CATO: Modern Asian Bar in Chinatown

Nestled within a two-storey conservation building at South Bridge Road, CATO – a cosy restaurant and bar serving modern Asian food – stands out from the rest of the heritage shop houses with its modern dark washed exteriors, rustic charm and industrial interior decor. With high glass windows, 14 craft beers on tap and a view that overlooks the iconic streets of Chinatown from the bar on the second floor, CATO is a refreshing alternative to most bars in Singapore (and we’re not sure why it’s not the talk of the town yet).

Along with 10 OpenRice members, we started things off with a couple of beers and tapas plates such as Garlic Fries ($8), Prawn Bisque with Homemade Codfish Ball & Coriander Leaf ($12), Cato Wings In Home Made Chili Glaze ($15) and Crispy Squid In Thai Style Glaze ($12), which was the top dish of the night and also a favourite amongst regulars at CATO. Aside from having a good ambience and an impressive drinks menu, CATO also features fusion Asian main dishes that full of surprising modern twists.

A crowd favourite - Aunty Jasmine’s Curry Fish ($25) uses a secret family recipe (by one of the owner’s mother) made with fresh New Zealand Ling Fish prepared in an Indian style Curry with Okra, vegetables and olive roes on the side. We also got to try an inventive Açai Cured Salmon ($18) served on starfruit ceviche with a light & refreshing calamansi crème fraîche & açai jelly.

One of the chef’s recommendations (and personally a must-try) was the Steamed Baked Pork Cheek ($28), which features strips of tender pork cheek sealed in ‘Fata’ cooking foil and steam-baked in a creamy smooth port wine mustard sauce along with seasonal veggies.

The tasting ended off on a sweet and high note with Papaya Nougat Glacé ($14), a very photogenic dish comprising homemade nougat laced with fresh papaya chunks, caramelized almonds, then drizzled with a papaya and sweet wine reduction – scoring a 3.9 out of 5 rating amongst our OpenRice members.

Click here to read OpenRice members’ reviews! See also: Where to Eat in Chinatown Tapas Restaurants in Singapore

Written by Fiona Phoon Top Image: CATO Facebook Page All other images are writer’s own