There has been a number of Halal and Muslim-owned restaurants in Singapore elevating and modernising their offerings. And this is indeed exciting.
Look out for Restaurant Espoir which is newly opened at Amoy Street (near Tanjong Pagar MRT station), and the name means “hope”.
Interesting nugget: that is because the restaurant is situated in the former Anglo-Chinese School (previously established here in March 1886), and wants to pays homage to its roots by embodying the school’s vision of “hope”.
The Muslim-owned restaurant hopes to create a new level of culinary extravaganza in the Halal dining scene of Singapore by serving refined modern European cuisine with a touch of Malayan influence.
It is the sister brand to The White Label Restaurant at North Bridge Road.
Diners can expect enticing creations that excite the palate and are reminiscent of familiar European and Asian tastes.
Walking in, the restaurant’s interiors act as the perfect background for a memorable meal – spacious enough for group bookings as well.
Modern and colourful, they bask in the delicate nature of design while creating a posh and plush ambience submerged in rich colour palettes.
Restaurant Espoir promises a new level of dining that includes everything from Muslim-friendly European dishes, brunch items, pretty desserts to creative mocktails. Check out what they have to offer:
Crab Croquette ($24)
This was one of my favourites, filled with blue swimmer crab, cream, onions, and topped with kaffir lime mayo.
Invitingly thick, each Crab Croquette had a tempting crisp covering on the outside.
When you bite into the cake, a burst of crab, cream, and onions fills the mouth. The distinct sweet taste of the blue swimmer crab particularly stood out.
The addition of kaffir lime mayo on the croquettes pushes the taste profile further, giving it a pleasingly citrusy and tropical hit.
Sea Urchin Tagliatelle ($39)
The dish was beautifully presented with a creamy uni mentaiko sauce, topped with avruga caviar, Hokkaido scallops, air-flown uni, and edamame, served on a bed of tagliatelle.
The al dente tagliatelle was made complete with fresh Hokkaido scallops and sea urchins – luxurious and indulgent.
The uni mentaiko sauce, which elevated the fresh pasta with its savouriness, was house-made and packed full of umami.
Tagliatelle Al Granchio ($30)
The Tagliatelle Al Granchio ($30) is a must-try for diners with a penchant for the classic, yet with a local twist.
The dish features blue swimmer crab and in-house sambal romesco sauce, served on a bed of tagliatelle.
The sambal romesco sauce added a spicy kick to the dish, while the crab provided a subtle sweetness that balanced out the flavours.
Vol Au Vent ($22)
This dish features a puff pastry filled with creamed chicken and topped with XO sauce, carrots, celery, and onions.
While they might be relatively small, each packed a punch with contrasting textures and diverse palatability. I would say take the entire puff in one mouthful.
I wished that the puff pastry was more buttery and flaky; but the smooth creamy chicken worked well with the smoky saltiness of the XO sauce.
Spiced Fish & Chips ($34)
All Day Mains at Espoir include Striploin with Pomegranate Reduction, Chicken Cordon Bleu, Creamy Polenta with Mushrooms & Grilled Halloumi, and Pan Seared Salmon with Coconut Cream Sauce.
I had the Spiced Fish & Chips which features wild-caught hake coated with tempura batter and the Espoir spice blend, served with sidewinders and mushy peas.
The fish kept moist and flaky, was deep-fried just right to have a lightly battered yet crispy exterior.
The pleasant surprise came in the form of sidewinders – uniquely shaped crispy chips that gave a rustic touch to the homely dish.
Pan-Seared Salmon with Coconut Cream Sauce ($34)
For a taste of the sea, the Norwegian salmon ws pan-seared with a light crisp, served with capsicum, zucchini, US asparagus and topped with Avruga caviar.
Interestingly, there was kicap manis glaze that brought a hit of sweetness and tasty-spiciness.
Giving it some balance was a fragrant coconut cream sauce.
Galette Bretonne ($18)
If you head over for weekend brunch, expect the likes of Big Breakfast, Eggs Benedict, Egg Royale, Green Curry Shakshouka, Steak Eggs & Hash, to Scrambled Eggs with Polenta.
I was recommended the Galette Bretonne. This brunch dish embodies the restaurant’s goal of merging traditional French cuisine with local Singaporean taste buds.
This savoury crepe was made of buckwheat flour, which gave it a slightly nutty taste and a delicate, crispy texture.
Assorted mushrooms were also generously spread in the crepe, adding an earthy flavour to the dish.
For those who want an extra touch of luxury, the dish can be customized with premium toppings such as smoked salmon, smoked Italian beef salami, smoked duck, chicken ham chiffonade, lamb marguez, or beef pastrami.
Flower Pot ($18)
Served in an edible chocolate pot, this dessert is a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds.
The combination of the Oreo crumble, soursop jelly, and 70% dark chocolate mousse created a balance of sweetness and richness.
The edible chocolate pot was not only a clever presentation but also added a delightful crunch to each bite.
A great meal deserves drinks that complement the food, and Restaurant Espoir obliges with a fascinating selection of refreshing mocktails.
Containing 0.0% alcohol, these curated creations are made with Halal-compliant vegan and organic premium ingredients.
The drink menu, featuring classics and innovations like Singapore Sling, La Botaniste, Pandan Colada, and more, captures various flavours derived from herbs, fruits, and house-blended coffee beans.
Elixir ($14)
A perfect blend of Glen Dochus West Coast Blend, elderflower, calamansi, apple, and rosemary.
This unique combination provides a refreshing taste with a hint of sweetness and herbal notes. It is a perfect choice for those who prefer a less sweet taste.
Look out for the instagrammable presentation as well.
Le Botaniste ($15)
Le Botaniste is an enticing zero-percent alcohol cocktail, featuring a delightful blend of Pearsons London Dry, cucumber, lime, kiwi, apple, and mint.
This refreshing non-alcoholic cocktail provides a balance of botanical and fruity flavors, with a crisp, revitalizing finish.
Restaurant Espoir
70 Amoy Street, Singapore 069889
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)
https://restaurant-espoir.carrd.co/
* This entry is brought to you in partnership with Restaurant Espoir.
