Even though Singapore’s food scene boasts flavors from across the globe—Chinese, Italian, Indian, French, and more— Burmese cuisine has never really taken off in Singapore. I was so excited when I learned that a new Burmese restaurant, Club Rangoon, has opened in Singapore.
I wonder how authentic the food will be, as compared with Inle Myanmar Restaurant, where my Myanmar friends have given their stamp of approval.
This is probably the most obscure entrance I have ever seen, it’s almost as if they don’t want to be found. If I didn’t see the tiny words “Club Rangoon” at the right side of the entrance, I would never have found this place.
What to order
Laphet Thoke [S$17] is Burmese fermented tea leave salad. This is a staple in every Burmese home and restaurant. Fermented tea leaves are tossed with shredded cabbage, tomatoes, crushed roasted peanuts, shrimp floss, sesame seeds, fried garlic chips and chopped green chili peppers. This is a super healthy salad that is delightfully full of texture.
Mohinga [S$34] is the national dish of Myanmar so you should definitely try it. It’s fish soup flavored with lemongrass, turmeric and fish sauce. It tastes authentic with a burst of flavor in every bite.
Nangyi Thoke [S$26] is totally new to me. The handmade noodles are thick and chewy, coated with a savory sauce. They are served on a plate with your choice of chicken or oyster mushroom, sliced red onions and rice crackers.
Nothing special about Ngapi Fried Rice [S$22] which is fermented fish paste fried rice except that it’s really oily.
Grilled King Oyster Mushroom [S$24] is so not worth the price. Half the dish was pumpkin puree with two miserable pieces of oyster mushroom.
Since “laphet” is “tea leave” in Burmese, I believe Laphet-yay Ice Cream [S$15] is tea leave ice-cream but I don’t taste the fragrance of tea leaves in the ice-cream at all.
My Verdict
Club Rangoon is a good place if you want a classy place to impress dates or introduce Burmese cuisine to the uninitiated. If you are looking for good solid Burmese cuisine that is wallet-friendly, I will still choose Inle Myanmar Restaurant.
Club Rangoon
Address: 76 Duxton Road, Singapore 089535