Sacré bleu! Did you know that the median price of Michelin dining in Paris is over S$300? Now imagine getting that same Michelin-level experience right here in Singapore for about as cheap as S$25—and that’s what The Plump Frenchman is all about!
Located in the heart of Bugis at Guoco Midtown II, this 70-seater brasserie is serving up soulful French comfort food at affordable prices for all to enjoy. With a menu conceptualised by 2-star Michelin chef Lorenz Hoja, the Plump Frenchman combines high-quality ingredients, rustic techniques, and satisfying portions to make authentic yet affordable French cuisine for all.
So, from reimagined ratatouille and in-house rotisserie chickens to dangerous vodka espressos and delightfully sweet mousses—here are some of the restaurant’s finest takes on the flavours of France!
Interior
Drawing inspiration from retro French aesthetics, The Plump Frenchman features a harmonious blend of warm wood textures, cane-backed seating, pendant lighting, and delicately tiled floors. This interior direction reflects the restaurant’s ethos: a modern restaurant where both old-world charm and French culture meet irreverence.
Conveniently located a two-minute walk away from Bugis MRT, the brasserie is also perfectly placed for business lunches, after-work dinners, and leisurely weekend brunches, making it an ideal spot for everyday indulgence and casual celebrations. Just be sure to use Google Maps on the way—because trust me, you don’t want to end up doing laps around the block like I did!
Starters
As for when it comes to the menu, what better way to kick off your culinary journey than with a line-up of starters? After all, they’re called that for a reason—and with flavour profiles that are distinctively rich and full of character, each one uniquely sets the tone for the flavours to come!
Personally, I’d have to shout out the Anchois: an umami mix of anchovies, tomatoes, olive oil, and basil served on crispy sourdough. It’s a savoury, salty dish that’ll pump you up for the rest of the menu, so don’t miss it—especially not without a spritz of lime.
Make sure to also try the Œuf Mollet en Ratatouille as well, whose tricky first word is actually pronounced “oo!” Though this classic dish of stewed vegetables with soft-boiled eggs may not be as pretty as a certain on-screen counterpart, it definitely tastes better than it looks.
Plus, The Plump Frenchman’s focus on taste over appearance is exactly what allows it to offer affordable French food, so no complaints from me!
Main Courses
In contrast to the bold, bombastic starters, the main courses instead showcase simple French flavours through elevated signature dishes, including those freshly served from the restaurant’s rotisserie station.
Here, you have to feast on their Demi Poulet Rôtisserie that’s cooked to succulent perfection. With crispy, crackling skin and soft, tender meat, every bite is juicy without being greasy. It’s the kind of chicken that doesn’t need sauce, though with their house-made sriracha fermented with gula melaka, you’ll be mopping up every last drop anyway.
Besides the official menu’s main courses, keep an eye out for their chalkboards too, because you might just spot and score something amazing like the spit-roasted Lamb Shoulder. This succulent cut is as savoury as it is tender, and with just the right amount of that natural gamey kick to get me baa-ing with praise, let’s just hope that you’ll even see it spinning in the oven!
Desserts
Finally, no French meal is truly complete without dessert, and at The Plump Frenchman, that’s no different. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet or sour, every happy ending is just as satisfying as the savoury beginnings. And best of all, they’re at an even friendlier price!
To start, the Mousse Au Chocolat is a must-try for anyone craving a truly indulgent treat. Velvety smooth and coated with fine cocoa powder that lingers on the roof of your mouth, this fluffy feast delivers a powerful chocolate punch with the perfect balance of richness and depth.
Meanwhile, if you’re hoping to end on a lighter note, don’t skip the Tiramisu Citron and its inventive twist on the classic Italian favourite. Swapping out traditional coffee for vibrant lemons, this dish infuses every layer of delicate ladyfingers and luscious mascarpone cream to create a harmonious fusion of syrupy richness and refreshing tartness.
Drinks
Pair any—or all—of those delights with one of the many drinks the restaurant is serving up, and you’re all set for a great time. There are plenty of beverages to choose from here, but I can’t recommend their cheekily named cocktails with a touch of French flair enough. They’re not just fun to say, but also fun to drink!
That includes the Je T’Aime But I’m Tired, which leans fully into the boldness of espresso without any hint of vodka or coffee liquer, making it dangerously addictive—in the best (and worst) way possible. Meanwhile, for something crisp, citrusy, and celebratory all at once, try the Oui Oui, Let’s Get Fancy: a zesty blend of gin, lemon juice, and champagne.
However, if non-alcoholic options are more your style, then The Plump Frenchman has you covered too. Beyond the usual soft drinks and coffee, they also serves up homemade iced teas like the Elder Noir Fizz and Botanique Passion—perfect for keeping you refreshed, awake, and maybe even steady-headed after a hangover.
The Plump Frenchman Set Menus
Now, what if I told you that you could get every course mentioned here for less than S$50++? That’s right! Alongside the à la carte options above, the restaurant also offers Menu de Canut: a thoughtfully curated selection of set menus based on the modest meals of Lyon silk workers, delivering delicious dining at an affordable price.
With options that include a two-course set (one main and dessert) at $$25++, a three-course set (starter, main, and dessert) at S$35++, or a more indulgent four-course set featuring two starters, one main, and dessert at $$47++, you’d be hard-pressed to find better values for such authentic French flavours in town!
So, if you’ve already made up your mind (and your stomach) on what to order, head down to Zouk Group’s first-ever brasserie today! Who knows—maybe you’ll walk out looking like The Plump Frenchman himself. But with French cuisine this affordable and this good? Ça me va, as they’d say, or in other words, that’s fine by me!
📍Location: 20 Tan Quee Lan St, #01-20, Singapore 188107
⏰Opening Hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 11:30am to 2pm, 5:30pm to 10pm
- Sunday: 11am to 3pm
You can now make your reservations and find out more about their menu and concept over on The Plump Frenchman’s official website. For the latest updates, behind-the-scenes bites, and drool-worthy shots, be sure to follow them on Instagram too! With that, au revoir!
Photos by Heng Yu Cheng of the DANAMIC Team.
