Fat Belly: This cosy steakhouse at Bukit Timah serves pretty fire cuts

Tucked away in Bukit Timah is Fat Belly, a cosy little steakhouse that’s been quietly impressing meat lovers since 2017. As one of Singapore’s few steakhouses that spotlight lesser-known, secondary cuts of beef, Fat Belly prides itself on skilful charcoal-grilled preparations that don’t break the bank. 

Owned by Eleven Seventeen Capital, Fat Belly is part of a group of sister concepts that also includes Elixir Coffee and Wine, Market Bistro, and Meadesmoore — all of which serve steak, but with different approaches. 

Meadesmoore offers a more upscale, refined steakhouse experience, while Market Bistro and Fat Belly lean toward casual, approachable dining, with a focus on quality cuts at friendlier price points.

Fat Belly seats around 50 and features an open kitchen where you can watch chefs work their magic over the charcoal grill. It’s intimate enough for date nights, but also still casual enough for a laid-back dinner, for when the steak cravings hit.

Melt-in-your-mouth goodness 

Fat Belly takes pride in its sourcing and butchery, offering a curated selection of lesser-known cuts such as the Denver and flat-iron. Often overshadowed by prime cuts, these flavourful alternatives are prized for its tenderness and depth of flavour.

As a steak enthusiast who’s tried my fair share of steakhouses, I can confidently say Fat Belly delivers mind-blowing quality for its price point — and it’s a spot I’d gladly return to. 

The star of the show was undoubtedly the American wagyu MS6/7 picanha (S$55), sourced from the acclaimed Snake River Farms in the United States. This prized cut delivered a bold, beefy richness balanced by a subtle sweetness, making it our top pick of the night. Each slice melted in the mouth, with a pleasing contrast between tender, juicy bites and slightly crisp edges from the fatty cap.

Another standout was the full-blood wagyu MS8/9 Denver (S$65) — a lesser-known cut from the cow’s shoulder, supplied by an award-winning Australian heritage beef producer. This steak impressed with its intense marbling and buttery texture, offering a deep, umami-packed flavour and a slight chew that seasoned steak-lovers would appreciate.

Fun fact: Fat Belly was the first steakhouse in Singapore to serve this exceptional cut as a standalone steak.

Appetisers and sides that were just as great 

The raclette cheese (S$26) completely stole the show. Paired with the toasted sourdough (S$6), it was more than enough to share between two — though we enjoyed it so much, we forgot to pace ourselves for the upcoming sides and mains. The gooey cheese was perfectly stretchy with a light saltiness, and generously studded with smoky, addictive bacon bits. Every bite, scooped onto the crisp, golden sourdough, was indulgent and deeply satisfying.

The sides were enjoyable as well, though they didn’t quite steal the spotlight like the starters. The pomme puree (S$10, mashed potatoes) was light, smooth, and buttery — comforting, though not particularly bold or memorable. 

The fried brussels sprouts (S$14) delivered a smoky crunch, tossed in a well-balanced salty-sweet housemade garum caramel, and finished with savoury granola and assorted seeds. The sweetness was subtle, just enough to enhance the flavours without overwhelming them.

After all that savoury indulgence, it’s only right to end on a sweet note.

All desserts at Fat Belly are priced at S$14, which makes choosing just one a bit of a challenge. We especially loved the signature tiramisu — rich, decadent, and perfectly creamy. Another crowd-favourite is the New York cheesecake, served with a tangy red berry compote and passion fruit coulis for a palate-cleansing finish.

This was a hosted tasting.

For more on what to eat check out at Tanjong Pagar’s new Shin Katsu, and this fried rice stall run by ex-Din Tai Fung chef.