Nuzzled among the heritage shophouses of Tras Street, Pulsii French Bistro is a chic yet unpretentious dining spot that brings a touch of Parisian bistro charm to the edge of the CBD. Helmed by Chef Daisuke Yoshikawa, whose culinary experience includes time in Michelin-starred Japanese kitchens, the restaurant presents a menu that marries classic French techniques with Japanese ingredients and a distinctly modern approach.
The menu ranges from approachable small plates to more substantial mains, with dishes showcasing Chef Daisuke’s precision and affinity for open-fire cooking. For the weekday crowd, Pulsii also offers a 2-course set lunch at $20 and a 3-course set lunch at $35, making it an attractive option for a leisurely yet reasonably priced meal.
One of the biggest draws, however, is the Steak Frites Lunch Special at just $19.80++. Available from Monday to Saturday, only 20 portions are offered each day, so early arrival is recommended.
Bread and Yuzu Cheese Spread 3.5/5
We started with some Bread and Yuzu Cheese Spread, a simple yet pleasant bite to ease into the meal. The bread provides a soft, comforting base while the yuzu-infused cheese spread adds a gentle citrusy brightness, giving the otherwise creamy spread a refreshing lift.
Shima Aji Carpaccio 4.5/5
The Shima Aji Carpaccio ($24) makes a light, refreshing starter. Thick slices of Japanese Shima Aji are served with ponzu and mustard vinaigrette, pairing the fish’s naturally clean, subtly sweet flavour with pleasant acidity. The Shima Aji has a firm yet delicate texture, while shaved fennel stem and microcress add freshness and a slight crunch. The mix of Japanese ingredients with French-style presentation gives the dish a refined yet uncomplicated character, keeping the quality of the fish as the focus.
French Onion Gratin Soup 4.2/5
A comforting classic, the French Onion Gratin Soup ($16) is built around onions slowly cooked down until deeply caramelised, sweet, and jammy. The resulting broth is rich and intensely savoury, with the natural sweetness of the onions shining through. Topped with toasted bread and a generous layer of melted cheese, the soup delivers plenty of textural contrast — from the bubbling, gooey cheese to the bread that soaks up the deeply flavoured broth. It is hearty without being overly complicated, and certainly one for those who enjoy the comforting flavours of traditional French bistro cooking.
Lamb Skewer 4/5
The Lamb Skewer ($20) takes a more rustic direction, with the lamb cooked directly over an open woodfire flame. The high heat creates a nicely charred exterior while helping to retain the meat’s natural juices. The smoky notes from the woodfire add depth, giving the lamb a robust grilled character without overwhelming its natural flavour. Served with Japanese egg yolk, the yolk’s richness provides a creamy accompaniment to the smoky lamb, making this a satisfying small plate to share.
Japanese Kinmedai 4.2/5
For the mains, the Japanese Kinmedai ($58) showcases Chef Daisuke’s Japanese-French approach particularly well. Kinmedai, a prized deep-sea Japanese fish, is known for its rich, fatty flesh and delicate texture. Here, the fish is cooked over an open woodfire, allowing the skin to develop a beautifully charred exterior while keeping the flesh tender and moist. It is served with savoy cabbage tapenade and a dry vermouth cream sauce, which brings a combination of earthy, vegetal and creamy flavours to the plate. The smoky char from the fire complements the fish’s richness, while the sauce adds another layer of savouriness without masking the Kinmedai’s delicate character.
Steak Frites 4.2/5
Pulsii’s standout value proposition is its Steak Frites Lunch Special at $19.80++. Available Monday to Saturday at lunch, the special includes a 250g steak, crispy fries, and a seasonal green salad with Pulsii’s signature dressing. Only 20 portions are available each day, first come, first served, until sold out.
For the price, the portion is particularly generous. The steak is cooked over an open flame, leaving a nicely seared, charred exterior while keeping the centre tender and juicy. The open-fire cooking also lends the meat a subtle smokiness that works particularly well with the classic bistro-style preparation. The accompanying shoestring fries are crisp and golden, providing the essential crunchy counterpart to the juicy steak. A fresh seasonal salad rounds things off, adding some acidity and freshness to cut through the richness of the meat and fries.
Mille-Feuille with Vanilla Ice Cream 4.2/5
To end, the Mille-Feuille with Vanilla Ice Cream ($15) offers a classic French dessert with a satisfying play on textures. The puff pastry is baked until crisp, buttery and caramelised, creating delicate layers that shatter with each bite. Sandwiched between the pastry are smooth, creamy layers that contrast beautifully with the pastry’s crispness. Served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, the dessert gains another dimension as the cold, creamy ice cream slowly melts into the warm pastry. The combination of buttery pastry, creamy filling, and vanilla makes for a comforting, indulgent finish without feeling excessively heavy.
For those working around the CBD, the $20 2-course and $35 3-course set lunches make Pulsii worth considering for a weekday meal. At the same time, the $19.80++ Steak Frites is particularly hard to overlook for its generous 250g portion and limited daily offering.
With its stylish setting, approachable pricing and a menu that blends French and Japanese influences, Pulsii French Bistro offers a refreshing dining option along Tras Street — whether you’re dropping by for a quick business lunch or settling in for a more leisurely meal.
Note: This is an invited tasting.
Pulsii French Bistro
55 Tras Street
Singapore 078944
Tel: +65 96898407
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Maxwell (TE Line)
Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 2:15pm, 6pm - 11pm
(Closed on Sun)
Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Tras Street. Turn right onto Tras Street. Walk down Tras Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]
2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 2. Turn left and walk down Tanjong Pagar Road. Turn left onto Tras Street. Walk down Tras Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]
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