This humble pork cutlet set is an act of self-care that makes shuttling between my back-to-back campus activities slightly more bearable. Relieve those memories of the struggle during class/projects/exams/club, all for the price of $5.90... (additional $1 off for SMU students)
More cutlet than pork but the crispiness makes up for it, and pairs excellently with the generous gravy (mix braised and curry sauce if you're indecisive) atop a heap of rice.
You also have a choice of 3 sides. I highly recommend going for the braised cabbage - a simple but incredible accompaniment. Pictured is also the long beans and ikan bilis/peanuts.
Obligatory "stress eating during college finals season" food post featuring this beautiful little thing. Clumpy and crumbly streusel plus cold apple bits baked into cheesecake that's a tad frosted over. Perfect size for one, but it's a bit too sweet for my liking.
Yellow basmati rice, fluffy pita, spiced chicken, lettuce n' tomato salad and a tangy white sauce (mayo/yogurt/vinegar?) all come together in one spankin' delicious mess - an unrefinement that tickles the senses most when you're stumbling down dimly lit streets, mildly inebriated in the chill of night. At $9.90, the portion is a steal.
Maybe I'm being oddly specific with my descriptions, but it's this kind of grub that gives off the rawest feelings and ticks all my boxes.
Treated myself to this overflowing sandwich from Korio after crushing a particularly intense morning meeting. I want to say I love it, I really do, but it was just way too excessive. I waited 30 minutes, which is way too long for this simple combo of egg mayo + scallion + spam + cheese, even if it's made to order. While the flavours worked well together, I could only finish half of the sandwich before it got too overwhelming and greasy. Not too impressed by the service or the food. I ended up feeling worse after eating it. Go to one of the bagel places instead, they execute the concept far better.
Hiked up to the outskirts of Dempsey to try this al fresco, family-friendly, western home-style type brunch spot. Had the Green Shakshouka ($18 + $6 goat cheese), which was served in a soup bowl of spinach, kale, pesto and cream base, garnished with goat cheese and pumpkin seeds. It looks weird but it’s absolutely worth a try. Hearty, nutritious, comforting. Portion is good. Sourdough for dipping is impeccable. Ambience is a bright, pastel, flowery farmhouse that's all around feel-good. I will be back to try the rest of the menu!!
Ordered the Triple-A. At $9.90, the medium size is priced a cut above other acai joints but the quality makes it completely justified! Super generous with their nut butter and granola especially. The acai is not chunky or watery at all, it’s more like soft serve than anything. Definitely top spot on my list of acai places in SG. Located on the upper floor of a street of shophouses in Telok Ayer, the place is easy to miss and has very little proper seating, but it’s empty on a weekday afternoon so the vibe is all good.
Portions are on the smaller side. This bowl is healthy alright - it's practically sauceless. Rice is dry. Broccoli is an add-on (+$1), without it, the bowl would be much emptier. Salmon is not bad but nothing to shout about. There are much more colourful and delicious poke/salmon options in the area. I ate here after work before rushing off to night class. I must say, only a subpar, depressing, expensive CBD meal like this one could have truly reflected that dreariness.
Dependable and delicious: that is what yong tau foo should be. And I'm happy to report that 5 Loaves lives up to my every expectation. They've got a decent variety of fresh vegetables and products stuffed with handmade fish paste, but what really does it for me is the soup - a light, MSG-free broth that is gentle on the palate.
Do make room for the sides like the chee cheong fun or abacus, they are sublime. The abacus seeds were not too hard nor too soft, and the rest of the ingredients were added with a controlled precision so it wouldn't become overly cloying.
You really can't go wrong with these classic Korean options! Salty, savoury and sharp. Choose between kimchi and bulgogi sauce for the rice, and from the usual array of meats (pork, chicken, beef, nil). Served on a hotplate with still-cooking egg and cheese mixed inside (+$2). Free sides of kimchi and radish (no refill).
Strongly recommend the kimchi option over bulgogi! Their kimchi is pretty unique, tastes milder and more well-rounded than supermarket kimchi. Cheese is practically negligible, you kind of can't see or taste it. The dish is pretty oily overall, but I guess that's why the food doesn't stick to the hotplate.
I've got a love-hate relationship with KARA Cafe. Their food is way overpriced for the portions, it's stupid crowded half the time and the staff is not the friendliest. But this Miso Pork Belly ($16++) always keeps me coming back. With packet ramen chips, an overcooked egg and sparsely strewn vegetables, you'd frown at the price point until you take a bite of the pork belly. Three layers of perfection, ratioed perfectly for that melty, fatty goodness and the zingy miso-teriyaki marination of the meat. The meagre portioning stops it from getting too jelak, yet leaves you hanging like an incomplete hyphenation, a cruel lover. I just feel very strongly about this pork belly, okay?
TL;DR Try this dish if you can handle everything other than the meat seeming like an afterthought.
Haven't been to Bread Yard since I stopped working in the area, so I jumped at the chance to try this bowl off their updated menu. Unfortunately, the tuna is pretty underwhelming and doesn't mesh well with the seaweed and mushrooms. Not to mention that wasabi - what is it doing inside? Portions have also shrunk. Not sure if it was because of peak hour.
Breadstick is still great though. I think I'll just stick to their older dishes.
Being in the heart of the financial district, the rustic-themed Grain Traders is a really nice place to people-watch during lunchtime (that is, if you can beat the office crowd to get a window seat). Get your money's worth by choosing the more exotic options; here is crusted tuna tataki (+$1.50), ratatouille, mixed bean salad, curried veg and sunflower seeds atop barley risotto, diviiiine.
