Restaurant review: Marché, Singapore

Image Source: Marche Movenpick

Whenever I'm in the mood for some great tasting European cuisine, there is only one place that comes to my mind. Marché is one of my favourite restaurants in Singapore. The reason I like it is because everything about is so refreshingly different from the usual dining experience. This is a Swiss market restaurant with the concept of on-the-spot cooking using seasonal and fresh produce (the USP of this restaurant). 

I love the concept of customizing my food. Being able to choose from the colorful array of vibrant seasonal ingredients that go into my food, telling the chefs exactly how I like the dish cooked and picking out the interesting garnishes and condiments very much appeals to my culinary sensibilities. 

There are two Marché outlets, one in Vivocity and the other at 313@somerset. The VivoCity outlet feels larger, is definitely brighter and my preferred of the two. The one at 313@somerset has a more nighttime vibe. 

Outside the restaurant you see the Marché mascot, the statue of a cow which looks like it may have descended from Mars (that is because it is a very bright shade of green/red)                                                                                      
See what I mean?
                                                          

                         

The first thing that strikes you as soon as you enter is the ambiance. The interior has groups of market-style stations that display a range of vibrant and fresh ingredients and the seating area has been cleverly designed to mimic the Swiss-chalet style of architecture giving it a warm and cosy appearance. The exposed construction beams, decorative carving and moldings, large windows and cottage style furniture add to the charming appeal of the restaurant. 

On arrival, you are given a Marché card by the hostess which serves as a sort of food credit card. This is in keeping with the "cashless" system that the restaurant observes. I love that there is no concept of a fixed "menu" here. You have to go to individual food stations that specialize in a particular food type, hand over the card and tell the chef what you would like to have and how you want it prepared. The chefs then swipe the card to register what you have ordered and you have pay at the end of your meal as you leave the restaurant. Sometimes the food is ready and waiting, other times, you will be handed a buzzer that signals when your food is ready. When you are waiting, you go and get your own cutlery and tissues. The concept of self-service means that there are no waitresses scurrying about taking orders and you can enjoy your meal at you own pace. 

The interior

Marche at Vivocity

Marche at 313@somerset

There are designated play areas for kids at both the VivoCity and 313@somerset restaurants but the one at VivoCity is better in my opinion. 

Coming to the food, there is a wide variety to choose from. There are salads, soups, savoury and sweet crepes, fresh homemade pasta, the signature potato rösti, freshly made pizzas, sandwiches, bakery items such as breads and rolls, paella, rotisserie, hot and cold beverages and a range of delectable desserts. 

My personal favourites include the mushroom soup, pasta in rich cream sauce with seasonal vegetables, the mushroom and cheese crepe, pizza, potato rösti with sour cream and the sinful caramelita ice-cream from Mõvenpick. These are the items that I usually order every time without fail.  

Mushroom soup

Potato rosti 

Pasta in cream sauce

Savoury Crepe

Mushroom Pizza

Sweet crepe

                                                             
Vegetarians have a lot to cheer for as picking out individual ingredients means that you can put a vegetarian spin on most dishes. There is a freshness about the food here that you rarely get to experience elsewhere (except at home of course). I tend to sprinkle a bit more seasoning on my food as I usually find it a tad bland but that is just me. This restaurant is really popular so you might end up having to wait to get a table (especially on weekends) but once you do, you realize that it is totally worth the wait. I have such a love affair with this place that I take everyone I know there. Almost all my family has been there and they love it almost as much as I do 😊

It is most likely that you will be so full after a hearty meal that you will feel like skipping dessert but let me tell you right now that that would be a mistake. As I mentioned earlier, I usually pick up the caramelita ice-cream (but it looks like this particular flavor has been discontinued 😢). I've tried the chocolate fudge cake, the creme brûlée, the white chocolate mousse, the panna cotta and the tiramisu on different occasions and they were all divine. 

Chocolate fudge cake

Creme brulee

Panna Cotta

Tiramisu 

The apple pie however can be a bit of a hit or miss. Some might find it a tad dry and heavy-handed with the cinnamon but others might enjoy it anyway. 

Marché: Simple hearty food with a cozy Swiss Alps vibe 

Marché is an ideal place to enjoy a relaxed meal with your friends or family. The ambience is pleasant and unique. I like the VivoCity branch a tad more because it is airy and bright (and also because I can take better food pics). You have lots of options to choose from, you can eat healthy if you want to, you can customize your food and you can enjoy your meal at your own pace with no interruptions. The portion sizes are good and mostly, everything tastes good. The prices are typically mid-range. 

My rating for this restaurant would be

If you live in Singapore and haven't been yet, well....what are you waiting for?

Marché VivoCity
1 HarbourFront Walk, Sky Park #03-14
Singapore 098585

Phone: +65 6376 8226
Fax: +65 6376 8227
E-Mail: vivocity@marche-restaurants.com

Opening hours:
Monday to Friday: 11.00 until 23.00
Saturday to Sunday: 10.00 until 23.00

Marché 313@Somerset
Level 1, Discovery Walk, 313 Orchard Road
Singapore 238895

Phone: +65 6834 4041
Fax: +65 6509 6104
E-Mail: 313somerset@marche-restaurants.com

Opening hours:
Monday to Thursday: Restaurant 11:00 – 23:00/Bakery 07:30 – 23:00
Friday: Restaurant 11:00 – 24:00/Bakery 07:30 – 24:00
Saturday: Restaurant 10:00 – 24:00/Bakery 07:30 – 24:00

Sunday: Restaurant 10:00 – 23:00/Bakery 07:30 – 23:00

Cheers,

Megha


      

Note: This is not a sponsored review. The comments and opinions in this post are solely my own.