The Kongsee, a Mod-Sin Izakaya with an industrial shophouse chic wrapped with the energy of the streets, is an invitation to discover Singapore’s cultural heritage and celebrate the coming together of people and lived experiences. Set in an iconic heritage shophouse along buzzy Gemmill Lane, relive and celebrate Singapore’s diverse cultural heritage at The Kongsee with an adventure through gastronomic nostalgia crafted by Chef-Partner Willin Low, widely recognised as the Father of Modern Singaporean cuisine. Paired with locally-inspired libations, The Kongsee is the perfect destination that brings people together to trade Singapore’s best stories over delicious food and drinks
Set in an iconic heritage shophouse along buzzy Gemmill Lane, relive and celebrate Singapore’s diverse cultural heritage at The Kongsee with an adventure through gastronomic nostalgia crafted by Chef-Partner Willin Low, widely recognised as the Father of Modern Singaporean cuisine.
Paired with locally-inspired libations, The Kongsee is the perfect destination that brings people together to trade Singapore’s best stories over delicious food and drinks. “With its dual meaning inspired by both the Hokkien word for “company” (“公司”) and the Malay word for “sharing” (“kongsi”), it is our hope that The Kongsee will be a welcoming space that connects people with the delicious melting pot of different cultures and communities in modern Singapore through our food, drinks and convivial hospitality,” shares Chef-Partner Willin Low.
As diners step into its sultry underground interiors, the space of The Kongsee transports guests upon arrival into an era of Singapore lore where old-school reminiscence meets modern Singapore comforts, providing for an elevated dining experience. One’s senses embark on an adventure at The Kongsee. From elements that evoke nostalgia such as Peranakan-tiled tables and HDB-gate railings to dozens of red paper airplanes peppering the ceiling, signifying an ode to travel and bringing to mind the notion of “home” through an invitation to discover Singapore ‘The Kongsee’ way.
Unmissable vibrant graffiti art by award-winning street artist Zero adorns the walls and envelopes the space with an urban soul, showcasing culturally-rich stories. Hear about Amelia, a proud local Peranakan, and Aalyiah, a Singaporean of Malay and Sri Lankan roots, who are the living inspirations behind the two stunningly vivid murals which shine as picturesque representations of The Kongsee’s commitment to cultural diversity through sharing of stories.
An Invitation To Discover Playful Mod-Sin Bites, Meant For Sharing Chef Willin Low, who has been lauded for championing the term “Mod Sin” almost 20 years ago, presents his latest installment of local cuisine that pays homage to the melting pot of cultures in Singapore in the form of playful and unpretentious small plates. A convivial communal dining experience is encouraged over classic local dishes that have been reinvented in The Kongsee kitchen.
Expect a veritable celebration of traditional Singaporean heritage and flavours reimagined with innovative techniques and ingredients. From the Iberico Satay ($15++ for 2 pieces; $30++ for 5 pieces), a Hainanese-Indonesian fusion street food served with a rich Javanese peanut sauce and a refreshing Sarawak pineapple salsa; the Barramundi Ceviche ($19++) which utilises the freshest fish sourced locally served with crispy papadams alongside homemade creamy pomelo ice cream; to the Krapow Prata Pizza ($15++), a dish of inspired by the trio of Thai, Indian and Italian gastronomic cultures, featuring Thai basil minced chicken served on an Indian roti and baked with cheese.
Another must-have is the delicately balanced Mini Roxy Crab Laksa ($12++/$20++), which stems from the renowned Roxy Laksa founded in 1952. A personal favourite of Chef Low, his version of this award-winning dish incorporates wild caught crabs and is previously only served at his Japanese outpost in Hokkaido known as Roketto Niseko.
A Bold Reimagination Of Cocktails With Local Inspirations & Craft Beers Harking back to local heritage yet leaning forward to tell the story of modern Singapore, the cocktail menu at The Kongsee revolves around bold reimaginations of classic cocktails with a hearty dollop of local inspirations and flavours. Ingredients are sourced from the Little Red Dot wherever possible —- and none more so than the Kopi O Su Dai Negroni ($21++), which is a homemade Negroni infused with kopi beans sourced from a coffeeshop down the street (yes, literally from Telok Ayer Food Market) and served with a tangy citrus lollipop.
Of note too, is The Kongsee ($19++), incorporating homemade rose cordial made from an infusion of rose buds with calamansi and lime juice, paired with a dash of local spirit brand Tanglin Orchid Gin. The Mango Mai Kub Ban ($20++) is a tribute to the Thai community here, which repurposes the ingredients of the famous Thai mango sticky rice dessert into a vibrant cocktail, that is as beautiful as it is delicious.
For guests who prefer the hoppy beverage, the bar also boasts 15 beers on tap from five different local independent breweries; these include Brewlander’s Love ($22++), a wild IPA with tropical notes; Able Brewing’s Amber Blivet ($24++), a more challenging Altbier with hints of spice; and Off Day Crush Kumquat Ginger ($21++) by Off Day Beer Company - one for the curious palates craving a juicy, tropical hit.
a. 10 Gemmill Lane, Singapore 069251
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