Bringing a slice of New York City into the heart of Singapore, East 8 offers a tapas style dining experience set against the backdrop of the Big Apple. Graphic designers by profession, the guys behind East 8, Emil Halim and Steven Tjhang, founded the restaurant upon their mutual love for eating and of course, New York.
Having lived and worked in the Big Apple for more than five years, Emil and Steven love how the infrastructure of the city is old yet contemporary at the same time. Their leisure pursuit in the city was exploring hidden streets for new eating places. It is no wonder that the interior design of East 8 mirrors iconic characteristics of New York City.
Part of the indoor seating is constructed to create an atmosphere of dining in a New York City loft while looking out of the window. Vintage New York City car plates dating back to the 1940s decorate the walls that are treated to an industrial finish, which gives them texture and character. Further accentuating the New York dining experience is a replica of a steel bridge on the ceiling. The outdoor seating is designed to recreate the ambience of dining in High Line – a public park built on a historic freight rail line above the streets of Manhattan’s West Side.
Such concept and details are evident traces of thoughtful design by the creative duo, who have also put their heart and soul into the menu. Inspired by 8th Street in lower Manhattan where many diverse Asian restaurants are found, East 8 serves an assortment of Asian Fusion specialties with a modern twist. The tapas dining style also encourages conversations as guests share their dishes.
Some highlights from the food menu include Hamachi & Caviar, Chilean Seabass, Buffalo Cheese & Prosciutto, Kimchi Duck Salad and Pork Cheek. Acing aspects of freshness, flavour and texture, it is hard to find fault with these dishes especially since the founding pair are particular with the food quality.
Feel free to request for recommendations in pairing the dishes with drinks – one thing that East 8 strongly promotes. After all, Emil believes that a good dining experience is all about balancing out different tastes.
Moving on to the drinks menu, our favourites include the sake-based cocktails and Little Italy, East 8’s signature espresso tiramisu whisky cocktail. A must-try is the sweet and delicate Hanafuga sparkling sake. Be warned – you may get hooked.
To conclude your meal, try the restaurant’s own sweet concoction – the Coconut Panna Cotta served generously with gula melaka.
East 8, New York Fusion Tapas + Bar is located at 10 Coleman Street #01-21/22, Singapore 179809.
Opening Hours
Mondays – Fridays: 12pm – 12am
Saturdays: 6pm – 12am
Closed on Sundays
For more information, visit the East 8 Facebook page at www.facebook.com/east8sg.
