I have always wanted to try Jungle, a modern Thai grill and bar at Ann Siang Hill, but did not have the chance until two weeks ago on a Friday night. The place was moderately full with large groups but the bar counters were available so me and my friend had front row seats to all the action.
It was a really vibey place, reminiscent of hip places in Bangkok! Starting on the right foot! Also, there was zero food smell despite the open kitchen grilling and cooking inside. Props to the team for keeping it airy.
Here's the menu. Small but mighty but unfortunately it was just the two of us girls so we couldn't try everything. I like how the food's more Northern style though and read good things about the pork jowl and crab curry on Google reviews.
The cocktails were pretty interesting - my Gin Fizz cocktail was quite light but the pandan fragrance made it quite special. Everything is made from scratch - they steep and infuse the liquor in house.
We started with the really refreshing but umami-laden Pomelo-Lemongrass Salad (S$19++) which had a myriad of textures and flavours that went so well with the slightly tart and bitter pomelo pulp. It was very appetising and lived up to its name. A perfect start to the meal. 4.5/5
The highlight of the night was the Sugarcane Smoked Pork Jowl with Nam Jim Jaew (S$28++). This had to be the best pork jowl I have ever eaten, not that I've eaten a lot, but those always tend to be a bit tough and dry. Here it was tender, juicy and the fat from the jowl melded so well with the meat which tasted clean yet indulgent. It's really quite difficult to put into words, but it is a must-try! 5/5
I was also staring at the team making charcoal grilled chicken the whole time and it looked really good - first it is cooked on the grill, then finished in the charcoal brazier.
We decided to try the Southern style charcoal grilled chicken (S$19++) as a result. This was also very juicy and tender. However, I felt like the marinade/sauce on top was a bit too strong and overwhelming on the chicken. It was difficult to discern any chicken flavour or even smokiness from it as a result, which was a bit disappointing since I could literally see them being cooked over charcoal. The chicken did pair well with the bowl of rice we had though because of the sauce. 3/5
Next, cabbage! Since we needed a veggy side, and once again the charcoal brazier was seen in action with some cabbage in a strainer of all things.
I'm happy to report that the Charcoal grilled cabbage with soy ginger sauce (S$14++) was absolutely delicious. Here the smokiness could come through and the plainness of this vegetable allowed the salty notes from the soy ginger to shine. Very addictive and easy to eat to with rice. It reminded me of the cabbage from Supanniga Eating Room in Bangkok, which is served with artisanal fish sauce. 4/5
I really like the jungle-themed artwork in the restaurant!
There were also some specials of the night we didn't get to try.
I'll be back! Jungle exceeded all my expectations on the food, drinks and ambience. The staff's pretty great too. Thai food remains one of my favourite cuisines and this place does it well because they dare to step into the less well-known. Highly recommend if you guys were to go to get the pork jowl!
🙅 Thank you, next
🤷 Try if you are in the area
💁 Bookmark this ✔️
Jungle
10 Ann Siang Hill, Singapore 069789
Tues to Thu 6-11pm, Fri to Sat 5.30pm to 11.30pm
Closed on Sundays and Mondays
Reservations on sevenrooms
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