The Margin Review: Singapore Gets a Finance Themed Muslim-owned Grill Spot in Jalan Besar

Walking into The Margin along Hamilton Road feels akin to stepping onto the vibrant trading floor of Wall Street at its height, albeit one where the primary currency is exceptional food rather than volatile stocks.

Located in the gentrified Jalan Besar neighbourhood rather than the predictable CBD, this Muslim-owned establishment offers a fun financial theme without crossing into kitsch. Glowing green stock tickers roll continuously across the walls while screens broadcast financial news, creating a kinetic energy that pulses through the dining room. Even the design of the menu and the name of the dishes are on theme.

The steady pool of regular diners, including many Muslim patrons easily identifiable by their elegant hijab attire, speaks volumes about the genuine appeal of the venue beyond its aesthetic novelty.The culinary focus here is centred on South American inspirations with a particular emphasis on parrilla style grilling and premium meats.

We began our dinner tasting with the Hamachi Ceviche (S), said to be a signature favourite at the restaurant.

The dish features a generous serving of 100 grams of dry-aged hamachi, prepared via a meticulous process that lends the fish a silky yet firm texture. This richness is balanced by a vivacious mango and passion fruit leche de tigre. The bright citrus notes of the marinade pairs well with the dry-aged fish, leaving a refined tropical sweetness and a delicate finish on the palate that lingers pleasantly.

Equally impressive in the starters category is the Grilled Queen Scallop (S).

Served in a portion of four pieces, each scallop is grilled to achieve a smoky char that enhances its natural maritime flavours. The true star of this dish is the accompanying honey paprika butter. It swathes the succulent seafood in a fragrant, buttery sweetness with just a hint of spice, proving so highly addictive that it leaves you scraping the shell for every last drop.

Moving on to the main event, meat lovers will find themselves suitably rewarded by the impressive grill items.

The restaurant prides itself on its in house dry aging process, designed to elevate both flavour and tenderness to greater heights. We had the 7 Day Aged Picanha (S/100g) with a base portion of 200 grams.

Sourced from free range, barley fed Black Angus cattle, the steak arrived well fired with a beautiful crust. Each slice was delectably tender, showcasing the rich, beefy depth that only careful aging and precise grilling can produce.

For those who prefer bounty from the ocean, the Wild Caught Seabass (S) comes recommneded. Ranging from 800 grams to a full kilogram, the whole fish is treated with immense respect over the open fire.

Much like the steak, the seabass was grilled well, featuring blistered, smoky skin that gave way to moist, flaky white meat packed with natural sweetness and a subtle infusion of wood smoke.

To accompany the robust flavours of the food, we explored the beverage menu, which consists entirely of thoughtfully crafted mocktails and non alcoholic options.

The FibonaChee (S) is a refreshing concoction of strawberry, lychee, and sparkling lemon lime bitters that cleanses the palate well between bites.

For a more classic botanical profile, the Gin & Tonic (S) utilises a non alcoholic gin mixed with tonic and freshly squeezed lime, delivering all the notes of the traditional cocktail without any of the alcohol.

For dessert, we shared the Apple Crumble Re Imagined (S), a delightful and creative deconstruction of the classic comfort treat.

A bed of buttery vanilla crumble supports cooked Granny Smith apples coated in a brown sugar glaze. The entire creation is then crowned with a generous dollop of homemade marshmallow fluff, providing a whimsical, textural contrast that rounds off the meal on a sweet note.

Overall, The Margin succeeds by carving out a niche in the local gastronomic landscape. As a Muslim-owned establishment, it caters well to diners seeking elevated, fine dining halal options without compromising on quality, ambiance or culinary ambition. Additionally, the Wall Street theme adds a layer of theatrical fun that feels delightfully unexpected in the gentrified neighbourhood, proving that you do not need to be in the heart of the financial district to enjoy a truly premium, well executed dining experience.

The Margin

Address:
15 Hamilton Road, Jalan Besar,
Singapore 209185

Opening Hours:
Tuesday to Sunday,
11:30am to 3pm and 5:30pm to 2am

Contact:
@themargin.sg