Authentic Thai street foods from acclaimed chef David Thompson at vibrant new restaurant in Singapore
June 15th, 2015
The highly anticipated opening of Long Chim restaurant, located within the Marina Bay Sands casino and lifestyle complex in Singapore, by globally-acclaimed Thai cuisine chef and restaurateur David Thompson takes a fresh approach to his focus on refined “royal Thai” cuisine at his much-lauded nahm restaurants – established initially in London – and since 2010 based at The Metropolitan Hotel in Bangkok. At Long Chim (broadly translates from Thai as “please try”) he embraces the extraordinary diversity of Thai street foods, serving a wide-ranging menu in the vibrant and casual atmosphere of a characterful, voluminous space overlooking Singapore’s Marina Bay and CBD skyline. Complementing the consummate renditions of Thai street foods, an engaging bar at the entrance entices with its list of Thai-inflected signature cocktails and late night bar snack menu. With agreeably moderate food and drink prices, the renowned cooking of David Thompson and his culinary team at Long Chim is accessible to a broad-based clientele.
Entered from within second-floor atrium of the casino, a curving entrance pathway resembling a gritty Thai street facade reveals the dimly lighted interior of the Long Chim bar – and beyond the spacious main dining and kitchen spaces. An asymmetrical vaulted ceiling, crafted from reclaimed timbers, provides a dramatic accent to the eclectic yet sleek, urban Thai-inspired decor, replete with street artworks and retro memorabilia. The central dining area features comfortably spaced tables with both close proximity to the measured yet energetic bustle behind three open cooking stations – and also enjoying city skyline and Marina Bay vistas through the full height glass wall.
Both an accomplished chef, and researcher of Thai cuisine, David Thompson has published an authoritative guide on Thai Street Food, and his deep understanding of Thai ingredients and flavour combinations is unmistakeable in the diversity of dishes presented in the Long Chim menu. Heading up the culinary team in the kitchens at Long Chim is Thai head chef Yingyod Raktham, supported by ex-nahm London chefs Matthew Albert and Annita Thompson. Using only fresh Thai ingredients and contemporary street-cooking techniques ensures the authenticity of the dishes served, and diners can expect the same intensity of spices and bold flavours that are served up every day in the famed food stalls on the streets of Bangkok.
Headlining the bar service, a concise list of signature cocktails feature re-reinterpreted classics with flavourful Thai-inflections – exemplified by the Lumpinee – a Thai take on the Old Fashioned bourbon cocktail; and Chatuchak – made with gin, lemongrass and kaffir lime infused vermouth, and Campari – a Thai version of the Negroni.
Long Chim opens daily from 5 pm until late for dinner, and on weekdays from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm for lunch. See the Long Chim Facebook Page for regular menu updates and highlights. Reservations are recommended.
Long Chim: Thai street-style inspired decor
Long Chim: authentic Thai street food
