Saturday, September 21, 2024

Birds of A Feather @ Amoy Street - Soaring to New Height with A New Cuisine Approach & Refreshed Menu

BirdsOfAFeatherAug24-44

Birds of A Feather has been a staple of Singapore's dining scene for eight years. Now, Head Chef Eugene See is refreshing the menu with bold new creations that continue to merge East and West, all while paying homage to the restaurant's signature Sichuan influences.

BirdsOfAFeatherAug24-2
Crab and Avocado Bruschetta 4.2/5

We started the evening with the Crab and Avocado Bruschetta ($18). This dish features crab tartare mixed with Sichuan-infused guacamole, served atop toasted brioche and finished with pomegranate seeds, caviar, and slices of green apple. The interplay of creamy avocado, sweet crab, and the slight numbing sensation from the Sichuan peppercorns was delightful. The crunchy brioche was a perfect vessel for the toppings, and the pomegranate pops added sweetness — a satisfying and inventive starter.

BirdsOfAFeatherAug24-6
Yu Xiang Eggplant 4/5

Next was the Yu Xiang Eggplant ($18), Chef Eugene's modern twist on the traditional Sichuan dish, Yu Xiang Qie Zi (鱼香茄子). The dish showcases eggplant in two ways — one is braised in house-made Yu Xiang sauce, and the other is prepared escabeche style, pickled in the same sauce. The combination of soft, braised eggplant and the slightly tangy, pickled version was a unique way to play with textures. The rich, garlicky sauce brought everything together beautifully.

BirdsOfAFeatherAug24-11
Ceviche 4/5

The Ceviche ($21) is a vibrant and fresh dish inspired by the classic Peruvian seafood appetiser but with a Sichuan twist. Here, diced Spanish seabass is cured in a Sichuan-style "Leche de Tigre" with pickled ginger and vine pepper oil, which provides an additional zing to the delicate fish. The balance of acidity and spice made it a refreshing and bold offering, though not as Sichuan-heavy as some might expect.

BirdsOfAFeatherAug24-18
Spinach & Mushroom 3.8/5

Spinach & Mushroom ($17) offers a fusion of flavours rooted in a classic breakfast combination but elevated with Sichuan influences. The spinach is topped with toasted pine nuts, smoked bamboo shoots, and rye croutons, finished with fermented Sichuan black soybean sabayon and a drizzle of Tang Cu sauce. The dish was hearty and well-balanced, with the earthy notes from the smoked bamboo adding an extra layer of flavour. The tanginess from the sauce brought a bright contrast to the rich ingredients.

BirdsOfAFeatherAug24-23
Find the Chicken in the Chillies 4.5/5

A fan-favourite and rightly so, the Find the Chicken in the Chillies ($19) is Chef Eugene's playful take on the iconic Sichuan dish La Zi Ji (辣子鸡). Tender, juicy chicken popcorn is wok-fried with a mix of dried chillies, Sichuan peppercorns, garlic, and leeks. The chicken is first coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and then fried twice to achieve an ultra-crispy exterior. It's addictive, spicy, and flavourful — a must-order for spice lovers. One of the best renditions of La Zi Ji I've had in Singapore.

BirdsOfAFeatherAug24-28
Ume Tomato 4.2/5

The Ume Tomato ($14) was a lighter, refreshing dish made with Looye cherry tomatoes sourced from Holland. The tomatoes are marinated in Ume (plum) and served with Ume granite, sour jelly, and salicornia. The combination of sweet, sour, and salty flavours was intriguing, with the tangy granite providing a nice contrast to the sweetness of the tomatoes. This dish is an ideal palate cleanser to order after the spicy La Zi Ji, as it beautifully cuts through the heat and refreshes the senses.

BirdsOfAFeatherAug24-35
Oriental Duck Consomme 4/5

The Oriental Duck Consomme ($28) is a beautiful representation of Chef Eugene's love for roasted duck. The consommé is poured tableside over duck ravioli, braised daikon, black trumpet mushrooms, and cordyceps flower. The broth is clear yet rich in flavour, and the tender duck ravioli was the star of the dish. Each bite was comforting and elegant and showcased the complexity of the flavours in a subtle way. A dish that will impress both fans of Sichuan and French cuisine.

BirdsOfAFeatherAug24-40
Chow Chow Prawn 4.2/5

A Sichuan-inspired take on the American South's chow chow relish, the Chow Chow Prawn ($43) features wok-fried spiced tiger prawns paired with a Sichuan chow chow relish made from cabbage, onions, and bell peppers. The prawns were perfectly cooked, with a slight char that added smokiness to the dish. The chow chow relish had a nice balance of tang and heat, complementing the sweetness of the prawns — a creative and well-executed dish.

BirdsOfAFeatherAug24-46
Loup De Mer 4.8/5

The Loup De Mer ($98) is a whole European seabass cooked perfectly. The fish is served with asparagus, ratte potato, kale, and vine pepper beurre blanc, and then the fish is finished with Sichuan chopped chilli salsa. The crispy skin, with scales left intact, added a delightful crisp to the tender, flaky fish. The beurre blanc had a slight Sichuan kick, making this a dish that marries European finesse with bold Sichuan flavours —definitely one of the menu's highlights.

BirdsOfAFeatherAug24-47
Homestyle Braised Pork Belly 4.5/5

A hearty, comforting dish, the Homestyle Braised Pork Belly ($63) draws inspiration from claypot rice but is elevated with Chef Eugene's signature touch. The tender pork belly is perfectly braised and served with fried kale, tea tree mushroom, garlic rice, and egg confit. For an added indulgence, shaved truffle is available as an add-on. The dish was rich and satisfying, though the price point might be steep for some.

BirdsOfAFeatherAug24-51
Citrus Block 4/5

Birds of A Feather continues to impress with its new menu, blending traditional Sichuan flavours with contemporary Western techniques. Chef Eugene's creative vision shines through in every dish, particularly in standouts like the Find the Chicken in the Chillies, Loup De Mer, and Homestyle Braised Pork Belly. Whether you're a longtime fan or a first-time visitor, this menu refresh brings a sense of excitement and reinvention to the restaurant's already impressive offerings.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Birds of A Feather
115 Amoy Street
Singapore 069935
Tel: +65 9755 7115
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 12midnight
Sun: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

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. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Follow the covered walkway to the junction of Mccallum Street, Telok Ayer and Amoy Street. Turn left at the junction onto Amoy Street. Continue on Amoy Street to the end of the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

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