Basdban - Singapore

I visited this modern Sichuanese restaurant and overall had a pleasant experience with the food. We ordered several dishes: - Fried Crispy Pork Trotter: The f... read more I visited this modern Sichuanese restaurant and overall had a pleasant experience with the food. We ordered several dishes: - Fried Crispy Pork Trotter: The flavors were enjoyable, but the portion was rather small; the dish looks half-eaten in the photo, but it really wasn’t! - Crab Meat Mapo Tofu: This was average; the sauce, crab meat, and rice complemented each other well. - Sichuanese Skewer: Also average; I’ve had better mala soup elsewhere. - Roasted Eggplant: I appreciated the combination of flavors; it was quite interesting. - Funky Fish: This was perhaps my favorite dish of the evening. The fish was fresh and paired well with the sauce. - B 52: Average, and it can't compare to my favorite la ji zi! - Basdban Donabe: This was decent. About halfway through, I started mixing it with the sauce from the skewer dish, which enhanced the flavor nicely! - Cheesecake Ice Cream: My favorite dessert of the night. I loved the texture and flavors. - (Off Menu) Tea ramisu: An average matcha tiramisu. - Don’t Break My H(t)art: This wasn’t bad; I particularly enjoyed the chocolate tart component of the dessert.

I stumbled upon Basdban on a Friday around 8 PM, and it was bustling with people enjoying drinks outside, while all the seats inside were filled. The staff were... read more I stumbled upon Basdban on a Friday around 8 PM, and it was bustling with people enjoying drinks outside, while all the seats inside were filled. The staff were incredibly friendly, offering complimentary water without us even asking, and they were attentive and efficient throughout our dining experience. From the outside, it has the appearance of a bar in the CBD, but the food is truly amazing. The creativity of the Sichuan fusion dishes is something that will definitely bring me back for more. The Chilli Cheese Please ($12) featured fried green chili chunks stuffed with cream cheese. The fritters weren’t very crispy and were coated with chili flake seasonings on the bottom; they were an interesting appetizer, though I could do without them. I’d rate it 1/5. The Roasted Eggplant ($14) was the highlight of the meal. I never anticipated that garlic paste eggplant could pair so well with smoked bacon chunks, cheese, and caramelized sweet popcorn. The bacon enhanced the savory flavor of the eggplant, while the baked cheese added a sharp and tart element that complemented the richness of the dish. The popcorn added a unique touch of texture and flavor. It was so good that we considered ordering a second helping, but we were worried we wouldn't finish it. If I could, I would rate it 6/5. The Crabmeat Mapo Tofu ($20) included pearly white rice drenched in peppercorn sauce and topped with tofu, crabmeat flakes, and ikura. While the combination was interesting, I found it to be too fishy, and I hesitated to finish it halfway through. I’d rate it 2/5. The Almost A Caprese ($24) was an excellent appetizer or a pre-dessert dish; I was glad we ordered it. The mustard-like flavor of the arugula paired wonderfully with the tangy balsamic vinaigrette. The smooth, soft burrata cheese, coated with fried shallots in shallot oil, provided a delightful contrast. The cold, sweet watermelon chunks were refreshing with each bite. I’d rate it 5/5. Lastly, the Don’t Break My Heart ($14) was a visual and flavor-packed finale to our amazing meal. It looked like a dramatic scene with the tangy berry sauce and salty caramel smeared across the plate, accompanied by broken biscuit bits and bittersweet chocolate mousse. The addition of haw flakes from my childhood, sprinkled on top with orange jam and gin-infused cubes, made each bite exciting, bursting with complex yet familiar flavors. It’s a must-try, and I’d rate it 5/5. I will definitely return to explore more of the menu. I love this place!

The service was excellent, but unfortunately, the food was quite disappointing. It wasn't a matter of taste; it was overwhelming due to excessive MSG and salt.... read more The service was excellent, but unfortunately, the food was quite disappointing. It wasn't a matter of taste; it was overwhelming due to excessive MSG and salt. My husband and I struggled to sleep and found ourselves constantly thirsty throughout the night. Additionally, the restroom is located outside and was one of the dirtiest I've encountered, even at just 6:15 PM. I can only imagine how it would look by 8 PM. I don't think I can return here. Service: Dine in.