Today, I had lunch at Bouillon Gavroche with my wife. It is on level 1 of Mandarin Gallery along Orchard Road, and you cannot really miss it. Bright red facade, black art-deco doors and old French posters on the walls.
A bouillon (an old-school Paris canteen serving hearty French food at everyday prices) is not something we see much of in Singapore. This one comes from the same father-and-son team behind Brasserie Gavroche. Classic dishes, no fuss.
Inside, it is red banquettes, globe lights and French music playing in the background. It is not a quiet place. But it is good for a casual meal with friends, where you order a few plates to share and just talk.
Drinks are easy. It is $1 per pax for free-flow water, and they bring it to the table in their own branded bottle.
We started with the French baguette and butter ($4). It came warm and crisp, with a slab of butter on the side. Simple, but very satisfying. What can go wrong with this.
For the steak, we went for the Wagyu Petit Tender ($38), which comes with peppercorn sauce and fries. The beef was very tender and juicy, still nicely pink inside. If you only have to try one dish, I would suggest this.
We also ordered the Parmentier de Canard ($24). Think of it as a shepherd’s pie, but with shredded duck confit at the bottom, crushed potato on top and a crust of breadcrumbs baked till golden.
It was good. But it is heavy, so it is better to share. For one pax, it can get too much.
My personal verdict.
Food: 4/5 — the Wagyu steak and the baguette carry it. Lunch for the two of us came to about $70+. Menu prices are before service charge and GST, so do factor that in. Not hawker cheap, but decent value for French food in the middle of Orchard.
Ambience: 4/5 — lively and comfortable. Suitable for a casual meal with friends.
Service: 4.5/5
Will I return? Yes. I am happy to come back and try the other items on the menu.
Bouillon Gavroche
333A Orchard Road, #01-16/17 Mandarin Gallery, Singapore 238897
Open daily, 11.30am to 11pm.
