Think “barbeque” and the inevitable images of Korean table barbeques or sweaty evenings at East Coast Park come to mind. However, there is a new kid on the block that is about to challenge your perceptions of charcoal-roasted meat joints. Camp Kilo Charcoal Club is a weekend-only casual dive that combines the height of hipster-dom with relaxed outdoor dining.
The open-air eatery – which occupies the now defunct Loysel’s Toy cafe at an old storage warehouse in Kampong Bugis – feels like your friend’s backyard. Simply but tastefully arranged with industrial-style steel furniture, zinc sheets and a smattering of Scout paraphernalia (think kerosene lamps and flags), the space is the definition of laidback dining. Round the back near the roasting spit is a cargo container converted into a massive outdoor chiller, which is covered in eye-catching artwork by graffiti artist Didier “Jada” Mathieu as a nod towards Camp Kilo’s star attractions.
As the newest venture of hospitality group Series of Intentions (SOI), the no-reservations establishment bears the DNA of its siblings, namely the Kilo restaurants and Grain Traders. If you are at all familiar with these two brands, you will recognise elements such as unassuming yet tasteful decor, choice indie music playing in the background and hearty yet delicious food done well here at the Camp Kilo.
Because it is the meat that take pride of place here, foodies will revel in the fact that a while 30kg pig cooks at the eatery’s homemade spit for four hours every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Marinated in a blend of secret spices and slow-roasted till deliciously tender, the roast pork is undoubtedly the star of the show. Our favourite cuts include the tasty pork belly ($10 for 100g) and fall-off-the-bone tender ribs ($30 for a full rack). Don’t forget to ask for a handful of crispy pork crackling for that satisfying crunch. However, there are other good stuff offered here too, including the flavourful roast chicken, corn bread with honey butter, patatas bravas, roasted brussel sprouts and tom yam-spiced “cocido” beans. Half a roast chicken is priced at $10 and sides start at $6 per serving.
With its laidback setting, studiously picked backyard-style decor and hearty food done well, we are certain the Camp Kilo is fast becoming one of the most popular weekend gathering spots in the city.
Camp Kilo Charcoal Club
66 Kampong Bugis
#01-01
Opening hours: Friday 5:30 – 11pm; Saturday & Sunday 11am – 11pm
This was adapted from an article that appeared in the August 2016 issue of SquareRooms.
