The Orange Lantern may not come across as a Vietnamese restaurant at first glance, after all, where’s the pho or other Vietnamese names that are so commonly acquainted with Viet restaurants in Singapore? Nevertheless, this is one restaurant which is authentically Vietnamese in many ways. (Even the decorative lanterns are specially imported from Vietnam.)

Situated at Harbourfront Centre, this is the second branch of the well-received restaurant chain. Like many other Viet cuisine, green vegetables make their appearance in almost every dish in The Orange Lantern, making it a suitable choice for health conscious folks.

Appetizers

We were first served with a platter of appetizers: two spring rolls, rice paper rolls, shrimp paste on sugar cane and a couple of Viet Imperial Rolls.

From left:
Shrimp Paste on Sugar Cane, $5.50 for 2
HOOKED’s rating: 2.5/5

Viet Imperial Rolls, $6 for 4
HOOKED’s rating: 4/5

Viet Spring Rolls, $4.50 for 4
HOOKED’s rating: 3.5/5

Rice Paper Rolls, $4.50 for 2
HOOKED’s rating: 3.5/5

Personally, I find the shrimp paste a tad bland and not too worth its price of $5.50 for two. But the other rolls were good. In particular, the Viet Imperial Rolls are a must-try. Its deep-fried crispy netting makes it all the more appealing. For those who are great fans of oily food, there’s no need to worry as the rolls are surprising not oily. An interesting way to have a different taste of the rolls is to wrap them up in the basil leaves and lettuce provided. But try at your own risk, as my colleague and I have concluded that basil leaves may not be everyone’s favourite.

Pomelo Salad, $4.50
HOOKED’s rating: 4/5

Next on the table were two more appetizers: Pomelo Salad and BBQ beef wrapped in betel nut leaves. The Pomelo Salad definitely fits the bill as an appetizer. Its sweet pomelo and salad mixed with The Orange Lantern’s special sauce gives the dish a sweet and sour taste which is absolutely appetizing.

BBQ Beef wrapped in Betel Nut Leaves, $6.50
HOOKED’s rating: 4/5

For folks who love to get your hands dirty, the wrapped BBQ beef will be a good recommendation. The dish comes with rice paper, lettuce and a bowl of water with a brush. So, customers are encouraged to make their own beef wrap. The betel leaves did not leave too strong an aftertaste and the beef has an aromatic flavour.