Along the vibrant stretch of Duxton Road, Club Rangoon continues to stand its ground in Singapore's ever-evolving dining landscape. Having first visited shortly after its opening in August 2024, it is heartening to return nearly a year and a half later to see the restaurant not only surviving but refining its identity. In a city where dining concepts come and go with startling frequency, Club Rangoon remains a rare gem — spotlighting contemporary Burmese cuisine, a cuisine still relatively underrepresented in Singapore.
Laphet Hummus 4.2/5
The Laphet Hummus ($14) offers a thoughtful reinterpretation of a familiar staple. Infused with fermented tea leaves, the hummus carries a distinctive Burmese accent that is earthy, umami-rich, and gently herbaceous, setting it apart from its Mediterranean counterpart. The texture is luxuriously smooth, almost velvety, serving as a canvas for the nuanced flavours of laphet and tea leaf oil drizzled atop. This "gentle funk" adds intrigue without overwhelming the palate. Paired with warm, pillowy pita, it becomes an addictive starter that invites repeated scooping.
Short Rib Skewers 4.2/5
The Short Rib Skewers ($18 for 2pc) exemplify the restaurant's knack for balancing richness with brightness. Grilled to tender perfection, the beef boasts a melt-in-the-mouth texture, accented by a light smoky char. What elevates the dish is the Burmese-style chimichurri, sharper and more herbaceous than the traditional Argentinian version, cutting cleanly through the meat's fattiness. The accompanying pennywort salad lends a refreshing crunch and a slightly bitter note, rounding out the dish with finesse.
Samusa Thoke 4/5
A beloved Burmese street food classic, the Samusa Thoke ($12) is a medley of textures and flavours. Crispy potato samosas are broken apart and tossed into a warm, comforting yellow split pea soup, allowing them to soak up the broth while retaining bits of crunch. The addition of shredded cabbage and fresh mint introduces a crisp, cooling contrast, while a squeeze of lime ties everything together with a bright, zesty lift. The interplay between warm and fresh elements makes this dish both hearty and refreshing.
Ohn-No Khout Swel 4/5
The Ohn-No Khout Swel ($20) delivers a comforting bowl of coconut chicken noodle curry. Rich yet approachable, the mildly spiced broth is thick enough to coat each strand of egg noodles and envelop tender pieces of chicken. A halved boiled egg adds an extra layer of richness, while crunchy yellow rice crackers provide textural contrast. With lime and chilli on the side, diners can easily adjust the balance of acidity and heat, making it a highly customisable and satisfying main.
Wet Thar Dan Dauk 4.5/5
A standout on the menu, the Wet Thar Dan Dauk ($34) is a luxurious take on Burmese-style biryani. Fragrant basmati rice, infused with saffron and ghee, forms the base for a generous portion of slow-cooked pork knuckle. The meat is incredibly tender, with gelatinous richness that melts effortlessly on the palate. To offset this indulgence, a side of tangy green mango salad provides a refreshing acidity and crunch, ensuring each bite remains balanced and enjoyable.
Yone Pathay Thee Tofu Kyaw 4.5/5
The Yone Pathay Thee Tofu Kyaw ($22) showcases the depth of Burmese "dry curry" techniques. Featuring okra and tofu stir-fried with a robust masala blend, the dish delivers concentrated, caramelised flavours with every bite. The tofu absorbs the spices beautifully, while the okra adds a tender, slightly crisp texture. A touch of tamarind introduces a sharp, fruity acidity that cuts through the warmth of the spices, resulting in a dish that is both hearty and well-balanced.
Laphet-yay Ice Cream 4.5/5
Ending on a high note, the Laphet-yay Ice Cream ($14) is a creative homage to Burmese milk tea. Smooth and creamy, the ice cream captures the bold, slightly tannic notes of black tea, mellowed by the sweetness of condensed milk. The addition of a banana and jaggery crumble introduces a contrasting texture and a deep, caramel-like sweetness. The interplay between warm, earthy flavours and the cold creaminess of the ice cream makes for a refined yet comforting dessert.
Returning to Club Rangoon, the progression is evident. The refreshed menu feels more confident and cohesive, with flavours that are better defined and more attuned to the local palate without losing their Burmese essence. This second visit not only deepened my appreciation for the cuisine but also highlighted the restaurant's growth in bridging tradition and modernity. In many ways, Club Rangoon continues to play an important role in introducing and evolving Burmese cuisine within Singapore's dynamic food scene.
Note: This is an invited tasting.
Club Rangoon
76 Duxton Road
Singapore 089535
Tel: +65 8190 8827
Website
Nearest MRT: Maxwell (TE Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)
Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu: 530pm - 11pm
Fri-Sat: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 12midnight
Direction:
1) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Cross the road to Duxton Road. Walk down Duxton Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time about 3 minutes [Map]
2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road and walk to Craig Road. Walk down Craig Road towards Duxton Road. Turn right onto Duxton Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 6 minutes. [Map]
