Blu Kouzina @ Siglap - Greek-style Breakfast In An Idyllic Setting

Blu Kouzina at Dempsey has been known for its authentic Greek cuisine for the past decade. Its latest outlet at Siglap now even includes a breakfast menu, allowing customers to enjoy a full-fledged Greek dining experience any time of the day. It opens as early as 730am on the weekend!

It is such a great place to be before the day begins with its idyllic island-inspired setting. I was lucky to visit on a weekday morning, where I got to enjoy its serenity before it got disturbed by the buzz of chatter from the afternoon crowd.

Greek Breakfast 4.5/5

The biggest drawn of its Breakfast Menu is its Greek Selection. We had the Greek Breakfast ($22) that comes with a choice of coffee or tea, alongside a Spinach Pie ($9.50) and Lamb Sausage Roll ($11.50). The Greek Breakfast was wholesome with a slab of feta cheese, two perfectly done hardboiled eggs with a slight oozy yolk, tomatoes, fried bread, olives, a generous portion of yoghurt, a handful of walnuts and a serving of honey.

I amped up my Greek Breakfast with a few Add ons - Crispy Kale ($2), Roasted Potatoes ($3), and Spinach ($2). The Roasted Potatoes is not your usual kind but are marinated with lemon before roasting to give it a touch of tanginess.

Spinach Pie 4.2/5

Rarely you will get a good Spinach Pie loaded with spinach and feta cheese filling. The pie is incredibly yummy with a thin, buttery and flaky crust made with phyllo pastry.

Lamb Sausage Roll 3.8/5

The highly recommended Lamb Sausage Roll ($11.50) comes with homemade sausage. The lamb sausage was tender and juicy, and the rich tomato sauce complemented it excellently.

Homemade Granola 4/5

Every place has its recipe for homemade granola. You will probably crave its Homemade Granola ($8) if it is your kind of breakfast. The granola wasn't too sweet, and the generous portion of yoghurt and honey dolloped over the granola was pleasingly satiable.

Lemon Verbena Tea

Greek Coffee

The regular coffees are great but do try the specialities such as the Greek Coffee and a range of tea imported from Greece.

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.


Blu Kouzina Siglap
907 East Coast Road
#01-01
Singapore 459107
Tel: +65 91010681/ 91010682
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Bedok (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed - Mon: 830am - 10pm
(Closed on Tue)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Bedok MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to Bedok Bus Interchange (Stop ID 84009). Take bus number 16. Alight 6 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 25 minutes. [Map]

Zorba The Greek Taverna @ River Valley Road - Presents A Classic Hellenic Dining Experience By The Singapore River

Zorba The Greek Taverna located along the waterfront of Singapore River in Clarke Quay is a modern Greek eatery. The restaurant offers scenic river views from its tranquil location, and a classic Hellenic dining experience with a slew of authentic dishes from appetisers, pristine seafood, meats and desserts. Rooted in Greek heritage and culture, Zorba uses only the freshest of traditional ingredients sourced directly from Greek suppliers. Its interiors are primarily inspired by the charming architecture of the Santorini island, decorated in white and blue hues, which made you feel like as if you're dining in Greece. Perfect for those seeking respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Dips Platter 4/5

We started off the meal with their Dips Platter ($28) which consists of a huge platter selection of dips including 5 homemade dips - the Tzatziki Salad dip, Taramosalata dip, Hummus dip, Tirokafteri dip, and Paprika dip. Served with soft and fluffy pita bread, perfect for pairing with the different flavorous sauces.

Chef Salad 3.8/5

The Chef Salad ($20) was a refreshing vegetarian dish filled with avocado, cucumber, orange, lettuce, quinoa, red onion, sliced almonds, sundried tomatoes pressed into a patty shape, and dressed in a fragrant balsamic lemon dressing.

Lamb Kleftiko 4.5/5

Zorba's take on the oldest Greek speciality - the Lamb Kleftiko ($36) is perfect for meat lovers. The traditional dish comprises of the finest New Zealand lamb, marinated in Mediterranean herbs, vegetables, garlic and lemon juice for many hours and slow-roasted till fork-tender. The succulent lamb chunks just fell off the bones readily. Complete with a side of crispy oven-roasted potatoes.

Garides Saganaki 3.5/5

The Garides Saganaki ($28) showcases a homegrown Greek shrimp recipe which is prepared in two-handled heavy-bottomed frying pan called 'Saganaki'. It features pan-fried jumbo prawns sauteed in olive oil, deglazed with ouzo and spicy tomato, garlic, shallots, and feta cheese. We felt the tomato sauce base lacked the spiciness and robustness in it, but the addition of feta cheese was a brilliant touch and adds a satisfying creamy texture to the sweet tomato sauce.

Greek Baklava 3.8/5

End the meal on a sweet note with the Greek Baklava ($12) - the dessert is stacked with layers of crispy, flaky pastry made of layers of filo and filled with crunchy nuts, held together with honey syrup. If you're a fan of nuts, you'd definitely love this dish.

Secret Garden 4.2/5, Popcorn Colada 4/5

Round up the night with some drinks from their bar, Yin which was located just right opposite the restaurant. For something lighter and sweeter, go for the Secret Garden ($21). We loved the concoction of floral gin with elderflower liqueur, chrysanthemum tea, honeycomb syrup, and lemon juice, topped with egg white foam. As for the Popcorn Colada ($21), it boasts a unique combination of popcorn syrup with bourbon, salted caramel sauce, pina colada mix and pineapple juice.

Photos and words by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food, and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Zorba The Greek Taverna
The Riverhouse
3A River Valley Road
#01-02
Singapore 179020
Tel: +65 85581704
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Fort Canning (DT Line), Clarke Quay (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 6pm - 12midnight
(Closed on Sun)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Fort Canning MRT Station. Take Exit A. Turn right and down River Valley Road. Turn right onto Tan Tye Place. Walk to the end of the road. Turn left onto Clark Quay. Walk to destination. Journey time bout 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit C or G. Walk to the riverfront. Turn left and walk down the river. Cross the bridge. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes.  [Map]

Blu Kouzina @ Bukit Timah Road

One will not miss the blue and white theme decor of Blu Kouzina located along Bukit Timah Road. The Greek Restaurant opened by couple Effie and Dennis Tsakiris created a warm mediterranean sea setting in a fourth storey building, born out of the founder's love of sharing a hearty with friends.

Serving Greek cuisine, the food at the restaurant is cooked using their own family brand of extra virgin olive oil called Green Gold which can also be purchased at the restaurant. I also understand that Blu Kouzina serves authentic Greek food that has not been adjusted to suit the local palates.

Pita Bread and Dips 4/5

The lunch started off with Pita Bread ($3) with sea salt and paprika. The grilled pita bred is crisp on the exterior and fluffy inside. Pair with delectable dips that is available in the menu, it was a good starter tantalising the appetite. For the dips we tried the Fava ($11.80), Taramosalata ($13.80) and Melitzanosalata ($13.80).

The Fava is yellow lentils with fresh onion, oregano and extra virgin olive oil. Taramosalata is cod roe dip and Melitzanosalata is smoked eggplant mixed with herbs. I could not make up my mind which is my favourite as all of them were as good having their own distinct flavour.

Grilled Feta 3/5

This is the first time I was served with the whole slice of Grilled Feta Cheese ($12.80). I am not an expert in cheese appreciation but the feta cheese is usually a bit moist, salty and milky. After being grilled, it lost its saltiness but not the milky flavour with a firmer and more enjoyable texture to it.

Spanakopita 4.2/5

Love the Spanakopita ($12.30) which is phylo pastry filled with spinach, feta cheese and herbs. I am a big fan of spinach and cheesy stuff hence the filling was a winning combination to me. The paper thin pastry was also fried to a nice golden brown that was both crispy and flaky.

Kreatika Anamikta 3/5

I also get to try the Kreatika Anamikta ($83.80 for 2pax, $166.80 for 4pax, $248.80 for 6pax) which is a Meat Platter which comes with meat balls, kalamaki, bifteki (beef patty) and lamb chops. Except for the lamb chops which was really flavoursome and succulent, the rest of the platter was rather tough or dry.

Psari Stin Sxara 4.2/5

From the grill again, the Psari Stin Sxara or Greek Grilled Fish (Sea Bream 400g $39.80, Sea Bass 1kg $88.80) was excellent. Nicely grilled to a smokey flavour, the fish was fresh and moist.

Mousaka 4.2/5

Our group was already done with our lunch but we can't help ordering the Mousaka ($24.80) because it smelled so good from the table beside us. The traditional Greek dish of oven baked eggplant with potatoes, minced meat and bechamel sauce was really hearty and comforting.

I really like the decor of Blu Kouzina. The relax and casual ambience of the restaurant made one felt like being transported to Greek or the Mediterranean Sea. For those who drives, not to worry as the restaurant offers complimentary valet service.


Blu Kouzina
893 Bukit Timah Road
Singapore 589619
Tel: +65 68750872
Website: http://www.blukouzina.com
Nearest MRT: Sixth Avenue (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Lunch
Fri-Sun: 12pm - 230pm
Dinner:
Daily: 6pm - 10pm
First Seating: 6pm - 8pm
Second Seating: 815pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Sixth Avenue MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Sixth Avenue MRT station (Stop ID 41081). Take bus number 66, 67, 151, 154, 170 or 171. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]