The Oyster Bank probably got two components right – $2 Oysters and great laid-back vibes.
That got diners queuing up with an extended long line outside its store (and beyond) at Funan.
Good news for those around River Valley. The restaurant which also serves up a mix of Japanese-Western cuisine and bites has opened a second outlet at Great World (next to MOS Burger, right opposite the soon-to-open Shake Shack).
Note that this is a dine-in only, no reservations restaurant. All walk-in guests have to be present to be seated, so don’t sabo your friends and be punctual. Customers have to be above the age of 12.
The 50-seater capacity space is accented with classic forest-green, brass and gold fittings that are reminiscent of a vintage bank.
It reminded me of one of those modern diners in New York City. Part of it was due to the slightly loud jazzy music and lively conversations which create that chill-out mood.
Look at the ceiling for a 9-tier customised oyster light fixture, which is decorated to pay homage to how oysters are cultivated in the open waters by a long-line system.
The main star of “Naked Oysters” are available at $2++ each during “Happy Shucking Hour” from 5pm – 8pm weekdays, and 3pm – 6pm weekends.
There is a small catch though, as diners need to purchase half a dozen Oysters with an alcoholic beverage. But I thought that was still reasonable.
Even though I am not totally an Oyster fan, it was easy to fall in love with these babies – they were fresh, plump, and creamy-good.
Other than the Naked Oysters, there were offerings of Kilpatrick (Worcestershire butter and bacon), Bloody Mary, Grapefruit Ponzu, Sake Mignonette, Cilantro Lime, Mentaiko, Basil Cream, Chipotle Bourbon and Cheese Baked.
These variants cost $4.25 to $4.50 per piece, some require a mininium order of two.
The Oyster Bank is also known for its Japanese bowls, with selection from Bara Chirashi Don ($16.90), Aburi Salmon Don ($17.90), Unagi Don ($16.90), Spicy Salmon Don ($16.90), Beef Cube Don ($18.90), to Smoked Duck Don ($15.90).
The Bara Chirashi Don ($16.90) was considered decent and reasonably-priced with fresh cubes of salmon, tuna, shrimp, topped with tamago and ikura.
However, if you compare this to some of the better Japanese donburi specialty restaurants, then these bowls would pale in comparison.
This was mainly due to the rice which was part mushy and pressed too compact such that it affected its fluffy texture, with some grains clumped up.
As for the Spicy Salmon Don ($16.90), the spicy mix could prove to be too heavy for some as it covered the taste of the fresh fish.
Is it right to say that my favourite item of the meal (other than the Oysters) was the Mentaiko Fries ($16.90)?
This came in a mini-hill looking like a donburi bowl, topped with aburi-ed roe with a touch of alluring smokiness. Potentially addictive as I found my hands keep reaching out for more.
The Oyster Bank has this vibrant and relaxing vibes that make you want to come with your BFF to have half a dozen Oysters or more. And probably get tipsy at the same time. Can understand why it got this popular.
The Oyster Bank – Great World
Great World #01-111, 1 Kim Seng Promenade, Singapore 237994
Tel: +65 6235 5757
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 3pm, 4:30pm – 10pm (Mon – Fri), 11:30am -10pm (Sat – Sun)
The Oyster Bank – Funan
107 North Bridge Road #02-32 Funan Mall, Singapore 179105
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 3pm, 4:30pm – 10pm (Mon – Fri), 11:30am -10pm (Sat – Sun)
Other Related Entries
&JOY Dining Hall (Great World)
Hot Stones (Clarke Quay)
Tenjin (Shaw Centre)
Rockon Tokyo (Tanjong Pagar)
SUKIYA (Suntec City)
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