Fork & Chopstick

The Fork and Chopstick

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

The French Ladle

2 Pandan Valley Singapore 597626

Written by and Photography by Jenni & Eric Lee

Run by a local couple serving homey and comfortable French cuisine, The French Ladle provides a good choice in supporting the local restaurant scene. The restaurant is located within the Pandan Valley condo complex, nestled between shops for tutoring, music schools and nail salons. This is not the usual place to find a French restaurant. When you walk in, there is a tiny kitchen and a cozy dining room that reminds you of what a small French restaurant would look like if the whole scene were transported to Paris.

Saturday Dinner Chomp:

You would expect to find typical dishes from a bistro, albeit meeting local expectations: escargot, onion and mushroom soups, foie gras and pates. The escargot was garlicky with plenty of parsley ($15). Ample crusty bread was provided to sop up the lovely sauce. The portobello mushroom was well prepared and came with a well-matched dressing ($13). The duck rillette and pate were also very tasty. The rack of lamb was a special for the day, moist and supple with a light sauce ($36). The beef cheeks were melt-in-your-mouth tender and well paired with potato puree that helped to catch the sauce ($35). Other popular dishes included the well-liked duck confit and of course a steak.

Ambience/Clientele:

Simple but cozy bistro. Diners appeared to be mostly local, some of them regulars, with a scattering of non-Singaporeans.

Rant & Rave:

We found that our dishes needed additional salt and pepper to satisfy our taste buds. The rubber tablecloths were unbecoming, and we wished they would invest in more salt and pepper shakers. (If you are looking for a contemporary fine dining French meal, you could consider Gunther’s.) Many diners brought their own bottles of wine to take advantage of the reasonable $20 corkage charge. A bottle of champagne may be in order if you are looking to make the occasion more festive. There’s no additional service charge or GST.

What Others Are Saying:

4.5 and 4.8 stars (out of 5) on Google and Eatigo, respectively. “Cozy little place. Easy on the wallet,” “Really a hidden gem,” “Run by a husband and wife team,” “An honest good meal with home-cooked flavors that everyone can enjoy.”

Not a sophisticated gourmet French meal, but rather, home-style comfort cooking from the heart. Overall, a satisfying and slightly quirky off the beaten path meal. Happy Chomping ... once we can dine in restaurants again!

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