Food Review: Smolder – NEW Seafood Grill Concept by Ah Hua Kelong

After the success of Scaled, Wong Jing Kai (Kai) of Ah Hua Kelong is back with another farm-to-table concept. Enter Smolder, a new restaurant that captures the laid-back charm of a coastal backyard barbecue right in the heart of Singapore on Outram Road. The vibe here is relaxed and non-judgmental —a celebration of pristine, locally farmed seafood, caught and delivered the very same day, and cooked with just enough seasoning to let their natural flavors shine.

Smolder opened on the 15th August 2025. The kind team had invited me over the day before to preview the new concept. These were the dishes I had:

Grilled to perfection, the Elote (S$9) is sweet corn slathered in a sauce made from mayo, tangy sour cream, a dusting of sharp parmesan and a hint of chili. Garlic and fresh coriander add depth, while a squeeze of lime brings a refreshing zing—an irresistible blend of smoky, savory, and citrusy flavors. This was my favorite among the starters I tried. 

Next up, the Zucchini and Parmesan Fritters (S$10) were golden and crisp on the outside, tender and flavorful within. These fritters were a masterful combination of zucchini and nutty parmesan. The parmesan in the interior was mild – not too cheesy. I thought it was just right. 

Among the starters, I found the Octopus and Potato Salad (S$16) rather underwhelming. While It was well flavored with the salad possessing subtle smokiness and a delicate dressing that tied it all together, I thought the octopus became somewhat secondary here as these came in relatively minute pieces against the chunky potatoes. 

A rich, comforting Portuguese Seafood Stew (S$25) followed featuring pork belly, mussels, clams and prawns simmered in a paprika and tomato-based broth. Every spoonful offered a deep, savory warmth with layers of smoky, briny, and slightly sweet flavors— a nod to Portuguese coastal cuisine.

The fresh seafood certainly did not disappoint. Succulent and flaky, the Whole Pearl Grouper (S$72 for 700g) was cooked to highlight its natural sweetness and delicate texture. Its presentation – as the whole fish is served – is striking, and the subtle seasoning lets the pristine, ocean-fresh flavor shine, making it a standout centerpiece.

Perhaps the biggest surprise of all to me was the Olive Oil Cake (S$10). I probably would not associate any concept by Ah Hua Kelong with desserts but I found this pastry airy, moist and aromatic. Don’t be fooled by the name though, this is not a savory dessert. This cake carried delicate notes of citrus that perfectly complemented the gentle richness of olive oil. Served with airy whipped cream on the side, it’s a light yet indulgent dessert with a sophisticated simplicity.

Completing the meal was a beguiling Spiced Apple Wontons with Vanilla Semifreddo (S$15). Here, crispy, golden wontons enveloped a warmly spiced apple filling, offering a delightful contrast of textures. Paired with silky vanilla semifreddo, this dessert balances spice and sweetness beautifully, leaving a lingering comfort on the palate.

While Smolder does offer a lot more inventive dishes than just seafood, I find that it’s still their unadulterated and minimally-seasoned dishes that shine. I would certainly return for anything from their grilled big plates section. Although not particularly known for sweet endings, I also found the desserts to be pleasantly surprising as well. 

Smolder
271 Outram Road
Singapore 169062

+65 9888 6849

Open daily, 5PM to 11PM / open for lunch from Friday to Sunday, 12PM to 2:30PM