A new culinary hotspot, Magpie, opened its doors on January 9, bringing a vibrant addition to the Tiong Bahru neighborhood. With a trendy yet inviting atmosphere, the restaurant’s concrete walls are adorned with eclectic personal items, and the space is alive with a smooth mix of reggae and soul music.
The menu, which is deliberately concise, promises to deliver “aggressively delicious” and “unconventionally familiar” flavors, described as “borderless soul food.” These bold statements set high expectations—and the dishes do not disappoint.
The first dish to arrive, the grilled langit rice ($16), immediately captures attention. A mix of ulam herbs and aromatic spices, it is technically a rice dish, though its crispy exterior and chewy interior make it more reminiscent of fried carrot cake sticks. It is undeniably delicious and a unique interpretation of rice.
Next comes the aguachile ($26), a zesty and smoky Mexican dish that serves as a tribute to the restaurant’s New Zealand-born chef-owner, Eliot Thomas. Featuring raw shrimp and fish from the nearby Tiong Bahru Market, it is tossed with a vibrant blend of coriander, mint, dill, fish sauce, garlic, fermented tomatoes, green chilies, sesame oil, and a splash of mezcal. While an additional mezcal shot can be added for $12, the dish is already intensely flavorful.
Thomas, who draws inspiration from his travels and work experience, channels his fondness for Mexican cuisine through the aguachile, while the meaty mains reflect his connections to the Middle East.
The grilled beef skewer ($54), cooked to a perfect medium rare, is a standout. Served with a Lebanese garlic dip and North African sauce, the dish is simple yet flavorful, complemented by a basket of fresh vegetables to balance the richness of the meat.
For dessert, Magpie offers a light and refreshing fruit granita ($12). Alternatively, for those with a sweeter tooth, the warm chocolate and Mexican chili mousse ($18) offers an indulgent treat, accompanied by a choux bun, tres leches ice cream, and praline.
Magpie, with its creative menu and warm ambiance, provides a memorable dining experience, combining bold international flavors with a personal touch that reflects the chef’s diverse culinary journey.
Related topics
