For those that missed the food at Wild Rocket by Chef Willin Low when it closed last year, you will be rejoiced to know that Chef Willin has brought the Mod-Sin DNA of Wild Rocket to Relish at Fraser Tower. When night falls, Relish will be transformed into Roketto Izakaya offering a casual dining bar concept featuring modern Singapore small bites and sharing plates, in the evening of Tuesdays to Saturdays.
Fish Collagen Broth 4.5/5
Having not dined in Wild Rocket before, I am not sure what to expect at Roketto Izakaya. Our first dish is the Fish Collagen Broth ($5). The flavourful and milky broth is from the essence of slow cooking the fish bones. No milk is added. The centrepiece is the fish cake that is coated with deep-fried egg. There is even fat choy in the soup. Chef Willin has kept the characteristic of our local fried fish soup but elevated it in his interpretation.
Har Jeong Pork Keropok 3.5/5
The Har Jeong Pork Keropok ($8.50) is quite addictive on its own. The thinly sliced pork belly is deep-fried until bacon-like crispy with the pungent prawn paste flavour. However, I am mix about the kaffe lime mayo dip. I felt that the intensity of the kaffe lime, sort of overpowered the prawn paste flavour.
Tandoori Pappadum Nachos 4/5
The Tandoori Pappadum Nachos ($8.50) is not your typical nachos with cheese dip. Instead, the corn chips are replaced with pappadum and paired with tandoori minced meat and yoghurt. An interesting take giving it an Indian influence.
Aburaage Rojak Salad 4.8/5
The Aburaage Rojak Salad ($15) elevated the local dish with the use of the Japanese aburaage in place of the local tau pok. The 'hae kor" ice cream substitutes the prawn paste sauce for rojak, binding the dish together. This is a brilliant dish that transforms a three dollar hawker dish into a fifteen dollar restaurant dish.
Har Jeong Tin Gai 4.2/5
The Har Jeong Tin Gai ($12) looks like chicken drumstick at one glance. They are really tender and juicy with a light crispy batter.
Curry Chicken Shepherd Pie 4.5/5
I thought the Curry Chicken Shepherd Pie ($15.80) is a crazy idea but Chef Willin actually made that happen, and it tastes delicious. You have to try it for yourself to know how great the combination really works. The curry chicken recipe is super shiok.
Krapow Prata Pizza 4/5
Chef Willin's love of Thai flavours can be seen in the Krapow Prata Pizza ($15). Instead of pizza dough, a crispy prata takes its place. It is topped with spicy minced meat, Thai basil, chilli and cheese.
Nasi Lemak Chicken Wings 3.5/5
The Nasi Lemak Chicken Wings ($8.50) comes with liquid rice and ikan bilis. It is a unique take of the traditional dish. However, it didn't quite excite me. I didn't like the skinny, crispy chicken wings. I prefer those that are tender and juicy.
Rendang Beef Cheek 3/5
While everything has been spot on so far, the Rendang Beef Cheek ($20) pales from the rest. The beef cheek probably has been sous vide which lacks the fibrous bite. The rendang also fell short in flavours and depth.
Char Siew Rice 3.5/5
Unfortunately, I didn't like the Char Siew Rice ($20) too. While the char siew is tender, it didn't have the char and sweetness that made me fell in love with the roast. The brown rice was a bit too hard and dry for me also.
Wild Rocket Chendol 4.2/5
Bur Bur Hitam 4/5, Wild Rocket Strawberry Cheesecake $9.20
For desserts, we have Wild Rocket Chendol ($8.50), Bur Bur Hitam ($7.80) and Wild Rocket Strawberry Cheesecake ($9.20). I would recommend saving some space for these wonderful desserts. I only hope I have a second stomach.
Although I have not visited Wild Rocket, I am glad that I still can taste some of the signature wild rocket dishes, in a more casual form at Roketto Izakaya. Chef Willin's modern Singapore cuisine indeed has brought our local food into a whole new level.
Note: This is an invited tasting.
Relish
Frasers Tower
182 Cecil Street
#02-12/13
Singapore 069547
Tel: +65 69045458
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)
Opening Hours:
Mon: 11am - 3pm
Tue-Sat: 11am - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm
(Closed on Sun)
Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes.