Photography: Ashe LiaoMoutarde Restaurant in Singapore is the newest French bistro on the block, and here’s why you need to bring the whole family.
Moutarde is the newest restaurant in Singapore, and it’s one you’ll definitely want to bring the folks to. Imagine planning a family (or friend) day out at the sunny island and walking through the gorgeous new Weave Sentosa. When you get hungry, where do you go? To Moutarde for its weekend brunch menu, live meat carvings, and in-house aged proteins. Or at least, that’s what I pictured when I dropped by on a sunny weekday for lunch to see what it offers.
Moutarde restaurant Singapore
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Moutarde restaurant Singapore: Details at a glance
Best for: Family brunches; lunch before heading to Universal Studios Singapore; lively dinners to catch up with friends
Must-tries: Eggs mayo; cheese souffle; sup buntut; wood-oven roasted prime rib
Price: Appetisers start from $8; mains start from $28
Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday, 11.30am to 3pm & 6pm to 10pm; Saturday to Sunday, 11.30am to 10pm; closed on Mondays
Address: Moutarde, B1-219 to 221, Weave Sentosa, 26 Sentosa Gateway, Singapore 098138
First impressions: A welcoming family establishment
Photography: Ashe Liao
When I heard that chef Paul Pairet was behind Moutarde, my imagination summoned an image of a French fine dining concept that would rival his avant-garde three Michelin-starred restaurant, Ultraviolet. Instead, I was pleasantly surprised to find something a little closer to his steakhouse concept, Mr & Mrs Bund.
The huge restaurant space brings back memories of cafe dates with my family, plus that added touch of French flair. And that message is exactly what Paul Pairet and the team want to convey. This concept was inspired by the chef’s childhood memory of the classic British carving trolley. It’s dining at its most relaxed, where the mood is convivial, and the plates are comforting.
Besides the inviting dining space, the expansive bar beckons you to share a drink with it. On either side, you’ll find the maturation room where all the proteins on the menu are aged in-house. On the left is the wine room with a tall wine cellar and a fancy contraption which will be used to fortify wine in the future. One thing’s for sure, Moutarde takes its food prep seriously.
Dashes of family in every part of the menu
Photography: Ashe Liao
Chef Paul has had a colourful history, having grown up in France and travelled the world to Portugal, London, Shanghai, and parts of Indonesia. His experiences and childhood shape many aspects of the menu, alongside his signature innovative experimentation.
Did you know France hosts an annual World Egg Mayonnaise Championship? All chefs have their unique recipes, including chef Paul, who has his recipe down to a science. That’s why one of the must-try appetisers is the egg mayo ($12). I admit I underestimated how good this dish would be, and quite literally ate my words when I tried it. The sherry soy aioli cuts through the perfect jammy centre of the egg, with savoury flavours from the crispy garlic croutons. Absolutely delectable in its simplicity. It’s so good, I tried asking chef Paul for his recipe and failed spectacularly in my attempt.
A surprising thing you’ll see on the menu is the buntut Indonesian oxtail soup ($30). Certainly nothing French about this dish! But it is very Paul Pairet, who met his wife in Indonesia and found love in the Indonesian dish. Served with white rice and emping (bitter seeds) crackers, I’d say the flavour of the soup is a lot cleaner and not as greasy as typical sup buntut. But no less delicious.
A hearty spread of grilled meats straight from the carvery
Photography: Ashe Liao
The highlight of the restaurant is the large carvery station at the front, serving as the heart and soul of the restaurant. Watch the team in the kitchen work with lightning-fast precision to grill, slice, and serve everything in seconds. The carvery will see daily rotations, so no two sittings will ever be the same.
A wood-oven roasted prime rib ($38 for 180g) may be a little rare for some, but I found Moutarde’s variation delightful. The meat came a little underseasoned, but that was a perk as I could season it to my own taste.
The wood-oven roasted leg of lamb ($30 for 150g) is great for most palates. It’s not gamey, and the crust includes a touch of Sichuan peppercorn, giving the meat a bright zing. It’s unorthodox, unique and worth trying. But a dish that impressed me was the char-grilled seabass vierge ($22). Even though the skin was a little salty for my taste, it was cooked to perfection, which isn’t the easiest to do over a grill.
Of course, if you’re going to name your restaurant after a condiment, you must serve it. Moutarde comes in clutch with a variety of mustards to go with your grilled meats. You can go for the wholegrain mustard, but if you’re feeling adventurous, give the cognac mustard a try!
At the crux of it all, Moutarde is all about creating hearty moments in a restaurant free from stuffiness. It’s elevated enough to feel special but relaxed enough that you’re welcome to walk in any time. So if you’ve got a family day out planned, have your fill at Moutarde because it won’t disappoint.
Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is Moutarde?
Moutarde is a new casual-French bistro created by world-renowned chef Paul Pairet, best known for his restaurants Ultraviolet and Mr and Mrs Bund.
Is Moutarde family-friendly?
Yes! Food is served in a communal fashion, and families are more than welcome to dine.
What’s the atmosphere like?
In the day, it’s vibrant and lively with a warm Parisian bistro energy, great for families with children, thanks to all the chatter at Weave in the afternoons. At night, it’s energetic but elegant, making way for spirited dinners with friends over wine and steak.
Should I make a reservation?
Moutarde is a large restaurant, so walk-ins are usually more than welcome. But during peak hours and weekends, it’s best to make a booking to ensure you have a table, especially if you’re dining in a big group.
Dining and Cooking