Absinthe was once called The Green Fairy for its rumoured psychoactive properties. We now know that was an exaggeration, and its namesake has great French fare
I’d always wanted to go to Absinthe since it was at its old quarters at Bukit Pasoh Road but I never had the chance. Finally, I managed to visit Absinthe after it moved to its current shophouse unit along Boat Quay.
While the establishment takes its name from an alcoholic spirit with a reputation, we assure you, the visit to ‘The Green Fairy’ was nothing but pleasant and a great dining experience.
Absinthe prides itself in classic French cuisine with none of the snootiness. The staff is friendly and well informed.
Saints & Sinners
The current space has three floors: a seafood bar on the first floor, the main restaurant on the second floor and a private space, open for events, on the third floor.
The new appetiser, Saint Jacques ($27++), is seared Hokkaido scallop with braised daikon (Asian white radish), wakame (a type of seaweed) and lemon thyme emulsion. The fresh and sizeable scallops were nicely-seared with a smoky flavour on the outside, which gives way to a pristine interior.
I loved the Foie Gras Terrine ($30++), also a new addition. It is layered with smoked duck and comes with a freshly-baked brioche and black fig. The sweet brioche complemented the slightly gamey foie gras, while the smoked duck gave it a salty and meaty kick.
The chef, who grew up in the south of France, has incorporated a signature dish into the menu. The Bouillabaisse ($45++), a fish and seafood soup with rouille (a sauce that usually consists of olive oil, garlic, saffron and chilli pepper) and croutons, is a taste of freshness from the sea in each bite.
The Canard ($42++), a French staple of duck confit, was done supremely well. The duck leg had a crisp skin and sinful layer of fat. It was too good to refuse.
Warm & Comforting Bites
The dessert menu is kept simple but the quality speaks for itself. The newly-added Madeleines ($15++) are warm, crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside. They had a hint of vanilla and came with a quenelle of Valrhona chocolate mousse.
Also try the Crumble ($15++), a warm banana and apple crumble with rum and raisin ice cream. With just the right amount of crumble and fruit in every bite, I found this warm dessert familiar and comforting at the same time.
If you’re going at night, sit facing the skyline as the laser show from Marina Bay Sands can be seen in its full glory from Boat Quay.
Absinthe, 71/72 Boat Quay, Singapore 049860, Tel: 6222 9068
Please note, menu items are subject to change.
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