The Dragon Chamber, Singapore’s only speakeasy restaurant, has been reborn – this time within an unassuming kopitiam along Circular Road.
Walk down Circular Road during lunch hour, and you may see office wear-clad groups crowding into a kopitiam along narrow road. Hawking wonton noodles, kaya toast, and local drinks at affordable prices, it may seem like an unassuming place; just another local eatery with amazingly accessible prices in the Clarke Quay area. But to former regulars of The Dragon Chamber, once hidden within Lokkee at Plaza Singapura, one glance at the signboard outside the kopitiam and you’ll know that the dragon has risen once again.
Hidden behind the drinks refrigerator in the kopitiam, the opening of this concept marks a new partnership between Ebb and Flow Group and Tung Lok Group. At this new location, the “secret society” restaurant will offer access to a kopitiam, as well as bar that opens till late.
Video: The Dragon Chamber
Inspired by the days of old, where leaders of the Chinese secret society would have meetings and run gambling dens behind the facade of kopitiams and shophouses, The Dragon Chamber is an immersive gastronomic experience that is both intriguing and rewarding. Enter the secret entrance behind the ‘fridge door, down the twist of a tunnel, and you’ll find yourself in the realm of said secret society. With walls covered by artworks from local and regional artists such as Sabotage, Mister Tucks and Riandy Karuniawan; the dim sunset glow of the lighting and ornate wooden decor, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into a Wong Kar Wai film.
Photo: The Dragon Chamber
The Dragon Chamber is for diners who are looking for a culinary adventure at every turn, and dare to push the boundaries and traditions of Chinese cuisine; serving up an array of Chinese dishes with a Western flair, as well as some rather… adventurous dishes too. So, how was our journey through the Chinese underworld?
Be sure to journey through The Dragon Chamber with friends and family, because the dishes served here are generous in portion, and served communal style! We were enamoured by the Firecracker Chicken and Maple Fritters (S$16 / S$28); a spiced-up fusion version of the popular chicken and waffles. The golden-brown chicken pieces may look innocent – but they set our mouths aflame before numbing it, having been topped with chopped dried chillies, Sichuan peppercorn, as well as cashews and chives. The star of the dish had to be the maple-drizzled you tiao pieces, however: crisp, sweet and deliciously fragrant, and reminiscent of our childhood breakfasts having sugary cereal in the morning!
Another favourite of ours was the Dragon Mountain (S$88 / $138), a delightful platter of fried whole lobsters, tossed with crispy garlic, crushed fermented soybeans, sliced chillis and Sichuan peppercorns. Spicy, crispy, fragrant and luxurious; this dish is wonderful for sharing, and one that would give you vibes of being a draconian mafia boss rewarding yourself with some seafood treasure.
Photo: The Dragon Chamber
Of course, don’t miss out on returning favourites as well! Regulars of The Dragon Chamber will be famliar with the Wagyu Truffle Beef Hor Fun (S$68), and it is no wonder the team has brought it back! A huge porcelain bowl with wok-fried hor fun, aromatic truffle gravy and tender slices of A4 Kagoshima wagyu are topped with a wobbly poached egg. Mix it all up and you’ll find deep-fried hor fun strips, adding a wonderful, addictive crunch – other hor fun dishes will never be the same again! The serving is good for two to three, and is definitely a dish we would return for!
Photo: The Dragon Chamber
A showstopper, and must-try for the adventurous, would The Dragon Claw (S$45). The foot of a Singapore-farmed crocodile is soused in braised herbal sauce and perched on a bed of kale. It may sound intimidating, but since you’ve ventured here, why not try? Gelatinous, and suffused with the savoury herbal aroma, the crocodile’s foot is said to be high in amino acids and potassium, which help to prevent heart disease; as well as collagen. Eat up!
Photo: The Dragon Chamber
If you’re looking to dip into even wilder waters, sip on some D*** Soup (S$30), which features crocodile penis (yes, you heard right) in a chicken and pork-based soup that has been double-boiled for six hours. Flavourful, filled with chicken feet and chunks of meat, and nutritious to boot; don’t shy away from getting some extra collagen in the form of reptilian genitalia. Bone appétit!
Photo: The Dragon Chamber
Don’t forget to try wonton mee (S$5.50) from the kopitiam as well! Choose either dry or soup, although we highly recommend the dry version – the sauce is wonderful, pairing well with the springy egg noodles that had none of the starchy taste some wonton mee places have.
Photo: The Dragon Chamber
Finish off your meal with a journey through Asia with the innovative cocktails at The Dragon Chamber’s bar! Classic concoctions are given a local makeover, paying homage to traditional ingredients used in Asian cooking such as tea, Chinese five spice and gula melaka. All syrups and infused liqueur are thoughtfully curated and made in-house.
We loved Crazy for Coconuts (S$22), featuring rich Irish whisky, dark sugar, pandan tincture, and a special coconut cold brew coffee made using the authentic traditional brewing method with a coffee sock. Heady with the scent of coconut and pandan, with the kick of caffeine, this gave us strong kopitiam vibes! The Mojito Twist (S$16) was also another favourite, where Chinese five spice syrup added a hit of savoury depth to the classic Mojito.
For beer drinkers, the bar offers a range of craft beers and ciders including Dragon Chamber exclusive in-house labelled beers, Dragon Pale Ale (S$12) and Summer Sesh Ale (S$12) in a collaboration with local artists Mister Tucks and Sabotage respectively.
Photo: The Dragon Chamber
Opening on 1st April 2019, The Dragon Chamber is an immersive experience both physically and gastronomically; offering a menu worthy of adventure and a return journey, as well as the amazing atmosphere perfect for history or film junkies.
Opening Hours:
Kopitiam: 10am – 11pm (serves wonton noodles and coffee till 4PM, serves bar snacks and beers from 4PM onwards)
Bar & Restaurant: 12PM – 2.30PM & 5PM – 12AM
2 Circular Road, Singapore 049358
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