Leila @ Teck Lim Road - New Gastro-Bar Where Middle Eastern Comfort Meets Balkan Spice

Leila, located on Teck Lim Road in Chinatown, is the newest gastro-bar in town, offering bold regional flavours from the Middle East and Balkans with a touch of modern sophistication to Singapore's dining scene. The menu spans from comforting breads and mezze to robust grills and reimagined desserts, making it a place well-suited for both casual sharing and indulgent feasting.

Kubana Bread 4/5

We started dinner with the Kubana Bread ($15), a warm Yemeni brioche served alongside creamy tahini and fresh crushed tomatoes. Soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet, the bread is elevated when paired with the nutty creaminess of the tahini and the refreshing acidity of the tomato.

Balkan Anchovy Bruschetta 4/5

The Balkan Anchovy Bruschetta ($21) is a delightful bite. Toasted homemade challah bread forms the base, topped with roasted eggplant cream, salt-cured anchovies, chopped Kalamata olives, cornichons, pickled onions, and finished with Greek olive oil. A complex layering of savoury, tangy, and briny flavours keeps every bite exciting.

Arais Cigar 4/5

Resembling a local spring roll, the Arais Cigar ($24) is made with crisp filo pastry filled with spiced beef, paired with tahini on the side. Crisp, golden, and savoury, it makes for an addictive sharing starter.

Green Chilli Shrimp 4.2/5

The Green Chilli Shrimp ($26) was one of the highlights. Juicy, smoky-charred shellfish is cloaked in a piquant Tatbila green chilli sauce, accompanied by a refreshing chopped salad of tomatoes, cucumbers, and fresh herbs. The combination strikes a delicate balance between heat and freshness.

Beef Kebab Skewers 4.2/5

For heartier fare, the Beef Kebab Skewers ($25) deliver with meaty, well-seasoned bites accented with herbs and chilli. The skewers are further elevated by a robust mashwiya salsa of roasted peppers and tomatoes, accompanied by a drizzle of tahini for added creaminess.

Manseef 4.2/5

The Manseef ($35) is a Balkan speciality worth ordering. Tender minced chicken is sautéed with onions, pine nuts, and cherry tomatoes, and sits atop hummus and tahini, finished with a dollop of harissa. Bold, nutty, and fiery, it's a dish where you'll want to save some Kubana Bread to mop everything up.

Tripoli Freekeh Fish 4.2/5

Another standout is the Tripoli Freekeh Fish ($35). Market-fresh fish fillet is paired with freekeh, a smoky Middle Eastern grain, and served in a slow-cooked spiced tomato sauce. It’s hearty and comforting, yet refined.

Knafe 4.5/5

Ending on a sweet note, the Knafe ($21) is the star of the evening. This modern take on a classic Middle Eastern dessert features crispy kataifi pastry, stretchy mozzarella, cinnamon, pistachios, and ice cream. The play of textures and aromatic spices made this the most memorable dish of the night.

Leila stands out for its ability to blend Middle Eastern and Balkan flavours with a touch of modern elegance. From hearty meats to vibrant small plates and a must-try dessert, it’s a place that invites you to dine, share, and discover bold yet balanced flavours.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Leila
12 Teck Lim Road
Singapore 088387
Tel: +65 8016 4117
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Nearest MRT: Outram Park (EW, NE, TE Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 6pm - till late
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk straight down New Bridge Road. Turn right onto Kreta Ayer Road. Walk down Kreta Ayer Road. Turn right onto Keong Saik Road. Walk down Keong Saik Road. Turn left onto Teck Lim Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Walk straight down Neil Road. Turn right onto Teck Lim Road. Walk down Teck Lim Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Filo Bistro @ Upper Thomson Road - Family-Run Bistro Offering Western Cuisine with Asian and Local Influences

"First in, last out" is what Filo Bistro set out to achieve when it first opened its doors at Upper Thomson a year ago. Unlike the more casual dining spaces in the vicinity, Filo offers a more elevated yet cosy experience, one meant to be so memorable that guests feel reluctant to leave, living up to its motto of being the "first in, last out." The team has now decided to bring together the most beloved dishes from both the Brunch and Dinner menus into a single Unified Menu, launching on 1 September.

Crispy Halibut 3/5

To start, the Crispy Halibut with Yuzu Mayo ($18) made for a delightful finger food. The airy batter encased firm and flaky slices of halibut, while the citrusy yuzu mayo added a creamy lift to the overall mouthfeel. However, I preferred a thinner crust, considering that the flesh is rather delicate.

Asahi Clams with Sourdough 5/5

From the appetisers, the Asahi Clams with Sourdough ($22) was a standout. Its soul lay in the broth, crafted with Asahi beer and Japanese sake, an aromatic mix carrying a waft of alcohol, a depth of umami from kombu, and natural sweetness from the clams. The toasted sourdough bread was served as a vehicle to soak up all the goodness of the broth, though it would be more practical to serve them warm in a basket lined with cloth rather than in a dim sum steamer.

Hokkien Mee Paella 4/5

The menu highlights Western cuisine with Asian and local influences, most evident in the Hokkien Mee Paella ($32). The rice was well infused with the flavours of a rich pork bone and prawn broth, offering both bite and depth. An assortment of seafood ingredients gave the dish a hearty texture, while the use of calamansi in place of lemon was a brilliant nod to a local delight. Still, the addition of a punchy sambal further reinforced that connection.

Aged Crispy Pork Belly 2.5/5

Less successful was the Aged Crispy Pork Belly ($32). While the skin delivered the desired crunch, the meat itself was tough, and the flavours didn't quite benefit from the ageing process. The accompanying Thai curry barley risotto, though robust in flavour, leaned overly creamy and somewhat cloying, as the barley seemed to have been stirred into a curry cream base rather than cooked together. A more balanced approach could be presenting the risotto topped with bite-sized pieces of crispy pork belly, allowing one to enjoy both elements in a single spoonful and achieve a better harmony of textures and flavours.

Eternal Blossom, Filo Signature

To complement the food, the drinks menu features curated gin-based cocktails such as Eternal Blossom, alongside a thoughtful selection of coffees and teas. An interesting option is the iced Filo Signature, a mild coffee infused with pandan extract, prepared in-house.

For those seeking a more intimate dining spot in the Upper Thomson area, Filo Bistro offers a distinctive alternative, presenting an elevated yet homely 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.


Filo Bistro
265 Upper Thomson Road
Singapore 574392
Tel: +65 8347 5888
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Nearest MRT: Upper Thomson (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Thur - Tue: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 10pm
(Closed on Wed)

Direction:
Alight at Upper Thomson MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]