Eclectic, kitschy or charming? You decide.
By Samantha Francis; Photos: Courtesy of Black Nut
The cosy watering hole features Asian-themed cocktails and food.
Black Nut, named after the essential seed in the Peranakan dish Buah Keluak, is one of the latest additions to Emerald Hill.
Joining stalwarts Alley Bar, Acid Bar and Odd One Out in the glamorous Peranakan Place, the cosy watering hole features Asian-themed cocktails and food.
Charming Or Kitschy?
Asian-inspired gastro bars may be commonplace, but Black Nut has made a convincing attempt — from the décor to its menu offerings.
Depending on how you look at it, its eclectic combination of Chinese lanterns, neon signs, plush upholstery, vintage posters, complete with a Manchurian robe hanging in a photo frame, can be either charming or downright kitschy.
Cocktails With Cheeky Names
On the menu are blatantly cheeky cocktails referencing popular Asian colloquial phrases — Steady Pom Pipi, Kilat Kilat, Chut Pattern and more. While these cocktails make great conversation starters for the locals, they’ll probably leave tourists confused.
A signature cocktail worth trying is Huat Ah ($22), a tropical-tasting concoction served in a hollowed pineapple. Its combination of barcadi rum, midori melon liqueur, creme de la cassis (sweet, dark red liqueur made from blackcurrants) and apple juice gives it a refreshing, fruity flavour that masks the taste of the alcohol.
A signature cocktail worth trying is Huat Ah, a tropical-tasting concoction served in a hollowed pineapple.
If you fancy an invigorating drink, go for Sio Ah! ($18). As the name implies, the tequila-based cocktail will leave a slow burn on your tongue with ingredients like lime leaves, chilli padi and lemon grass. The lingering zest of lemon grass nicely balances the heat from the chilli padi.
On the other hand, the seemingly promising Power Chendol ($18) left me sorely disappointed. The rum-based cocktail arrived with a thick, almost smoothie-like texture and is topped with green jelly noodles. Its mixture of gula melaka (palm sugar), pandan, lychee fruit, caramel and whipped cream proved to be overly saccharine.
Flavourful Bar Bites
Food wise, the selections stand out well on their own instead of playing second fiddle to the drinks.
If you’re ordering just one snack to share, make it the Rojak Chicken Crackins ($8). Deep fried morsels of crispy chicken skin are served in a sweet yet piquant rojak flower (torch flower) marinade — simple but so satisfying.
Food wise, the selections at Black Nut stand out well on their own instead of playing second fiddle to the drinks.
For a more substantial meal, go for the Ayam Bakar burger ($15) — a juicy grilled chicken leg that’s been spiced with lemongrass, blue ginger, lime leaves, assam and black pepper and is sandwiched between toasted brioche buns. All of which is brought together nicely by a rich homemade rempah (spice paste).
On the whole, Black Nut made an impression with its creative cocktail and food offerings.
Black Nut, 2 Emerald Hill Road, Singapore 229287
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