Huber’s Butchery is an all-encompassing foodie experience, more than just a shop where you can buy some of the best meat in Singapore. We wandered through for a look, and spoke with the team about their approach to sourcing and preparing products.
There’s definitely no shortage of choice at Huber’s, a spacious, 13,100-square-foot Dempsey Hill food haven that has everything you could ever need from a butcher, and more. The huge range of meat options at this family-run shop stretches from Argentine grass-fed beef and Australian wagyu, to pasture-fed lamb and US Kurobuta pork. They’ve even got brisket, which is a hard cut to find here in Singapore. (Trust us, we’ve done the legwork.)
Most meats are imported chilled from the butchery’s trusted farms worldwide, which not only allows for quality control but also makes for great savings by cutting out the “middle man.” Customers can even read about these farms and see photos of the farmers at the butcher’s counter – a nice personal touch at a time when the provenance of ingredients is becomingly increasingly important to many shoppers.
These farms that the Huber’s team works with are committed to the ethical production and treatment of animals. In fact, according to ANDRE HUBER, the store’s executive director, more than 90 percent of all the meat and meat products sold at Huber’s is growth hormone-free, and the chickens are raised cage-free.
“Animals that are treated well and live a good life reflect on the quality and flavour of the meat,” he says. “This includes having a sustainable environment. We always source meat and produce meat products that we will feed our own families with.”
A few favourites
Andre adds that the premium chicken, which is growth-hormone-free, is the shop’s number one seller, followed by Argentine rib-eye steak. “Not only do customers like the value the steak brings, but it’s also healthier, being grass-fed.”
Trending alternatives
Not everyone who walks into Huber’s is looking to cook a thick, restaurant style rib-eye steak. According to Andre, more and more consumers are asking for secondary cuts these days, such as beef hanger steak, flat iron steak (oyster blade) and Iberico pork secreto.
“Customers are now more aware of what’s available, and secondary cuts are usually cheaper than the three main cuts – sirloin, rib-eye and fillet – so they’re particularly good for feeding crowds,” he says. “Our butchers can advise on how to best make use of such cuts.”
Also popular is the butchery’s Fränkische rostbratwurst, a fresh sausage made in-house. “All our fresh sausages contain no added MSG, no fillers, no chemicals and no preservatives. In fact, we use chilled meat to make the sausages, and sea salt instead of iodised salt,” says Andre.
Most of the sausages are also gluten-free, with the exception of the few with recipes that call for the use of breadcrumbs and beer. Of course, all relevant items are clearly labelled “gluten-free” or “growth-hormone-free” to avoid any possible confusion.
This labelling is just one example of the team’s efforts to impart their knowledge to customers. The butchers here are not only super friendly, but there’s no pretentiousness in sight; whether you’re a beef aficionado or a brand new carnivore, they’re happy to answer any questions, discuss recipes, and offer meat and cooking tips. They’ll portion meat à la minute as you desire, and vacuum seal it if you wish; vacuum packing can prevent freezer burn and extend shelf life in the fridge. They also offer free marinating services – simply pick your desired meat and get it smothered in the marinade of your choice. Shoppers can also choose to have cuts of meat dry-aged in the company’s special dry-ageing chiller.
More than meat
If you think this is a place solely for picking up steaks and sausages, you’d be mistaken. In fact, you can get everything you need for your next dinner party at Huber’s, all under one roof – from sweets and spices to all the makings of a charcuterie board.
For example, Huber’s stocks more than 100 types of cheese from around the world. You’ll find everything from Australian goat’s cheese to cheddars and Stilton from the UK, French brie and camembert, plus cheeses from Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Italy and Spain. Customers can create and order their own cheese platters with one day’s notice, and can even rent a raclette machine (great for parties!) when purchasing half a wheel of raclette. Accoutrements like crackers, breadsticks, jams and dips are all available too.
The cheese selection is located in the shop’s second level, where you’ll also find cold cuts, sausages and other epicurean treats. From there, you can make your way downstairs to the fresh meat department. It’s also on this lower level where you’ll find air-flown fruits and vegetables, a selection of wine, craft beer and liquor, and a dedicated “BBQ corner” with all the essentials, from charcoal and tongs to all kinds of salts and rubs.
Fun for families
An added bonus of shopping at Huber’s Butchery is the family friendly atmosphere. There’s an outdoor playground on-site, right next to the store on the ground floor, where’s there’s also a restaurant, Huber’s Bistro. This means diners can watch their little ones play while enjoying a pre- or post-shop bite and beer. (This alone is a bonus in our book, not to mention the free parking!) Speaking of bites, the bistro is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday to Friday, and all day from breakfast on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. The restaurant offers sandwiches, soups, salads and sausages, along with heartier dishes that take full advantage of the in-store produce such as braised beef short ribs, lamb chops and beef burgers with bacon and gruyere cheese.
Online ordering
Save time by ordering groceries and meat online at hubers.com.sg – you can choose to pick it up from the store or opt for home delivery, which is free on orders above $100. By the way, gone are the days of paying cash on delivery; Huber’s has improved its system to offer a more seamless home delivery experience where you can pay solely by card.
Huber’s Butchery is at 22 Dempsey Road.
6737 1588 | hubers.com.sg
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This article first appeared in the September 2019 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase a copy or subscribe so you never miss an issue!
