When in Singapore: Retro dining in the Lion City at Seah Street Deli

Eating out must be the national pastime of Singaporeans. Have you seen the number of restaurants there are in a single block? Dining choices are diverse; from Michelin-starred restaurants to hawker centers, there is something to suit everyone’s palate and wallet.

Fancy dining in a 50's American diner? The jukebox, black-and-white tiled floor, vinyl records and old tin signages on the walls, and tabloid-sized menu create a look that's such a blast from the past. The joint is nostalgic for the mid-centurians and a novelty for the new generation. This is Seah Street Deli.

Seah Street Deli is one of the restaurants standing along the luxury boutiques of international fashion brands, watchmakers and jewelers, art galleries, and antique shops at the arcade of the Raffles Hotel. This themed diner is a typical New York-style delicatessen, offering in its menu a selection of American sandwiches, entrées, and salads. And true to the American tradition, the portions are generous and for sharing.

I lost myself in the long list of mouthwatering sandwiches. The next best thing to do? Ask for a recommendation from the host or pick the items specially marked on the Seah Street Deli menu. I got directed to a house specialty—the Seah Burger (freshly ground all-beef patty with tomato, lettuce, and onion, with an option to top it with cheese, egg, bacon, Portobello mushroom, fresh avocado, or sautéed bell pepper and onion). My companions had the rack of Baby Back Ribs and the Fish & Chips.

From the three orders that were served, it was the Fish & Chips that was good for sharing. The other two diners were hungry enough not to share their order of ribs and burger. Yes, it was that tasty and good to the last bite.

There were several other tempting items on the menu, but those, most especially the desserts, will have to wait for the next visit. 

In between bites, I managed to peek through the window and caught the street sign on the corner—Seah Street. That answered my question of how the restaurant got its name.

P.S. Seah Street Deli is a bit pricey, but the taste and serving sizes of the dishes, along with the good service, are worth the price.