You may have noticed the brand-new Sláinte, perched on Level 4 of Paragon Shopping Centre at Orchard Road.
It offers an interesting balance of daytime café charm and evening whiskey sophistication.
First things first, it is pronounced as “slawn-cha”.
With its Gaelic name meaning “good health”, it seems like the place to enjoy a comforting meal with a touch of elegance.
Walking in, I was immediately struck by the warm, earthy tones of the interior.
The rich browns and neutral hues created an inviting and cosy atmosphere that can make you feel instantly at ease. The space has a relaxed charm that encourages you to linger.
What’s special about Sláinte is how it transforms from a cosy daytime spot to a sophisticated whiskey bar by evening.
As the sun sets and the café transforms into an elegant whiskey bar, Sláinte shifts its focus to an evening menu featuring a selection of charcoal-grilled dishes.
Experience Sláinte with the following recommended dishes, from comforting breakfast items to apple wood charcoal-grilled dishes:
Sláinte Breakfast ($27.80, for breakfast)
The breakfast menu offers a variety from Pulled Beef Bagel, BBQ Pulled Pork Bagel, Shakshuka, Chilli Scrambled Eggs, to Eggs Benedict.
I decided to go for the hearty platter of Sláinte Breakfast – for those mornings when you need something substantial to kickstart the day.
The bagel, generously slathered with cream cheese, was delightfully soft yet sturdy enough to hold up against the scrambled eggs, pancetta, and Wagyu sausage.
The scrambled eggs were fluffy and rich without being too heavy, while the wagyu sausage was juicy with a distinct depth of flavour.
Boxty ($19.90, for breakfast)
For something more ‘adventurous’, go for the Boxty – an Irish potato pancake served with crispy bacon, eggs, and crème fraîche.
The texture was quite interesting – crispy on the outside, but soft and almost creamy on the inside, reminding me of a thick, tender potato rosti.
It is not a dish that hits you with bold flavours, but it has a comforting simplicity to it.
Ayam Bakar ($24.80)
This is possibly my favourite dish from Sláinte.
The smoky presentation was quite dramatic, featuring spatchcock chicken, served with a spiced gravy and a side of spiced watermelon.
The chicken itself was tender, with the char from the grill adding a smoky depth to the marinated meat.
The spiced gravy, rich and aromatic, enhanced the chicken’s natural flavours without overpowering them.
What surprised me most was the spiced watermelon on the side. It was an unexpected combination that provided a refreshing contrast.
Snow-Aged Yukimuro Fullblood Wagyu A4 ($66.80)
This dish is all about the quality of the meat, and it doesn’t disappoint.
You get a 100g portion of Niigata wagyu seasoned with sea salt and herbs and accompanied by a fresh herb salad.
The wagyu, known for its buttery richness, was melt-in-the-mouth tender, with just the right amount of marbling to create a luxurious texture.
The charcoal grilling imparted a subtle smokiness, which worked well with the clean, simple seasoning.
It is a dish where less is more – the flavours of the beef stand on their own, needing no elaborate accompaniments.
Pulpo a la Plancha ($34.80)
A charcoal-grilled Spanish octopus leg served with saffron mashed potatoes and fried onions.
Octopus can be tricky to get right, but this one was cooked well.
The slow grilling gave the octopus a lovely charred exterior, while the inside remained tender and not overly chewy.
Iberico Pork Chop ($37.80)
The Iberico Pork Chop is served with chimichurri, honey mustard, and spiced potatoes.
Slow-grilled over charcoal, it had a crisp, caramelised crust while remaining juicy and flavourful on the inside.
The chimichurri sauce brought a burst of herby freshness and tang, which paired well with the rich pork.
Langostino Pasta ($36.80)
Pasta time – the spaghetti was cooked al dente, accompanied with Argentinian red shrimp.
What truly elevated this dish for me though, was the 12-hour slow-simmered bisque that was poured over the pasta right at the table.
The bisque was flavourful, brimming with the essence of shellfish, and it coated the spaghetti in a silky, luxurious sauce.
Coal Roasted Japanese Sweet Potato ($16.80)
An intriguing dessert that combined earthiness with a touch of sweetness in a way I hadn’t quite experienced before.
The Japanese sweet potato, roasted over coals, was soft and naturally sweet, with a hint of smokiness.
Paired with fig and manuka ice cream, this is a wholesome dessert. Though some may find it slightly carb-heavy after the rich mains.
Wood Fired Marshmallow ($19.80)
An interactive treat that can bring out the child in you. Sláinte offers a self-roast experience, where you roast your own marshmallows over a small flame at the table.
The marshmallows, once roasted to your liking, can be dipped into a rich chocolate ganache contained in a crisp vanilla tart shell.
If you are dining with friends or family, it is a way to end the evening with a smile. There’s something so nostalgic and fun about it.
That being said, while the food is well-executed, it is more on the comforting, familiar side. It may not be the place to go if you’re seeking something wildly adventurous or cutting-edge.
All in all, Sláinte offers a combination of casual comfort and subtle sophistication.
And for whiskey enthusiasts, the selection includes rare auction-sourced whiskies available by the dram, for savoring something unique as you unwind.
Sláinte
Paragon Shopping Centre #04-09, 290 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238859
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 10pm (Mon – Fri), 9:30am – 10pm (Sat – Sun)
Reservations: https://slainte.oddle.me/en_SG/reservations
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* This entry is brought to you in partnership with Sláinte.
