Park Bench Deli (PBD), the acclaimed purveyor of hearty sandwiches, has returned to Singapore’s dining scene after relocating from its Telok Ayer flagship. Founder Andrei Soen launched a highly anticipated three-month residency at The Pantry on Dempsey Hill, starting January 10. The pop-up aims to satisfy the city’s appetite for large, flavor-packed sandwiches, fulfilling Soen’s mission to revive the “messy, unapologetic” style of deli fare often missing in the local café landscape. Diners can expect beloved classics, an expanded menu, and a newly introduced evening concept, all set within a relaxed, family-friendly environment.
The Pop-Up Experience: Casual Vibe Meets Culinary Craft
The temporary Dempsey location embraces a breezy, communal setting, accommodating up to 70 guests, with 40 seats indoors offering air conditioning. The ambiance channels an “old-school cool” aesthetic, reflected in wall art featuring photography by brand allies and a large-scale collaboration exhibit with Vans.
PBD has transitioned to a casual, counter-service model for ordering, though advance reservations are strongly advised due to high demand. Signaling a commitment to accessibility, the new outpost is introducing a dedicated Kids Menu, positioning The Pantry as a viable weekend destination for families navigating the Dempsey area.
Owner Andrei Soen emphasized that this return is less about nostalgia and more about refinement. A significant upgrade is the introduction of a massive outdoor smoker, allowing the culinary team to deliver authentically smoked meats—a key enhancement over the standard kitchen oven used previously. High-quality breads and buns, sourced from local artisan Cirius Bakery, further elevate the core product.
Menu Highlights: Stacked Sandwiches and Supper Burgers
The menu is structured into dedicated dining periods: a breakfast section served from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the main sandwich offerings available from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., supplemented by sides and salads.
The residency features several standout sandwiches that have garnered a dedicated following:
- Pastrami Reuben ($34): This refined classic layers delicately smoked beef pastrami, coleslaw, and Swiss cheese on airy rye sourdough. Despite its substantial size, the choice of bread offers surprising lightness.
- Breakfast Banh Mi ($24): PBD’s interpretation of the Vietnamese classic combines savory spam with sweet chicken liver pâté, balanced by mayonnaise and pickled vegetables.
- Hot Fried Chicken ($26): A thick slab of crispy fried chicken is served between potato buns, distinguished by the intense heat provided by a distinct garlic chili crunch.
A lighter yet equally compelling option is the Chinese Chicken Salad ($24). Positioned as a refreshing palate cleanser, the salad features shredded chicken, mixed vegetables, sweet navel oranges, pickled ginger, and crispy wanton skin, all tossed in a sweet sesame dressing. Its components evoke the celebratory spirit of yusheng, offering a textural contrast to the heartier sandwiches.
Rosita’s Deluxe: The Evening Concept
From Friday through Sunday, as the sun sets, PBD introduces Rosita’s Deluxe, a dedicated evening concept operating from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. This menu focuses exclusively on double-patty smashed cheeseburgers ($26 each), offering variations such as the classic Original, Rosita’s Teriyaki Burger, and the Hot Fried Chicken burger.
Beverage Program and Operations
PBD’s new location hosts an expansive beverage menu catering to daytime drinkers and non-alcoholic preferences alike. The list includes chilled cocktails (starting at $20), highballs (from $18), beer (from $13), and a selection of wine, including reds, whites, and sparkling options.
For non-alcoholic choices, the menu features specialty coffees, teas, and non-coffee lattes like matcha. Health-focused options include juices like the Turmeric-laced Sunrise Carrot ($13) and decadent blends such as the PB Banana Oat smoothie ($15).
Important Visitor Information
The Park Bench Deli residency at The Pantry, located at 16A Dempsey Road, is scheduled to run for three months starting January 10.
Operating Hours:
- Park Bench Deli (Daytime Menu): Thursday to Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Rosita’s Deluxe (Evening Burgers): Friday to Sunday, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Reservations are mandatory for securing a table and can be made online. This highly anticipated return offers a limited-time opportunity for diners to experience elevated, yet unpretentious, deli dining in a fresh new setting.