Highly under discovered Beast & Butterflies located at the ground floor of M Social Boutique Hotel by the Millenium group has been around for almost a year. However, it was only recently that I have the chance of visiting it.
Don’t be confused with the M Hotel which is also in the vicinity. This boutique hotel designed by renown Philippe Starck has a playful yet soothing feel. And if you like the rooms in M Hotel, this is for you too has they have similar room structure.
Moving over to the ambience of Beast & Butterflies. Some felt the interior eclectic while others commented retro. I suppose the design is so artistic till it gave off different vibes to different people. In any case, these are positive.
The restaurant a open kitchen and uniquely, the bar taking the centre stage is also facing the kitchen hence allowing diners to admire the chef and mixologist at work.
Menu at Beast & Butterflies offer an assortment of borderless cuisine. Executive Chef Bryce Li weaves the different cooking style and various different types of ingredients into a dish seamlessly.
Starters
Two starters that left a deep impression on me are the Crispy Spinach and Simply Scallop ($25). I love deep-fried dishes hence I swayed naturally towards this Crispy Spinach. The batter was so light till it is almost unnoticeable. Instead of the usual fibrous leaves, this is crispy. No doubt making a fantastic beer snack or finger food.
Simply Scallop ($25) is not as simple as its name suggested. This sashimi grade scallop thinly-sliced was topped with shallot and bacon bites elevating the sweetness of the scallop with a nuttiness.
Mains
Beast & Butterflies does very beautiful Pork and Lobster dishes among the many dishes offered.
Pork Dishes
We tried 3 pork dishes and were equally outstanding, depending on one’s preference for the texture and flavour and the kind of pork.
First is the Pork Rack ($30) which uses the Loin meat that has little fat. Despite the characteristics, it wasn’t dry; it was tender. The Perankan sauce and complements augmented the pork. On the plate was a bed of sambal greens.
Followed by the Wooly Pork ($35). Mangalica Pork with sweetish sauce coupled with the kimichi may be a either you love it or hate pairing. Personally I love it. Another side on the plate was yam with brown rice wrap.
Lastly, the Ham Hock Full ($35) similar to the Germany Knuckle. Half portion is also available. The skin was crispy and meat was succulent. For a spicy kick, remember to dip it into this Chinese steamed boat inspired sauce.
Beef
Assam Shortribs ($35) may look intimating. I admit I was put off by the block of meat as it didn’t look appetising at all. However I was totally wrong about it.
Despite the reddish looking Sous Vide shortrib, it is fully cooked. Tender and flavourful. The Asian twist of Assam sauce was a good choice. Grassy-flavoured Dou Miao was a great add to the dish
Fish
Barramundi ($35) was fresh and the sauce though with peanut butter wasn’t sweet, the sauce remained savoury. The peanut butter provide a nuttiness to the sauce and surprisingly complemented the fish well.
Second fish was the Cod ($30). This dish was noted for its crispy outer layer. Other than this, personally, I didn’t experience any wow factor from it.
Pasta
For the Crispy Chinese Noodle fan, Crab Pasta ($35) is an equivalent. The crispy pasta sat on a rich Miso Kani Cream and topped with lavish ingredients consists of Alasakan Crab and Roe. Most find the cream too rich however, I love it.
Highlight
A crowd favourite at Beast & Butterflies is the Lobster Vermicelli ($30). And in opinion it was value-for-money dish as it comprised half a lobster.
One of my concern about vermicelli soup dish is that the noodle is usually soggy. I was glad that this didn’t exist. Though the soup was filled with crustacean flavour, a pity I savour tiny of the unpleasant seafood pungent.
Another highly raved dish is the Lobster Porridge which we didn’t try, I can’t wait to re-visit Beast & Butterflies for it.
Desserts
Adventurous dessert diner, surely you got to try the Laksa Crepe ($10). Beside emitting the coconut and pandan and vanilla flavour, the laksa aroma completed the finishes. And finally, the spicy punch linger on the palate for a moment.
Diners who prefer traditional flavours and love their durian could opt for the Durian Waffle ($20). Buttery plain waffle sandwiched with Durian Pengat and whipped cream. Simply heavenly even though the overall taste was nothing out of the ordinary.
Calling Banana and Peanut Butter fan, go for the Nana & Peanuts ($10). Between the Flaky Filo pastry were banana. By the side was a shot of peanut butter sauce for pouring over the dessert when ready for consumption.
Last but not least, the Yam Brulee ($10). A dense and relatively sweet yam puree with a layer of caramelized sugar on top to make it creme brulee look alike. Complemented with a scoop of coconut ice cream instead of coconut cream in the traditional Orh Nee dessert.
NAHMJ Verdict
The current situation of Beast & Butterflies is akin to an unpolished diamond waiting to be discovered. We would certainly returned to Beast & Butterflies for many more of their amazing dishes.
Beast & Butterflies
90 Robertson Quay, Level 1, Singapore 238259
Tel: +65 6657 0018
FB: https://www.facebook.com/beastandbutterflies/
Opening Hours
Daily 0700 to 0000
Getting There
By Bus:
- Hotel Miramar or Four Points by Sheraton Singapore, Riverview along Havelock Road 51, 64, 123, 186
Rating: 7.5/10
*Disclaimer: This was a media invite.