Singapore | Lunch At Tippling Club
Tippling Club | Nori Cracker + Beef Fat Mayo + Shimeji
Even though my time in Singapore was relatively limited, I was determined to squeeze in as much as possible. Given my Type-A tendencies, I always have an Excel spreadsheet of bars, restaurants, and sights that I want to visit, and 90% of the time, there’s usually an accompanying reservation. This trip was no different. During my visit to Singapore in 2022, I heard fantastic things about the Tippling Club, led by one of the most inspiring chefs of our time, Ryan Clift.
At fourteen, most of us were angsty teenagers dealing with whatever adolescent drama was dealt to us at school that week. Meanwhile, Chef Ryan Clift was embarking upon his culinary career training under some of the world’s greatest chefs, including Marco-Pierre White, Peter Gordon, and Emmanuel Renaut. (Really makes me rethink my youth) In 1999, he went “down under” and moved to Melbourne, Australia, where he served as head chef of Shannon Bennett’s critically acclaimed Vue de Monde. After spending nearly ten years in Australia, he knew he wanted to create his own unique style of cuisine and started his own culinary adventure, Tippling Club.
Tippling Club is one of the most revered dining destinations in Singapore. Known for its avante-garde cuisine and equally imaginative cocktails, Tippling Club quickly rose through the ranks of top restaurants in the region, landing on listicles like Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants and the World’s 50 Best Bars and receiving numerous accolades.
Chef Ryan Clift is a revolutionary restauranteur and creative that keeps the gastronomy scene on its toes. In addition to Tippling Club, Clift has a portfolio of other Asia-based restaurants where he serves as the co-creator or culinary director. He epitomizes the globetrotting goal-getter.
Many patrons visit Tippling Club for cocktails, as they are known for their world-class cocktail program, but I was intrigued by their cuisine and decided to experience their premium lunch offering.
A few things to know before you go:
Tippling Club has two lunch offerings, lunch and premium lunch, and one dinner offering. Guests can add the wine pairing for an additional charge. The cost breakdown is as follows:
Lunch-S$100.00
Lunch with wine pairing- S$200.00
Premium Lunch- S$250.00
Premium Lunch with wine pairing- S$435.00
Dinner- S$250.00
Dinner with pairing- S$435.00
Reservations, which are strongly encouraged, are available via Tock. All reservations require a deposit, and the amount will vary based on your experience.
The duration of your dining experience will vary based on several factors. My experience was roughly over two hours, and the restaurant was not terribly busy serving other guests.
If you have the option, choose the chef’s counter; it’s by far the best seat in the house.
Without further ado, let’s jump into the delicious details, shall we? I’ll refrain from sharing every tasty detail, but there are a few courses that deserve a special shoutout.
Tippling Club | (Bottom Left) Cured Hamachi + Sudachi Meringue + Ponzu (Upper left) Blue Crab Tart + Cucumber + Bafun Uni (Top Right) French Toast + Chicken Liver Parfait + Kyoho Grapes
The menu is constantly evolving at Tippling Club, but one of the primary differences between the classic and premium lunches is the number of snacks served. The standout of the trio was the Blue Crab Tart. If it weren’t frowned upon, I probably would have asked for a second bite.
Tippling Club | Truffle Omelette + Roast Chicken Sonsommé + Crispy Chicken Skin
Of course, I saw truffles on the premium menu and did not hesitate to sign up. The Truffle Omelette course is also one of the differentiators, and damn, it was incredible. It was the equivalent of enjoying a bear hug. Just WOW.
Tippling Club | Chilled Tomato Gelée
As a tomato lover, I was excited to see what this dish was about. While it’s common on both menus, I loved the various textures and flavors of tomatoes.
Tippling Club | Scallop Ceviche + Pickled Celtuce + Coriander Pistachio Salsa
Tippling Club | Crayfish + Thai Green Curry + Celery
Tippling Club | Foie Gras Mont Blanc + Plum + Chestnut
While the Foie Gras Mont Blanc is served on both menus, it’s one not to be missed. Decadent and delicious.
Tippling Club | Monkfish + Pressed Leeks + Curry Mussels + Spiced Fennel
Tippling Club | Wagyu Pot-Au-Feu + Daikon + Kombu Consommé
The Wagyu Pot-Au-Feu was by far my favorite savory course. Such a standout.
Tippling Club | Cocktail Fruit
Tippling Club | Our Pear Tarte Tatin
Tippling Club | Double Decker + Almond Ice Cream + Oabika + Candied Nuts
Tippling Club | Sweet Treats
While one can never have too many desserts, the Cheesecake Pills steal the show. I can’t tell you how many comments I got from friends on Instagram asking why I was showcasing my medicine before they looked a little closer and saw what it was. Clever, to say the least.
Singapore has a never-ending list of world-class restaurants, making it incredibly difficult to choose where to dine when you visit. If you have the time and the appetite, I’d recommend visiting Tippling Club, and whatever you do, make sure you grab a seat at the chef’s counter. Lunch was a little too quiet for my liking ( I love a vibe), so snag a dinner reservation and enjoy the culinary musings of Chef Ryan Clift.
Tariff: While I shared the price points above, here they are again for reference. If you visit, sometimes the exchange rate will play in your favor.
Lunch-S$100.00
Lunch with wine pairing- S$200.00
Premium Lunch- S$250.00
Premium Lunch with wine pairing- S$435.00
Dinner- S$250.00
Dinner with pairing- S$435.00
Unlike many fine dining restaurants, Tipping Club will accommodate solo diners.
Can’t Miss: Standouts include Wagyu Pot-Au-Feu, Cheesecake Pills, and the Truffle Omelette.
Potential Pass: Undoubtedly, there’s always one bite on a tasting menu that doesn’t quite hit. Even though I was a little hesitant about crayfish, as I have a slight aversion, I was pleasantly surprised with the flavors.
Until Next Time!