Finding the right restaurant that will please a huge group of friends or colleagues may be difficult.
You may get a scenario like this: Meredith prefers Chinese food, Alan is craving a hearty steak, Niki is all about the Instagram aesthetic, and Luke wants to chill out at an alfresco dining spot over some booze… well, you get the drift.
And the next time you face an issue like this one – do what I would do: bring them to Beast and Butterflies.
A stylish restaurant at Robertson Quay, Beast and Butterflies offers a cosy indoor dining setting and an alfresco dining option against the backdrop of the Singapore River.
When I step into the restaurant, I noticed a good crowd made up of groups of friends and colleagues bonding over flowing conversations. The energy was buzzing yet comfortable.
More importantly, it has an extensive menu that will satisfy any palate, amazing cocktails and wines that will set the mood for conversations, as well as daily promotions that you can’t say no to. Read on for our review and more information!
A menu that please a variety of palates
As AVENUE ONE sat down for dinner at Beast & Butterflies, the first thing that immediately struck us was the wide variety of dishes in its menu.
With a menu that’s inspired by cuisine from all over the world, it has everything from gnocchi and risotto for Italian food-lovers, lobster roll and cheeseburger if you prefer something hearty, and even elevated local dishes such as Mee Tai Mak Laksa and Nasi Goreng.
For starters, I ordered the Torched Salmon Tartare (S$21), a beautiful dish shaped like a butterfly that’s great for the ‘gram and generous enough for sharing.
This appetising dish is put together with avocado, ikura, and sliced shallots. Ginger Oil and orange syrup are used to bring out the ingredients’ flavours and you get additional texture with the inclusion of tempura bits and garlic chips.
For mains, I highly recommend the Crispy Pork Knuckle (S$22 for half, S$36 for full). This traditional German delicacy is given an Asian twist as it’s served with a refreshing Sesame Soy Asian Sauerkraut and a moreish Spicy Nam Jim Sauce.
Presented in easy-to-dig-into pieces, the Crispy Pork Knuckle can be eaten as a main by one person or shared among everyone at the table. Either way, the sauce is so addictive, you’ll find yourself going for one piece after another.
For those who prefer fish, you’ll be delighted by the Cod Papilotte (S$32). Cooked using the French technique of baking the cod in parchment paper, this dish is doused in superior soy sauce, giving it an Asian flavour.
I love that the papilotte cooking method makes the fish softer and less oily, while the Chinese-style of seasoning makes it feel homely and comforting. This was my favourite dish of all the items I had tasted, and I would certainly order it again the next time I visit.
Those who are looking for an impressive photo for Instagram or can’t resist Chinese food have to go for the Lobster Porridge (S$40).
This is a Teochew-style Lobster Rice Porridge that’s cooked in Crab Broth. The decadent dish is also served with Braised Baby Abalone and Crispy Conpoy, and finished with Bonito Flakes, Fried Shredded Ginger, and Fresh Scallions.
Savour the generous portion of lobster it is served with and slurp up the flavourful broth. This also makes for the perfect comfort food on a rainy day.
Looking for Asian food that’s more hearty? Consider the Kurobuta Pork Belly Claypot Rice (S$18).
This reminds me of an elevated version of Taiwanese street delicacy, Braised Pork Rice (Lu Rou Fan), and is served with a soft-boiled egg, Kai Lan, Bean Cake, and Preserved Mustard.
The Kurobuta Pork Belly had an indulgent melt-in-your-mouth texture without being too cloying, making it perfect to enjoy with white rice. The Bean Cake that is served by its side also turned out to be a surprisingly delicious snack to bite into, adding texture and an interesting edge to the dish.
If you can still work up some appetite for dessert, try the Lemon Tart (S$8) for something more zesty and Black Forest Molten Cake (S$14) if you want something rich. The Orh Nee Brulee (S$12) is an interesting fusion dish to go for if you’re feeling adventurous.
Let your conversations flow with the booze
Beast & Butterflies is serious about its booze and offers an array of artisanal cocktails.
You can even order a bespoke cocktail from its bartenders. Simply let them know your preferred flavours and allow them to surprise you with a concoction that’s made specifically for you at table side.
Don’t worry if your friends are divided between cocktails and wines. Beast & Butterflies also has a curated wine list of premium wines from around the world.
Amazing deals that last all week
You’ll enjoy a special deal, whichever day you’re visiting Beast & Butterflies with your friends, thanks to its Daily Special Promotions.
- Relish a generous meat platter at just S$38 on Beastly Monday
- Savour an impressive half-metre board with a bottle of wine at just S$80 on Super Tuesday
- Round up your girlfriends and toast to Prosecco at just S$6 all day long on Wednesday Ladies Night
- Enjoy 1-for-1 promotions on selected wines on Vino Thursday
- Delight in oysters at S$1 each on Oyster Fri-yay, and
- Indulge in free-flow cocktails at just S$25 for two hours, for every main course ordered, during the Weekend Cocktail Brunch
Beast & Butterflies is located at 90 Robertson Quay, Singapore 238259. It’s open from 6.30am to 11am, from Sunday to Thursday, and 6.30am to 11.30pm on Friday and Saturday. Reservations can be made online or call 91839420.
This article is brought to you by Beast & Butterflies.
