Loof

Loof
331 North Bridge Road
#03-07 Odeon Towers

http://www.loof.com.sg/

Loof Original Ramly Burger (SGD $23)

Chill Rooftop Bar With Good Food

(Ratings: On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 = Worst and 10 = Best)
Overall: 7
Ambience & Setting: 8
Food & Beverage: 8
Service: 9
Value for Money: 6
Spent about SGD $40 per person.


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Have been visiting Loof now and then since 2008, but only recently realised that I never got around to reviewing it. Founded by partners Wee Teng Wen and Daniel He in November 2005, and managed by their company, the awesomely named The Lo & Behold Group (TLBG), Loof is a casual rooftop bar, the group's first foray into the F&B industry. Named as a tongue-in-cheek take on the Singlish pronunciation of 'roof', this rooftop bar was born out of the unique idea of a casual, fusion cuisine bar celebrating local culture. Loof has stood the test of time these last 11 years it has been in operation, and looks set to continue even further.

Ambience at Loof is casual and relaxed, with decor that celebrates local Singlish culture and nostalgia. The standalone, rooftop bar is not very high off the ground, but offers a decent view of the surrounding area, especially the heritage Raffles Hotel. Eclectic furniture, including modern bar benches and traditional wicker chairs, line the spacious, open-air bar, while green walls and well-positioned fans cool the place. The signature piece by Singaporean artist Dawn Ng (who is now married to Wee Teng Wen), 'Perfect Day / Feng He Re Li', is an eye-catching light installation, inspired by the design of old karaoke lounges, is beautifully juxtaposed against the elegant Raffles Hotel, and shines bright even in stormy monsoon weather. As an idiom, its equivalent meaning is 'Happily Ever After', very apt.

Service at Loof is casual, friendly, and proactive. What is most commendable is staff coming around to regularly check on your dining experience, as well as clear away empty / dirty plates, a practice which stands apart from other bars. They'll engage you in conversation, and make you feel welcome. There's always someone stationed at the lift, quick to greet and seat guests. I also note they have good product knowledge, able to briefly describe dishes and drinks on the menu, as well as make astute recommendations based on your dining preferences. The strength of the service alone makes it memorable, and guests are likely to return. However, the disc jockey isn't as prominent as before, and the private lounge areas are now closed off.

Food at Loof is modern Singaporean, a fusion of Western and Asian flavours and presentation, with cheeky Singlish names to boot. They've always had a reliable, consistent record of producing tasty, delicious food, and each visit here is no exception. I've come to expect good quality food each time! There isn't much variety, as the menu is kept small, however, the menu is changed at least on an annual basis. Portions are usually designed for small group communal dining, and are large enough to share between 2 - 4 people. They have a creative menu of bespoke cocktails and shots here, a fusion of local tastes and flavours. Prices are slightly high, more expensive than a cafe, and comparable to pricing at most gastrobars. Budget about SGD $40 per person for a full meal with drinks here.


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Loof Signage

Loof Exterior

Loof Interior

Binoculars

Glad You Came Up

'Perfect Day' By Dawn Ng

Seating

Seating

Store

Bar

Chope Tissue Packet

Chope Tissue Packet

Menu Food

Menu Drinks

Menu Drinks

Water

The Mocktail In The Tropics (SGD $10) is a non-alcoholic beverage, a blend of cucumber, passionfruit, lime, and jasmine tea. Fruity sweet and refreshing, it's great for cooling off from a hot tropical summer.

Mocktail In The Tropics (SGD $10)

The Mocktail Running Amok (SGD $10) is a non-alcoholic beverage, a blend of orange, apple, lychee, and fresh mint leaves. The result; a fruity, floral, minty drink, layered in sweetness, lively and pleasing.

Mocktail Running Amok (SGD $10)

Loved the presentation of the Cocktail Little Pink Dot (SGD $19), served in a light bulb, with a marshmallow skewer and flowers on the side. The beverage itself is a blend of marshmallow gin, Chinese rice wine, dark plum, orange, pink grapefruit, egg white, and lavender bitters. The drink is delicately floral, with a complex sweetness of fruit and candy, tasting like liquid bubblegum or candy floss. Nice! However, the high price, for a small quantity, makes this poor value for money.

Cocktail Little Pink Dot (SGD $19)

Inspired by the look and feel of Taiwanese bubble tea, the Cocktail Jackfruit Bubble Tea (SGD $21) is served in a large glass jar, partially resembling its namesake, partially resembling a Singaporean dessert. This features a blend of jackfruit vodka, plum, honey, calamansi, lemon, yoghurt, fruit pearls, and tapioca pearls. Love the vibrant colour, fruity sweet taste, and lively, zesty sensation, as well as the chewy, bouncy pearls. Good!

Cocktail Jackfruit Bubble Tea (SGD $21)

The Bacon Lollipop (SGD $16) is outstanding, because instead of bacon strips, they've used pancetta! These Italian salt and pepper cured pork belly strips are meaty with a deep savoury salty flavour, and a nicely moist, satisfiying chew. Garnished with onions, mint leaves, groundnuts, and glazed with maple syrup and lime juice, giving it a sweet, tangy zesty flavour. Big flavour, incredibly delicious. So good. Highly recommended!

Bacon Lollipop (SGD $16)

Bacon Lollipop

The Twisties Charred Corn (SGD $13) are inspired by the childhood corn snack 'Twisties', specifically, the curry flavour version. Grilled corn on the cob, smoky and juicy sweet, rubbed with a spiced curry mayonnaise, garnished with shaved parmesan cheese. A spash of lime juice lends a tangy zesty touch. I like that staff obliged to help shave the corn kernels off upon request, making it much easier, and less messy, to eat. For taste, it really does resemble the popular corn snack, so thumbs up for getting the flavour right!

Twisties Charred Corn (SGD $13)

Twisties Charred Corn

Twisties Charred Corn

The Ichiban Fried Lice (SGD $18), a play on 'Fried Rice', is Japanese inspired. Nippon rice is fried with egg, edamame / immature soybeans, sakura shrimp / prawns, and garnished with a liberal amount of ebiko / shrimp roe. While I felt it could have more smoky wok hei / breath of the wok, the sweet savoury salty ingredients in the dish helps give it more flavour. Overall though, it's about decent.

Ichiban Fried Lice (SGD $18)

Ichiban Fried Lice

Inspired by the Malay burger sold at pasar malams / night bazaars islandwide, the Loof Original Ramly Burger (SGD $23) features a large, juicy, meaty Australian beef patty, grilled to your liking (I got it medium rare). Wrapped in a thin omelette envelope of eggy goodness, topped with crunchy shredded lettuce, onions, and a house secret sauce, all sandwiched between fluffy soft burger buns. While it lacks that intense meaty flavour I like, this remains a pretty good burger. Served with delicious criss-cut fries. Worth ordering!

Loof Original Ramly Burger (SGD $23)

Loof Original Ramly Burger

Loof Original Ramly Burger

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