So France has a new menu that’s so very French

Casual French bistro-epicerie So France at Duo Galleria revamps its offerings and brings an even larger slice of Parisian living to Singapore.

Singapore isn’t quite starved for French eats; after all we’ve got easy access to casual neighbourhood bistros all the way to Michelin-starred eateries offering regional cuisine. It’s pretty effortless to get top quality French produce too – just witness the rage in town that is Bordier butter right now.

Yet not all French establishments are the same, and So France at Duo Galleria happens to be one that combines three vital aspects of French gastronomy – a bistro, a bakery, and a grocery section selling all manner of French produce. If you’ve not been, So France recently revamped its bistro offerings to encompass French classics from across the country, so it’s a good time to head down and experience it for yourself.

Almost all the French classics are here, ranging from the Salade Nicoise ($18++/$24++) for those hankering the favourite from the French Riviera. But instead of the usual poached or canned tuna, here they up the pizazz by serving a scrumptious seared sesame-encrusted tuna on top of the greens. Those less squeamish about organ meat can opt for the Salade Landaise ($24++) – from the coastal Landes region in Southwest France – that comes with cured duck gizzard, cured duck breast and foie gras amidst salad greens.

Fans of foie gras would be most delighted with its version here; the Pan-Fried Foie Gras ($28++) is perfectly seared on the outside, and served alongside cherry purée, fresh cherries, toasted brioche with the most gorgeous Bordelaise to grace a plate. We did enjoy too the Foie Gras Terrine ($28++), but mostly because the bitter-sweetness of the accompanying orange marmalade and sauternes gelée really helped to offset the richness of the terrine.

If we were visiting during lunch we’re likely to stump up for the Oeufs Meurette ($20++), the traditional Bourgogne dish of poached eggs in a red wine sauce that’s rendered from leftover gravy from beef bourguinon.

As for mains, you’re likely to be tempted by the Confit de Canard ($32++); the duck confit has a lovely flavour yet can be a little overdone, but the side of Grenaille potatoes are utterly delightful. We do highly recommend the Entrecôte ($48++) here instead, the steak a gorgeously and perfectly grilled medium-rare specimen that puts to shame those from high-end grill houses.

You can’t be a piece of France without offering a portfolio of wines from the different wine regions of France. We’re happy to report that So France delivers, so you’ll find wines from not only the iconic regions of Bourgogne, Rhone, Bordeaux and the Loire, but also less common appellations from southwest France. A goodly number are available by the glass too. If you can only have one glass, we’d recommend the Chateauneuf du Pape Domaine du Haut des Terres Blanches ($25++ per glass or $125 per bottle), which goes swimmingly well with the duck, steak and poached eggs.

And when you’re done with your meal, remember to waltz over to the bakery and grocery section for a look; you’re likely to spend way too much time over the deli products and particularly the wine cellar.

Speaking of which, that Bordier butter everybody is crazy about? You can find that in So France too.

So France

Address Duo Galleria, 7 Fraser Street #01-51/56, Singapore 189356 (Google Maps link)
Opening Hours 8am to 9pm Mondays to Thursdays; 8am to 10pm on Fridays; 9am to 9pm on Saturdays; 9am to 6pm on Sundays
Tel (65) 6909 6449
Web so-france.sg
Facebook sofrancebistro
Instagram @sofrancebistro