The Sampan first started as an Asian-inspired restaurant. With a change of Chef, they rebranded into one that offers Asian cuisine with unique interpretation by the Chef. At this trip, I savoured some of the highlights from The Sampan New Ala Carte Menu.

We have previously visited The Sampan when they first opened door to diners. Hence we were in anticipation for the a re-visit to try out their revamped menu.

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The Sampan New Ala Carte Menu

When I was handed over the menu, I was not impressed as it was literally in black and white with no photo of the food.

Appetizers

True to its name, bite-size Silken Egg Tofu Served ($12) with Peanut Sauce and julienne of vegetable fritters made a great starter. One serving is not enough. In fact, I would love to have a bigger portion as Mains.

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Seasoned Japanese Baby Octopus ($12) may not be a novelty, however, it is a crowd-pleaser.

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Half Shell Japanese Scallops ($15/3pcs) is yet another dish that surely captivate the diner’s heart.

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Salads

A hybrid of the Malay and Chinese rojak (salad) result in the Spicy and Tangy Singapore Salad ($15) with lots of cuttlefish and a heavily briny egg. I love the sauce but I would suggest some adaptations. Perhaps, replacing the last item with hard-boiled egg might be a better idea and at the same time, reduce the amount of cuttlefish.

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Noodles And Rice

When we think of Thai fried rice, pineapple fried rice would come into mind. On The Sampan New Ala Carte Menu, the Thai Style Fried Rice ($18) is Tom Yum flavour. We love the amount of wok hei in the rice and a good balance of sour and spiciness. However, I felt they could use a better quality Thai fragrance rice.

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Larger Plates

Beef Cheek Rendang ($26) was yet another highly rated dish. Fork-tender, however I felt that the rendang flavour did not get into the meat itself. The good news was it was spicy.

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Grilled

Daily delivered Fresh Local Seabass ($21) to guarantee the freshness. Sweetish Asian Soya Sauce complemented the grilled fish and the mashed was one of the smoothest I ever tasted.

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Desserts

Silky Local Coconut Pudding ($13) with coffee tuille, charred bread ice cream. The local breakfast of kaya toast and kopi are transformed into this innovative dessert.

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My favourite dessert from The Sampan new ala carte menu is the
Coconut Creme Brulee ($13). A creme brulee that does not use milk but coconut milk alone. Adding a mixed of dried flowers (rose, lavender and osmanthus) was ingenious. I won’t encourage sharing for this dessert.
Totally in love with it.

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NAHMJ Verdict

Though there were hits and miss, overall I was impressed with The Sampan new ala carte menu. I thought the new menu were promising and will surely bring some food for thoughts to diners while savouring the same Asian dishes again.

The Sampan

63 Boat Quay, Singapore 049851
Tel: +65 6732 1698

Website: https://www.thesampan.sg/

Opening Hours

Monday – Friday  1130 to 1430, 1700 to 0000  |  Saturday  1700 to 0000  |  Closed on Sundays

Getting There

By MRT:

• North-South line or East-West line – Raffles Place station
• North East line – Clarke Quay (NE5)

By Bus:

• Prudential Tower along Cecil Street   57, 131, 167, 700, 971
• Opp AIA Tower along Robinson Road   10, 10e, 70, 75, 100, 107, 128, 130, 162, 196, 196e
• OCBC Centre along Church Street   186 , 970
• OUE Bayfront along Shenton Way   10, 10e, 57, 70, 75, 100, 107, 128, 130, 131, 162, 167, 196, 196e, 700, 971E
• Clarke Quay Station along Eu Tong Sen Street   2, 12, 33, 51, 54, 61, 63, 80, 124, 145, 147, 166, 174, 190, 197, 851, 961
• Opp Clarke Quay Station along New Bridge Road   2, 12, 33, 54, 147, 190
• Boat Quay along South Bridge Road   51, 61, 63, 80, 124, 145, 166, 174, 197, 851, 961

Rating: 7/10

*Disclaimer: This was a media invite.