Opened by homegrown F&B company Ebb & Flow, who is also behind award-winning restaurants like Sommer and Willow, Tribal is a modern Asian grill located within Mondrian Singapore Duxton. Led by executive chef Keith Wan, the 58-seater establishment shines the spotlight on wood-fired cooking and familiar Asian flavours. To start, order a few items from the small plates section of the menu to share, especially the yellowtail umai, featuring fresh sashimi tossed in a bright Sarawakian inspired dressing of lime, chilli, garlic and kaffir lime. Alternatively, the bincho scallops – gently seared then placed atop smoked buttermilk with homemade XO sauce, basil oil and pear – is sure to whet your appetite.
To fill up, the meats are a must-try. The pure black dry-aged OP rib boasts a nutty aroma and intense flavours, while the satsuma striploin features exquisite melt-in-the-mouth marbling. While the meats are a high point, the star of the menu is easily the sharing rice pots, available in three variants: wild mushroom, Wagyu and seafood. All three options come with a nasi ulam base that mixes fluffy Thai Jasmine rice with fresh aromatic vegetables and herbs. Made to order and simmered in a cast iron pot, each pot will require 30 minutes cooking time, with portions that could satiate up to three pax just on its own.