Chef Rishi Naleendra has never been one to rest on his laurels, and his new restaurant Cloudstreet is testament to his passion for constantly innovating and improving on his gastronomic offerings. Located in a shophouse on Amoy Street, this intriguing new spot offers up eye-catching design and interesting culinary creations that draw on Rishi’s Sri Lankan heritage and experience cooking in some of the most progressive restaurants in Australia.
Step inside and you find yourself in an inviting space with black and white checkered floor tiles, tabletops made from upcycled mahjong tables, and a green-tiled open kitchen under a skylight. The walls are adorned with vertical gardens and artwork by the chef himself, and a fabric-covered chandelier diffuses the light to give the room a soft glow. With just 35 seats in the dining room and 14 along the recycled metal bar, the atmosphere is both cosy and buzzing.
The menu features influences from various cultures and cuisines with dishes that boast Australian seafood and meats, bold Sri Lankan spices, and European cooking techniques. Your meal could include a grilled oyster wrapped in betel leaf with coconut milk and pink finger lime, venison tartare with fermented plum and cashew, or grilled lamb with young jackfruit and mint. Ask sommelier Vinodhan Veloo (formerly of Odette) for suggestions on wine pairings or avant garde non-alcoholic beverages to complement your meal.
About:
Chef Rishi is best known for his debut fine dining venue, Cheek by Jowl, where he became the first Sri Lankan-born chef to earn a Michelin star. Yet despite its success, Rishi and his wife Manuela Toniolo decided to shut the doors and reopen it as a more casual incarnation called Cheek Bistro. We visited Cheek Bistro not so long ago, and loved the laid-back vibes and excellent bites that are perfect for sharing. Cloudstreet is the sister venue to the bistro, but a bit more refined with set lunches going for $68++ for three courses and $118++ for five courses. Dinner rings in at $168++ for five courses and $198++ for seven courses.
UJ Tip:
We’re huge fans of eating at the bar, so we highly suggest grabbing a seat at the recycled metal counter facing the open kitchen, especially if you’re dining solo or with just a friend or two. If you’re planning on coming with a group, there’s an intimate private room in the back that can seat up to eight people.
Cloudstreet, 84 Amoy Street, Singapore 069903. p. +65 6513 7868. Open Tues – Fri 12pm – 1:30pm, Mon – Sat 6pm – 9:30pm
