Beloved sandwich purveyor Park Bench Deli (PBD) has re-emerged on the culinary scene, launching a high-profile, three-month residency at The Pantry on Dempsey Hill. Following the closure of its Telok Ayer flagship, founder Andrei Soen has orchestrated this revival with a singular focus: bringing back the famously “messy, unapologetic” sandwiches that define the brand’s identity. The pop-up, which commenced on January 10, offers fans signature classics and introduces new concepts, establishing a fresh, family-friendly destination for comfort food enthusiasts.
A Casual, Communal Vibe in Dempsey
The new Dempsey setting transforms The Pantry into a breezy, communal space that channels a backyard barbecue aesthetic, designed to accommodate approximately 70 diners. The interior features a vibrant display of PBD’s cultural footprint, including collaborations with iconic brands like Vans and photography provided by friends of the brand, reinforcing its enduring “old school cool”.The Pantry offers both air-conditioned indoor seating (for about 40 guests) and outdoor options.
In a move catering to the growing weekend crowd at Dempsey, PBD has introduced a dedicated Kids Menu for the first time. The dining experience remains casual, requiring walk-up counter orders, though reservations are highly encouraged due to anticipated demand.
Signature Sandwiches and Elevated Flavors
PBD’s residency is not about reinventing the menu, but refining it. The pop-up retains the core classics that built its reputation, now reportedly improved through better sourcing and preparation methods. A significant upgrade is a new, massive outdoor smoker, allowing the team to deliver more authentically smoked meats compared to their previous standard kitchen oven setup. Cirius Bakery supplies the high-quality breads and buns.
The menu is structured into two main periods: a Breakfast selection runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., while the comprehensive Sandwich lineup is available from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., complemented by salads and sides.
Must-try items solidifying PBD’s return include:
- Pastrami Reuben Sandwich ($34): A lighter take on the classic, featuring delicately smoked beef pastrami layered with coleslaw and Swiss cheese on airy rye sourdough.
- Breakfast Banh Mi ($24): PBD’s rich fusion, combining savory spam with sweet chicken liver pâté, balanced by pickled vegetables.
- Hot Fried Chicken ($26): A thick slab of fried chicken served on potato buns, enhanced with a potent garlic chili crunch.
A lighter, notable addition is the Chinese Chicken Salad ($24). Designed as a refreshing palate cleanser, this salad features shredded chicken, sweet navel oranges, pickled ginger, and crispy wanton skin tossed in a sweet sesame dressing.
Introducing Rosita’s Deluxe: Evening Smash Burgers
For the first time, PBD expands its offerings to include a specialized evening concept, Rosita’s Deluxe. Operating as a satellite smash burger joint, Rosita’s is available exclusively from Friday to Sunday, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The menu focuses on double-patty smashed cheeseburgers, available in no-frills original varieties or iterations like the Rosita’s Teriyaki Burger, all priced at $26.
The establishment also offers an impressive array of beverages, suitable for both day and evening visitors. Options range from standard coffees and teas to healthy juices (like the turmeric-laced Sunrise Carrot, $13) and decadent smoothies (PB Banana Oat, $15). The alcoholic offerings include cocktails (from $20), highballs (from $18), beer (from $13), and a selection of wine and sparkling options.
Planning Your Visit
The Park Bench Deli residency at The Pantry, 16A Dempsey Road, is scheduled to run for three months from January 10. Operation hours for the Deli are Thursday through Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rosita’s Deluxe is open Friday to Sunday, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Due to the limited engagement, reservations are essential and can be made online. This highly anticipated revival offers a crucial piece of Singapore’s culinary identity a temporary home, promising both nostalgia and refined flavor for discerning diners.