You might not know it, but Low Tide — the tropical bar perched atop its own dungeon bar The Cave — serves a helluva decent dining menu. There’s a new innovative food (and cocktail menu) now, developed in collaboration with a culinary anthropologist: sharing-friendly dishes blend flavours from different cultures, such as Mexican chillies, Caribbean rhythms, starches from East Africa, fermentation techniques of Asia Pacific, and European gastronomy skills. 

Pair all those new dishes with their 18 refreshing new cocktails, and it’s dining heaven. I visited recently, and these were the items I loved:

The Nasi Ulam (S$18) is a fragrant blue pea rice with torched pineapples topped with coconut flakes, mixed herbs and pomegranate. It was fluffy but no fluff — all the ingredients were there to elevate a local favourite. (To pair, you can go with the classic Low Tide Daiquiri but I went straight to the top with Jay Gray’s special El Presidente. Secret ingredient: splash of Benedictine.)

Miso Butter Stingray ($22) with grilled okra and curry assam jus, is a smack of heat and shot of spice. It’s hearty and fresh, thanks to Chef Edwin Tay’s family connections (they’re sourcing at the Jurong Fish Market every morning. Chef Edwin had worked at restaurants in Singapore including Capella, White rabbit, Rhubarb and Nouri before heading up the food programme at Low Tide.)

The Swizzle & Flow with Low Tide rum blend #1, acidulated mint syrup, maraschino, fino sherry, lychee, lime and soda will serve you well here. Or this:

The Pineapple Negroni. Sweet and bracing enough to handle the kick from the stingray.

If you’re not a rum fan, Grape Intentions does have all the usual tiki accoutrements, but its mix of Wheatley Vodka, dry vermouth, red grape cordial and lime is a delish start to proceedings.

Verdict: Definitely go. The new menu will surprise you with its familiar but fresh takes on favourites. The cocktails are revamped with likewise purposeful takes on tiki favourites.

The joint does pack out pretty early, so would be wise to make a reservation, especially if you’re heading down to The Cave.

Low Tide, 98 Club Street.

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