Fat Prince returns to its roots with a bold, modern take on Middle Eastern feasting

There’s a reason Fat Prince has always had a cult following.

In a neighbourhood crowded with sleek wine bars and polished fusion concepts, this Middle Eastern-Mediterranean favourite has long been the spot for anyone who prefers their dinners loud, lively, and generously spiced.

But if you haven’t visited recently, you might notice something different — or rather, something very familiar.

After a brief era as The Prince, the restaurant has officially reclaimed its original name: Fat Prince. This isn’t a rebrand for the sake of rebranding; it’s a return to the spirit people loved back in 2016 — bold flavours, smoky cocktails, gleefully unpretentious energy, and that signature sparkle of mischief.

The team calls it a revival, not a reset, and it shows the moment you step inside: The buzz is louder, the room brighter, and the warm, slightly chaotic charm back in full force.

Reclaiming the OG Fat Prince soul

The restaurant’s journey hasn’t been linear. It first debuted in 2016 as Fat Prince, making waves for its modern Middle Eastern plates, punchy kebabs, and bar-led personality. 

When it later evolved into The Prince in mid-2024, the shift leaned more refined, wanting to “shred the old prince for a cleaner, more elegant, sexy new prince” after eight years. However, long-time regulars missed the irreverence and communal spirit that defined the original tavern-inspired concept.

So in October 2025, the team made the call that diners had been quietly rooting for: Bring Fat Prince back, but sharper, brighter, and better.

This new chapter sees the restaurant doubling down on what made it special in the first place — mezze built for sharing, hearty kebabs, and cocktails with attitude, from za’atar-infused negronis to tahini-kissed sips.

The energy has been lifted, too, with refreshed music, livelier programming, and a vibe that seamlessly carries guests from dinner into drinks without missing a beat.

A spread built for sharing

As we settled in, ready for an evening of indulgence, our feast began with the zero-proof The Green Bazaar (S$22) — a vibrant, herbaceous refresher made with Seedlip Spice, cucumber, pineapple, and soda.

Its zesty blend of citrus, ginger, and lemongrass lifted the palate instantly; the kind of invigorating sip that quietly resets your senses after a long day.

From there, the evening at Fat Prince truly began with Egyptian house rolls (S$8) served with a sinful swipe of date butter. Warm, fluffy, and baked to golden perfection, the rolls arrive in a cast-iron pan, radiating that comforting, yeasty aroma you cannot resist.

The date butter, subtly sweet and rich with caramel warmth, transforms each bite into a small act of indulgence. We rationed ourselves only because the night had many dishes ahead — but honestly, it was a struggle.

If you’re dining in a group, your best move is to dive straight into the mezze (a selection of small dishes served as appetisers or a light meal). Like any good Middle Eastern feast, this is where the magic begins.

Standout starters include the cashew hummus (S$14), crispy calamari (S$18), beef skewer (S$18 per piece), lamb skewer (S$18), and fried harissa chicken (S$19) — all designed for communal dipping, scooping, and passing around the table.

The cashew hummus is a refreshing twist on the familiar — smoother, nuttier, and dusted with smoked paprika for warmth. Paired with pillowy pita (S$5 per piece), it’s dangerously easy to demolish.

The crispy calamari, fragrant with ras el hanout (a North African spice blend), arrives piled high and impossibly crisp. The lemon aioli cuts through the seasoning with brightness, making this a plate that disappears fast.

Then come the skewers — generous, hearty, and far more substantial than they appear.

The beef skewer, seasoned with cumin chermoula, is tender and aromatic, offering just the right balance of herb and spice. The lamb skewer (S$18 per piece) has a gamier edge that fans of robust flavours will appreciate. Both feel like miniature mains in their own right.

Before moving on, the fried harissa chicken (chicken cooked in a hot chilli paste from the Maghreb region of North Africa) brings a slow-building warmth — not a quick hit of spice, but a lingering glow that grows with each bite.

For mains, the coal-fired branzino (S$15 per 100g) steals the spotlight. Whole-roasted and served with vine tomatoes and olives, it’s a deeply satisfying reminder that simple dishes can shine brightest when the grill is treated like a craft.

Its flesh flakes beautifully, the char adds depth, and the tomatoes lend a gentle sweetness — a harmony of flavour that feels effortless.

If seafood isn’t your calling, the Moroccan chicken tagine (S$48) is a comforting counterpoint. Cooked with chickpeas, olives, zucchini, and cumin dukkah (an Egyptian and Middle Eastern condiment consisting of a mixture of herbs, nuts, and spices), it arrives bubbling and aromatic, with pita on the side so you can mop up every drop of its earthy, spice-kissed sauce.

Among the sides at Fat Prince, the fried brussel sprouts (S$15) won our hearts immediately — so much so that we ordered them twice.

Crisp, smoky and tossed with charcoal mustard aioli, they carried enough flavour to stand alone… and certainly overshadowed the marble potatoes (S$12) beside them.

To end, the Dubai chocolate knafeh (S$15) embraces the dessert trend with flair.

Crisp, buttery strands of kunafa (a traditional Middle Eastern dessert known for its unique combination of crunchy pastry, gooey cheese, and sweet, fragrant syrup) are layered with rose syrup, pistachio ice cream, and dark chocolate sauce — indulgent, comforting, and perfect for sharing after a rich feast.

But if you prefer to sip your dessert, the tahini’s Kiss (S$22) is a zero-proof stunner. Seedlip Spice meets tahini orgeat and oat milk, creating a creamy, sesame-forward drink that’s sweet yet surprisingly light on the palate.

Fat Prince, true to its spirit

The revived Fat Prince feels like a homecoming — a confident return to the Middle Eastern flavours that originally made it shine.

The menu is designed with generosity in mind: Bold dips, juicy skewers, hearty mains, and indulgent sides, all built for sharing across crowded tables and long conversations.

It’s a place where a group can graze and feast; where the abundance of flavours makes “just one more dish” inevitable.

And with its renewed energy, refreshed menu and familiar warmth, Fat Prince stands firmly as one of Tanjong Pagar’s best bets for a lively, communal meal.

This was a hosted tasting.

For more ideas on what to eat, check out new cafe, Romme, for its housemade focaccia sandwiches, and also check out our go-to guide of Alexandra Village Food Centre.