My omakase experience at The Social Outcast

A culinary wonderland.

Last month, I had the pleasure of attending a media tasting at The Social Outcast, a charming 12-seater restaurant nestled along East Coast Road. But before I dive into that, let me share a little something personal: I have a boyfriend now – yes, I’m officially calling Ben my boyfriend. It feels strange after being married, then single, and now in a relationship again.

Ben treats me like an absolute princess, which is both sweet and borderline hilarious at times. Just today, he packed a “Princess Kit” in my Princessa bag with flavoured water (Chi), chocolates (because Sab loves her sweets), wet wipes (OCD moments), and even Monster drink (coffee replacement). Honestly, moments like these remind me how much I enjoy his thoughtfulness.

Now, back to the media tasting – an evening that was as memorable as it was delicious.

A cosy hideaway with a touch of wonderland

The Social Outcast is tucked away at 89 East Coast Road, Singapore 428790. You’ll find it through Madman & Co., and getting to the dining area felt like uncovering a secret. Walking through the tiny door into the restaurant was a whimsical moment – it’s as if you’re stepping into another world. I wish I had captured footage of it (a rookie mistake!), but alas, you’ll just have to imagine the charm of squeezing through a pint-sized portal into a cosy, warm space that feels intimate and personal.

The setting is minimal but thoughtfully designed, allowing the food to take centre stage. The seating arrangement around the chef’s work area creates a communal vibe, making the experience feel like an exclusive dinner party with friends – except the host happens to be a culinary wizard with a woodfire grill.

The omakase experience

The 7-course woodfire omakase menu was priced at SGD 138++ per diner, and while that may seem steep, it was worth every dollar for the creativity, flavours, and one-of-a-kind experience. Each course was inspired by a different country, taking us on a culinary journey across the globe:

1. Puebla (Mexico): Mexican Huevos Divorciados (Divorce Eggs) with Woodfire Grilled Jerk Prawn.

Ben’s favourite! He loved the smoky and spicy notes paired with the jerk prawn.

2. Norway: Spicy Fatty Tuna with Ikura & Blue Fin Tuna Shirako.

A rich, melt-in-your-mouth dish showcasing the freshness of the seafood.

3. Hawaii: Ahi Ribs with Chili Sesame Mayo & Burnt Coloured Pepper.

4. New Zealand: Baby Lamb Rack with Argentine Chimichurri & Burnt Lime.

The lamb was perfectly cooked, with the burnt lime adding a zesty kick.

5. Colombia: Wagyu Beef Cheek Anticucho with Truffle Yolk Dipping.

This was indulgent and flavourful but not too heavy, which I appreciated.

6. Korea: Ganjang Gejang (Marinated Flower Crab) with Japanese Rice & Burnt Kimchi.

While Ben adored this, I wasn’t a fan – not because of the flavour but because I don’t enjoy peeling crab. It’s just too much effort for me!

7. Chef Mint’s Creation: Golden Bean Vanilla Gelato with Olive Oil & Lumpfish Caviar.

A surprising and elegant dessert. The combination of creamy gelato, savoury olive oil, and briny caviar was a bold choice that worked.

We also enjoyed a complimentary Passionfruit Palette Cleanser from Madman & Co., which was refreshing and perfectly timed to reset our taste buds.

Why it’s worth the price

At SGD 138++, this dining experience isn’t your everyday meal. But here’s why it’s worth it:

• Creativity: Each dish is a masterpiece, combining unique flavours with impeccable presentation.
• Exclusivity: With just 12 seats, it’s an intimate experience that feels personal and special.
• Ambience: From the tiny door to the hidden dining area, it’s like stepping into a secret culinary world.
• Attention to detail: Dietary restrictions are accommodated, and every dish is explained with care, making you feel like more than just a diner – you’re part of a journey.

The verdict: A unique, memorable experience

The Social Outcast offers more than just a meal – it’s an intimate, interactive experience. Watching the chef work their magic with the woodfire grill and hearing the stories behind each dish added a personal touch that’s hard to find elsewhere.

While I didn’t love every dish (curse my dislike for peeling crabs!), the menu showcased a creative approach to flavours and presentation. My personal highlight was the Hawaii Ahi Ribs, while Ben couldn’t stop raving about the Puebla Divorce Eggs.

The charm of this restaurant lies not just in its food but also in its ambience and exclusivity. From the whimsical entrance to the hidden dining area, it feels like stepping into a secret world.

Supporting local

As someone who’s passionate about supporting local entrepreneurs, I love how The Social Outcast exemplifies creativity and heart. The staff went above and beyond, even asking about dietary restrictions beforehand to ensure every guest had the best experience possible.

If you’re looking for an intimate, woodfire dining experience, definitely check out The Social Outcast. Just remember to:

• Arrive 10 minutes early,
• Let them know about dietary preferences and
• Come with an open mind and a hearty appetite.

Ready for your turn?

If you’re craving a unique, intimate dining adventure, I highly recommend booking your spot at The Social Outcast. Follow them on Instagram for updates: @dsocialoutcast and @blessincasia.

To book: Call or DM them to reserve your spot – this is a must-try for food lovers who appreciate creativity, exclusivity, and a touch of smoky magic.

Final thoughts

This dinner wasn’t just about the food – it was about the experience of sharing something unique with someone special. While I’ve come to appreciate Ben‘s knack for treating me like royalty (even in the smallest ways), it was nice to enjoy an evening where the magic came from a mix of great company, smoky flavours, and the charm of a tiny door leading to big surprises.

Here’s to discovering more hidden gems – and remembering to get footage next time!