LILY•S Vietnamese Restaurant, previously at King Albert Park, is now on the first level of Tanglin Mall. It offers classic Vietnamese cuisine recreated with French culinary techniques, using fresh, high-quality ingredients. I dropped by this gourmet bistro recently for dinner and I wasn’t disappointed!
Menu highlights
The Banh Mi is a showstopper – the highlight is the baguette, which is made using flour imported from Vietnam. The thin, crisp exterior has a light, fluffy interior that almost melts in your mouth. While the Pork Belly Banh Mi is the most popular variety among diners, my vote goes to the Grilled Lemongrass Chicken Banh Mi – the flavours complemented each other so well, enhanced by the fish sauce served on the side.
Another must-try at the restaurant is the Specialty Pho. This Vietnamese comfort dish will leave you feeling well and truly nourished. It’s made with Australian beef – slices of eye round – as well as braised short rib and homemade meatballs. The bowl of fragrant, consommé-style beef broth has no added MSG. And, true to how they’re presented in Vietnam, all the pho dishes come with a generous serving of sawtooth coriander, Thai basil and lime on the side.
While many of the dishes carry the authentic flavours of Vietnamese cuisine, there are some fusion options available, including a Singaporean twist in the Chilli Crab Banh Mi, and a Spicy Beef Tongue Mala Pho.
If you’re looking for appetisers to share – or you just want a taste of as many dishes as possible – go for the Fried Roll Platter. It includes an assortment of fried rolls: pork; chicken and prawn; and vegetarian. For a complete DIY sharing platter you can enjoy with your friends or family, I recommend adding on a Soft Shell Crab Salad, Green Papaya Salad or Grilled Tiger Prawn Pomelo Salad, plus some delectable Summer Rolls, made with prawns and cured pork loin.
Finally, end your feast with one of the crepes – I chose the Nutella Banana version. The crepes come from sister outlet LILY•S Creperie next door, and mine was utter chocolatey goodness (they don’t hold back on their servings of Nutella!), which complemented the warm crepe.
This is a great spot to try gourmet Vietnamese food served in an elegant and cosy setting. I’ll be returning for more of the delicious pho … and to try more crepes!
Opening hours: 11am to 10pm on weekdays and 10am to 10pm on weekends.
#01-132/133 Tanglin Mall, 164 Tanglin Road
8127 1818 | IG: @lilysgourmetbistro
This Vietnamese restaurant review first appeared in the May 2023 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe, so you never miss a copy!
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