We never thought we’d see the day when high-end restaurants like Wolfgang’s Steakhouse (no relation to Cut by Wolfgang Puck at MBS) would offer fancy food bundled up in unfancy packaging, via delivery. But here we are, in the throes of a pandemic, floundering in an alternate universe akin to the Twilight Zone. Where planes are grounded, the plush rooms of five-star hotels house quarantined folk instead of tourists, and the streets are deserted save for the odd masked citizen nipping in to a supermarket, one of the few places still allowed to stay open. Needless to say, dining in is off-limits at all F&B establishments indefinitely, so eateries pivoting to takeaway and delivery services is necessary for survival.

Riding on this wave of surreal happenings is this — not only does Wolfgang’s Steakhouse offer its famous dry-aged steaks (the Porterhouse fared very well even after the journey) via delivery these days — the swish outfit at Intercontinental Hotel in Robertson Quay now also offers its burgers on its takeout menu... and every order comes with a free cup of bubble tea.

You heard us. Bubble tea, that comforting, carb-heavy beverage that has caused many a millennial (and young 'uns aged below that) to clog BBT shops just before the extended circuit breaker kicked in. Anyhow, Wolfgang is offering free bubble tea via delivery every time you order a burger. On its website, two amusing options appear once you make a purchase: “Bubble Milk Tea: Yes please!” Or: “No, I do not like bubble tea”. The steakhouse's site states: “Wolfgang's Steakhouse Singapore pays it forward! From 27th April till 1st June 2020, you will receive a bubble milk tea with every burger you order”. A PR rep for the fine-diner further explains: The team felt it was just a fun initiative since they know people are missing their bubble tea now! Also, it's a little thank you gesture for the continued support [from customers] . It’s a sweet gesture and also a clever marketing move, since bubble tea shops have been ordered to close for the circuit breaker period (no official reopening date has been set yet, though some brands are still allowed to sell BBT via delivery due to a few loopholes).

We weren’t expecting much to be honest — our free bubble milk tea arrived in a flimsy, nondescript plastic cup that squished and leaked a little every time we picked it up. Photographing it was challenging, to say the least. Yet, it was one of the best bubble milk teas we’ve had in recent memory. For real. The tea was gratifyingly strong and creamy, with an agreeable fragrance from the Assam tea leaves. It had just the right level of sweetness and the tapioca pearls were pretty irresistible — bouncy and slippery, with a good bite and caramelly hint. We hoovered about half the cup, munching away on those lovely orbs, while reheating our burger. Bad move since it made us pretty stuffed before lunch, but it was just too yummy. To our amusement, Wolfgang’s PR rep tells us the BBT tea is made entirely in-house and not in partnership with a BBT specialist. We can just imagine the steakhouse’s smartly dressed bartender or coffee guy suddenly having to shake up naicha and cook pearls (the latter is procured from a bubble tea supplier). These sure are strange times, but hey, free bubble tea that's worth the calories? Can’t complain.

There are three burgers on offer, such as the Classic Wolfgang’s Burger ($22; $25 with cheese). All patties are made with the restaurant’s signature USDA Prime Black Angus beef, though the meat isn’t aged like for its steaks. FYI: Only two percent of all beef graded by the USDA can be labelled Prime, which comes from young, well-marbled cattle. The patties are minced from the chuck roll, a flavourful cut between the ribs and backbone of the cow.

Practically the same as the Classic Wolfgang’s Burger, except the beef is studded with juicy chopped onions. Each burger is pretty hefty, with a thick patty and fairly pillowy brioche buns. While we find Wolfgang’s burgers generally quite tasty, we wish they boast a better sear. From our experience, the beef is often only barely browned on the surface, giving the appearance and faint flavour vaguely akin to tender (slightly Asian-tasting) steamed beef. Our Wolfie arrived a little too rare — but nothing a quick blast in the oven couldn't fix. Oh, and definitely order this with cheese.

Each order comes with house-made thick-cut fries and onion rings. Both need to be warmed in the oven so they crisp up again (don’t worry, they come with reheating instructions).

To spice things up, there’s a featured special ‘burger of the week’ until 1 June. This week’s special is the Chilli Corn Carne ($28; pictured), featuring a beef patty draped with minced beef Chilli Corn Carne sauce. Upcoming renditions include a Rendang and Kimchi burger.

If you must have dessert on top of bubble tea — this dense, rich and creamy number quite hits the spot.

Order takeaway or via delivery (free with minimum order of $35) here: https://wolfgangssteakhousesg.company.site/. Or call 6887-5885/Whatsapp 9037-6690.

Photos: Florence Fong