Review: J's Restaurant @ Purvis Street

“To give is to live,” that’s how Managing Director Joy Mahbubani of newly-rebranded J’s Restaurant so graciously goes by. From taking over and giving now-defunct el toro a fresh paint of life and refining the now certified Halal menu with a fine modern European touch, assisted by Executive Chef Darence Wee, to working with various charity organisations and on events where proceeds are donated to charity, Joy shows that food from the heart can be hearty, wholesome and delicious.

The vegetarian Poppers ($15)—the restaurant also provides a full vegetarian menu, as well as vegan-friendly options—make for a great start to any meal. Jalapeno peppers stuffed with oozy mozzarella are finely breaded and fried to filigreed perfection for a crusty, juicy then satisfying mild spicy kick that is lightly subdued by their smooth, creamy homemade guacamole.

Scrambled eggs with salmon ($19) sounds like a breakfast platter, and that’s exactly what you can expect on their lovely squares of toasted bread. Pillowy light scrambled eggs topped with savoury smoked salmon then layered with a dash of herbs and mushrooms is accentuated by delightfully umami bursts of roe. This slightly larger than bite-sized—though we say it’s best enjoyed whole—is sure to hit the spot for those craving some breakfast for dinner.

With a slight resemblance to that of the Chinese Beggar’s chicken, the Adobo chicken ($28) is served steaming hot in a clear bag. Marinated in their special sauce and a gusting of spices, the result is wave after wave of tempting aroma as you untie the bag, before finally revealing a huge, tender and flavoursome chicken thigh in a robust stew. I highly recommend squeezing the grilled lemon; its smokey, tart tang pairs well to enhance the full-bodied dish.

Their chunky Quesadillas ($20 chicken, $22 beef)—stuffed with cheese, onions, tomatoes, diced bell peppers, jalapeno and guacamole—is also highly worthy of mention, though the divinely succulent Braised lamb shank ($32) that definite must-try. The accompanying sauce may admittedly not be as rich as the Adobo chicken, but the lamb was simply irresistibly, fall-off-the-bone tender.

J’s Restaurant serves up a very decent spread of five desserts—ranging from the classic Bread & butter pudding ($10) topped with vanilla gelato to the intriguing Churros ($10) layered with caramelised salted caramel bananas, paired with sweet, fresh mangoes in a velvety smooth, coconut-infused mascarpone sabayon—that is sure to satisfy the various sweet-tooths.

Their flourless chocolate cake Bocas Negras ($12) is my favourite. Utterly rich and dense in all the right ways, it is paired with a scoop of sinful triple chocolate gelato (yes, even more chocolate) and a complementing zesty lemon foam that prevents the chocolate from being too overpowering.

J’s Restaurant 7 Purvis Street Singapore 188586

Tel: +65 68874787 | Website

Operating hours: Mon - Fri: 11:30 - 15:00 Mon - Fri: 18:30 - 22:00 Sat: 18:30 - 23:00