As a regular spot to get one’s fill of hearty bites and brews in the CBD, The Bank Bar + Bistro has been loyally serving its office crowd for years at One Shenton. It’s a proper testament to its standing that it’s been there since 2011 as one of the oldest tenants at the building.
After months of tweaking and tasting, the eatery has cooked up new entrées that fit alongside established classics such as BBQ ribs, lamb racks and pizzas. It’s since launched a new menu that goes deep into Asian flavors — and all without compromising the taste of Western cuisine. Nothing too adventurous though (you won’t see sambal belacan or century eggs making an appearance on the menu anytime soon), but the new dishes should satisfy the palates of anyone who grew up eating local fare.
Take, for example, the spicy prawn salad ($18), a big bowl of crunchy greens and generous servings of fresh prawn and ebiko mixed together with a spicy-sweet dressing. For something with a bit more bite, there’s the salted egg (of course) prawn sandwich ($19) served with fries and a salad.
The main dishes don’t mess around either. Currently the most popular dish at The Bank Bar + Bistro, the butter chicken ($22) is no watered down version of the Indian dish. The succulently-flavored chicken thigh comes together with pita bread and crispy corn chips, which goes down surprisingly well with the rich gravy.
But the underrated star of the new menu would have to be the oriental sea bass pasta ($20) — think huge chunks of fish slathered with an exceptional soybean glaze layered on top of pasta cooked in spicy XO sauce.
Another satisfying entrée — though not Asian-inspired — is the seared sea bass ($25) that’s served with creamy clam chowder, edamame for crunch, and brioche toast to soak it all up.
What makes it all even better is that the guests can enjoy the new menu at affordable prices with the restaurant’s one-for-one dinner offer during its limited introductory period, available from Saturday to Tuesday (including public holidays) from 5pm onwards.
The Bank Bar + Bistro is at One Shenton, 1 Shenton Way, #01-01, 6636 2188. Mon 11am-11pm; Tue-Fri 11am-midnight; Saturday, Sunday & PH 11am-midnight.
