BKK Bistro & Bar: Orto’s famous 80-cent boat noodles joint opens new Kallang outlet

Yishun is a much-maligned area of Singapore that’s dubbed by many as “the crazy hood”, as the internet became rife with memes and stories of its outlandish happenings.

While some reports are indeed questionable, there’s one thing that’s indisputable — the endless queues that regularly form outside Orto’s BKK Bistro & Bar are veritably insane.

Orto, which opened in 2014, is one of Singapore’s most popular hangout spots. It drew in crowds of residents who looked to indulge themselves in a multitude of activities that ranged from prawning, trampolines and, of course, 80-cent Thai boat noodles.

But if you haven’t heard the sad news yet, the beloved leisure park will be vacating its Yishun premises at the end of June. 

The lights at the famous BKK Bistro & Bar will stay on until June 25 so loyal customers can head down for one last hurrah.

While several other tenants have already moved into Orto’s new home at the West Coast, BKK Bistro & Bar will not be following its brethren.

Instead, the popular supper spot has recently opened a new outlet near Bendemeer, ahead of its flagship’s impending closure. 

Operation hours are tweaked here. It closes earlier but also — finally — opens for lunch at 12pm.

Thai food lovers can rest easy: BKK Bistro & Bar is keeping the legendary 80-cent Orto boat noodles alive — although it will no longer be associated with the leisure park.

The noodles are served in small bowls as per tradition, where the delicacy is served on boats and portions are kept small to prevent spillage on choppy waters.

Each bowl can be customised to your liking, with choices between glass or rice noodles and red tom yum or herb boat noodle soup, along with a myriad of toppings that include prawn, beef ball, pork liver and more.

If you don’t feel like waiting for multiple orders of small bowls to hit the table, there are also more sizable alternatives such as the medium (S$7.80) and supersize (S$20.80), which includes all toppings.

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Besides its signature item, BKK Bistro & Bar also serves up an array of homely and authentic Thai dishes including a slew of brand-new exclusives to the Kallang outlet.

This includes the familiar Thai street chicken rice (S$9.80), rich braised pork rice (S$9.80) and saucy green curry pork collar rice (S$10.80).

BKK Bistro & Bar’s menu also boasts a motley of hearty sides to complement the carb-loaded mains, such as Thai fish cake (S$8.80), grilled cheese skewers (S$10.80 for four) and piquant Thai papaya salad (S$8.80).

As with any Thai restaurant, BKK Bistro & Bar offers a diverse selection of sweet treats, with various classic desserts including rainbow sticky rice ball with fresh mango slices (S$9.80) and red ruby with coconut ice cream (S$7.80) 

Diners can quench their thirst there with delectable Thai beverages such as iced milk tea (from S$4.80), green iced milk tea (S$4.80) and iced milk coffee (from S$4.80).

BKK Bistro & Bar is also working on a new outlet in Woodlands, so those living in the north of Singapore don’t have to worry about missing out on their favourite boat noodles for too long.

For more ideas on what to eat, read our articles on the most hyped-up and photogenic seaside restaurant and places for authentic Hong Kong cha chaan teng vibes.

BKK Bistro & Bar is on the GrabFood delivery service and offers free delivery (up to S$3 off) with GrabUnlimited. 

Book a ride to the BKK Bistro & Bar Orto outlet before its last day on June 25, or to the new BKK Bistro & Bar Kallang Bahru outlet thereafter.