It’s not every day that you see a large cow standing outside a wet market, gazing moodily at the fresh meat stalls. Not a live one, though – it’s the bright red mascot to Meatkrafters, a no less idiosyncratic addition to this corner of Ghim Moh. Having themselves frequented the wet market and surrounding small family shops for almost 15 years, founders Kris Tan and Jessie Toh conceived and opened this sleek gourmet butchery and grocers’ in 2022 as a complement to those existing businesses.
Practically, this means: gourmet meats, charcuterie, air-flown cheeses, frozen breads and desserts, fresh chilled soups, pastas, a wine selection spanning a wide gamut of price points from super-Tuscans to everyday pours, locally-made craft beers and chocolates, and high-end condiments – everything curated to help customers craft an entire meal, “as our name says”, smiles Tan. We spotted some intriguing pantry items too: Borneo Hot Sauce made with momporok chillies from Sabah, premium Japanese-style luncheon meat made in Denmark, and Alain Milliat jams from France.
Despite many customers’ initial reactions that “ ‘Aiyo, this is a very atas place!”, we aim to give warm and affable service,” Tan says, “and the best quality meats at the most affordable prices.” Overseen by Head Butcher Tay, an alumnus of Culina and Hubers, the meat counter also encompasses marinated meats, recipe kits – the ready-to-roast sio bak is a winner, we can attest – and choice items such as hormone-free French chickens, beautifully marbled pork jowl, and flavourful Angus and wagyu picanha (rump cap). Meatkrafters also undertake bespoke dry-ageing services for prime cuts – we spied a customer’s tomahawk in the dry-ageing cabinet, next to muslin parcels of miso-aged beef, Tay’s creative in-house specialty.
Also offered are themed product bundles, for example for barbecues, hotpot nights, or kids’ parties, the latest addition being a ‘carnivore bundle’ for the keto-inclined. These and customised bundles can also be ordered on a subscription plan. More urgent needs can be met at the two refrigerated vending machines flanking the storefront. Running 24/7, they dispense frozen meats, soups, desserts and other items at the swipe of a credit card, perfect for midnight munchies or last-minute party supplies. Look closely at their shelves and you’ll also see Tan’s latest “small, fun project” – human-grade, all-natural frozen pet food made from meat, vegetables, brown rice and egg, packages adorned with a photo of his own adorable doggy.
Where: 19 Ghim Moh Rd, #01-247, Singapore 270019
Open 9am – 7pm Mon – Fri, 8am – 7pm Sat, 9am – 5pm Sun
www.meatkrafters.sg
Text by: Christopher Tan
