Welcome to Da Bao Diaries, a daily column dedicated to what Time Out Singapore's editors are eating and drinking while Singapore's 'circuit breaker' measures are in place till May 4. Da bao is a Singaporean colloquialism derived from Mandarin that refers to having a meal to go instead of dining in at an establishment.
You've probably been to Neon Pigeon – the stalwart has been on the Keong Saik stretch since 2015 and is known for its modern-Asian plates and equally delectable bar programme. If you haven't then its new bento boxes available for takeaway for delivery offer a taste of what it's all about – and also satisfies the craving of regulars for its signature edamame hummus served with crispy crostinis to mop it all up.
Each bento comes with the signature dip as well as your choice of flamed teriyaki tofu, soft shell crab, Korean fried chicken, goma crusted snapper, charcoal-fired rump and braised pork belly. I was in the mood for something spicy and it's also been ages since I had fast food so I instantly gravitated to the Korean fried chicken ($25). It covers a bed of brown rice and also comes with a side of chopped greens in sesame dressing and pickles, making for a substantial meal (I couldn't finish all of it and gave some to my mum).
Big eaters can choose to add optional items like miso roasted eggplant, roasted Japanese mushrooms or crispy Brussels sprouts to their meal, or get more à la carte dishes to share. The Neon Pigeon experience also isn't complete without some cocktails – there are four on the delivery menu: the mojito, negroni, margarita and old fashioned – or a bottle of sake.
How to order You can order directly from the website neonpigeonsg.com, call 6222 3623 or email info@neonpigeonsg.com. Islandwide delivery and pick up are available but do note that that pick-up point is at Summerlong, Neon Pigeon's sister restaurant under The Dandy Collection at #01-04, 60 Robertson Quay. The Dandy Collection has also founded the Dine In Movement, a coalition of restaurants that have their own delivery system in place so that your money goes directly to the business when you order from them (instead of third-party platforms).