It’s a fact that Germany is a beer country. From popularising its widespread Oktoberfest to its ever-thriving craft-brewing industry, there is no stopping the Germans’ deeply embedded drinking culture; so much so that it’s tremendously rare to find teetotallers. That said, it is tradition at the end of the day, and the camaraderie that comes with it just isn’t the same if done any other way.
Emulating that similar vigour here in Asia is Singapore’s Stärker Bistro, which now boasts seven outlets within Lion City and has long been a favourite watering hole for its fresh, traditional German beer that’s locally brewed with the finest European hops and malts. With a strict seven-day shelf life whilst being served straight from the barrel, quality surely isn’t compromised here.
Entering the unique two-storey European-styled bistro is akin to going back to the ancient medieval times as its 300-seater space is ornamented with stone walls, industrial light fixtures, cobblestone flooring, and wood beam ceilings, with warmth infused into its interior through the natural wooden tables and high chairs that further complete its old-fashioned yet homey atmosphere.
It wouldn’t be an authentic German bistro without hearty pork knuckle and belly, and luckily Stärker does both the dishes justice. The former is an absolute delight for its perfectly crackled skin besides the fatty hunk of fall-off-the-bone tendon, cartilage and meat – faultlessly barbaric but oh so syok – whereas the latter is just as rich. Sink your teeth into the whole package – crispy skin, melting fat and tender meat.
The unpasteurised and unfiltered beer is no less impressive, and while we enjoy the smooth, malty taste of the copper-coloured Stärker Dunkel, it wasn’t bitter enough for our liking. The Lager variety on the other hand had a distinct herbal scent, but the one that left us reeling for more is Stärker Aromatic. The medium-bodied beer has a fruity and floral aroma that boosts the sweet, malty flavour with a hint of citrus.
It’s safe to say that Stärker Bistro can very well be the place to be for an unfailing good time, lighthearted entertainment, and quality food and beer. Evidently this would be a pointless, all talk no action review if we hadn’t properly experienced Stärker Bistro ourselves, but we thankfully were able to thoroughly experience all of its best-selling offerings, and now we’d let more of the photos speak for themselves.
Crispy Roasted Pork Belly – Mmhmm, luscious pork belly with just the right amount of saltiness
Truffle Fries – Nothing goes better with beer than this, honestly
Truffles Pasta – This creamy, mushroom-laden pasta dish is perfumed with truffle oil
Gambas on Toasts – Fragrant, garlicky, spicy and succulent, we’d finish this in a heartbeat
Spam Fries – Enticing luncheon meat at its best, deep-fried guilty pleasure
Stärker Fresh Beer – Aromatic, Dunkel and Lager (from left to right)
Stärker Bistro is a non-halal restaurant. Food items on the menu are priced between RM8 and RM104.80, whereas the fresh beer goes from RM32.80 for a half-pint.
Stärker Bistro
61, Jalan Sutera Tanjung 8/3,
Taman Sutera Utama,
81300 Skudai, Johor Bahru,
Johor, Malaysia.
Opening hours: Daily from 3pm until 1am
Contact number: +607-5542260
Official website: www.starker.com.my
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/starkermalaysia
