Just a stone’s throw away from Kallang Riverside Park is Gourmet Park Kampong Bugis, the latest dining pop-up by Food Truck Nation, open till late December this year. The new establishment is rather off the beaten track and resides on the first floor within a quiet industrial building in the neighbourhood. Blink twice and you might miss it, as the café is tucked away behind dense, lush green foliage. Follow the signage and you’ll enter a quaint al-fresco patio. The space is also pet-friendly, so don’t be surprised to see the occasional labrador or corgi lounging around.
You’ll find a mix of familiar Gourmet Park participating brands, as well as a few new faces like Meatsmith, Backyard Bakers, and Carnaby. Fans of Goodburger and Quattro need not travel to Gourmet Park at Resorts World Sentosa, because this outlet also slings out the same scrumptious plant-based burgers and homely pizzas and pasta. Get The Big Boy ($22) from The Goodburger, which has a stack of two patties for a more satisfying mouthful, or try Quattro’s garlic prawn pizza ($30) which has a slightly spicy kick.
The much anticipated Meatsmith menu presents a selection of favourites from its Telok Ayer branch, like the Meatsmith Beef Brisket ($28) which sells out incredibly quickly. The pork belly burnt ends ($13) are another safe bet. These tender, well-smoked slices break apart once you bite into them, and despite not being quite on the same level of legendary as the one’s at the original Telok Ayer store, they’re a close second for those who don’t want to wrestle for a reservation at the main outlet.
Other new additions to the Gourmet Park family include Breakfast by Carnaby, a new British breakfast concept headlined by the previous executive chef at Potato Head Folk and Three Buns. Come on weekends to enjoy comforting classics like The Full Monty ($32) – a plate of English breakfast staples; buttermilk pancakes ($14) with smoked butter; or a boozy toast ($14) spiked with alcohol berry compote. For a sweet treat, the well-loved Backyard Bakers are bringing their addictive Blackout Brownies ($12), raved for its crispy crust while oozing with fudgy goodness on the inside.
Accompanying the spread is a rotation of craft beers and wines, as well as refreshing spritz like the Garden of Eden, Gincello and Kampong B Mojito ($22 each) – cocktails specially crafted for the locale. The caffeine department’s also well sorted out, with beans sourced from the renowned Liberty Coffee.