A Sub Sandwich Joint has opened in 111 Somerset and it has plans to let you eat for free

When you think about submarine sandwiches, Subway comes to mind. If you want a more Asian flavour, it’ll be Nam Nam. But apart from these two joints, there’s really not much else on offer in Singapore, so a dedicated sub sandwich bar is certainly a welcome addition to our local food scene. But is it any good?

above: FOR LARGER GROUPS, THERE’S A LONG COMMUNAL DINING TABLE THAT COMFORTABLY SITS 10.

Rebel opened earlier this month at 111 Somerset and has a focused menu of sandwiches with distinct Asian flavours. And if you’re thinking of the Banh Mi at Nam Nam, the subs at Rebel are very different.

The Asian taste comes from the Tangy Asian Slaw and Herbs made fresh daily, and packed into most of the 15 subs on the menu. Rebel is applying for a Halal certification, so don’t expect bacon; instead, there are chicken patties, breaded dory, shrimp, chicken or beef ham, tempeh and vegetarian options made from Quorn (which claims to be the world’s number one meat-free brand).

We tried two of the subs: The Original Rebel (chicken patties), and Hot Chick (fried chicken fillet).

above: WANT TO EAT ALONE AND IN PEACE? PICK A BAR STOOL LOOKING OUT TO THE ROAD.

above: ARTWORK ON THE WALL AT rebel.

above: EVEN WITH A SMALL, COSY INTERIOR, THE EATERY MANAGES TO FEATURE A SLEW OF STRIKING BACKDROPS.

above: The subs come in recyclable, bio-degradable, unbleached, and non pvc-lined wrappers.

above: the original rebel ($6.90) has layers of chicken patties from zac meat, singapore’s largest premium halal-certified meat producers.

above: the hot chick ($6.90) was our favourite. it has crispy and juicy chicken fillets sandwiched in rebel’s signature fresh, fluffy bread rolls. the combination with the tangy asian slaw works well, and opens up the appetite making you want more.

REBEL IS PROUD OF THEIR COFFEE WHICH IS ETHICALLY SOURCED FROM COFFEE ROASTERS, QOMUNE. QOMUNE’S PHILOSOPHY IS TO HELP SMALL SHARECROPPER COFFEE GROWERS SO THE COFFEE BUSINESS IS MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL FOR BOTH COFFEE GROWERS AND DISTRIBUTORS.

THE LATTE IS ROBUST AND FLAVOURFUL, AND SERVED IN AN ADORABLE REBEL MUG.

We were impressed with both of the sandwiches we tried, with the Hot Chick being the NYLON team’s hot favourite. Even the coffee was good, and we would come back for it as well.

Rebel tells us that down the road, they hope for the deli to become a social joint; a place for people to come gather, make themselves at home, and even eat for free by contributing to the outlet. It could be through adding art to their walls, curating a playlist, or even giving them constructive feedback for the food. All these plans will roll out on Rebel’s social media once ready, paving the way for a new kind of eatery that the public can get involved in.

 

rebel is located at 111 somerset #01-08. opening hours ARE from 8.30am to 9pm daily. VISIT REBELGURL.COM AND FOLLOW THEM ON INSTAGRAM @REBELGURL.CO.