[Review] Smoked Meats with Southeast Asian Culinary Infusion: Why South & East’s Festive Ribs are the Ultimate Holiday Feast

The festive season in Singapore often calls for a traditional roast, but if you are tired of the usual suspects and looking for something truly distinctive, considering to the west of the island. South & East, the full service restaurant nestled within the NUS Shaw Foundation Alumni House, is offering something different for the holiday dining table with their signature smokehouse flavours infused with a bold Southeast Asian flavour.

This culinary concept is the brainchild of husband and wife duo, Shane Gan and Evelyna Wibawa, both of whom trained in acclaimed kitchens, including Michelin starred spots. They initially gained a cult following with their sold out private dining venture, SouthEast, before opening their casual, rattan accented restaurant.

The core of their philosophy is marrying Shane’s passion for American style low and slow smoking techniques with Evelyna’s Indonesian heritage, resulting in a cuisine that is all their own, distinctively South & East as the name indicates.

For this holiday season, South & East has condensed their culinary philosophy into a convenient takeaway, the Five Spice Smoked Beef Short Ribs Set priced at S$168 before GST.

We found the quality of the smoked meat to be impressive, delivering a hotel standard experience right to your home. The presentation is neat and tidy, perfect for an elevated, hassle free gathering.

The highlight is clearly the Five Spice Smoked Beef Short Ribs.

Each generous portion includes approximately 700g of meat, slowly rubbed with their house made five spice blend and then patiently smoked for up to 10 hours.

This painstaking process results in deep, aromatic flavours and a tender, melt in the mouth succulence that holds up even as leftovers the next day, making it perfect for Christmas dinner and the after Christmas lunch.

We love the ribs for their intense, yet balanced, flavour and tenderness. The meat is paired with their house made Kecap Manis and BBQ Sauce, a pair of sweet and savoury glaze that well complements the smoky beef.

For sides, the bundle includes a Roasted Ebi Potato Salad and a bright, zesty Tomato & Sour Plum Salad, offering a refreshing contrast to the richness of the meat.

Add in the Grilled Cabbage, and tangy House made Seasonal Pickles (we got pickled cucumber slices), and you have a gutsy, well rounded feast sized for a cosy celebration of three to four people.

For heartier appetites, you can add an extra bone of ribs for just S$30 and receive free delivery for your entire festive bundle.

If you are looking for a delicious main course that present something different from the the usual to impress your guests this year, South & East’s dedication to quality smoked meat and bold, fusion flavours makes this takeaway set a highly recommended choice. Just remember to pre order at least three days in advance.

Address:
NUS, 11 Kent Ridge Dr, #01-03
Shaw Foundation Alumni House,
Singapore 119244

Tel: +65 8980 3428

Operating Hours (Subject to change during festive period):
Mon – Fri: 11:30am to 3pm, 6pm to 10pm.
Sat & Sun: 6pm to 10pm.