The quiet enclave of Havelock, long considered a pass-through district beside buzzy spots like Robertson Quay and Tiong Bahru, is emerging as a dining destination due to the evolution of Wildcard, a casual bistro and wine bar located within the Furama RiverFront hotel. This establishment, created by the team behind popular venues Maxi Coffee Bar and No Sleep Club, recently celebrated its second anniversary by introducing a new culinary direction led by Chef Angelo Maniam, signifying a major refresh for the neighborhood spot and offering locals and visitors compelling new reasons to explore the area. The new Havelock MRT Station further enhances accessibility to this previously overlooked location.
Wildcard’s Aesthetic Blends Cozy Comfort with Chic Design
Wildcard immediately captures attention with its stylish, inviting design. The interiors evoke a sophisticated living room atmosphere, featuring plush sofas, a dedicated vinyl listening corner, and vibrant artwork, all centered around a striking curved bar fashioned from exposed wood and steel. The welcoming environment extends outdoors, where a designated seating area accommodates guests with pets. A notable feature is the “Bottle Shop!!!,” a fully stocked fridge near the entrance offering a curated selection of natural wines and canned coffee from Maxi Coffee Bar, catering perfectly to regulars seeking a quick takeaway bottle.
Chef Angelo Maniam Introduces Borderless Soul Food
The updated menu, spearheaded by Chef Maniam—formerly of Offtrack—defies specific culinary categorization, leaning instead toward a fluid, borderless concept he describes as “soul food.” While institution favorites remain, such as the popular Prawn Sando ($25), Half French Chicken ($36), and Sticky Toffee Pudding ($15), Maniam has integrated his personal heritage and inventive techniques to refresh signatures. The famous Oxtail Doughnut, for instance, has been reimagined as the savory Oxtail Croquette ($8).
Maniam’s part-Indian background is evident through subtle yet impactful culinary sprinkles found throughout the menu. Expect hints of curry-tinged butters, raita-based sauces, and chat influences. A standout staple is the chewy Mission spice-dusted pretzel ($10), served with an addictive pollichattu butter. Other notable dishes include the Fried Broccolini ($17), balanced by a sharp green chili raita dip, and the Scallop-stuffed Pani Puri ($6), offering a refreshing palate cleanser with its coconut, ginger, and lime dressing.
The savory Fried Jerusalem Artichokes ($21) are a must-try. These dense, starchy wedges, reminiscent of confit potatoes but with distinct artichoke sweetness, are lightly crowned with cheese and pickled onions, all tied together by a bright tahini dressing.
Beyond the Plate: Wine Pairings and Community Engagement
Despite broadening its food concept, Wildcard maintains its roots as an expert natural wine destination. The team remains adept at recommending specific pairings, whether it’s a crisp white wine for seafood, an orange wine to enhance the sweetness of the artichokes, or a bold red for richer meats. The venue also features a selection of Negronis from London’s Bar Termini, available by the glass or bottle.
Wildcard is positioning itself as more than just a restaurant; it’s a vibrant community hub. Regulars can unwind casually after work, but those seeking spirited energy should note specific programming. The establishment features live jazz performances every Thursday after 8:30 p.m. and hosts a bi-weekly “test kitchen” on Sundays, facilitating culinary collaborations with chefs across Singapore and the region.
The transformation at Wildcard reflects a deliberate strategy to anchor Havelock as a legitimate spot on Singapore’s evolving dining map.
Wildcard Details
- Location: 405 Havelock Rd, Furama RiverFront, #01-03, Singapore 169633
- Hours: Wednesday–Friday, 4 p.m. to 12 a.m.; Weekends, 11 a.m. to 12 a.m.
Suggested Reading: Explore the latest culinary movements in Singapore, including the rise of heritage-influenced modern cuisine.