Sawa De'Kafe on Temple Street is a modern Thai bistro cafe that offers a delightful combination of well-loved Thai classics and fusion plates enriched with Thai flavours. The founders, Mr. David and his Thai wife from Chiang Rai, were former chefs during their time studying in Japan, where Japanese Western-style cafes are common and popular. Drawing inspiration from these fusion cafes, Mr David aims to offer diners a different way to enjoy Thai cuisine by creating Western-style dishes infused with Thai flavours alongside the classics, all within a cosy and comfortable environment. Overseeing the kitchen is his wife's ensuring the most authentic Thai flavours reach every table.
Mango Salad 4.8/5
Papaya Salad 4.8/5
I had the Papaya Salad ($7) and the Mango Salad ($7). Both dishes whetted my appetite with the utmost amount of peanuts and dried shrimp tossed into the shredded fruits, all brought to life with piquant Northern Thai-style sauce.
Kor Moo Yang 3.8/5
Kor Moo Yang ($15) features slices of grilled pork collar. While they weren't as tender as expected, they were quite delectable despite the visibly good amount of fats present, especially when paired with the dipping sauce.
Red Coconut Curry 5/5
Red Coconut Curry ($15) with Prawn is a dish that's impossible to discuss without salivating. It's robust and vibrant, packed with aromatics and spices. Staying true to its café concept, besides rice and glutinous rice, diners have the option to add on a Butter Croissant ($3.50) to soak up the irresistibly moreish curry. This pairing draws inspiration from the way we savour chilli crab with fried mantou.
Tom Yum Spaghetti 4/5
The menu offers a diverse range of pasta dishes infused with Thai flavours, including Green Curry, Red Curry Prawns, Basil Pork, and even Phad Thai with Spaghetti. I had the Tom Yum Spaghetti ($17). Brimming with seafood ingredients, the al dente spaghetti was zingy with a well-executed Tom Yum sauce. While most Tom Yum sauces out there tend to be relatively rich and creamy, the version here had a lighter consistency, which was much more elegant, and the heat level was just right. I particularly appreciate its bright and citrusy notes, which elevated the dish's overall taste.
Vegetarian Green Curry 3/5
Catering to the increasing demand for meatless options, most curries and pasta dishes have vegetarian alternatives. I opted for the Vegetarian Green Curry ($13), which included Konjac prawns, tofu, and brinjal. It's worth noting that a greater variety of vegetables would have been more complementary to the robust curry.
Ice Hale's Butterfly Pea Tea, Red Ruby, Green Tea Butterfly Pea Basque Cheesecake
Other than Thai desserts, there is also a range of cakes which one can enjoy with Thai beverages or coffees. Red Ruby with Jackfruit ($6) was rather average. I recommend the Green Tea Butterfly Pea Basque Cheesecake ($6), which is homemade by one of the couple's daughters and one of the best cheesecakes I have had for a long time. It was light and mildly sweet with a hint of lemony note, laced with an alluring tea fragrance. Its light bluish-green colour was aesthetically pleasing and tasted as elegant as it looked. Ice Hale's Butterfly Pea Tea ($6) was pretty with Thai pink milk, which was refreshing after all the spicy dishes.
High Tea sets are also available if you want to try more of their desserts and cakes. As Sawa De'Kafe is still relatively new, it will be adding more Western fusion dishes to the menu in the future.
Photos and words by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food. Note: This is an invited tasting.
Sawa De'Kafe
30 Temple Street
#01-01
Singapore 058575
Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT, NE Line)
Opening Hours:
Mon, Wed: 11am - 9pm
Fri-Sun: 11am - 930pm
(Closed on Tue)
Direction:
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down Pagoda Street. Turn right onto Trengganu Street. Walk down Trengganu Street and turn left onto Temple Street. Walk down Temple Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]
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