Temper: Singapore’s rare gem that nails food and cocktails with perfection and live music
CONTENT: Yiew Kai Jie
Temper, the intimate multi-sensorial gem that has redefined dining with its unfiltered edge and flawless execution when it comes to their dishes and beverages—it’s the newest restaurant that everyone is raving about.
Tucked adjacent to Mondrian Singapore Duxton, temper’s 4,000 sqft space channels Bauhaus minimalism with raw materials, sculptural lines, and cinematic lighting that shifts from moody intimacy in the wine room above to buzzing energy in the cocktail lounge below, with a sweeping arched portal and terraced ceiling tying it all together. The vibe pulses with Joshua Pillai’s curated soundtrack of vinyl soul, funk, obscure Asian cuts, and live jazz that turns especially electric on Thursdays and Fridays when the live band takes the stage, turning evenings into vibey house parties without losing that refined edge.
Given Singapore’s cutthroat F&B market, how rare is it for a restaurant to nail both food and cocktails offerings? Temper does it effortlessly, blending intuitive wines, moreish plates, and inventive drinks into layered experiences that feel both precise and playful.
The food steals the show with bold, shareable hits that balance comfort and craveability. The Grand Seafood Platter for four (S$245) is a towering centrepiece of sweet Normandy and briny Brittany oysters piled with Dungeness crab claws, mussels, shrimp, and two crudos slicked in garlic aioli, herb butter, and zingy cocktail sauce for a fresh, oceanic opener that demands seconds. Crispy Chicken Drumsticks (S$18 for two) arrive dusted in zabb chilli-lime powder, their shatter crisp skin yielding to tender, juicy meat with a fiery-tangy kick that makes it impossible to stop at one. Some even say the tender flavours can best a certain popular fast food franchise that’s known for their crispy chicken!
The juicy Temper Burger (S$35) stacks Wagyu-blend patties with melty cheddar, pickles, and a secret sauce that’s smoky-sweet and addictive, sided with golden fries. The French Dip Sandwich (S$28) layers thinly sliced Tajima roast beef and Gouda in a crusty baguette, dunked in rich beef broth for sopping umami bliss. The simple yet highly addictive Spicy Rigatoni (S$32) tosses lamb sausage chunks in a glossy marinara that’s spicy, meaty, and comforting, while the Josper-grilled Tajima Picanha (S$53 for 200g) is seared and grilled to caramelised perfection, its juicy centre paired with beef jus and chimichurri for an herbaceous punch. Finish the meal with a Pastel de Nata (S$6), the Portuguese custard tart with flaky pastry cradling silky egg custard and cinnamon dust—simple, warm, and sublime.
Cocktails match the kitchen’s precision with clever pairings and twists that elevate classics without overcomplicating, and they also tell a story and pay homage to the history and iconic periods of Duxton Hill. The Dirty Martini (S$27) gets a Southeast Asian glow-up with vinegar-pickled star fruit brine, delivering sharp, tropical tang that cuts cleaner than olive and packs the intensity of a vesper martini that lingers with a cooling aftertaste. Probably the most iconic cocktail on the menu, Kaws (S$25) was inspired by the bronze sculpture right outside the hotel with creamy chocolate notes, sweet depth, and a subtle herbaceous lift—like a boozy dessert in a glass that’s rich yet dangerously easy to drink.
Temper is located at Mondrian Singapore Duxton, 83 Neil Road #01-07, 089813.
