In The Pink Of Health

Ideal for those who wish to avoid the post-lunch afternoon slump, the Grain Bowl ($18) is one of the healthiest and most filling options on The Lokal's newly revamped menu.

Ever since the inception of grain bowls in the local food scene, aesthetic presentation seems to have taken precedence over taste and quality of ingredients.

That doesn't seem to be the case here, with a base of black barley, farro, and quinoa, as well as a colourful assortment of cooked, pickled and raw vegetables, and a 64° egg in mirin-soy dressing - fresh, unpretentious ingredients that all scream "health!!!!!"

You get a choice of house-smoked ocean trout (my pick - it's a much better & cleaner-tasting complement) or pork belly. Of course, a vegetarian and gluten-free option is also available.

Today was one of those odd days when I found myself craving for Muji Café's Sakura Chicken w/ Curry Miso and Dried Chilli. This is easily one of the most palatable permanent hot deli options available here. You're definitely missing out if you pass on this. I can't say for sure, and maybe I have a strange set of tastebuds, but the chicken could potentially pass off as a cleaner-tasting (curried) salted egg chicken AKA the one zi char dish I cannot resist.

Fussy & choosy folks like me who need variety should opt for the 4-Deli Set ($18.80). If you seek a cold deli recommendation, go for the Triple Nut Roasted Pumpkin and Capsicum Salad. Skip the Baked Salmon Vichyssoise (hot deli).

JOOHZ's Vitamin Booster ($3.80), a refreshing and pleasantly sour juice of green apple, lemon and baby spinach!! Great pick-me-up on a hot day.

Ordered the pork belly brown rice bowl and the pan-seared donburi salmon quinoa bowl (you can choose between sushi rice, brown rice and quinoa!) - both of which came with sweetcorn, radishes, sugar peas, cherry tomatoes, shimeiji mushrooms, beansprouts, avocado and wasabi sprouts. Clean-tasting and a healthier yet filling option in this aesthetic setting shrouded in natural light! Both bowls were $18 each.