A Visit to So France is Oh So French

Published - 21 May 2022, Saturday
  • So France

So France, Singapore’s leading contemporary French Bistro launches a refreshed menu with a modern interpretation of some of the most decadent Gallic recipes in a relaxed and chic environment.

Launched originally at DUO Galleria, the bistro recently expanded and opened its second, latest establishment on Claymore Road. Just a couple of minutes-walk from Orchard MRT Station and tucked next to the iconic Orchard Road shopping strip, So France welcomes diners with an impressive menu offering spanning breakfast, brunch, afternoon tea,and dinner.

So France

Every bit a French bistro with modern design finishes and striking pop art, the main dining hall is vibrant, elegant and inviting.

Relaxed banquette seating, cosy corner tables and an al fresco terrace that gives diners a myriad of seating options and injects just the right je ne sais quoi quality for lunch catch-ups, romantic dinner out, or food and drinks with friends after work.

Breakfast at So France means freshly baked, buttery croissants, hot, golden baguettes, quiches and omelettes and other Gallic essentials, including the Chef’s own version of the classic Croque Monsieur – Madame Croq (SGD24) – served with one sunny-side-up egg.

Executive Chef Balaji Vijaya chandran, has curated a selection of classic dishes and a medley of So France signature creations, giving diners an eclectic combination of flavours.

So France

Chef’s set lunch menu is updated weekly with two (SGD28) and three course (SGD32) options available or a la-carte dishes.

Start off your lunch with Burgundy Escargots en Persillade, (pictured below) an iconic dish of French gastronomy baked to perfection with French butter, garlic and parsley sauce.

Foie Gras Poêlémade with Cherry purée, fresh plum, toasted gingerbread. Chef also recommends the Tartare de Saumon, Salmon Tartare (SGD 26 –35), available in both appetiser and main portions, a healthy starter stacked with delicately cured salmon, scallops, avocado, cucumber, quinoa, and a dollop of smokey Avruga caviar.

For a fresh light lunch meal, the Duck conf’wich (SGD 28) or Nicoise salad (SGD 28) are a clever take on familiar favourites.

Dinner at So France is a celebration. The extensive menu takes diners on a culinary history that includes rustic French dishes, timeless regional classic recipes with robust flavours served with an elegant contemporary touch.

So France

Poached eggs are a beautiful thing and Chef’s Oeufs Meurette (SGD 22), is a combination of perfectly poached eggs, chunks of bacon, Pearl onions and browned in butter to give it a rich colour.

Duck and oranges area fantastic combination that has endured the test of time in French gastronomy. So France revels in heritage recipes and serves up exceptional Canard àl’Orange (SGD 36) prepared using Blood orange purée, broccolini, and orange gastrique sauce, Le Cassoulet (SGD 38), a humble dish from the South of France featuring a hearty serving of beans sausages and elevated at So France with tender duck confit.

Pièce de résistance is the Beef Bourguignon (SGD 38) – tender fall-apart chunks of Wagyu beef cheeks are simmered in a rich red wine sauce, pearl onions, mushrooms,and crisp cubed bacon.

​​​​​​​So France​​​​​​​

To share, the restaurant has curated a selection of cold-cut platters, artisanal cheese, and baked cheese including Baked Camembert (SGD 20 for half or 32 for whole), with a distinct smokey aroma and creamy texture is perfect with a selection of crusty baguettes and sourdough. Diners will also enjoy recommended seasonal cheese selection, cured meats, rillettes, pâté, and condiments.

A dedicated brunch menu is available exclusively on the weekends as oppose to the usual lunch menu. Thin and as delicate as chantilly lace, the light and addictive sweet and savoury crêpes make for the perfect brunch.   

La Complète (cooked ham, Emmental, egg), La Poulette (Béchamel, chicken, Emmental, mushroom), or the La Norvégienne (Smoked salmon, spinach, crème Fraiche) add to the savoury selection while the simplicity of La Sucrée (sugar with a fresh squeeze of lemon juice) and sinful La Caramel (homemade salted butter caramel sauce) is just divine.

Vegetarians and Vegans Traditional French fare is far from vegetarian, but the kitchen has injected creative flair to craft a colourful, fresh,and delicious selection for both vegetarians and vegans. Green Asparagus Salad (SGD 22) tendril with peas or the Mediterranean Salad (SGD 18) served with hummus, grilled aubergine, peppers, and artichokes are lovely starters.

While, the roasted Beetroot Tartare (SGD 20-28), textured vivid purple and red colours are layered with fresh hazel nuts is a must together with Zucchini Gratin (SGD 24), the oven-baked ratatouille with layers of zucchini.

a. So France @DuoGalleria 

7 Fraser Street Duo Galleria, #01-51/56 Bugis MRT, Singapore 189356

a. So France @Claymore 

1 Claymore Drive #01-01, Singapore 229594

e. contact@so-france.sg

w. https://www.so-france.sg/

fb. https://www.facebook.com/sofrancebistro/

Please Log In or Join to leave a rating or comment
Comments

Rebecca

  • 160 comments
  • CONTRIBUTOR
RATED 7 / 8

So France – a stunningly chic French bistro in the heart of Orchard

Readers may already be familiar with So France, the classic French bistro at Duo Galleria offering both in-dining menus and an attached gourmet shop loaded with the most delicious artisanal French goodies.

Well ooo la la! It’s time to pop the champagne as this successful concept has just opened its newest branch in Claymore Road, Orchard.

Located right in the heart of the Orchard action, So France presents a contemporary and vibrant bistro space with chic red, white and blue design touches.

Easily transporting guests to the feel of a modern Parisian bistro, there is also a cosy outdoor terrace offering diners a relaxed alfresco eating experience.

Our delightful French wait staff are attentive and knowledgeable highlighting recommended dishes to try and of course perfect champagnes and wines to match.

We commence with a stunning Tartare de Saumon ($26++) – this dish of fresh salmon, scallops, avocado, cucumber, quinoa and Avruga caviar has us realising this is no ordinary French bistro. The food is refined, presented beautifully and of sufficient high quality that it could easily be served in any high-end French restaurant (but without the exorbitant price tag).

The Escargots en Persillade ($24++), garlic butter snails, are an immediate hit with the French husband whose only complaint is he wished he’d ordered twelve instead of six.

Our generous mains arrive and it is tough to select our favourite. I would have to go with the Canard à l’Orange ($36++) – duck with blood orange purée, broccolini, orange segment and orange gastrique sauce, a modern and elevated take on this classic French dish.

French hubby devours the Ravioles & Foie Gras ($36++) – a rich and flavourful dish of Emmental and Comté ravioli with pan seared foie gras and mushroom sauce.

With generous portions and delectable flavours, our meal leaves us more than satisfied, although we don’t need any convincing to finish with some divine desserts.

Opting for a classic Crème Brulee ($12++) and Poire Belle-Hélène ($14++) – poached pear with vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce we are truly in dessert heaven.

So France’s latest outlet is superbly executed providing everything one would hope for in this established French concept – delicious food, a fabulous chic ambience, attentive service and gourmet goodies to go. A perfect locale in the heart of Orchard for meals with friends, family, colleagues or even a romantic date night.

More News