Brian Kennett
Amateur Chef and Boozy Traveling Foodie Extraordinaire
Burma Social Review: A Taste of Six Countries in one cozy but ever-so vibrant restaurant. I couldn’t believe that this used to be Kota88 when I first walked in. The transformation is exquisite. I felt like I was in some market bazaar, then a fine dining establishment, then a temple, then a London top hotel bar. It’s fricking awesome: Great job Burma Social.
This is a beautiful new restaurant, that replaced Kota88, tucked away in the heart of Siglap. This lively eatery is where the flavours of six countries/Kingdoms mingle in a super-delicious mash-up. As soon as you walk in, you’re hit with a riot of colours, smells, and sounds: I am not making it up, you really do. It’s overpowering on the foodie senses and I immersed myself in it.
I know this is going to sound all GenAI written, but you literally are transported to the busy streets of Yangon, the fragrant markets of Bangkok, and the spice-filled alleys of Mumbai – all while seated at your table! Food eye-candy is everywhere and the air is heavy with opulent spice aromas. That’s the charm of Burma Social: SIX food-styles in one resto, on one menu.
The Ambiance is a feast for the senses too, and Burma Social did feel like walking into a street festival, night market, or bazaar. Brightly coloured lanterns dangle from the ceiling, and the air is filled with tantalising aromas.
It’s a sensory overload in the best way possible. The décor blends traditional Burmese elements with a modern twist, creating an atmosphere that’s both cosy whilst dripping in exotic. I have to admit Mary and I were constantly stealing ideas for our resto.
See what I mean about the night bazaar with booth-style seats and brightly coloured scatter cushions? This is as you walk in. There is outdoor seating as well, but it wasn’t set up for service so we assumed not available: it was…
Also, if you remember Kota88, the bar was there on the left-hand side. What a transformation as you’ll see a few snaps down. It really is an incredible transformation of the interior in such a short period of time. WOW!!!
It’s stunning inside now. Couch seating, tables, and lounge-style booths with a massive uplift in the decor. I am standing at the back, with my back to the bar looking to the front of the resto.
I’m booking here next time if we have enough pax. Uber cool seating.
This is a standout for the Burma Social Review. The bar is just incredible. You get drawn to it immediately. The booze selection is massive, and they have such a variety of totally unique cocktails. Some with ingredients I have never even heard of.
This is on par with some of the best cocktail bars I have seen. I think this could become a date-night location for Wifey and me. It’s stunning.
Burma Social brings together the best of Burmese, Thai, Chinese, Laos, Bangladesh, and India. It’s like a United Nations fusion menu, with each dish representing its country’s rich heritage. From India’s complex spices to Thailand’s aromatic herbs, every bite is a mouthful of adventure. We were oooing and aaaing as we sampled the dishes we ordered.
However, we really struggled to choose our options that day, so you will absolutely need the help of the server staff at Burma Social as their knowledge of the menu is impressive. They’re more than happy to guide you through the maze of flavours on offer from food to cocktails. Super-friendly too.
Silky Siam Truffle
Made fresh and seasoned with truffle oil, flavoured with cream cheese. @ $18 for four pieces
Look out Din Tai Fung, Burma Social is after you. These were simply stellar, a beautiful chewy outside and the most incredible savoury combinations from within. Served with a warming chilli sauce akin to a jam. Plus, that is foodie eye-candy right there, what a beautiful plating.
Kang Kong Fritters (Golden Mandalay)
Dive into crispy Kang Kong leaves. Served with a Burmese Tamarind Sauce. @ $18
Oh boy, these were so good. I have had Thai versions before, like at Spicy Thai Thai Cafe, and in the Philippines at Home of Lechon, but they usually come covered in batter. These little guys were super-crispy and that dipping sauce: WOOF!!!
Burmese Fried Rice
@ $12
I’m not a rice lover, but this was a cracker. I couldn’t tell you what is in this, but suffice it to say it was delicious and so light and fluffy. Yummo!!! I even spooned some of the Honcho Tohu Soup onto this, and double-Yummo!!! So good.
Honcho Tohu Soup
Creamy yellow chickpea soup with a symphony of Burmese botanicals. @ $14
Oh boy, this is a beautiful soup. Like a stew but thin like a consomme. Come on, just look at that picture and the oils, herbs and colours in there: you just know that is going to be good. And it was. Spicey warmth with flavour pops going off all over your mouth.
Stir Fried Pork Belly Asparagus: Burma Social Review
18-hour sous-vide pork, smoked Burmese spices, and crisp vegetables: Wok-tossed Bok Choy and Asparagus. @ $26
OK, this bad boy got a massive thumbs up from family but not from me sadly. I got a hit of Belachan (shrimp paste) in there will killed my eating journey of this beauty.
Xing Jiang Lamb
Succulent lamb slices tossed with smoked Cumin. @ $32
This for me, however, was a stunner. The lamb is a melt-in-mouth tender moment. Then, kapow, you get the hit of smoked Cumin, it’s not overpowering but a perfect bedfellow for the lamb. This was so moreish, we couldn’t stop tucking this away.
Burma Social Review: Lamb Rack
Burmese Squash Puree with Tender Tasmanian Lamb, Delicately Flavoured with Mint and Cumin. @ $44
Is this like best to last? Well, these are some of the best lamb racks I think we have had. It is really up there with the best of the best. It’s punchy though: $14.33 per chop = OUCHY!!!
Also, the squash puree is insanely good, especially if you add some of that peanut and garlic crumble you can see on the plate. This really is a beautiful plate of food, with some complex flavours in there, but all perfectly balanced. Must-Try!!!
Mochi Ice Cream
Rich creamy mango and coconut ice cream wrapped in sweet rice dough. Must try. @ $16
That’s it. That literally is all that they say about this stuff of legends.
More fool for me not to get a photo of this incredible desert from Burma Social. This was a WOW dessert. You know me by now and know I don’t have a major sweet tooth, but rather a savoury one. Well this was that and it was an absolutely beauty.
“Discover the undiscovered and forge your own culinary path. Burmese cuisine is a tapestry of flavors, blending the historical elements of Chinese, Laos, Thai, Bangladesh, and Indian culinary treasures – creating an undeniably special dining experience.
It is this unique culinary journey that has inspired the creation of Burma Social, a modern bar and restaurant that seamlessly weaves the storied past of Burmese cuisine with the vibrant energy of contemporary dining.”
Editor’s Note: It sounds a little bit GenAI written with: ‘culinary path’, ‘tapestry of flavors’, and ‘culinary journey’… Just sayin’
The funny thing about our experience to date with Burma Social is that it started so bad, but today’s lunch more than rectified that thankfully. Imagine standing outside a totally empty restaurant and having five pax turned away because they can’t accept walk-ins for the first two weeks. Ridiculous. But that was then, this is now.
You have to read the front of the Burma Social Menu. I love stuff like this, and Burma Social have smashed it with their concept: The Feast of Six Kingdoms. The font is a little small in the pic so I’ll spell it out: it’s really with it. It’s just brilliant.
“The Feast of Six Kingdoms is a creative culinary journey from China, India, Thailand, Laos, and Bangladesh with Burma at its epicentre, guided by the enchanting experiences of the whimsical Prince Pyu Pyu, our culinary Monarch of Burma.
The menu is his loving tribute to how these countries have contributed to Burma’s culinary culture. Each creation is a love letter to Burma, a warm invitation to discover and fall in love with her…”
Each dish at Burma Social tells a story. The fusion of six distinct cooking traditions creates a dining experience that’s both unique and unforgettable. Burma Social has something to delight everyone: it truly does.
So, next time you find yourself in Siglap, make a beeline for Burma Social. It’s not just a meal; it’s a celebration of spice, cultures, and the joy of food of six country’s unique styles. Come hungry, leave happy, and don’t forget to try the cocktails (wowser) – they’re the cherry on top of this really cool dining experience. Welcome to the Siglap ‘hood’, our new BFFs.
Bon appétit, or as they say in Burmese, “Sa pi bi la?” (Have you eaten yet?)
- WhatsApp: +65 8861 9204
- Outlet Number: +65 6016 9140
- eMail: hello.siglap@burmasocial.com
LUNCH: TUESDAY – SUNDAY
- 11.30am – 3.00pm
- Last Order : 2.00pm
- Kitchen Close : 2.30pm
DINNER: TUESDAY – SUNDAY
- 6.00pm – 12.00am
- Last Order Mains : 10.00pm
- Last order Bar Bites/Desserts : 10.15pm
- Last Order Drinks : 11.30pm
- Kitchen Close : 10.30pm
Closed on Mondays
