If you thought that only multi-coloured unicorn-inspired foods are Instagrammable, think again. The complete opposite of the spectrum – charcoal food – is now the latest trend. The ingredient, known for its purifying properties, has increasingly been used in many types of food, from burgers to ice cream. Here are some varieties and where to find them in Singapore, for you to embrace your inner Goth.
Soft serve, waffles and choux
The Cold Pantry’s charcoal vanilla soft serve is paired with a root beer waffle (altogether $12.50) but you can also have the soft serve on its own for $4.50.
#01-01, 88 Rangoon Road, Singapore 218374
At KokoPanda, there are two flavours of soft serve: Black Yogo (frozen yogurt made from charcoal and roasted coconut husk) and White Cremo (premium Korean milk soft serve). You can add your own toppings like dried pear, lemon and Jeju tangerine.
#B2-60, Plaza Singapura, 68 Orchard Road
You can also try some charcoal waffles at FATCAT Ice Cream Bar. They come with a scoop of ice cream of your choosing, including flavours like black sesame and Thai milk tea but they recommend it to be paired with salted egg yolk sauce. They also have another charcoal dessert, the salted egg choux, which is filled with salted egg yolk sauce.
#01-25, Blk 416 Bedok North Avenue 2
Burger
The charcoal burger craze was first introduced to Singapore by Burger King in 2014, when they added the Whopper and Chicken TenderCrisp burger with bamboo-charcoal-infused buns to their menu. Ever since then, restaurants and cafes have latched on to the hype and developed their own varieties.
Luxe is the quintessential Sydney dining venue, brought to Singapore, as the brand’s first overseas venture. Their Luxe burger on a charcoal bun is served with grass-fed beef, gruyère, pickles, tomato, and lettuce and a side of salad or fries for $27.
#01-04, The Working Capital, 1 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089109
Toast
Although slightly pricey, Meet and Melt makes up for it in the quality and plating of their desserts. With many varieties to choose from, you will be spoilt for choice. For $14.90, you can be treated to oozing goodness with their Thai milk tea-infused lava toast or charcoal lava toast with salted egg sauce. They also serve charcoal waffles and most of their ice cream flavours sell out within two days from the date of production, ensuring freshness.
#02-33/34, SCAPE, 2 Orchard Link, Singapore 237978
Fish and chips
At The Pipe District, you can have charcoal fish and chips as well as charcoal-battered onion rings. Not only is it eye-catching and unusual, but the industrial-themed bistro’s ambience complements the quality of the modern European food served at an affordable price.
41 Science Park Road, Singapore 117610
Pie
The charcoal pie served at Pies & Coffee may seem intimidating at first because of its charred exterior. But its filling embodies the traditional taste of chicken curry, based with an onion and curry sauce, with mashed potato and mixed salad on the side.
#01-25, 11 Unity Street, Robertson Walk, Singapore 237995
Custard bun
Treasures Yi Dian Xin’s charcoal salted egg yolk bun has an oozing centre and its sleek look is finished off with a single gold stripe, on its exterior. The steamed buns go for an affordable $3.60 for two at this casual dim sum restaurant.
#B1-08, Paragon Shopping Centre
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