If you’re at Changi Airport for a transit or to ferry someone, how about visiting Chengdu Bowl’s flagship outlet, dubbed Singapore’s first ever speakeasy Sichuanese restaurant? The restaurant is located at Changi Airport Terminal 3, level 3 Departure Hall Mezzanine South.
You may be familiar with their Sichuan-style grain bowls available at their Central Boulevard, Ocean Financial Centre, Marine One and (currently under renovation) Tanjong Pagar outlets and they do have a counter at the exterior of their new flagship outlet selling those grain bowls if you need a quick and hearty meal or pick up a bowl to-go.
But we are here today for their new concept – a Sichuanese speakeasy-style restaurant.
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Opening Promotions at Chengdu Bowl, Changi Airport
Before we get to the food and believe me when I say you want to get to the food, it is worth highlighting the ongoing promotions for their grand opening.
From 16 May to 25 May, diners can enjoy a discount up to 50% per meal with groups of 5 of more (2 diners get 20%, 3 diners get 30% and 4 diners get 40%). Seriously, that alone is worth making the trip to the airport.
There is also a Mahjong lucky draw to receive some simple prizes like a complimentary cold drink, Mochi or even redeem a dish from the “mom’s taste” selection. Children below 12 years of age can also receive a free kids’ meal (though you cannot combine it with other discounts or promotions)!
Hidden Door to Speakeasy Sichuan Restaurant
If you are sharp, like me, or you have just seen enough on social media to know a secret entrance when you see one, you will be able to spot the entrance to this speakeasy.
When you switch the “Dong” and the “Fa” on the chairs, the trap door should open under the tent on the left.
Or so I thought.
I was redirected to go through the vending machine with the handle and the word “PULL” on it after helping to re-pitch the tent.
Something for everyone
The interior was tastefully renovated, comfortably lit and had tables set up for both small and larger groups.
The menu was also unique in that apart from the spicy and numbing dishes that Sichuanese cuisine is known for, they had a selection of non-spicy and apparently traditional Chengdu home-style dishes that mothers would cook for meals and special occasions.
I would bring my children for these, and I know they will enjoy it.
Appetizers – cold dishes to warm you up
Our first two dishes were cold appetizers – Classic Spicy Assorted Skewers in Red Chilli Oil (S$14.80) and Sichuan Chilli Chicken with Ramen (S$16.80).
The mala broth and sauces were slightly spice (not overwhelming) and had a bit of the numbing of Sichuan peppercorns with a tinge of smokiness and savouriness. The multidimensional aromas and tastes which we expect from typical Sichuan food can already be experienced in these simple appetizers.
Expect the skewers of chicken, potato slices, black fungus and prawns to vanish in no time and the chicken and ramen devoured with similar relish.
Addictive Umami Crunch of Potatoes
Next was Volcano Crispy Shredded Potatoes with Secret Seasoning (S$12.80), a pile of matchstick sized crispies coated with sesame seeds. The best snack ever! It was not volcano-level spicy so it must have been referring to its shape. It was crunchy and light, not greasy at all. Evenly and well-seasoned but not heavy-handed.
I am spending a bit of time describing a rather simple dish but as we all know, fried potato snacks are just the best combination of fat and carbs, crispiness coated with the aroma and flavours from the Maillard Reaction and seasoning.
I kept going back for more throughout the meal, so it is definitely worth giving it a try!
Classic Black Pepper Beef Dish
We were then treated to Sizzling Mulan Beef on Hotplate (S$23.80), a dish featuring beef, oyster mushrooms and kailan, coated in a deep, umami-rich black pepper sauce.
It offered a different take on spice, and it was a great one as well. The tender, velvety beef strips with the accompanying well-cooked vegetables made for a satisfying dish to have with a bowl of rice.
Non-Spicy Golden Bowl of Goodness
Another non-spicy dish that would be great for the family would be the Prawn with Luffa in Golden Broth (S$26.80).
A simple but still flavourful stew of prawns with luffa, otherwise known as silk gourd, is a good option if you would like more kid-friendly dishes.
La Zi Ji with Cheesy Rice Cakes
Classic Spicy Chilli Chicken with Cheesy Rice Cake (S$22.80) did not sound familiar until you realise it is La Zi Ji with these cheesy rice cakes which were an interesting addition to the dish. It was easily the most spicy dish of the day, but for seasoned mala-lovers that so many of you are, it would hit the spot.
The numbing spiciness kicked in pretty early on and there were moments that we felt we may not be able to go back to the dish, but surprisingly it wore off quite soon and we went back again and again for the crispy yet tender chicken morsels.
My dining partner felt the chicken could have been crunchier, like how some other places did it but it was a personal preference.
Then there was the additional of the cheesy rice cake. It was an interesting addition, worked pretty well as a lightly crispy on the outside, chewy and cheesy on the inside vehicle for the Sichuan mala flavours, but did not stand out.
Overall I thought the combination of bold heat, tongue-tingling spice and moist flavourful chicken was well balanced and a good rendition of what we have come to love as a classic Sichuan dish.
Vegetable Dishes were well-done too!
We had their Stir-fried Sweet and Sour Cabbage (S$13.80), which was a tasty, mouth-watering dish that featured cabbage leaves quickly cooked in high heat and seasoned with a hint of the Sichuan spices and more prominently, sugar and black vinegar. A simple, classic dish.
Miss Not the Rice Pot
Finally, Chengdu Bowl introduced us to their Mom’s Homemade Rice Pot (S$32,80) suitable for 4 pax. Rice and crispy, puffed rice in a beautiful looking pot, soaking in this rich, thick and flavourful gravy made from simmering abalone, prawns and a colourful combination of vegetables.
It must be their version of a Seafood Pao Fan and it was utterly scrumptious. Too many bowls of it were eaten that day.
Many other dishes at Chengdu Bowl to try!
It was a great conclusion to our meal that day and soothed both our tastebuds and our stomachs.
Looking through the menu, I would love to return to try their other dishes, such as the Applewood-smoked Wagyu cubes (S$37.80), Braised Pork Belly with Sichuan Pickles (S$17.80), Rock n Roll Crispy Pork (S$16.80) and for the less spice-inclined members of my family, the Egg Fried Rice (S$11.80), Eggplant Claypot with Signature Dipping Sauce (S$12.80) and Brown Sugar Mochi (S$6.80).
Do yourself a favour and visit to take advantage of their Grand Opening promotions. Sit at their speakeasy-style restaurant at Changi Airport Terminal 3, enjoy Sichuan food in the capital city of Chengdu (albeit a condensed, restaurant version) and plan your next adventure!
Kids Eat Free!
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Chengdu Bowl Restaurant
Where: Changi Airport Terminal 3 Departure Hall Mezzanine South, #03-21, Singapore 819663
Operating Hours: 10 am to 8.30 pm daily
Website: Chengdu Bowl website
If you are Changi Airport Terminal 3, you may also be interested to check out Korea Culture, another restaurant at Terminal 3.
