From Detroit to Outram Park: Nitty Gritty Brings Authentic American Soul Food to Singapore
The Lion City’s dining scene is famous for its diversity, but there’s one cuisine that has been conspicuously absent: genuine American Soul Food. Until now.
Nitty Gritty, a cozy, 40-seater café tucked away in the charming Outram Park neighborhood, is filling that gap by becoming Singapore’s only dedicated spot for a Southern staple: Grits.
What Exactly Are Grits?
For many Southeast Asian diners, the term “grits” might be unfamiliar. Simply put, grits are dried corn, ground and boiled into a creamy, porridge-like consistency. They are the cornerstone of Southern and African American ethnic “Soul Food” cuisine, a comforting, hearty canvas for savory and sometimes sweet toppings.
The cafe is the passion project of American-Singaporean couple Matthew and Wanyu Bradley. Born from their trips to Matthew’s hometown, Detroit, they wanted to introduce Singapore to the honest, flavour-packed plates they fell in love with—especially classic Shrimp and Grits.
Southern Comfort Meets Singaporean Flair
While Nitty Gritty respects the roots of Soul Food, the menu shines by embracing a vibrant, unique fusion. The star of the show remains the grits, prepared using a meticulous, slow-stirring process to achieve the perfect “gritty” yet smooth texture.
You can stick to the classics, like the signature Shrimp and Grits ($23), a creamy, cheesy masterpiece topped with honey garlic shrimps and chilli oil.
However, the real excitement lies in the hyperlocal innovations:
- Garlic Ginger Grits with Hainanese Chicken ($19): A delightful marriage of Matthew’s favorite local dish with the comforting texture of grits, served with torched baby kai lan.
- Deboned Frog Legs Grits ($23): An unexpectedly popular creation born out of a family recipe, featuring succulent, smoky frog legs over the classic base.
- Any Given Sunday Grits ($29): For Western purists, this dish delivers crispy fried chicken breast, creamy cheese grits, and sweet potato purée.
Beyond the grits, the menu offers other soul food comforts, including Momma’s Baked Mac & Cheese ($18) and the show-stopping Peach Cobbler Cloud Waffles ($21).
Homey Vibes and Thoughtful Details
The name “Nitty Gritty” refers to the couple’s dedication to the small details, and it shows. The café is decked out in warm, autumnal tones of brown and mustard yellow, creating a truly homey atmosphere that captures the spirit of Southern hospitality.
Find your next comfort food fix at this unmissable Outram Park gem. Nitty Gritty is more than just a café; it’s a charming cultural bridge serving a taste of Detroit right here in Singapore.
Discover more about what’s new in Singapore and promotions at hotinsg.com.
Location: 21 Teo Hong Rd, #01-01, Singapore 088331
Opening Hours: Wed–Sat, 11am–9pm; Sun, 12pm–9pm.
