I’ve heard of The Coastal Settlement quite a few times from friends who had been there and recommended it as a good place for brunch or lunch.
More than anything else they’d told me though, I remembered them saying that the restaurant is very kid-friendly… so I thought it was time to check it out for myself.
So that was exactly what I did, with my family (hubby and our 2 boys), of course!
One fine day, not too long ago, we went to The Coastal Settlement for lunch.
It is a bit out of the way — close to Changi Beach Club — and our taxi driver didn’t know where it was, so it’s best to familiarise yourself with how to get there before you head out.
But get there we eventually did!
My first impressions — totally quirky decor, great music (think ‘Easy like Sunday Morning’!) and so much surrounding greenery!
A pop of colour to greet visitors to The Coastal Settlement
We were ‘welcomed’ by this antique, multi-coloured car (go Flower Power!) that was parked in front on the restaurant.
As we wandered down the path that leads to the entrance, we were immersed in an almost kampong-like atmosphere.
Outdoor seating at The Coastal Settlement
I fell in love with the spacious outdoor seating area, which was where we decided to settle ourselves.
Meanwhile, my sons fell in love with the outdoor kids’ play area, full of quaint, brightly coloured carnival play equipment.
Tip:
If you plan on dining at The Coastal Settlement’s outdoor seating area, do remember to bring plenty of mosquito repellent for the little ones (and yourselves).
As with other outdoor places where there are lots of plants, it’s best to be safe.
How cute is this bus?!
If you’re more of an indoors person, the interior of this restaurant is as spacious as its outdoor seating area, and oh-so-interesting!
Antiques are placed at strategic points around the interior of the restaurant.
It’s full of intriguing antiques — like a strategically placed old Vespa scooter and an antiquated typewriter — as well as comfy sitting areas that just invite you to sit down for coffee and dessert after a meal.
Tip:
Do ask the friendly staff to tell you about the history of The Coastal Settlement and the antiques on display — it’s a lesson in history for the kids, too!
The pretty (and interesting) interior
But now, let’s get on to the most important bit…
The food!
The brunch menu (available on weekends from 10.30am-4pm) at The Coastal Settlement is a good mix of East meets West.
Brushing shoulders on the menu are dishes synonymous with Singapore and Malaysia, such as Char Kway Teow and Nasi Lemak, and good old Western comfort food, such as burgers and fries.
We started off with a classic Singaporean/Malaysian drink — Bandung — and a refreshing mocktail — Red Castle.
Bandung — $6
This popular Singaporean and Malaysian drink was “pretty in pink” and so refreshing. The rose flavour was not overpowering and it wasn’t too sweet either.
For starters, we ordered the Portobello Fries. The friendly staff suggested that we also try the Wagyu Cubes (an in-house specialty).
Portobello Fries: Straight-cut Fries, White Truffle Oil, Truffle Mayo — $15
Red Castle Mocktail — $12
Truffle lovers, pay close attention… this is the starter for you!
The mushroom fries were succulent and crispy on the outside.
Most importantly, the taste of truffle really gets your taste buds clamouring for another bite, and another bite… till the plate is empty!
The earthiness of this dish paired beautifully with the refreshing sweetness of the mocktail.
Tip:
If you don’t like the rather intense flavour of truffles, I wouldn’t recommend this dish. Otherwise, go for it!
Wagyu Cubes: Australian Wagyu Beef Cubes with Mushroom Salsa, Mesclun Salad, Japanese Dressing — $22
My husband, being a meat-lover, was eagerly looking forward to this starter, also because it came so highly recommended.
I have to say the cubes of beef were juicy, tender, and cooked to perfection, but we were a little underwhelmed by the presentation and felt the amount of meat to salad was disproportionate.
Fish Tacos: Beer Battered Pacific Dory, Fennel Coleslaw, Avocado, Cherry Tomato, Spanish Onions, Cilantro Citrus Dressing — $24
This was my main meal and it was really yummy!
The fish was crispy, and I just loved the delicate flavour of the fennel coleslaw and the tangy lemony dressing that cut through the richness of the fried fish.
The tortillas were thin and soft, and the little side salad was delightfully refreshing.
Tip:
Eat this one fast (it’s not a hard task to do!) before the tortillas start collapsing!
Nasi Lemak: Coconut Jasmine Rice, Fried Chicken, Tiger Prawns, Sunny Side Up Egg, Cucumber, Ikan Bilis, Sambal — $16
With so many places offering fabulous Nasi Lemak around Singapore, this one, I would say, scored a 6/10.
What I liked most about this dish was the deliciously spicy sambal and the crispy, crunchy tiger prawns.
Tip:
If you’re sitting outdoors, watch out for the resident friendly (and very hungry) Mynah bird! We managed to shoo him away before he tucked into our Nasi Lemak!
Chicken Nuggets (on the left) — $12; Chicken Chop and Spaghetti (on the right) — $15
The Coastal Settlement has a kids’ menu so those hungry little tummies won’t be disappointed.
We ordered the always popular chicken nuggets and the Chicken Chop and Spaghetti — a refreshing change to that ever-present kids’ menu item, Spaghetti Bolognese.
My sons enjoyed the Spaghetti more than they did the nuggets and I could see why when I tasted the former.
The chicken was tender and in bite-sized portions — just right for little mouths — and the spaghetti sauce was sweet and tomato-ey.
Next, introducing our dishes of the day… the desserts!
Chendol Custard: Popcorn, French Vanilla Bean Custard, Pandan Noodles, Gula Melaka Granita, Salted Caramel Peanuts, Coconut Ice Cream — $14
You must be thinking, “Whoa… how on earth can so many elements in one dessert work?”
But surprisingly, they all worked in perfect harmony to form a delightful medley of sweet Asian tastes and textures.
I really liked the way the buttery popcorn added so much texture and crunch to this surprising dessert.
The Gula Melaka Granita was of a melt-in-the-mouth consistency and the coconut ice cream was divine.
Do try this dessert if you visit The Coastal Settlement — it gets a big thumbs-up from me!
Mango Yuzu Cheesecake: Baked Mango Cheesecake, Mango Chunks, Yuzu, Mango Purée — $12
When this dessert was brought out, the first thing that struck me was how exquisite it looked with its lovely citrus and berry colours, with matching flower petals!
It tasted exquisite, too, and was light and summery.
The sweet creaminess of the cheesecake paired beautifully with the tang of the Yuzu, silky mango purée and chunks of juicy mango.
This was a really tasty treat to end our meal at The Coastal Settlement.
PRICE RANGE OF BRUNCH MENU ITEMS: $11-$28
Was it kid-friendly?
Yes, it was! The highlight for kids has to be the delightful outdoor play area.
Parents will be happy to know they also have a nice kids’ menu, as well as high chairs and plastic tableware for the littlies.
The Coastal Settlement (outdoor sitting area) is pooch-friendly too!
Address and Contact information
The Coastal Settlement can be found at 200, Netheravon Road, Singapore 508529. You may reach them by phone at 6475 0200.
Have you visited The Coastal Settlement? Tell us what you thought about it by leaving a comment below!
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