Simple and natural delicacies served without anything of the fancy sort, a contemporary interior blushed a deep red, and Indochine's prime location in the heart of Orchard – The Nude Restaurant comes clean with a modern concept quite unlike other Indochine outlets deep set in the rich culture of Asia . Its accompanying outdoor chillout area houses The Sanctuary which comes alive under the jaunty beats of their live band performances later in the evening. Showcasing bands like Cats in a Cradle and Twoz's a Crowd, this first outlet of Indochine sees a full house almost every night.
The Vibe Located right in the midst of Orchard Road , Indochine Wisma beckons to tired shoppers, with its red leather sofas in the alfresco dining area or the air-conditioned comfort of Nude Restaurant. Red velvet curtains whisper seductively to enter its dimly-lit interior, while at the opposite end; wooden steps pave the journey from its breezy alfresco to chilly indoors. Classic black leather complements the modern alabaster tables with a touch of elegance, and Indochine's signature chandeliers breathe a cosmopolitan air into the premises, save for hints of Greek mythology cast in stone standing at corners of the restaurant.
On the contrary, The Sanctuary brings to light the restaurant's alfresco dining area. White canopy hangs overhead, and wooden furnishings dominate this chill-out area to give The Sanctuary a more casual, laid-back atmosphere.
The Food Along with the ambience, the food seeks to seduce every sense in the body. Its goodness in taste lies in its own simplicity and the fine balance of its ingredients, a trademark of Vietnamese cuisine.
The classic Vietnamese dish features Pho Bo (Vietnamese Beef Noodle soup - $14), a must-try to experience Vietnamese food. The Nude Restaurant dishes out a palatable bowl of flat kway teow- like noodles immersed in clear yet flavoursome soup. Strips of tender yet chewy beef are cooked just right to maintain their juices and retain their springy texture, while beef balls are simply a delight. The Pho Bo presents a healthy and nutritious taste of Vietnam to all.
While Pho Bo can easily be found in any Vietnamese restaurant, Banh Xeo (Vietnamese Pancakes - $16) stands uniquely in the open kitchens of the Nude Restaurant. Following traditional recipes from Vietnam itself, this main consists of shredded carrots, minced chicken, beans, lettuce, mint and coriander leaves in a thin layer of dough and egg. Light and crisp on the outside, a bite into this traditional Vietnamese pancake sets forth an explosion of tastes - starchy beans, salty chicken, tangy sauce and spicy-sweet chilli blend together to create an exquisite refreshing flavour.
A French offering, Ragout (Indochine's French Beef Stew - $16) impresses the discerning customer with its huge chunks of beef, sweet potatoes and carrots. Served with generous cuts of beef brisket and shin shanks, its meat is tender, juicy and succulent. Light in texture with a tinge of lemon, the stew is easy on the palate.
Pasta isn't just pasta in Indochine. Angel Hair Pasta ($20) cooked with sun-dried tomato pesto sauce is a mix of fresh tomato flavour complemented by hints of spices, readily absorbed by fine-textured pasta. Based only on its basic ingredients of tomatoes and pasta, this dish summarizes the taste of summer in one's mouth – delicious, inviting yet totally refreshing. To top it all off, grilled juicy king prawns that spring apart in one's mouth conclude a deeply satisfying meal at the Nude Restaurant.
The Service Indochine's staff is quick to appear with upon eye contact with guests. Sensitive to different needs, one can be assured of a comfortable and hassle-free dining experience.
The SD Food Advisor's take on Indochine Wisma Loyal customers of Indochine will realize that Nude Restaurant differs in concept and style compared to other Indochine outlets. Nevertheless, this change is a refreshing one. Evenings at Indochine mean a cluster of music lovers who sit back and enjoy good food, good music and a great ambience. Advanced bookings are recommended to avoid disappointment.