Have came across the new Rascals at PSA Tanjong Pagar via social media some time back; had also been passing by the area quite a number of times and pretty intrigued by what the gastro bar has to offer — the space being pretty chill and simply decorated with a slightly raw touch. Offering different menus during lunch and dinner service, Rascals serves up set menus during lunch service — think a three-course set menu with a basic price of $25++ per set, while dinner service comprises of an ala-carte menu and a set menu at $88++ per guest that features snacks, large plates and desserts.

We enjoyed all of the dishes that we ordered, which also included the Crispy Potato Waffles, the “Mee Thai Larb” (essentially Thai Pork Larb, Fresh Herbs, Stir-Fried Mee Tai Mak Noodles and Soft Egg, and also the Rockmelon Granita. That being said, we had a soft spot for the Chicken Tofu Meatball — an item that features clam and chicken broth that is served with ring roll, carrots and two chicken tofu meatballs. While we are usually a fan of heavier flavours of which the other two savoury items are, there was something quite comforting with the clam and chicken broth here — despite the use of clam here, the broth is undoubtedly clean tasting without being especially briny, yet not particularly salty when compared against chicken broth elsewhere. It is almost akin to a home-cooked bowl of ABC soup; lightly flavourful, yet warms the soul. There, the ring roll adds a thin chewiness as it unravels when one picks it up with a fork or a spoon, while the carrots still carried a soft crunch though personally I do prefer it to be cooked just a little longer for an even softer bite. I absolutely loved the chicken tofu meatball; it’s especially soft — not quite as springy as a fishball on the first bite, but the texture is consistent throughout, almost akin to that of a cuttlefish ball being more on the firm, yet soft sort of texture. Could totally imagine having this with just a bowl of rice even if I am a little under the water — nothing short of being cosy, comforting and warming to the soul; an item that is rather atypical of what a gastrobar will serve.

Being a modern Asian gastrobar, Rascals seems to be a spot that tries to break the traditions of what one would typically find in such establishments, serving fusion fare that is interesting and fun, but not seemingly pretentious — also pretty fitting to the wide range of alcoholic beverages that they have to offer. A destination that those looking for inventive, modern Asian cuisine should add to the list of places to visit.