Wednesday night’s dinner at Smolder Restaurant in Outram turned out to be one of those evenings that linger long after you’ve gone home—one filled with warmth, laughter, good food, and the kind of conversations that only happen when you’re surrounded by people who feel like home. I walked in expecting a pleasant catch-up with dear friends; I walked out feeling nourished in a way that only genuine connection and thoughtfully prepared food can provide.
The moment we stepped through Smolder’s doors, I felt my shoulders drop. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, with soft lighting that made everything feel calmer, kinder, a little slower. The décor was modern without being cold, and there was an ease in the air—as if the restaurant itself knew how to respect the quiet rituals of dining with people you love. We settled in quickly, sinking into our seats as though the place had been waiting for us.
To ease into the evening, we ordered glasses of red wine from their happy hour menu. There’s something about that first sip of red—the warmth that spreads through your chest, the way it softens your mind after a long day, and how it gently unravels conversation. We raised our glasses in a small, unspoken toast to friendship, gratitude, and simply being present. Happy hour quickly became happy us hour.
What did we order?
The Mussels in herb and wine sauce, arrived in a steaming bowl that perfumed the table. Briny, plump, and meaty, each mussel tasted like the sea had been simmered down into its sweetest essence. But the real magic was the sauce—aromatic, buttery, irresistible. Thankfully, it came with grilled garlic bread, charred and crisp at the edges, perfect for soaking up every last bit.
Next came the Calamari—lightly crisp on the outside, tender inside, a beautifully balanced dish. Alongside it was the Grilled Squid, smoky and flavourful, cooked with that perfect snap that only well-prepared squid has. These starters brought the table alive as we leaned in, shared bites, exchanged favourites, and marvelled at how the simplest dishes can sometimes be the most satisfying.
We also ordered the Broccolini, which turned out to be one of the quiet stars of the night. Charred baby broccoli paired beautifully with their homemade romesco sauce—a rich, nutty, slightly smoky creation that made even the vegetable skeptics among us sit up a little straighter. It was earthy, vibrant, and unexpectedly addictive.
But the dish that stole the show—at least for me—was the Blackened Seabass. The seabass was crusted generously with Cajun spices and grilled to an irresistible char. The outside had that smoky, slightly fiery kick, while the inside remained tender, flaky, and bursting with natural sweetness. Each bite was bold yet balanced, a perfect dance of heat, seasoning, and freshness. It was one of those dishes that makes the whole table fall quiet for a moment—just long enough to savour.
Of course, no evening is complete without dessert, and Smolder did not disappoint. The Olive Oil Cake arrived warm, tender, and fragrant. Moist without being dense, subtly sweet without being overpowering—it had an elegance that made us slow down and appreciate every forkful. Just when the night already felt full, we surprised Teresa with a quiet, heartfelt moment of celebration. As the cake sat between us, glowing softly under the warm lights, we sang her a gentle, joyful “Happy Birthday.” It wasn’t loud or extravagant—just sincere, warm, and filled with affection. Teresa’s smile, the laughter that followed, and the way the table seemed to glow a little brighter made the dessert feel even sweeter. It was one of those small but meaningful moments that turn a good dinner into a cherished memory.
But the dessert that truly made us close our eyes for a moment was the Spiced Apple Wontons with Vanilla Semifreddo. Crisp, golden wonton pockets filled with warm spiced apple, paired with smooth, cool semifreddo—it was comfort, nostalgia, and indulgence all at once. Each bite tasted like a warm memory folded into pastry and served with a silky whisper of vanilla.
Yet, as incredible as the food was, it wasn’t just the dishes that made the night special. It was the company. There is something profoundly comforting about sharing a meal with friends who understand your stories, who laugh with you without needing an explanation. Between bites and sips of wine, our conversations moved effortlessly—from playful teasing to heartfelt reflection. There were moments of uncontrollable laughter, moments of quiet understanding, and moments where time seemed to slow just enough for us to feel deeply grateful.
Smolder became the perfect backdrop for all of it. A place where food was crafted with intention and care, and where the ambience encouraged connection rather than distraction.
By the time we stepped back into the cool Outram night, I felt full—not just from the meal but from the warmth of the evening. Good food nourishes the body, but good company nourishes the soul. And Smolder delivered both in a way that felt sincere, comforting, and memorable.
It’s the kind of place I know I’ll return to—not just for the dishes, but for the way it made a simple dinner with friends feel like a beautiful, lasting memory.
Smolder
271 Outram Road, Singapore 169062
www.smolder.sg
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