Get into the nitty gritty of American-Singaporean soul food at this restaurant in Outram Park with dishes like Hainanese Chicken Grits, Smoked Deboned Frog Leg Grits and more

When you think of American dishes, burgers and milkshakes are the first thing you think of. 

Well, wipe that image out of your head because your taste buds are about to travel down to the Southern United States for some soul food!

If you’ve always wondered what soul food is, American-Singaporean restaurant Nitty Gritty is the answer.

As hinted in its name, the restaurant serves grits, a porridge coarsely made from maize.

To start, we have the Shrimp & Grits (S$23). This dish is a little closer to what you can find in the US but with a few local touches added.

Aside from honey garlic shrimps, creamy cheesy grits, and fried egg, some familiar flavours are added like baby nai bai (milk cabbage). And for Singaporeans’ love for spice, chilli oil adds a fiery kick.

Ever thought grits and Hainanese chicken rice could be besties? Neither did I — until now. Dig into the Hainanese Chicken Grits (S$19) where you might never see this classic Singaporean staple the same ever again.

Sous-vide Hainanese chicken is paired with ginger garlic grits here. Other essential chicken rice ingredients like diced pickled cucumbers, ginger garlic chilli, and fresh torch hei baby kai lan (chinese broccoli) are also included.

Those who truly want to go into the deep end of fusion can try the Smoked Deboned Frog Leg Grits (S$23) (yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like).

If you haven’t tried frog legs locally (really?), now is the time. Smoked frog legs are combined with ginger garlic grits, white pepper, crispy fried garlic chips, charred spring onions, and chilli oil.

But grits aren’t just a savoury dish. Flip the script and you’ll have the Apple Butter Grits with Toffee Apple Crisp (S$14). This dish mixes in smoked butter and toasted pecan.

While grits are the star of the show, you won’t be able to say no to Momma’s Baked Mac & Cheese (S$15). Baked mac & cheese is also an important part of soul food, so try it if you’re still game for more.

Early risers, you’ll be delighted to know there are brunch options too. Of course, like any American diner, an All-American Breakfast (S$27) is offered. 

Other savoury options include Duck Waffles: Dawn Edition (S$32) and the Joy in the Morning Omelette (S$24).

For a sweet start to the day, you can opt for dishes like the Pineapple Right-Side Up Dutch Baby (S$22) or the Sweet Potato Pancake Stack (S$21). 

No meal is complete without some thirst-quenchers. The restaurant gets into the nitty gritty of their drinks, with the ciders and drinks being housemade, all-natural, and carbonated to order.

These include Sparkling Apple Cream Cider (S$11), Spiced Vanilla Cream Soda (S$10), and more to explore.

So, will you be hopping on a soul food adventure at Nitty Gritty?

Nitty Gritty
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📍 21 Teo Hong Road, #01-01, Singapore 088331
🕒 11am–9pm (Mon, Wed to Sat), 12pm–9pm (Sun), Closed (Tue)

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