Relish by Wild Rocket has long stood as one of Singapore’s most beloved burger and modern comfort food restaurants. With roots tied to the celebrated chef Willin Low, Relish embodied creativity, balance, and a uniquely Singaporean flavour identity. Known for its standout burgers, pasta innovations, and casual yet vibrant dining atmosphere, Relish has influenced the way local diners appreciate Western and Asian fusion cuisine.
In this comprehensive article, we will explore every aspect of Relish by Wild Rocket — from its origins, atmosphere, and identity to deep dives into its menu, signature dishes, flavour concepts, dining experience, culture influence, ingredient philosophy, cooking techniques, pairing suggestions, and more. You’ll gain a complete understanding of the brand, why its food resonates with locals and visitors, and how a restaurant of this type fits into Singapore’s culinary landscape.
The Origin and Concept of Relish by Wild Rocket
Relish by Wild Rocket originated as a creative offshoot of Wild Rocket, a restaurant that was instrumental in shaping the “Mod‑Sin” movement in Singapore — shorthand for Modern Singaporean cuisine. The core philosophy behind Relish was to combine the comforts of Western brunch and burger culture with nuanced influences from Singapore’s diverse local palate. This meant familiar dishes elevated by thoughtful ingredient choices, texture layering, and nuanced sauces that captivated diners seeking something both comforting and well‑executed.
Relish was established in a central location — Cluny Court near Bukit Timah — where it quickly became a favourite among locals, families, professionals, and weekend visitors. It became known as a neighbourhood staple famed for its burgers, pastas, small plates, and innovative mains that blended East and West influences seamlessly.
The menu wasn’t static. Over time it expanded to include seasonal features, brunch options, and pastas influenced by broader flavour profiles that went beyond typical Western dishes. These expansions reflected the restaurant’s philosophy of exploration, creativity, and a willingness to challenge traditional boundaries within a casual dining setting.
Understanding the Dining Atmosphere and Experience
Walking into Relish by Wild Rocket was always a sensory experience rooted in casual comfort.
The atmosphere was relaxed yet energised — a space where brunch lovers, burger fans, and food explorers could gather. Large windows and open layouts created a welcoming environment, especially suited for midday meals and weekend dinners.
Tables were typically arranged with enough spacing to enable both intimate conversations and lively group dining. Lighting was abundant during daytime brunch hours, and slightly dimmer yet warm in the evenings. This duality gave Relish a flexible charm: it felt both like a casual lunch spot and an engaging evening hangout.
Service culture at Relish leaned toward attentive without being intrusive. Staff were generally knowledgeable about menu items and eager to recommend pairings or explain dish components. This created an environment that elevated the overall dining experience beyond just the food on the plate — it became about exploration and comfort.
The Core Flavour Identity: Burgers, Fusion, and Mod‑Sin Inspiration
At the heart of Relish by Wild Rocket’s menu was its approach to flavour and identity. The term Mod‑Sin — though originating with Wild Rocket — influenced how Relish positioned itself. This meant:
- Familiar Western framework, especially seen in burgers and pastas
- Deliberate local sensibilities, inspired by Singapore’s diverse flavours
- Thoughtful ingredient combinations, often unexpected yet balanced
- Playful reinterpretations of classic dishes, blending comfort and discovery
This philosophy set Relish apart from generic burger or pasta restaurants. Instead of safe, predictable dishes, Relish offered components where each ingredient had purpose — whether to balance acidity, add umami, introduce texture contrast, or elevate aroma.
Deep Dive into the Menu: Starters and Small Plates
One of the strengths of Relish by Wild Rocket was that its menu wasn’t limited to burgers alone. It offered an array of starters and small plates that showcased thoughtfulness in flavour layering and portion balance.
Signature Small Plates to Know
Wild Rocket Wings
Crispy fried chicken wings coated with a spicy, tangy sauce. These balanced spice and umami and proved a perfect prelude to the richer mains — especially useful when sharing a table feast.
Onion Rings with Curry Mayo
Classic beer‑battered onion rings paired with a unique curry‑infused mayo. The curry mayo added a touch of local spice influences that differentiated this side from a typical Western pub snack.
Umami Fries
French fries topped with bonito flakes, bacon bits, spring onions, and Japanese mayo. This dish combined salty, smoky, and umami elements, making it a compelling alternative to plain fries.
Spam Fries with Kaffir Lime Mayo
Thicker cut fries accompanied by kaffir lime‑infused mayo. The citrus note gave a refreshing contrast to the saltiness of the fries, demonstrating the kitchen’s commitment to thoughtful flavour play.
Burgers: The Heart of Relish’s Identity
Relish’s burgers were the dish most synonymous with its identity. Each was crafted with attention to balance, texture, and nuanced sauce profiles.
Wild Rocket Beef Burger
Arguably the signature burger that defined Relish’s presence in Singapore’s dining scene. This burger featured a richly cooked beef patty complemented by pepper cream, sun‑dried tomato relish, and peppery arugula. The choice of these ingredients created layers of complexity — juicy beef, earthy greens, tangy relish, and pepper cream that added warmth and depth.
The balance here was key: no single component overpowered the others. The relish added sweetness and acidity, the cream added texture and spice, and the arugula lent freshness.
Bacon & Cheese Beef Burger
A variation where crisp smoked bacon and melted cheese were paired with lettuce and tomato relish. This burger leaned more into classic Western comfort land while still maintaining Relish’s signature savoury balance.
Mushroom & Cheese Beef Burger
A choice for lovers of earthy, rich flavours. Sautéed mushrooms combined with cheese atop a juicy beef patty gave this burger a deeper savoury profile that was both satisfying and indulgent.
Ram‑Lee Beef Burger
Inspired by local food culture, this burger wrapped the beef patty in an omelette and added secret chilli sauce and mayo. It blended the Ramly burger concept — a local street food favourite — with Relish’s burger craftsmanship, transforming a casual fast‑food idea into a more elevated dining experience.
Pastas and Mains: Where Creativity Meets Comfort
Beyond burgers, Relish stood out for its ability to offer rich pastas and fusion mains that appealed to diners looking beyond standard Western choices.
Pancetta Carbonara Linguine
A rich carbonara with perfectly rendered pancetta and a soft onsen‑style egg that added creaminess and depth. The dish struck a delicate balance between weight and harmony, ideal for pasta lovers seeking comfort and complexity.
Crabmeat Linguine in Tomato Cream Sauce
Delicate blue swimmer crab meat paired with al dente linguine in a tangy yet creamy tomato base. This dish offered brightness, sweetness, and a rich flavour that complemented the seafood perfectly.
Hae Bee Hiam Pasta
Inspired by local chilli dried shrimp flavours, this pasta provided a spicy, umami‑rich profile rooted in Singapore’s culinary heritage. The use of local dried shrimp paste and spice created a dish that felt familiar yet adventurous — merging local tastes with Italian preparation techniques.
Oyster Omelette Spaghettini
A creative fusion of the local oyster omelette concept with Italian pasta. Strands of spaghettini intertwined with oyster, omelette pieces, and chili spice, adding richness and heat — an adventurous option for diners who love fusion cuisine.
Sides, Salads, and Complementary Dishes
Relish’s menu included thoughtful accompaniments that completed the dining experience:
Turnip, Cucumber, Green Mango, Tiger Prawn & Peanut Salad — A revitalising, textural salad combining sweet, sour, and nutty flavours.
Sesame Chicken Salad — Tender grilled chicken with sesame dressing, mesclun greens, and a mild savoury finish.
Beer Battered Fish and Chips — Classic fish and chips with a crispy batter and tartare sauce, a comforting dish reimagined with fresh fish and thoughtful fry technique.
Brunch Classics and Breakfast Options
Relish also catered to brunch enthusiasts with satisfying morning and midday options:
Wild Eggs Benedict — Poached eggs, hollandaise sauce, and avocado salsa on sourdough, perfect for those who prefer a sophisticated yet accessible brunch.
Bangers & Rosti — A hearty plate pairing German pork bratwurst with rosti and fresh salad, providing a comforting, European‑inspired brunch item.
Eggs, Toast & Cheese — Simpler yet satisfying, with scrambled eggs, parmesan, and sautéed mushrooms over sourdough.
Avocado & Salmon — A fresh, modern plate combining smoked salmon, avocado, and greens — ideal for lighter appetites during brunch.
Beverage Pairings and Drinks
Beyond food, Relish offered an array of drinks designed to complement its varied menu:
Fresh Juices — Cooling, healthy options like Slow Pressed Orange, Green Movement (celery and cucumber), and Zinger Ginger.
Shakes & Floats — Classic shakes such as vanilla and chocolate provided comfort and sweetness alongside savoury mains.
Soft Drinks and Coolers — Refreshing lemonade, lychee cranberry coolers, and lemongrass ginger drinks worked brilliantly as palate cleansers with heavier dishes.
Ingredient Philosophy and Cooking Techniques
At the centre of Relish’s kitchen philosophy was an emphasis on:
- Fresh, high‑quality proteins and produce
- Balance of texture — crisp, creamy, tender
- Layered sauces with purpose
- Integration of local spices and Western foundations
For burgers, this meant using beef patties with careful fat content to ensure juiciness while maintaining structure. Relish didn’t rely solely on cheese or heavy sauces — instead, they used relishes, creams, and greens to elevate flavour dimension.
For pastas, al dente cooking and thoughtful seasoning ensured that flavour was present but not overwhelming. Asian elements such as dried shrimp or basil were incorporated without diluting the pasta’s core identity, creating fusion without clash.
Portion Sizes and Value Considerations
Relish’s portions were generally generous by Singapore casual dining standards. Burger mains, pastas, and brunch plates often satisfied without additional sides, and sharing small plates enhanced group dining experiences.
Value opinions varied among diners. Some praised Relish for its flavour‑forward plates and creative combinations, while others suggested that certain items were slightly premium in price relative to portion. However, the restaurant was widely recognised for quality execution and ambition in menu design.
Dining Tips for First‑Time Visitors
If you’re visiting Relish for the first time, consider the following:
- Start with a small plate like Umami Fries or Wild Rocket Wings to warm up the palate.
- Pair your burger with a refreshing juice or light salad to balance richness.
- Pasta dishes like Crabmeat Linguine or Hae Bee Hiam Pasta offer depth without heaviness.
- Brunch on weekends to experience Relish’s breakfast fusion plates.
- Share entrees in groups to taste a wider variety of flavours and textures.
Cultural Influence on Singapore’s Dining Scene
Relish by Wild Rocket played an influential role in Singapore’s dining evolution. Its approach showed that casual dining could be both creative and accessible. By introducing fusion elements within Western staples like burgers and pastas, Relish demonstrated how local taste identities could coexist with global formats. This inspired other restaurants to explore similar cross‑cultural champagne‑buster dishes.
Relish’s legacy is not just limited to beloved burgers but also in how it encouraged diners to embrace fusion cuisine — moving beyond predictable Western plates into thoughtful, vibrant combinations.
Conclusion: Why Relish by Wild Rocket Matters
Relish by Wild Rocket was more than just a burger restaurant. It was a culinary space where creativity met comfort, East met West, and familiar met adventurous. With a well‑executed menu, thoughtful atmosphere, and creative flavour identity, it captured the hearts of diners who sought authenticity wrapped in innovation.
Whether enjoyed as a casual brunch, a relaxed dinner, or shared with friends over small plates, Relish offered a memorable experience rooted in taste, balance, and culinary curiosity.
