H O S T E D
The Blue Ginger on Tanjong Pagar was one of the first Peranakan restaurants my family would frequent for special occasions. So learning that they have opened another outlet after being a solo establishment for more than two decades was a pleasant surprise. The new place which is on the ground level of Great World City, has a more casual vibe. And having taken into account the profile of customers more likely to visit, the menu is tweaked slightly. Thus one-dish meals such as Nonya Mee and Laksa are included. However, it is the dishes to be savoured with plain rice that remain the main draw for me.
From the items we were served at the tasting, my top picks would be these:

1. Kerabu Kachang Botol ($11.50++) - This chilled #Asiansalad of winged beans and prawns tossed in a spicy, tangy dressing with “hae bee hiam”, fried shallots and toasted grated coconut is a shiok way to whet the appetite.

2. Sotong Keluak ($22++) - What a brilliant mash-up of Sotong Hitam and Buah Keluak. The appetising, non-spicy black sauce which the rings of squid were cooked in, was tangy with assam (tamarind) and richly earthy from the Indonesian black nut. Beautiful! Loved this.

3. Terong Goreng Cili ($13++) - Since my earliest visits to the Blue Ginger at Tanjong Pagar, this has been my number one favourite because the chilli paste has a uber tasty burn. That fact remains unchanged.

4. Pork Ribs Assam ($16++) - If you relish meat on the bone as well as the addictive nature of assam sauce, this is not to be missed.