Shiok Lobster Carrot Cake, Beef Rendang Nasi Goreng & Boba Cocktails At This Cool Diner

Remember Filter, one of Singapore’s most exclusive party experiences circa 2010 from nightlife group Massive Collective? Even if you don’t, you’re probably familiar with some of the flashy concepts it pioneered that have become the norm in clubs today: Members-only parties; bottle service from costumed hostesses and OTT props like money guns and sparklers.

The group, which was also behind other plush clubs like Mink and Suite 26, has since split up. But now one of its members is back with a concept that brings something of a party to more than a select few. The newly opened Route 65 Bar + Kitchen offers an all-inclusive menu of hearty local fare — some pimped up and some traditionally done — alongside fun cocktails, a kids menu and a list of ongoing promos that, um, have us wondering how they make money. Like one-for-one main courses from 5pm to 7pm daily; $10 set lunches; and even free meals for children under 12 on weekends.

It all happens in a cavernous, photo-friendly space with club-inspired elements like alcoholic bubble tea served in adorably chubby animal floats, and nightly live band performances (the roster includes local stalwarts like Band On The Run and Mando-English group DeWhimsical, starring The Voice Singapore/Malaysia finalist Leonard Lim). But thankfully, this place isn’t just about ’grammable moments. Helming the kitchen is chef Anthony Ng (pictured), who’s worked in mod European eateries Prive and FYR, and is so shy he at first refuses to have his photo taken and declines to torch our dessert at the table. At Route 65, the quietly passionate chap has been given full reign of the menu, which is full of creatively tweaked, well-executed local dishes made with quality ingredients. Heck, even those cutesy boba cocktails are spiked with serious spirits — think Glenfiddich and Monkey Shoulder whisky, and Hendrick’s gin.

Come with an appetite and you’ll be rewarded if you order the hearty Superstar Beef Rendang, a chunky portion of Aussie short rib that’s served with punchy nasi goreng, house-fried emping crackers and pickled veggies. The meat is braised for 24 hours till spoon-tender, and you can spike every mouthful with the accompanying smoky, secret-recipe hot sauce that’s a dead ringer for Naughty Nuri’s signature sambal… perhaps because one of the founding partners here was involved in bringing the popular Bali ribs joint to Singapore.

Sounds gimmicky, but Ng’s rendition of chye tow kueh topped with slipper lobster and pork floss is actually pretty tasty. We squirmed when we heard that it came with cheesy belacan, but the Mexican queso-style dip blended with the restaurant’s house-made belacan turned out to be the star of the dish for us — creamy, umami and with a suitably robust hit of chilli. Still, $20 for chye tow kueh is an equally strong sock to the wallet. We wish they’d come up with a more plebeian prawn version for less.

According to the staff, this is already a favourite with customers. It’s fried with tender strips of pork belly, squid rings and giant tiger prawns, and is served charmingly old school-style on an opeh leaf with homemade belacan. Pretty yummy, save for one thing: A lack of wok hei. Still, it’s shiok enough for us to want to return (especially during lunch, when you can get the Hokkien mee plus a drink for just $12 as part of the set menu).

Spicy, crispy, chewy and fried in a special four-flour mix, this is the ultimate bar snack for adventurous eaters. Sadly, the restaurant says it will probably be removed from the menu soon because it’s time-consuming to make. Try it while you can.

The potent drinks here are just as fun as the food, if not more so. Who would’ve thought that a shot of Monkey Shoulder would go so well with matcha latte and chewy brown sugar pearls? Or that Glenfiddich 12 would be a compatible bedfellow for Aperol and grape-flavoured Yakult? Purists may call it blasphemy, but we say wave your hands in the air like you just don’t care and slurp up. You can even take the animal floats home if you want to.

This is one eatery that will feed both your phone and your tummy. Those colourful cocktails and Route 65’s matte marble-print tables and gold chairs might be what get you in the door, but the tasty food, creative drinks and value-for-money promos will bring you back. Families, in particular, get a great deal here.

Route 65 is at #01-434 Suntec City North Wing, 3 Temasek Blvd, S038983. Tel: 9171-2179. Open Mon-Sat 11.30am-1am, last orders at 10.30pm (dinner) & 12.30am (bar snacks); Sun 11.30am-11pm, last orders 9.30pm (dinner) and 10.30pm (bar snacks). www.facebook.com/route65sg

Photos: Alvin Teo