The Turquoise Room

“Arguably the best pizza in Singapore can be found at The Turquoise Room.” — James Ong, 88DB.com Editor

ALL my life I have been in the quest for the perfect pizza, perhaps because I grew up across an American pizza parlor chain and Friday nights were dedicated to trying all its flavors. This was the time when Japanese food had not yet become an international sensation, and so the idea of having carbs and protein in one slice of pizza (the equivalent of one full meal!) was sensational. Plus, we didn’t have to wash the dishes afterwards.

In Singapore, if I go to a restaurant, the first thing I ask is, “Do you have pizza on your menu?” More often than not, they don’t. So those restaurants that do serve it, and serve it well, have easily become my favourites, such as The Turquoise Room.

What are you recommending today?
The thin-crust pizzas at The Turquoise Room, particularly the Prosciutto and Parma Ham pizza which is ingeniously served with fresh rocket arugula and topped with shaved — take note, not grated — parmesan cheese.

What’s so special about it?
Eating — or if you want to be profound about it, life — is all about the yin and yang, so when you’re served a dish where you taste the contrast of hot and cold, it’s something very memorable (that said, don’t get the impression that the arugula is served straight from the chiller; it’s room temperature). The leaf’s piquant flavour also blends well with the saltiness of the prosciutto ham. Costs $22, but it’sworth every bite.

How about the place?
The Turquoise Room is hidden within the Gillman Village off Alexandra Road, which makes it perfect for afternoon trysts or an intimate getaway with friends. It is open 12 noon till late. The interiors, tables and chairs are bathed in white, and details are painted in French blue. It’s vibe spells linen-shirt, Arcopedico sandals, world music, and chilled white wine. It’s very South of France. The service is excellent; the staff are good in anticipating your need so you never so much as need to lift a finger for attention. The calamari is also intriguing, but too chewy. Their main draw is really the pizza.

How did you discover it?
I read about it in Singapore City Scoops, my lifestyle bible here. It’s published and written by insiders so chances are, the places they recommend are places where you can see (and taste) the local flavour, and not tourist traps.
Will you go back?
I’ve been back a few times whenever I crave for pizza. And it’s always top of mind when I have out-of-towners visiting. It’s a different side of Singapore that’s very urbanista.

Any other pizza places?
Trattoria Lafiandra beside the Singapore Arts Museum does good pizza, but the service borders on rude and the chef’s policy is a turn-off. He requires guests to order one entrée each if they’re not ordering starters — which is so not the philosophy behind a trattoria. I’d rather pay the extra taxi fare to go back to The Turquoise Room.

The Turquoise Room
7 Lock Road Gillman Village
Tel. No. 6473 3655

View original article for this food review on The Turquoise Room.