Buyan Russian Restaurant and Bar @ Duxton Hill

This two parter shophouse features a gastro bar and restaurant, a seemingly quieter option as compared to boisterous Sabio and the other eardrum bursting pubs along the walkway. Friendly waiters got us our glasses of water promptly and refilled them too.

A very kind waitress came over to make recommendations and even scribbled a list of infused vodka flavours for me to pick from.

interior

Tables filled at the bar.



ipad

Smart iPad menu.

infused vodka

Vanilla Cinnamon ($13)

I guess that’s the thing about cheap vodka cocktails, something has to be compromised and in this case, it was acidic and smelt odd. I love vanilla, I love cinnamon yet put together, there were slight hints of potpourri.

russian vodka

The companion went for something more authentic,  this was a way easier drink to have than my shot or portion of infused vodka.

rye bread with garlic


We had a complimentary bowl of rye bread ends baked with garlic for nibbles. As much as they look like rabbit feed, these tasted great!

More welcoming than Tong Garden nuts or curry crackers actually.

The second visit followed shortly after. Buyan the restaurant, gained popularity for successfully bidding for 1841 Veurve Cliquot. My favourite champagne but nope, I did not get to see it in its full glory. Taking up the space of two shophouses,Buyan is hard to miss along the street of noise – Sabio was as boisterous when I walked by.


wall

Stained glass!

interior


We were given seats on the third floor, quite away from the hustle and bustle of the bar downstairs and the main dining area..it made it seemed I booked the whole area at least!

butter

Neat halves.

bread

Breadbasket of rye bread with a lovely texture though I prefer their bar snacks of fried rye bread ends anytime! 

fried rye bread sticks

Yum.

wine! 

Abrau Durso, Semi Sweet 2008 ($55)

bubbles

Russian sparkling wine or champagne to start the meal - fizzy and light, it went well with the dishes I must say.

crab

Kamchatka Crab Soup ($12)

crab soup

Mildly starchy, filled generously with fresh chewy crabmeat chunks…I was pleased. 

tons

Mushroom Soup ($12)

For once, a mushroom soup that is clear and was all of hearty and wholesome. 


chicken

Chicken


I had my eyes on the Russian Meatballs but the server mentioned they were ordinary, not too iconic of the Russian cuisine and recommended the chicken croquette. Tasted quite like chickencordon bleu without the ham and cheese. They have removed rabbit from the menu, somewhat disappointed for that happening
actually…and it sounds completely cruel eating rabbit. 

skewers

Shaslik
Trout, chicken, lamb

These were just skewers and somewhat dry. The accompanying sauce did little to moisten it.

honey cake

Guess what!

berry compote

Honey Cake ($18)

Pleasant surprise with this layered cake with a melt in my mouth consistency, semolina cake would be the right association with crumbs scattered all over. Quite a messy affair but this was really quite delish with honey smeared on all over generously. The berry compote gave the sweet a nice contrast.

Service is top notch at Buyan with a friendly Russian waitress ensuring we were all comfortable and enjoying our selves.

Buyan
Duxton Hill

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