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Ma Cuisine Singapore

April 2, 2018

One of the newest gastro wine bars in town, French-themed Ma Cuisine Singapore offers an extensive wine menu of over 600 different labels from varying terroir across France and other parts of the winemaking world to pair with its traditional Burgundian eats.

There are gastro wine bars, and then there are gastro wine bars set up by folks who are completely in love with wine. At Ma Cuisine Singapore along Craig Road where the now-defunct Eataly used to be, it is definitely the latter; if the branded wine cask heads repurposed as tables and the massive walk-in wine cellar aren’t already a dead giveaway, surely the massive leatherbound tome that happens to be the wine menu might just be a clue.

One can say that Ma Cuisine’s weighty wine menu is the very epitome of the gastro wine bar – the curated wine programme here is very bold, one that pays respects to old French wine traditions while attempting to encompass more modern approaches as well.

You might just stumble upon an incredibly difficult-to-find rare Bordeaux vintage, such as the Sauternes 1958 Château d’Yquem ($1,522++) that’s perfect for a special occasion, down to a far more humble Côtes du Rhône “Khayyam” 2015 Domaine Mas de Libian ($78++) or the Meursault “Les Casse Tetes” 2015 Domaine Tessier ($132++) for a modest repast. There’s also an impressive collection of vintage port as well, including the Port White Colheita 1989 Barão de Vilar ($225++), a unique white port vinified from white grapes from a single harvest.

“Through our personal histories and relationships with winemakers over the years, we tap into beloved French regions – notably Burgundy, Rhone, and Bordeaux. In addition, our ever-expanding connections with winemakers from across the globe allow us to curate a diverse, yet comprehensive collection at Ma Cuisine Singapore,” says co-owner Anthony Charmetant, who’s also sommelier for Ma Cuisine.

“We wanted to provide access to unique bottlings that guests may otherwise be unable to enjoy elsewhere. Ma Cuisine seeks to deliver an un-intimidating, and immersive wine experience in a relaxed setting that guests can return to anytime,” adds co-owner and head chef Mathieu Escoffier.

Food-wise, expect traditional French dishes with slight twists – which isn’t surprising, considering Escoffier’s family runs the original Ma Cuisine in Beaune. We’re big fans of the La Pissaladière ($19++), a crisp tart topped with caramelised onions and anchovy that’s perfect for sharing and pairing with wine. For something more substantial though, try the Le Jambon Persillé ($27++), a homemade terrine of braised pork shoulder with garlic and parsley.

The problem with Ma Cuisine, though, is that this gastro wine bar is not for you if you don’t enjoy wine. And however much owners Charmetant and Escoffier want to set diners at ease, they are so unapologetically effusive about wine it can get very intimidating for those who don’t understand a thing about the beverage.

But if you do – and especially if you love your French wines and are willing to splurge on special vintages – Ma Cuisine is going to be your second home, and Escoffier and Charmetant your new best friends.