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The sandwich-shaped hole in our hearts has finally been filled. After shuttering its Telok Ayer flagship, Park Bench Deli (PBD) has officially resurfaced for a three-month residency at The Pantry on Dempsey Hill.
This is no mere nostalgia trip. Founder Andrei Soen is back at the helm with a clear mission for the revival: to bring back the "big, messy, unapologetic" sandwiches he grew up eating – the kind that's still hard to find in Singapore's polished café scene. Here's what to know before you make the trek up the hill.
The vibe: kid-friendly backyard BBQ
The new space is a breezy, communal set-up that seats about 70 people – 40 indoors if you need the AC. The walls are decked out with photography by close friends of the brand, and a blow-up of a collaboration with Vans cements the "old school cool" that's always been PBD's DNA.
There's a new reservation system in place, but the dine-in experience is casual, requiring you to walk up to the counter to place your order. And for the first time, there's a dedicated Kids Menu, making it a legitimate weekend spot for the Dempsey strollers.
The food: sandwich classics and an evening burger menu
PBD is not fixing what ain't broke. This pop-up brings back all the sandwich classics you've likely tried before at its Telok Ayer outlet or at various pop-ups – just a little improved and refined. Case in point: more authentically smoked meats thanks to a massive new smoker out front to replace PBD's standard kitchen oven, and beautiful breads and buns from Cirius Bakery.
The main menu is divided into a breakfast section (9am to 4pm) and a sandwich section (11am to 4pm), with sides and salads to accompany.
Some stacked standouts we'd order again: the Breakfast Banh Mi ($24), PBD's take on the Vietnamese classic with the savoury heft of spam against the sweetness of chicken liver pate, cut through with mayo and pickled vegetables; the Pastrami Reuben Sandwich ($34), with a delicately smoked beef pastrami layered with coleslaw and swiss cheese – it has satisfying bite but is surprisingly light on the stomach thanks to that airy rye sourdough; and the Hot Fried Chicken ($26), which features a thick slab of fried chicken between potato buns – that kick garlic chilli crunch will make you sweat.
A surprise favourite was the Chinese Chicken Salad ($24), which Andrei introduced to the menu as a refreshing palate cleanser. We have to say it does the job: tender shredded chicken is tossed with a colourful array of vegetables, sweet navel oranges, pickled ginger, crispy wanton skin, and a sweet sesame dressing – the impression is not unlike yusheng, and it kept us powering through the more substantial sandwiches.
We got a peep (but sadly didn't get to try) at the Rosita's Deluxe menu, PBD's evening, sister concept. When the sun sinks low from Friday to Sunday, you'll get to dig into smashed cheeseburgers (all served as doubles!), either as the no-frills OG or in iterations like Rosita's Teriyaki Burger and Hot Fried Chicken. All are priced at $26.
The drinks: cocktails, wine, bubbles, and smoothies
If you're in the mood for some chilled-out daytime drinking, then Park Bench Deli has just the thing. Take your pick from beers (from $13), cocktails (from $20), and highballs (from $18), with a respectable wine list featuring reds, whites, pinks, and rosé, and yes – bubbles, too.
If alcohol is not your speed, there's a standard selection of coffees, teas, and non-coffee lattes like matcha and sticky chai. Healthy juices like the Sunrise Carrot ($13), laced with turmeric, and decadent smoothies like the PB Banana Oat ($15) round out a pretty impressive drinks menu.
Know before you go
Park Bench Deli's pop-up runs from January 10 for three months at The Pantry, 16A Dempsey Road. Take note: it operates from Thursdays to Tuesday (9am to 4pm), while Rosita's Deluxe runs from Fridays to Sundays (6pm to 10pm). Reservations are required – make them at tinyurl.com/ParkBenchDeliReservations.
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