If you’re a meat lover, there’s no denying that steak is the ultimate indulgence and you can always find the best steak in Singapore. A perfectly cooked steak can satisfy even the most discerning taste buds, and Singapore exists only to prove that point. The city-state is home to some of the best steakhouses in the world – but how do you navigate through the vast selection of options to find the perfect steak?
In this article, we’ll take a look at the history of Singapore’s steak scene, guide you through the Art of Choosing the Perfect Steak, explore the different steakhouses on offer, and help you pair your steak with the perfect sides and drinks.
A Brief History of Steak in Singapore
Singapore has a long history of savouring and enjoying meat, particularly steak. The city-state’s multicultural landscape has also influenced the kind of steakhouses and cooking techniques available. Like any Asian city, Singapore’s cuisine is influenced by its immigrant population.
In the early days, steak was a luxury item that was mostly enjoyed in European-style hotels and restaurants. But as the city-state grew and prospered, so did the demand for a high-quality dining experience.
The Influence of Diverse Cultures on Singapore’s Steak Scene
A big part of what makes Singapore’s steak scene unique is the influence of diverse cultures on it. The city-state’s Chinese, Indian, Malay, and Peranakan populations have all contributed to the evolution of the steakhouse scene. For example, the Chinese cooking technique of stir-frying steak strips with onion and green peppers has been popularized in Singapore’s hawker centres and Cze Char restaurants.
Other examples include the popularity of beef rendang in Malay and Indonesian cuisine and the use of spices such as curry powder and tandoori powder in Indian steakhouses.
The Rise of High-End Steakhouses in Singapore
As Singapore increased in economic power, so did the number of high-end steakhouses. Today, there are dozens of premium steakhouses offering different cuts of steak, cooking methods, and dining experiences. In Singapore, you can find high-end steakhouses with modern décor, stunning views, or even offering a private dining experience. Prices range from the steep to the affordable, catering to a broad demographic of meat-loving diners.
The Art of Choosing the Perfect Steak
Choosing the Perfect Steak involves several factors like the cut, the ageing, and marbling, grass-fed vs. grain-fed beef, and so forth.
Understanding Different Cuts of Steak
Steak is made up of various cuts, each with its unique characteristics. The four primary steaks are ribeye, sirloin, tenderloin, and T-bone, each with varying degrees of marbling, fat content, tenderness, and flavour. Understanding the kind of beef you are about to eat can help you make an informed choice.
The Importance of Aging and Marbling
Ageing is a crucial factor in steak quality and taste. During the ageing process, enzymes break down the muscle tissue, making the steak more tender, while the marbling within the meat enhances the flavour and texture. Age is the balance between development and decomposition, and it depends on the cut and grade of the meat. High-end steakhouses typically serve aged beef, which gives more flavour to the meat.
Grass-fed vs. Grain-fed Beef
Cows can either be raised on a grass diet or grains such as corn, soy, and barley. Grass-fed beef has lower fat content than grain-fed beef and gives off a distinct beefy taste. Grain-fed beef, on the other hand, has a more distinct texture, marbling, and most importantly, flavour.
Top Steakhouses in Singapore
Here are three of the best steakhouses Singapore has to offer:
Saint Pierre
Saint Pierre is a premium modern European restaurant located in One Fullerton. Its classic and elegant interior design combined with magnificent views of Marina Bay Sands makes for an unforgettable experience. Chef Emmanuel Stroobant’s culinary expertise with premium ingredients blends perfectly with his fantastic wine collection, a perfect complement to any steak.
The Feather Blade
The Feather Blade is a neighbourhood steakhouse located in one of Singapore’s oldest districts, Tanjong Pagar. Its signature dish, the Feather Blade steak, is a flavoursome cut derived from the shoulder. This restaurant’s affordability and no-nonsense approach to dining make it a popular choice for those on a budget who still want to enjoy a great steak.
The Carvery
The Carvery is a unique steakhouse located in Park Hotel Alexandra that offers an extensive buffet and carvery selection. Besides steak, customers can enjoy other meats such as lamb leg, dolce & natural pork roast, and chicken. The restaurant also offers a unique twist on its steak with its Himalayan Salt Aging Chamber – a unique way of ageing meat, which adds a distinct mineral taste to the steak.
Cinder Steakhouse
Cinder Steakhouse is one of the best dining spots in Singapore for its amazing steak from cattle that have been raised on a diet. The best thing about this? It’s for sharing – because their portion is not for the faint of heart. This also makes it one of the best places for a dinner date with your spouse.
Morton’s Steakhouse
Do you want to make sure you get the best of steaks? Morton’s Steakhouse serves not only the best flavours in Singapore but the most maximised serving sizes as well. It’s hearty and huge for the grumbling belly.
Classic Side Dishes to Complement Your Steak
Steak is a dish that pairs well with a variety of sides such as garlic mashed potatoes, creamed spinach, and sautéed mushrooms. Besides the classics, you can also add a modern twist to your side dish, like replacing traditional mashed Potatoes with truffle mashed potatoes, replacing spinach cream with chard cream, or roasted oyster mushrooms. Any one of these sides elevates the steak experience to the highest level.
Wine Pairings for Different Cuts of Steak
Steak and wine are the perfect combination. Here are some wine pairings for different cuts of steak: A Ribeye pairs well with a full-bodied red, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec, while a T-bone steak pairs well with a red blend. On the other hand, the subtler taste of Chardonnay or Pinot Noir would pair well with a Tuna Steak.
Non-Alcoholic Drink Options for a Well-Rounded Meal
You can also pair your steak with a non-alcoholic drink, such as freshly squeezed fruit juice or lemonade. Pairing your steak with lemonade helps to cut through the rich flavour, while fresh fruit juice adds a fruity flavour that complements the meat.
Conclusion
Singapore’s steak scene is vast and diverse. Regardless of whether you’re looking for an upscale dining experience, a budget-friendly steak, or a unique twist on the traditional, there’s a steakhouse out there for every taste and budget. To make the most of your steak dining experience, remember to consider the cut of your meat, its marbling, and ageing, and the right sides and drinks to complement it. Once you’ve found that perfect steak, sit back, savour its juicy goodness, and enjoy the fantastic flavours Singapore has to offer.
