Feeling like your dining routine needs a delicious shake-up? Well, French food lovers, your prayers have been answered! Singapore’s dining scene is about to get a whole lot more magnifique with the arrival of The Plump Frenchman, a cheeky new brasserie set to open its doors in Bugis this month.
This latest venture from Zouk Group is shaking up the usual French dining scene by making quality cuisine accessible for your regular weeknight dinner or casual catch-up with friends, with dishes starting from $13.
The Chef Behind the Concept
Leading the kitchen is Chef Lorenz Hoja, Zouk Group’s Chief Culinary Officer, who brings serious credentials to this relaxed setting. His decade-long experience working under Joël Robuchon includes securing two Michelin stars for L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon in Singapore back in 2016 and 2017.
“French cuisine doesn’t have to be rigid or overly refined,” explains Chef Hoja. “It should be delicious, generous, and deeply comforting.” His approach focuses on high-quality ingredients, rustic techniques, and portions designed for sharing.
What to Expect on the Menu
The menu celebrates hearty, feel-good French classics. Start with Chipirons ($16++) – tender baby squid stuffed with chorizo, parsley, and garlic – or opt for the traditional La Soupe À l’Oignon ($18++), a deeply caramelised onion soup topped with crispy croutons.
Main dishes showcase the restaurant’s rotisserie station, with the standout Demi Poulet Rôtisserie ($17++) featuring slow-roasted chicken served with mesclun salad, sriracha sauce, and house-made pickles. For something richer, the Coq Au Vin ($37++) offers braised chicken in red wine with mushrooms, bacon, and carrots.
The dessert menu includes a creative twist on tiramisu – the Tiramisu au Citron ($11++) swaps coffee for bright lemon flavours, creating layers of mascarpone cream with a citrusy tang.
Affordable Set Menu Options
The Menu de Canut offers excellent value with set menu options available Monday to Saturday during lunch (11:30 AM to 2:30 PM) and dinner (5:30 PM to 9:00 PM). Choose from a two-course set at $25++, three courses at $35++, or the full four-course experience at $47++.
The Space and Location
The 70-seater restaurant blends retro French aesthetics with modern comfort. Warm wood textures, cane-backed seating, curved marble counters, and pendant lighting create an atmosphere that balances old-world charm with contemporary style. The mix of intimate nooks and communal tables suits both business lunches and casual dinners.
Located at Guoco Midtown II (20 Tan Quee Lan Street), The Plump Frenchman sits just two minutes from Bugis MRT, making it convenient for after-work meals or weekend dining.
Opening officially in the week of June 16th, The Plump Frenchman represents Zouk Group’s bold foray into French cuisine. As Andrew Li, CEO of Zouk Group, puts it, it’s about bringing together “all the things I love about French cuisine and brasserie culture with the energy of our Zouk brand.”
