Gone are the days when a food turns out black, it means it is chaota (burnt) and inedible.
We daresay that black is the new sexy of food. Yes, it’s oddly attractive, satisfying and somehow even appealing.
The popularity of black coloured food probably began with Squid Ink pasta and maybe Risotto. Now, Squid Ink is widely used for everything edible, even desserts! If you are looking to add some colour (yes black is a colour, and pun unintended) to your palate, why not try some of these lesser known, out-of-this-world black creations?
1. Dolcetto By Basilico
Squid Ink Panini with King Crab and Prawns
We never knew black sandwiches could look so appealing. This Squid Ink Panini with King Crab and Prawns is stuffed with generous servings of crab meat and prawns fillings which complement the warm, slightly crispy bread on the outside.
Squid Ink sandwiches should definitely be a thing!
2. Black Squid Ink Macaron with Mascarpone Cheese and Smoked Salmon
Also, another creative and novel creation is the Black Squid Ink Macaron with Mascarpone Cheese and Smoked Salmon – MUST TRY!
Who says macarons can’t be savoury?
Sounds #craycray but this Squid Ink pasta inspired macaron is weirdly unique yet surprisingly delicious! 😛
Try it at:
Dolcetto by Basilico
Cuscaden Rd, Regent Singapore
A Four Seasons Hotel, Singapore 249715
3. Black Curry – Kiseki Japanese Buffet Restaurant
Your first reaction towards this would probably be a disgusted “Ewww what is this? Engine oil ah?” but let us reassure you. It is food. The Japanese Black Curry tastes rather similar to normal Japanese curry and is perhaps a bit tastier and slightly saltier. Give it a try and soon you will start pouring it generously all over your rice, noodles, chicken, sushi…and probably everything served at Kiseki Japanese buffet. Yumz.
Try it at:
Kiseki Japanese Buffet Restaurant
Orchard Central, #08-01/02/03
181 Orchard Road
Singapore 238896
4. Mini Black Charcoal Egg Custard Bun – Min Jiang
Because normal liu sha baos are not photogenic enough for us.
You can’t go wrong with black and gold. These Charcoal Custard Buns are way too Instagrammable with perfect contrast between the soft, steamed black buns and oozing delicious, creamy golden filling.
Try it at:
Min Jiang
22 Scotts Rd
Goodwood Park Hotel
Singapore 228221
5. The Pipe District
Charcoal Fish & Chips
Okay let’s be honest, we would all agree that this just looks like some badly chaota (burnt) fish and looks slightly unappetising. But let’s not judge a fish by its batter. We’re giving The Pipe District credit for its creativity and effort! 🙂
6. Charcoal Battered Onion Rings
If you are trying the Fish & Chips, why not go all black and order their Charcoal Battered Onion Rings as well?
https://www.instagram.com/p/BCC8BvhKJuW/?taken-at=1026189618
Try it at:
The Pipe District
Gemini, 45 Science Park Road
#01-09, Singapore 117407
7. Kurogoma Tamago Sushi – Oceans of Seafood
Some food critics will say that black food is just gimmicky because it tastes just like the normal version. But the Kurogoma Tamago has the same tamago texture but with an interesting, distinct black sesame taste. Take that!
Try it at:
Pasarbella @ The Grandstand
Bukit Timah
200 Turf Club Road
Singapore 287994
Pasarbella @ Suntec City
#01-455 North Wing, Suntec City
3 Temasek Blvd
Singapore 038983
8. Squid Ink Waffles with Prawns – Spathe Public House
Savoury waffles with prawns, hell yes!
Try it at:
Spathe Public House
8 Mohamed Sultan Rd #01-01, 238958
9. Tan Charcoal Thick Toast – Stateland Cafe
Don’t be fooled by its appearance! It might look like some ordinary brownies but it is actually a thick charcoal toast topped with coconut ice cream and pistachio nuts, drizzled with marshmallow and salted caramel sauce. Stateland Cafe‘s Tan (碳) Charcoal Toast is one of the best Shibuya toasts in Singapore and we highly recommend trying this!
Try it at:
Stateland Cafe
32 Bali Lane
Singapore 189866
10. Mouth Restaurant
Squid Ink Char Siew Bun
https://www.instagram.com/p/6bou81CFx9/?taken-at=4227649
The Squid Ink taste is very subtle in this Squid Ink Char Siew Bun but there’s a slight smokey taste to the fluffy bun which complements the sweet char siew filling!
11. Multi-colored Har Gao
Also, while you’re at it, try their Multi-colored Har Gao as well.
https://www.instagram.com/p/_n02uwPkDn/?taken-at=4227649
Try it at:
Mouth Restaurant China Square Central
22 Cross Street #01-61 China Square Central
South Bridge Court Shop House
Singapore 048421
Mouth Restaurant Marina Square
6 Raffles Boulevard
#02-200, Marina Square
Singapore 039594
Tel: 63377446
12. Sea Urchin & Squid Ink Pudding – Lolla
https://www.instagram.com/p/BCj0U4YLxAH/?taken-at=39883021
Seafood lovers must not miss this. The famous Sea Urchin Pudding from Lolla has been highly raved time and again – rich, creamy, sweet, fresh and amazing. Need we say more?
Try it at:
Lolla
22 Ann Siang Road
Singapore 609702
13. Pies & Coffee
Charcoal Chicken Pie
We just love how this looks in contrast to the yellowish chicken curry!
14. Dirty Cheesecake
And their latest addition to their menu is the Dirty Cheesecake (Creamy Charcoal Cheesecake) which we really can’t wait to try!
Try it at:
Pies & Coffee
Robertson Walk
11 Unity Street, #01-25, Robertson Walk, Singapore 237995
Rochester Mall
35 Rochester Drive, #01-02, Singapore 138639
The Grandstand
200 Turf Club Road, #01-10, Singapore 288794
Alexandra Retail Centre (ARC)
460 Alexandra Road, #01-18, Singapore 119963
15. Chocolate Root Beer Waffle with Charcoal Vanilla Ice Cream – The Cold Pantry
https://www.instagram.com/p/BBw-e63PWYq/?taken-at=450021133
First, the hype about Charcoal waffles and now there’s Charcoal vanilla ice cream?! Surprisingly, the combination is rather pleasant and works well. And definitely Instagram-worthy.
Try it at:
The Cold Pantry
131 Rangoon Road
Singapore 218409
With Charcoal, Squid Ink and Black Sesame gaining popularity in the food scene, we are definitely expecting more cafes and restaurants to join the darker side soon! 😉
