Hidden gastrobar with charcoal-grilled grub & loaded fries

Every meals author has one or two favorite joints hidden below their belt. While we’re normally fairly hesitant to share these locations with most people for worry of producing lengthy queues, I assumed I’d share mine this time. 

Behold, my favorite gastrobar: Birdie Num Num.

Since Birdie Num Num (or Birdie’s, as my associates and I affectionately name it) opened in June 2015, it has been my go-to place each time I needed to wind down after work. 

The solely gastrobar at Kembangan, Birdie’s is a small and cosy joint that serves up imply plates of charcoal-grilled mains and loaded bites, which go completely with an ice-cold pint of beer.

Hidden between a Muslim coffeeshop and a nondescript laptop computer restore store, Birdie’s is situated reverse the soccer area and playground, just some minutes stroll from Kembangan MRT.

My shut associates and I go to this joint so typically that the proprietor has come to recognise us on sight, and sometimes pops by to have a chat with us whereas we sip on our beers. 

In truth, I consider we’ve ordered nearly the whole lot on the menu. Almost.

What I attempted (this time, a minimum of)

If there’s one factor I’d advocate you to order, it might be Birdie’s Sinful Fries (S$13.90). I’ve ordered this dish on nearly each event (not kidding) and it nonetheless by no means fails to impress me.

This plate of loaded fries consists of seasoned hand-cut fries, bonito flakes, a house-made vinegar-based sauce, wasabi mayonnaise and a runny sous vide egg.

Eating the fries grew to become a gloriously messy affair, particularly after reducing into the sous vide egg. 

Deliciously addictive, the crunchy fries had been salty and had a savoury aftertaste. I cherished the slight sweetness from the bonito flakes and wasabi mayonnaise, and appreciated how the house-made vinegar-based sauce helped to chop by means of the jelak-ness of every chunk.

If you’re not a fan of runny eggs, you possibly can think about going for Birdie’s Duck Fat Fries (S$12.90) as an alternative, which consists of hand-cut fries tossed in duck fats and topped with melted cheese. Still equally scrumptious, in the event you ask me.

We additionally tried Birdie’s Kushiyaki (grilled meat and greens on skewers), which is a brand new addition to its menu. 

Here’s what we ordered: Chicken Soft Bone (S$2.50), Chicken Skin (S$2.50), Pork Belly Wrapped Enoki Mushroom (S$3.50), and Pork Belly Wrapped Asparagus (S$3.50).

The Pork Belly Wrapped Enoki Mushroom (S$3.50) was my favorite merchandise from this menu. 

Covered in a sticky candy glaze, the juicy pork stomach was tender and had a tinge of smokiness from its time on the charcoal grill. Plus, the enoki mushroom was delightfully candy and supplied a pleasant crunch.

Be positive to attempt the Chicken Skin (S$2.50) as nicely. While I used to be anticipating one thing just like deep-fried fish pores and skin, Birdie’s rooster pores and skin was surprisingly totally different — in a great way. 

It jogged my memory of crispy pork stomach in the best way that it had a superb quantity of fats and wasn’t utterly brittle, like chips or fish pores and skin.

Birdie’s has an in depth meals menu, starting from pizza to mains, however the one dish I preserve coming again to is its Cheeky Cow (S$20.90) — fork-tender beef cheek seared to crisp, and served with handmade mashed potatoes and backyard salad.

The beef cheek was so tender that we didn’t even have to make use of a knife. Prodding at it with our fork was sufficient for the meat to return aside like melted butter, and I couldn’t wait to style it.

The meat was smooth, smoky and juicy. I cherished the crispy layer of pores and skin, which had been glazed with a barbecue brown sauce. The method this dish melted in my mouth jogged my memory of oxtail, and each mouthful was an absolute delight.

I additionally acquired to attempt its handmade Aglio Olio Pasta with Tiger Prawns (S$19.90), which was tossed in garlic, chilli padi and olive oil.

I used to be shocked to seek out that Birdie’s aglio olio used thick noodles as an alternative, which resembled tagliatelle and even pappardelle. I realised it was as a result of Birdie’s handmade pasta is lower by hand.

They should’ve used numerous garlic on this dish, as a result of every strand of pasta was peppered with finely minced garlic. Each mouthful was aromatic and candy, with a touch of chilli creeping in on the finish. The pasta had a pleasant chunk to it, however I personally would’ve preferred it if the pasta was thinner in width.

While there are a lot of issues I like about Birdie’s, the one factor I’ve come to get pleasure from is its evergreen beer promotion.

Available any time of the day, order 5 pints of beer for S$55, which works out to be S$11 per pint. For this promotion, combine and match from any of its draught beers (Asahi Super Dry, Asahi Super Dry Black, Guiness, Kronenbourg Blanc) or any of its bottled beers (Corona Extra, Erdinger Dunkel, Kilkenny, Tsing Tao).

While I loved a pint of Asahi Super Dry, my colleague went for Birdie’s Latte (S$5) as an alternative.

Coffee is a latest addition to their menu, due to its latest La Pavoni espresso machine. I desire espresso with out an excessive amount of milk, so I actually appreciated how well-balanced this cup of espresso was. Not too candy, not too creamy, with simply the correct quantity of roasted nuttiness to it. 

Aaah, good with its all-day breakfast menu.

Final ideas

Whether you’re in search of the subsequent gastrobar or in search of a spot to relax at after work, Birdie Num Num is well worth the go to. Not solely do they supply heat and pleasant service, however the meals that they dish out can be trustworthy and scrumptious. 

Just a heads up that they do have restricted seating, so be sure you make a reservation through their Facebook or Instagram channels earlier than dropping by to keep away from lengthy ready occasions. I’ve personally needed to wait an hour or two for impromptu date nights at Birdie Num Num, however as at all times, it was well worth the wait. Every single time.

Expected harm: S$15 – S$30

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