopping gourmet buns and crispy yet juicy chooks.
Almost a household name, Chicken & Burgers went on a brief hiatus after the shutting of its 313@ Somerset and Science Park outlets. The downtime saw an overhaul in their menu and management, and the results at NAFA speak for themselves.
Folks who enjoy a quality, no-frills burger, the Classic 001 Cheeseburger (S$9/single, S$13/double) features a nicely charred USDA-certified Black Angus beef patty – mostly thanks to being cooked over their double-ventilated INKA oven fired up with Japanese binchotan charcoal. Can’t get enough of truffles? The Truffled Mushroom Burger (S$12) is right up your alley, with truffled mayo and sautéed mushrooms added to all the components of the cheeseburger. We like how the first bite brings forth a burst of truffle aroma, which slowly gives way to a subtler aftertaste so you can actually have the whole burger to yourself.
The newest addition and rising star in the burger family is the Shabu Burger (S$13), where thin slices of Black Angus Karubi boneless short rib and bunashimeji mushrooms, generously slathered in sweet yakiniku sauce, await between the fluffy brioche buns. Not one for the purists, but it’s beefy, juicy, and oh so delicious.
Los Angeles’ Eggslut might be coming to town, but until then, try Wildfire’s The Eggstarter (S$8). Gorgeous and great all-day (we’re adding Wildfire to our arsenal of all-day brunch spots), the perfectly cooked eggs are creamy and buttery, yet not too watery to lose their shape over time. The melted American cheese melds well with the eggs and we recommend adding crispy bacon (additional S$1.50) for that extra oomph.
Then the unassuming pièce de résistance turns up. The Signature Fried Chicken (S$4.50 per piece, S$12 for three pieces) can be described as a meticulous work of art – not too far from exaggerating since we’re at NAFA. Expertly brined, double-dredged and double-fried, the meat ensconced in the crispy spiced batter is extremely tender and flavourful. Plus, it stays piping hot and retains its heat right down to the middle, so you’re guaranteed a still-warm chicken even if you take your time.
Still hungry? The crisp Truffle Parmesan Fries (S$9) can be paired even with the Truffled Mushroom Burger. For those who are always on the lookout for Golden Chicken Nuggets (S$6/6 pieces, S$8/9 pieces), Wildfire’s version is worth a try with their Chipotle mayo (additional S$1 each).
Cap off your meal with their Burnt Cheesecake (S$6/slice, S$48/whole 8-inch cake). This hot new menu item joins the Basque cheesecake trend sweeping over Singapore and is a strong contender. The texture in the centre is consistently even – reminding us slightly of Japanese-style cheesecakes, even – and goes well with the burnt, crumbly edges of the cake, topped off with a full-bodied caramelisation.
COVID-19 has made many F&B businesses adapt accordingly and Wildfire Chicken & Burgers came out strong to bring out the best they have. Though they have gotten several thumbs-up for their new menu, we see no signs of them stopping – check out their special at the moment: the Ottoman Lamb Burger!
Wildfire Chicken & Burgers is located at 80 Bencoolen Street #01-15, Singapore 189655, p. +65 9198 2673. Open for islandwide delivery and takeaways daily 11am–9pm.
Top Image: Wildfire Chicken & Burgers
