The Kongsee on Genmill Lane is conceptualised as a mod-sin izakaya with the vibe of an underground lounge, with Chef Willin Low as the food consultant.
Barramundi Ceviche 3.5/5
Barramundi Ceviche ($22) is a dish that was conceived against the backdrop of our local food history and culture. The Barramundi is locally sourced, treated and presented as a Latin American dish with a Southeast Asia flair. It is accompanied by some cold and warm elements for flavour and textural contrast - Pickle Onions, Fried capers, Fried Diced Eggplant, Savoury Ice Cream and mini Papadams, which serve as a vessel to bring it all together. While the concept was good, the flavours of the various elements didn't quite come together.
Kongsee Crab Cake 4/5
As our fondness for Thai food has also shaped our local food scene, the menu also offers a few Thai-inspired dishes, such as the Kongsee Crab Cake ($28), made with Wild Caught Crab in Tom Kha Kai. The flavour of the Crab Cake was reminiscent of the Thai Fish Cake, which was in harmony with the coconut soup. The soup, delectably infused with lemongrass and aromatic kaffir lime oil, added to the cohesiveness of the dish.
Iberico Satay 4.8/5
Salted Egg Prawn 4.2/5
We tried 2 of the Skewers (minimum 2 skewers) that spotlight the quality of the respective ingredients - Iberico Satay ($8) and Salted Egg Prawn ($7). The iberico secreto was grilled to perfection over binchotan, rendering its fats and attaining the right amount of char on the exterior, which fully developed the iberico's tantalising flavours. The accompanying Javanese Peanut Sauce and Pineapple Salsa showcase the restaurant's attention to detail in bringing you the dish's essence. The latter was well executed too. I could taste the Tiger Prawn's sweetness enhanced by the contrasting Salted Egg sauce. It also had a delectable firm, and meaty texture.
Ngoh Hiong Dumplings 3.5/5
Ngoh Hiong Dumplings ($8) is a rendition of our traditional Ngoh Hiong, made with a Crab and Pork mixture wrapped with Bean Curd Skin and finished with a dash of Vinegar. While the mixture was considerably juicy and the flavour was good, it lacked the crunch and sweetness in the absence of prawns and water chestnut.
Roxy Crab Laksa 4/5
Roxy Crab Laksa ($12) is a highly anticipated dish cooked with Chef Willin's Secret Recipe Laksa Broth. The broth undoubtedly captivated me with its robustness. It was pleasantly spicy with a well-balanced of flavours. Though switching prawns with Wild wild-caught crab elevates the finesse of the dish, the comfort and satisfaction of a laksa are missing.
Lamb Kut Teh 4.8/5
Lamb Kut Teh ($32) is by far the best Lamb dish I had in a long time. Whether or not you are a lamb lover, you should give it a try. The soup carried a good amount of heat lent from White Peppercorn, permeated with just a faint gaminess from the lamb. The Lamb Denver Ribs had been grilled over binchotan before serving, which elevated its succulent texture with a contrasting, slightly charred exterior. The smoky nuance inherited by ribs from the binchotan had also made them even more moreish.
Churro Waffle with Kaya Ice-Cream 4.5/5
Rounding off our mod-sin journey was a memorable Churro Waffle with Kaya Ice Cream ($12). Given that the churro was skinner than usual and bore more ridges, it had an excellent balance of crispy golden crust and a chewy, dense, but airy interior. The Homemade Kaya Ice Cream that was nestled perfectly on the churros was on point with our familiar taste of kaya and the right amount of sweetness. The Coconut Cream salted with Shio Kombu enriched the mouthfeel of the dessert and counterbalanced its overall sweetness.
Words by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food. Note: This is an invited tasting.
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The Kongsee
10 & 12 Gemmill Lane
Singapore 069252
Tel: +65 8828 7664
Website
Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Chinatown (DT, NE Line)
Opening Hours:
Mon-Wed: 530pm - 1030pm
Thu: 1130am - 3pm, 5pm - 1030pm
Fri-Sat: 1130am - 3pm, 5pm till late
(Closed on Sun)
Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk down Cross Street towards Amoy Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street and then right onto Gemmill Lane. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]
2) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight down Pagoda Street. Cross the road and walk to Mohd Ali Lane. Walk to the end of Mohd Ali Lane to Club Street. Turn left onto Club Street. Walk to Gemmill Lane. Turn right onto Gemmill Lane. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]
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