Whisk yourself to the “capital of Europe” when you dine at Kingdom of Belgians (KOB), a laid-back bistro that’s been serving French-Belgian cuisine and award-winning wines at Robertson Quay since January 2020. The brainchild of Belgium-born Emmanuel Stroobant, the dining establishment has recently upped the ante by partnering gourmet grocer LPB market to offer a French grocery experience within its venue. While dining in is currently prohibited due to Singapore’s Phase 2 “heightened alert” restrictions, members of the public can still enjoy takeaways at both the restaurant and grocer.
Fans of what was formerly La Petite Boutique and now LPB Market, might be familiar with its original store in the heart of Serangoon Gardens, which purveys a wide selection of artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, fresh dairy, and meat. Here at its KOB outpost, the gourmet grocery occupies a mere 30 square meters of space, which nonetheless offers a noteworthy curation of popular cheeses, over 50 to be exact. Aromatic and rich, the signature truffle brie features mascarpone and black truffle sandwiched between a generous slice of Brie de Meaux. Rare cheeses are ripe for the picking, including the Camembert du Champ Secret, whose name alludes to its exclusivity; the single farm AOP (protected designation of origin) camembert is produced in such limited quantities that reservations must be placed with the farm weeks in advance. Those who fancy hard cheeses will appreciate the comté 36-month, which offers a distinct crispiness from salt crystals, courtesy of its maturing period.
Looking to build your own cheese platter? The grocer offers everything you need, from flavourful country pâtés to apricot infused crackers—the moreish Toast for Cheese Crackers is a personal favourite, and even cheese boards made of wood sourced from locally-grown trees. Meanwhile, premium chocolates from Le Comptoir de Mathilde, a chocolaterie in the South of France, take pride of place on the shelves. For a dash of fun, make a beeline for the le chocolat à casser, or “chocolate to break”, where you’ll get to break a chocolate tablet into shards with accompanying wooden mallet.
Rivalling the grocer are KOB’s new brunch offerings, which are hearty enough for sharing if you’re in the mood for variety. Created by head chef Lai Jia Yi, whose resume includes stints at two Michelin-starred Saint Pierre and Michelin Plate recipient, Pollen, the menu includes brunch classics like Croque Monsieur and Eggs Benedict. The former features buttery soft brioche with mozzarella, gruyere, and honey-baked ham, while the latter comes with salmon gravlax and creamy, homemade Hollandaise sauce. Those with bigger appetites can go for the Plat Du Jour, a juicy half roasted spring chicken paired with fries and salad.
From the dinner menu comes Boston Bay mussels cooked in two sauces, kam heong, a fragrant and savoury sauce commonly found in Singapore and Malaysia; as well as blue cheese. The former is a crowd-favourite and pairs perfectly with the accompanying milk bread. Those with a sweet tooth will enjoy the Liege-style waffles, featuring a crisp exterior and a soft centre.
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BLACK FLY BIRD 