Ember at North Canal Road is a woodfire restaurant where the menu is built around dishes prepared over open flames. The offering is concise yet well-curated, spanning starters, sharing plates, and mains, with some creative touches that also make it brunch-friendly.
Signature Cold Angel Hair 3.5/5
For appetisers, the Signature Cold Angel Hair delivered a pasta done perfectly al dente, coated with truffle paste and topped with sashimi scallops and ikura. While the dish was indeed crowd-pleasing with the standard combination, I wonder if the truffle paste can be swapped with an alternative for a more refreshing approach.
Taramasalata Crab Toast 3/5
From the Coals section, the Taramasalata Crab Toast with N25 Caviar offered a fresh spin on the traditional Greek mezze. The assertive char on the bread helped offset the richness of the creamy taramasalata, but an extra crunch or a deeper savoury element would have brought the dish a better balance.
Spanish Octopus Tentacles 5/5
For mains, the Spanish Octopus Tentacles impressed with tender, meaty slices dressed in a vibrant Nam Jim. The piquant dressing drew out the sweetness of the crunchy white corn kernels and tomatoes, layering brightness onto the smoky octopus. Each bite excited the taste buds, with both flavour and textural interplay.
Koji-Aged Grain-Fed Ribeye 3/5
The Koji-Aged Grain-Fed Ribeye delivered robust, beefy flavours, elevated by a well-developed char and further enriched by the accompanying port wine jus. That said, the cooking was noticeably uneven, affecting the overall enjoyment of the dish.
Ember’s Cheesecake 4.5/5
For dessert, Ember's Cheesecake provided a pleasant sweet ending, well-baked with a slightly oozy, luscious core.
Overall, Ember presents a well-thought-out menu, though the execution could benefit from refinement. With woodfire concepts becoming increasingly common, it would be even more compelling if the desserts, too, carried some of those elusive charred flavours to complete the experience.
Photos and 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.
Ember
35 North Canal Road
#01-01
Singapore 059291
Tel: +65 9839 3877
Website
Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay (NE Line)
Opening Hours:
Mon-Wed: 6pm - 10pm
Thu-Sun: 12pm - 4pm, 6pm - 10pm
Direction:
1) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to North Canal Road. Cross the road. Turn right onto North Canal Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]
