Eight years is an eternity in Singapore’s finicky F&B scene. When you factor in the Covid pandemic that shuttered several and battered all the bars and restaurants on the island, it would take a miracle—or a beloved icon—for any dining spot to continue thriving.
Photo: Humpback.
Humpback is one such example. A mainstay along vibrant Bukit Pasoh Road, the restaurant first opened in 2015 and immediately gathered plaudits for its oyster and seafood programme. Indra Kantono, co-founder of the Jigger & Pony Group that operates Humpback, attributes its popularity to its “convivial hospitality”.
With Humpback relatively unscathed by the pandemic, Kantono believed it was time for a change. “Since we opened, consumer behaviour has changed. We’re seeing smaller groups, and people now want a relaxed, comfortable dining experience when they go out.”
The rising quality of food served in the city’s restaurants also spurred Kantono forward. For the revamp, he turned to his regular partner-in-crime Siew Hui Lim of Hui Designs, who was the creative force behind Jigger & Pony’s Caffe Fernet and Rosemead.
Everyone, from the kitchen to the front of house, contributed ideas to the new interior and refreshed menu. Only one thing remains unchanged: the oysters from Hama Hama Oyster Company in Washington and other farms in the Pacific Northwest that ship directly to Humpback.
Except for the Louis Poulsen pendant lamps currently hanging at different heights on the ceiling, everything else was thrown away with the bathwater. There are now banquette seats along one wall and booth chairs along the other. A new oyster counter and wine bar dominate the restaurant’s front.
Photo: Humpback.
Lim also ripped open the ceiling to expose the existing beams and partly dilapidated cornices and painted them bono white. As for the rest of the dining room, the palette was inspired by dusk and sunsets in the Pacific Northwest.
Kantono shares that response to the revamp has been vibrant. “The regulars are back, new customers are coming in, and the feedback on the new food menu and decor has been really positive.”
He’s especially excited about Humpback’s new Wine Wednesdays, which offers 20 percent off featured wines. “It’s a great way for people to try less familiar labels and varietals.”
Keeping in the spirit of, well, new spirits, Kantono shares an alcoholic teaser: the Gibson and Live Twice cocktail menus will also be refreshed. “Soon, regulars, locals, and visitors can have a complete, world-class experience in one night at Humpback and Live Twice before ending at Gibson.”
