After a long, easy stroll along Orchard on Sunday night, I went straight to 313@Somerset with the feeling of hunger that makes crave for something rich and satisfying. Food Republic is at the top, so I zig-zagged up the escalators, my preferred “ride” because you get that moving view of the shops as you rise level by level. By the time I stepped onto the top floor, the air was warm with the smell of frying shallots, grilled meats, and broth bubbling somewhere behind a glass counter. It was exciting!
This branch of Food Republic is one I genuinely like. The curation feels thoughtful, popular concepts, recognizable comfort dishes, and just enough global variety that you can bring a group and still keep the peace. The design helps too, bright but not harsh lighting, neat stall lines, plenty of airflow, and seating that doesn’t feel crammed even when it’s busy. To the side is a leisure game area, which adds a playful buzz without overwhelming the dining space. It’s the kind of place where you can eat unhurriedly while watching people win (or lose) at claw machines. Free entertainment while you wait for your tray, love it.
I decided to go for Indonesian cuisine and ordered Ayam Bakar, the grilled chicken that has barbecue sauce like no other.
I’ve always felt Indonesian stalls know exactly how to create flavor from chicken, whether fried crisp or grilled until the edges catch just enough char. Grilled was the move tonight. The chicken arrived covered in a dark, glossy glaze that smelled smoky, sweet, with a savory backbone. First bite, the skin had a gentle crispness, and the meat underneath was juicy, pulling cleanly from the bone. The sauce was the star, sticky from caramelization, a little sweet, a little salty, and smoky enough to nod at the grill without tasting burnt.
The set came with a mound of white rice, a slice of omelette, and sautéed cabbage. I liked how the rice acted like a reset button between saucy bites, simple, fluffy, and perfect for swiping up whatever glaze tried to escape. The omelette was thin but soft, almost crepe-like, adding a mild, eggy cushion to the plate. The cabbage leaned savory with a light garlic note and enough oil to keep it silky. If I nitpick a little (gently!), I’d love the cabbage to keep a touch more crunch for texture contrast, but it did its job as a fresh, side dish to the rich chicken.
Ambience-wise, this dinner hit that sweet spot of “busy but breezy.” Ventilation here is excellent, you can enjoy smoky grilled aromatics without wearing them home. Lines moved quickly, tables turned over at a friendly pace, and there was the comforting clatter of cutlery and the occasional cheer from the game area, energy without chaos. I snagged a seat with a good view of the stalls and found myself lazily people-watching between bites. It’s a small pleasure that makes a food-court meal feel like a mini urban picnic.
Overall impression, very satisfying. The Ayam Bakar delivered everything I wanted after that Orchard walk, flavorful, tender, a little indulgent without being heavy. The supporting sides did their part, and the space itself made lingering feel natural. Next time I’m tempted to try the fried version for that crunchy skin moment, or maybe explore another stall (there were a few calling my name as I rode the escalator up, haha). But honestly, this grilled chicken is the kind of dish I’d happily return for. If you’re in 313@Somerset, take the scenic escalator route to the top, follow your nose to Food Republic, and let the Ayam Bakar win your Sunday night too.
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