Fork & Chopstick

The Fork and Chopstick

highlighting the off the beaten path, heritage, or just plain fun chomping grounds

Written by and photography by Jenni & Eric Lee

Privé ACM

1 Empress Place, Singapore 179555 After a grueling session of perusing the exhibits at the ACM (Asian Civilisations Museum), you need a place to sit and recharge. At some other museums, oases like these tend to be cafeteria-like, with boxed sandwiches and drinks in cartons. Luckily for us, the ACM offers a Privé cafe outlet instead.

Happy Hour Dinner Chomp:

We enjoy places that serve all-day breakfast, and there is a wide offering both from the indulgent side (Eggs Benedict) to the healthy (the PB&J Flourless Pancakes). Privé salads are well known and reliable for the variety of fresh ingredients and great combinations. The Buddha Bowl is crunchy with red cabbage, rich with avocado and nutty with a sesame dressing. We also recommend the Mediterranean Salad with the preserved lemon dressing. The burger is reliable and tasty as a good standby. There are plenty of Asian options to try. It’s also a great spot for a chat over coffee and dessert. Standard espresso/lattes and cappuccinos are available, along with local style kopi, plus ample

choices of pastry and cakes. We are suckers for the carrot cake, which is consistently tasty, but you can get a bit more adventurous with the Salted Caramel Pecan & Gula Melaka Cake. Affogato made with coconut ice cream and topped with almonds is another favorite.

Ambience/Clientele:

While the menu is similar to other Privé branches, this outlet is picturesquely located on the river, with indoor and outdoor seating. We recommend sitting outdoors for people-watching and a great view of Boat Quay. The interior offers a nostalgic, turquoise blue vibe, and the outdoor alfresco seating under trees on the riverside can’t be beat on a breezy evening. The clientele is a mix of locals working in the area and tourists (during non-COVID times).

Rant & Rave:

The location and ambience can’t be beat, especially with a happy hour glass of wine at $6 -- but service and food can be uneven.

What Others Are Saying:

4 out of 5 stars on Google and TripAdvisor. “My top choice for a quiet lunch or a lazy afternoon catch up. Drinks at night would be great too sitting outdoors facing the Singapore River,” “I like the variety of plant based meat offerings here,” “The service is a little sloppy,” “Sunday brunch under the trees,” “No hustle and bustle around you.”

Pre/Post Meal:

Obviously, you must check out the exhibits at the ACM. Of special note is the Tang Shipwreck gallery of cargo dating back 1100 years. Walk around the area and visit the Arts House, Victoria Concert Hall, and the impressive and historic National Gallery of Singapore. Grab another drink at The Fullerton Hotel or Boat Quay, across the river. Happy Chomping!

Prive salad with burger and fries The river view from Prive ACM

Jenni & Eric Lee live to eat and explore local eateries and bars. Originally from New York, they have lived in Singapore since 2012.