Offshore

Offshore has been a low key pub in Kovan that’s been high key pumping up their SES status from a neighborhood watering hole to a more refined and upper class watering hole. With Hoegaarden (yee) and Stella Artois (yee yee) on tap, as well as meat skewers like this Hungry Platter 2 ($13.80 before 10% service charge), they’re definitely doing it right.

Seven sticks are better than 7 rings, and Offshore’s Hungry Platter is proof positive of that #fact. The seven skewers (not dwarfs) are a Thai spice infused spicy cured top shell, a barbecued spicy pork collar, bbq char chicken thigh, and a Moroccan styled bbq cumin garlic lamb. There’s also a fried crispy chicken thigh, and Caribbean style beef meatballs, as well as Asian Five Spice pork meatballs.

Each and every individual skewer was utterly unctuous, but special mention must be given to the smashingly succulent and particularly piquant pork collar, as well as the luscious lamb. The pork collar was felicitously fatty and full flavored thanks to the spice rub which penetrated deep into the flesh. The lamb was sensationally spiced, and when combined with a stellar sear on the meat, the natural gaminess of lamb was reduced to a mild, manageable level.

The beef and pork meatballs were most likely handmade in house, as mass machine manufactured ones are highly dense and don’t fall apart no matter what. The meatballs in the Hungry Platter 2 were more loosely packed and fell apart when bitten into. Plus, they were indisputably tasty. The chili dip on the side tasted a lot like the chili paste you’d get out of a pack of instant noodles, but it wasn’t all that bad.

The Hungry Platter could be shared between two, or you could easily smash it solo with no shame whatsoever. Come thirsty too, cause you’re definitely gonna want a nice cold pint or four of either Hoegaarden or Stella to wash it all down.

One of Offshore’s rotational specials is a pulled pork burger ($19.80++). I know what you’re thinking as you look at the photo, but hear me out would ya?

It certainly isn’t the most photogenic of burgers out there, and it doesn’t look very promising either. But didn’t your momma ever teach you not to judge a burger by its photo?

The pulled pork was tastefully tender and pleasingly palatable, with just a bit of fat here and there to shake things up a little. The sauce mix they used with the pulled pork was sweet, savory and smoky in all the right proportions. The raw onions did a splendid job of smashing right through the heavy flavors in bursts, keeping the pulled pork from getting monotonous.

However, Offshore should’ve spread some sauce or relish on the buns, as the burger did get quite dry in parts. Also, the bottom bun should’ve been toasted for a little longer, but that might just be a one off issue.

Overall, I’m not convinced that the pulled pork burger is worth $19.80++, but a full pint of Hoegaarden for $10.90++? I’m sold.

Offshore is a very friendly and affordable bar/restaurant near Kovan MRT. Great cuts of steak, very well cooked. Staff very friendly and efficient.

Labelled as a “Must Try” item at Offshore, the Wagyu Beef Burger (S$18.00) came as a decent but not excellent food served here.

I would have really wished for the mains to be served with more potato wedges, for the countable pieces of carbs that I see on the plate did make the overall presentation look a little sad. Also, the bun came out really crispy, at the expense of a slight char at the edges.

However, the beef patty was really on point to counter the shortcomings of the buns. I suppose that portion of the burger is the “Must Try” part.

Pairing this with an all-day S$9.90 pint of Hoegaarden, why not?

For S$15.80, the Panko Breaded Fish & Chip comes with a dory fillet breaded with Japanese bread crumbs, and thick cut fries laid below the fried fillet. The batter itself was firm, but not entirely crispy, which was kind of a pity. On the other hand, spreading some creamy tartar sauce will complement the Fish & Chips pretty well.

And for all that matters, eating this with a pint of London Pride on the table (S$10.90) is the way to go.

...but when I do, I sail the seven seas, conquer new lands and assimilate them into the glorious British Empire in the name of the Queen.

It's an easy drinking ale that goes down easily while filling your sinuses with its pleasant bready and floral scent, while colonizing your tastebuds with its malty and hoppy taste.

I don't understand how Fuller's London Pride hasn't conquered every single pub with it's quintessential Englishness, it's a universally pleasant beer.

Note: Offshore is a new neighborhood watering hole in Kovan, just a few doors down from Lola's Café. Don't expect much from the food though, Offshore is primarily intended as a laid back 'hood pub with the aforementioned Fuller's on tap, alongside the more common offerings of Stella Artois and Hoegaarden on their other two taps.