FAT COW- Japanese inspired Steakhouse & Lounge- Singapore

Acclaimed artisanal steakhouse introduces new Japanese-inflected cocktail program

June 11th, 2013

Aptly named, Fat Cow is a specialist Japanese-style steakhouse serving the finest prime cuts of Wagyu beef in a sublime setting of understated elegance that exemplifies the Japanese aesthetics of minimalism and perfection. First opened in late 2011 by the locally-based Big Idea Group ( group restaurants include The Marmalade Pantry, The Pelican and Kinki Restaurant + Bar), Fat Cow occupies an unassuming space at the street level frontage of a prestigious Singapore medical centre on the fringe of the famous Orchard Road shopping precinct. The exquisite steakhouse cuisine of Fat Cow has been the recipient of numerous accolades and industry awards, and attracts a solid following of both regular guests and first time visitors. In addition to the stellar steak cuisine, Fat Cow boasts an impressive beverage program at its intimate Lounge bar. Under the direction of the Group Beverage Manager- award-winning mixologist and industry personality Richard Gilliam- the bar serves an impressive selection of classic cocktails that have been customised with Japanese ingredients to both compliment the flavours of the Japanese steakhouse cuisine, and to evoke an authentic and sophisticated Japanese drinking experience.

The dining concept at Fat Cow is centred on a “bespoke” service that encourages diners to select the origin of their beef, the cut, the weight, and finally, the method of cooking- custom tailoring each meal to the preferences of the individual diner. The concise menu offers a selection of prime Wagyu beef cuts – sourced from specific growers in Japan, the USA and Australia. Having selected their preferred source and cut, guests can choose from several traditional Japanese cooking methods- shabu shabu; sukiyaki; binchotan (white Japanese charcoal); or the Teppan grill.

Complimenting the fine steak cuisine is a carefully curated selection of premier wines, plus a large range of Japanese spirits such as premium (junmai, junmai ginjo), and super-premium sake (daiginjo), seasonal house-infused jars of shochu, and aged Japanese whiskys. Additionally, a solid selection of single malt Scotch whiskies, American whiskeys, and premium rums, tequilas, gins and vodkas are all stocked. Cocktails are highlighted by the Fat Cow Specials– four varieties of Whisky Sour crafted from Japanese ingredients with flavours to pair harmoniously with the steaks. Further cocktails are grouped in selections for pre-dinner, or post-dinner libations, or simply for relaxed refreshment anytime in the evenings at the Lounge.

Fat Cow serves lunch and dinner daily except Sundays, and with a total seating capacity for just 46 diners, and many regular customers, bookings are strongly recommended.

Interior of Fat Cow

An inviting Lounge bar greets guests at the entrance to Fat Cow. The intimate space features a long dark marble-topped bar and casual lounge seating.

The main dining room seats a maximum of 18 diners at a large “U” shaped timber counter that wraps around the open cooking station allowing for an interactive experience with the chefs.

The distinctive blonde timber canopy of open cubes suspended form the ceiling is the design motif of Fat Cow- featuring in both the main dining room and the front lounge bar- referencing the distinctive Japanese aesthetic of the geometric patterns of traditional timber framed shoji screens.

Sliding shoji rice paper screens create a network of intimate dining spaces between the front Lounge and the main dining room.

Dining space behind shoji screens that opens directly onto the Lounge area.

Highlights from the cocktail menu

Coco No Hana– Shochu and lychee liqueur are mixed with cooling coconut and floral lychees with a rich blackberry base

Shiso Kir– Shiso leaf infused blackberry liqueur adds fresh herbal character to this classic Champagne cocktail

Fat Sour- Suntory Kakubin Whisky shaken till frothy with fresh lemon, mole bitters and Fat Cow’s Suntory Malt Syrup.

Nashi Nashi- vanilla tinctured Kakubin Whisky, shaken with a rich pear puree and citrus oils.

Fat Cow Menu selections

Japanese wagyu beef from Saga Prefecture.

Fat Cow Shabu Shabu setting

Fat Cow Donburi- charcoal-grilled Wagyu beef with onsen egg & shiro negi over Japanese rice

Fat Cow Sukiyaki