Jim Thompson Thai Restaurant & Wine Bar- Singapore

Sublime Thai cuisine served in the alluring grandeur of restored military barracks

December 27th, 2012

Nestled among the lush greenery of the historic Dempsey Hills area of Singapore, the complex of grand colonial-era buildings that once functioned as the main military barracks for the British Army in Singapore have been extensively restored and converted into a thriving upscale lifestyle complex of restaurants, antique stores, and art galleries. In one of the more prominent heritage buildings near the main entrance to the complex, the globally renowned Thai silk and textile company- Jim Thompson– established their flagship Thai restaurant in 2009 – the acclaimed Jim Thompson Thai Restaurant & Wine Bar. Drawing on decades of design experience and the cultural heritage of the famous Jim Thompson Residence and Museum in Bangkok, the company have created a magnificent statement of restaurant design- artfully combining the impressive colonial architecture with a contemporary Thai style of refined elegance.

The culinary experience is equally as important as the interior design, and Jim Thompson Restaurant & Wine Bar engaged a team of talented Thai chefs to create an authentic Thai cuisine, based on traditional Thai recipes and ingredients, adding some modern innovations in the process. The expansive restaurant provides guests with three options of dining style- a true fine-dining experience in the stunning main dining hall, the more casual style of the Wine Bar, and the relaxed atmosphere at the outdoor garden terrace setting.

Open daily from midday, Jim Thompson serves lunch and dinner, with reservations for evening dining in the main room recommended.

The imposing former colonial barracks building now occupied by Jim Thompson Restaurant

The menu at Jim Thompson encompasses an alluring range of traditional and contemporary Thai cuisine, with an impressive assemblage of over 80 dishes to select from. Essential ingredients required for the true flavours of Thailand, such as the many herbs and spices that can only be found in the produce markets of Thailand, are sourced fresh from the Jim Thompson gastronomic operations in Bangkok. The menu is organised under the broad categories of Thai dishes, including appetizers, spicy salads, soups, curries, main dishes, seafood & whole fish, grilled, rice & noodles, stir fried, vegetarian, desserts and more. A couple of Set Menus are available to simplify the ordering process- with 4 courses comprising selections of appetizers, soup, main dishes and dessert attractively priced at S$85++. An option for sharing appetizers- two sets of various appetizer dishes, with the “Chef Selection” Pattaya Set offering a selection of battered fish, prawns and scallop with grilled beef.

Highlighted “Chef Selection” dishes include- TOM YAM HED RUEM TALAY– Clear hot and sour seafood soup with assorted mushroom and holy basil leaves; GAENG GAREE GAl RUE GOONG– Yellow curry of chicken or prawns with onions and potatoes; GOONG OOB MOR DIN– Baked tiger prawn with glass noodle, ginger and celery; and PHAD PAKBOONG FAI DANG– Stir-fried morning glory in flames with garlic, bird’s eye chilies in a yellow bean and oyster sauce.

Refreshing beverages are an essential accompaniment to the breadth of tastes and flavours encountered with Thai cuisine. In addition to an extensive wine cellar carefully selected to be sympathetic to the dishes, a good selection of wines can also be ordered by the glass. The bar dispenses a cocktail list of enticing drinks- with an emphasis on fresh fruit ingredients that pair nicely with the cuisine. Most popular are the selections of Mojitos ( 10 varieties), Margaritas & Daiquiris, and Martinis. Signature cocktails include the delicious Thompson Mojito and Thompson Margarita (photographed below), other specialty cocktails include Thompson Mai Thai– Rum, cointreau, orange liqueur, orange, pineapple, grenadine & dark rum; Bangkok Bloody Mary- Chilli infused vodka, nam jim jeaw, tomato juice, fresh lime & spices; and Jim Thompson Cooler– Gin, fresh lime juice, homemade ginger syrup, mint leaves, ginger ale.

Non-alcoholic options include fresh fruit mocktails, fresh tropical smoothies, and traditional Siamese herbal drinks.

The Interior

The spectacular central dining hall- with its soaring 15 metre high pitched ceiling and imposing colonnades of white structural pillars evoking the colonial origins of the structure.

The main dining room- looking back towards the Wine Bar at the far end of the space. Elegant timber-framed glass panels set between pillars provide separation of the spacious interior into various discrete dining sections.

The reception area at the main entrance to the dining room.

The reception lobby- hand-crafted artifacts add the Thai cultural connection and style to the Thai cuisine.

Table settings along an outer passageway offer a more casual dining environment then the grandeur on the main dining hall.

The main dining hall features a eminently stylish blend of traditional architecture with contemporary furnishings. In the central section of the dining floor space a series of high-backed banquettes, with colorful Thai silk textile coverings make a boldly elegant statement.

At one end of the dining room, the serving counter fronting the kitchen is highlighted by a shimmering curtain of chrome, matched with suspended mosiac glass light fittings for a dramatic effect.

Graceful Thai dancers in traditional attire greet guests and perform unobtrusively within the main dining room.

The Wine Bar section at one end of the interior. Table settings here are less formal, for guests choosing to enjoy some drinks and casual dining.

The bar counter has a contemporary design with a bold black and white chequered decoration. Shelving behind the bar showcases numerous authentic Thai artifacts.

Fresh draft Singha Beer- the iconic Thai brand- a popular accompaniment to the Thai cuisine

The expansive outdoor terrace, in a lush garden setting, offers a more casual dining experience.

Highlights of the authentic Thai cuisine

Gai Hor Bai Toey- Marinated chicken wrapped in pandan leaves, deep fried and served with special Thompson dip.

Pattaya Set – A selection of battered fish, prawn and scallop with grilled beef, accompanied with a bowl of Yam Som O Boran (A variation of traditional pomelo salad with shredded chicken, roast garlic, minced shrimp in creamy coconut dressing)

Yam Neau Yang A-Ngoon– 100 % Australian beef tenderloin, grilled, sliced, and tossed with red grapes, lemongrass and chili lime dressing.

Pla Ga Pong Khao Nueng Manao- Steamed seabass with garlic, chili lime sauce.

Selected popular cocktails

Thompson Mojito– Lemongrass infused vodka , fresh lemongrass, fresh mint, lime, lemongrass syrup and bitter lemon.

Absolut Thai– Mango Absolut vodka, kiwi vodka, mango liqueur, lychee liqueur, roselle juice, lime juice, mango puree.

Thompson Margarita– Patron Silver tequila, Grand Marnier, fresh lime juice.

Jim Thompson Thai Restaurant & Wine Bar- Dempsey Hill, Singapore

Address: No. 45 Minden Road, Dempsey Hill. Singapore 248817
Reservations: +65. 6475 6088
Website: www.jimthompson.com/restaurants_bars/index.asp
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/jimthompsonrestaurants.singapore
Opening hours:
Monday to Saturday 12:00 pm ~ 12:00 am
Sunday 12:00 pm ~ 11:00 pm Sunday Buffet 12:00 pm ~ 3:00 pm