Poulét is the first French casual dining concept in Singapore that made its debut at Bugis+ in July 2012.
The modern French-themed bistro offers affordable French fare – driven by the inspiration from local ingredients and classic French cooking techniques – to cater to the mass, with most items under $20.
The open kitchen gives a show more spectacular than crowd watching –diners are able to view the chefs in action while indulging in casual comfort.
Poulet’s modern and casual approach is conspicuous in not only its food and pricing but in its interior as well. The 60-seater restaurant features an open dining area inspired by the modern alfresco setting prevalent in France.
Vintage-looking lamps surround the curvaceous border of the restaurant –transporting one to the romantic streets of Paris where couples stroll under the warm glow of street lamps.
Unlike most French restaurants that offer an extensive wine list, Poulét does not serve alcohol. A range of appetisers, soups, salads, sandwiches, mains, sides and desserts can be found on the menu.
French Onion Soup ($5.80)
Caramelised French onion and Fond de Veau served with cheese croutons
Breaking away from the traditions, Poulet’s rendition of the French Onion Soup comes with cheese croutons instead of the customary melted cheese that float atop the soup.
The flavour of the soup is intense –savoury notes with a sweet thrum. The time-consuming efforts of caramelising the onions certainly paid off. Love the cheese croutons!
Country Side Mushroom Soup ($5.80)
Cream of wild mushrooms and Idaho potato
The Country Side Mushroom Soup didn’t disappoint. Better than many chain restaurants out there.
Puff Pastry ($5.80)
Crushed Idaho potato, green pea, onion marinated and infused in spicy curry wrapped with fried puff pastry and served with mint yogurt sauce.
While waiting for the mains, you can order the Prawn Fritters and Saucission (sausages) to nibble on but I wouldn’t recommend the Puff Pastry.
Everything is made from scratch –both the pastry and the filling. It reminds me of curry puff. It’s not bad, and it’s nothing spectacular.
Escargot de Bourgogne ($8.80)
Half dozen burgundy snails served with tomato fondue and almond garlic butter
Escargot is an exotic delicacy originating from France, and is ubiquitous on almost every French fine dining restaurant. At Poulet, it is priced affordably at under $10.
Love how the succulent snails are well infused with the fragrant almond garlic butter.
Salad de Paris ($9.80)
Chopped garden salad, dried cranberry, tomato, avocado, black olive and roasted pine nut served with French dressing
For salads, the Salad de Paris is highly recommended. They ran out of avocado that day, but it was still splendid without it, although it would’ve been better with that creamy texture.
The sweet-tangy dressing ties all the ingredients together. I especially fancied the way they chop up their greens that makes it easier to consume, and also, the pine nuts that add a desirable crunchy texture. For someone who dislikes vegetables, I finished it to the last bit.
Poulét Roti ($15.80 for half, $28.80 for whole chicken)
Poulét means chicken in French, thus their signature dish is inescapably the Poulét Roti.
Chicken is brined for a full day in a traditional recipe, before placing in a rotisserie for a slow roast until the skin tans to a golden brown.
The highlight for me was the homemade mushroom chardonnay sauce made with sautéed fresh button mushrooms. Couldn’t stop dunking the chicken in that lip-smacking sauce.
Oxtail de Bourguignon ($15.80)
Pressure-cooked oxtail in red wine sauce with carrot and onion
The other mains tend to be on the saltier side, but most certainly not lacking in flavour.
The variety isn’t extensive though. Fish lovers will find themselves in a fix –there are no fish items on the menu. I totally understand that the restaurant is still in its fledging state, and will most likely come up with more dishes in the future. Looking forward to it.
Mediterranean Stew Lamb Shank ($15.80)
Baby lamb shank stewed with root vegetables and rosemary in its own jus infused with orange
The distinctive lamb smell – that you either like it or you don’t – is very prominent. Although my dining partner and I enjoyed it, I can’t vouch that others will too.
Iberico Pork Belly ($15.80)
Braised Spanish Iberico pork belly served with mashed potato, leek confit and double mustard
The Iberico Pork Belly, though tender, doesn’t exactly melt in the mouth. Again, flavours are on the heavier side. It comes with a luscious bed of mashed potato, which you can order a second portion on the side if it isn’t enough…
Mashed Potato ($3.80)
…like we did.
Gratin of Potato and Sweet Corn ($4.80)
I love potatoes! Can’t help ordering the Gratin of Potato and Sweet Corn.
Tiramisu ($7.80)
Mascarpone cheese, sponge finger soaked in espresso and rum syrup
Dessert was the highlight of my entire meal.
The Tiramisu was so good that I’ve been craving for it since the moment I stepped foot out of the restaurant.
Banana Bread Pudding ($6.80)
Banana and warm bread pudding served with vanilla ice cream
Panna Cotta ($6.80)
Soybean panna cotta served with longan
The Panna Cotta reminds me of the local beancurd dessert. It’s a light dessert you can end a heavy meal with.
Poulét is the ‘knight in shining armour’ to those who’ve always wanted to try French cuisine but were intimidated by the steep pricing of fine dining restaurants. It’s not entirely traditional and authentic, but it isn’t too far off from it –French flavours and culinary techniques are apparent. The best part is: you get to loosen that tie and enjoy your meal in a casual and informal environment.
Poulét
201 Victoria Street
Bugis+, #04-12
Singapore 188067
Tel:
Opening hours: 11.30am to 10pm, Monday to Sunday
Facebook page: