From Clinton Street to Singapore

Founded by husband-and-wife duo Neil Kleinberg and Dede Lahman, the restaurant has been lauded with superlatives, such as “best fried chicken”, “best waffles”, and “best pancakes” from numerous publications, and forged a reputation as a must-try eatery in New York. We caught up with Ms Lahman when the couple was in town recently.

Why Singapore for Clinton St. Baking Company & Restaurant’s first Southeast Asian outlet?
First off, Singapore is a very cosmopolitan city, just like New York City. It boasts many ethnic cultures, and it really gets food. Also, I think people call Singapore the gateway to Asia right? We just thought it would be appropriate, since we have so many Asian fans.

Have you noticed any peculiarities in Singaporeans’ taste and palates?
It’s still too early to tell, but I know that Singaporeans love sweets, and they really love our desserts. But we’ll see over the coming weeks how tastes here really differ so that we can better cater to local palates.

Will you be doing anything special for the outlet here?
With our chicken and waffles, one of our signature dishes, we might consider offering both dark meat and white meat options. This is because we know many Singaporeans, the ethnic Chinese in particular, are really fond of dark meat, and we heard that the expats really like white meat. So we’re thinking of offering both, which will be exclusive to Singapore.

Clinton St. Baking Company & Restaurant is famed for its brunches. What makes brunch special?
Brunch is definitely a social event. It’s just fun to go out with your friends and family on a day off from work, have a great time and a fantastic meal. And I also know it’s a very good hangover cure! 

Do people in New York really eat fried chicken as a brunch staple?
They do now! We really helped to popularise chicken and waffles in New York. Chicken has always been a staple in the Southern areas of United States, and we like to serve comfort food that people can feel at home with. Chicken is also great for dinner because it’s sticky, savoury, a little bit spicy, and downright delicious. 

Clinton St. Baking Company & Restaurant has racked up many prestigious awards with taste-making New York publications, but its modus operandi is to serve great, familiar food in a cordial, amiable, homely atmosphere. Do you see Clinton Street Baking Co. as more of an upscale eatery or an accessible one?
I have a term that best describes what we do: casual luxury. We prepare really unfussy and unpretentious food that’s saucy, sensuous, delicious, very satiating, and all served in a relaxed, comfortable environment. You’ll be well nourished, both in your minds and your stomachs, when you leave. 

What’s your favourite Singaporean or Asian dish?
Definitely chilli crab and xiao long bao!