Showing posts with label Meatball. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Meatball. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 6, 2024

Cai Lin Ji (蔡林記) @ Tanjong Pagar - Newly Opened 2nd Outlet at Guoco Tower Featuring Hubei Signatures

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Cai Lin Ji (蔡林記) first introduced their Hubei Signatures to Jurong Point in Boon Lay but has quickly introduced their second new outlet at Guoco Tower in Tanjong Pagar. Guoco Tower is conveniently connected to Tanjong Pagar MRT Station, and you can reach its store in less than two minutes after tapping out.

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Cai Lin Ji is a very no-frills type of eatery where the food is served fast and priced reasonably.

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Green Brick Tea

We had Hubei's prized heritage tea to accompany our meal. The Green Brick Tea ($6.80/pot) was mellow and refreshing, helpful to cut through the heavier dishes.

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Steamed Pork with Rice Flour 4.2/5

While it didn't look the most appetising, the Steamed Pork with Rice Flour ($9.90) was a pleasant surprise. This had steamed soft potatoes and tender pork belly loaded with rich and nutty spiced rice flour. We learned that this is a rare dish even in restaurants in China and is usually enjoyed at home instead for special festive occasions.

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Pearl Meatballs 4.2/5

The Pearl Meatballs ($5.90/3 pcs) were reminiscent of our local Lo Mai Gai (glutinous rice chicken). The rice exterior was sticky to the teeth, but we didn't mind. You will find tender and juicy meat within.

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Vegetable Cold Dish Appetiser 3.5/5

For something lighter, you can consider the Vegetable Cold Dish Appetiser ($5.90), which has a slightly tangy mix of glass noodles, black fungus, carrots, and more.

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Shrimp HuTangFen 3.8/5

We found the Shrimp HuTangFen ($11.90) a tad underwhelming. The gravy is distinctly peppery with a slightly thicker consistency.

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While I enjoyed the bits of crunchy sour vegetables and savoury hae bi, they could come in a bigger portion for better variety in flavour and texture.

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Zha Jiang Hot Dry Noodles 4.5/5

We initially saw a couple of average reviews for the Zha Jiang Hot Dry Noodles ($7.90), mentioning that it was too dry, but ours was done just right!

The slightly chewy noodles are tossed in a very nutty sauce with a base of sesame, dark soya, garlic and sweet bean before being topped with minced meat, crunchy preserved vegetables, and spring onions. This was full of flavour with well-marinated meat. I recommend mixing this up and digging in right away upon serving.

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Three Delicacies Dou Pi 3.8/5

A traditional Hubei snack, the Three Delicacies Dou Pi ($4.50/pc, $8.50/2 pcs), is an interesting dish made of different layers of ingredients.

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The base was potato flour, egg, steamed glutinous rice, and toppings of minced meat, pork belly, and mushrooms. Overall, I just thought it was a bit too oily for my liking.

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Han Kou Wanton 4.5/5

The freshly made daily Han Kou Wanton ($6.90) came in a bowl of 10 pieces and would be a good sharing option. The wanton skin was smooth, with a savoury meat centre.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Cai Lin Ji (蔡林記)
Guoco Tower
#B2-26
1 Wallich Street
Singapore 078881
Facebook
Instagram
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Tap out from the train station and walk straight to destination. Journey time about 2 minutes. [Map]


Sunday, June 12, 2022

California Republic @ Amoy Street - Bold, Bright and Fresh Approach To Italian-inspired Cuisine

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Taking over the space of now-defunct Carne is California Republic, the latest concept by The Dandy Collection. Stepping into the restaurant, it felt like entering a time capsule of California living in the summer of 1960, a time of woodie surf wagons and sunken living rooms.

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Grilled Oysters 4/5

WWe start our meal with the Grilled Oysters ($18), grilled with chipotle chilli, bourbon and garlic compound butter. It is inspired by Micahel Goodman's (Co-founder & CVO) fond memory of his time at the Hog Island Oyster Company.

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Faux Artichokes 3/5

Next, we had the Faux Artichokes ($18), which is jackfruit barigoule dressed in green herbs aioli. The flavours were beautiful, but I am not a fan of its texture. If I am not wrong, it uses the tasteless core of the jackfruit.

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Meatballs al Angeleno 4.5/5

One of my favourite dishes at California Republic is the Meatballs al Angeleno ($28). The meatballs are made from pork and veal, drenched in a sweet and tangy tomato sauce. They were huge and juicy. Best to wipe up the sauce with the accompanying toasted bread. I only wish for more bread to go with the delicious tomato sauce.

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Smoked Bucatini 4.8/5

What is an Italian restaurant with pasta on its menu, right? You will not be disappointed with the pasta offered at California Republic. I find them much better than their mains. One of their pasta highlights is the Smoked Bucatini ($34), made from smoked flour and tossed in pork ragu in bianco with classic soffritto. It is then finished with Parmigiano shavings and a touch of bone marrow.

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Celery Root Cappelacci 4.2/5

Similar to tortellini is the Celery Root Cappellacci ($29) stuffed with celery and root puree and cooked in a roasted mushroom sauce. Due to the folded shape of the pasta, which resembles a hat, it is thicker at the edges for a more delectable bite.

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Lazy Man's Cioppino 4.2/5

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West Coast Garlic Mop 4.2/5

The Lazy Man's Cioppino ($48), a classic San-Francisco tomato-based seafood stew comprising roasted seabass, clams, mussels, calamari and prawns, is excellent for sharing. Best to order the West Coast Garlic Mops ($18) to mop up the tomato sauce or have it together with some Charred Broccolini ($14) if you need your greens.

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Charred Broccolini 3.5/5

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Espresso Budino 4/5

Wrapping up our dinner, we had the Espresso Budino ($16). A sweet and creamy dessert comprising of cream, milk, espresso and espresso cream to wake one up from the food coma. Though heavy on the cream, it is light on sugar.

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Note: This is an invited tasting.


California Republic
88 Amoy Street
Singapore 069907
Tel: +65 97849487
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed-Sun: 12pm - 3pm, 530pm - 12 midnight

Direction: 
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Amoy Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk down Telok Ayer Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Wednesday, December 22, 2021

Osomatsu Japanese Kitchen & Bar @ Kinex - New Mod-Japanese Restaurant With Inventive Interpretations Of Izakaya Food

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Osomatsu Japanese Kitchen & Bar is a new mod-Japanese restaurant at Kinex. Diners can look forward to inventive interpretations of izakaya food and Japanese cuisine prepared with fresh and quality ingredients.

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Maguro Tataki Salad 3/5

We started with the Maguro Tataki Salad ($28), which comes with thick slices of tuna layered on a bed of mixed salad and kaiso seaweed. Pour the wasabi yuzu sauce and give everything a good toss to brighten the enjoyment.

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Shironi Truffle 4/5

The Shironi Truffle ($30) consists of light and clean tasting sea bream topped with caviar and drizzled with truffle oil for an elevated finishing. It is an elegant and beautiful dish.

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Tofu Nuggets 4.2/5

One of my favourite items on the menu is the Tofu Nuggets ($12). The tofu nuggets are made from pressed tofu, almond meal and potato. It is as good as McDonald's nugget and much healthier.


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Uni Kura Tart 4.5/5

Making an impressive entry is the Uni Kura Tart ($22/pc). It is served in a smoked jewel box, giving it a beautiful smoky aroma, topped with salmon roe and truffle cream. It is a lavish play of umami flavours.

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Charcoal Chicken 4.5/5

Using chicken thigh cut, the Charcoal Chicken ($16) is tender and juicy inside, yet crispy on the exterior. It is a delightful and addictive starter. Best to go along with a few drinks.

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Tsukune 4.5/5

The Tsukune ($5.20) is another delightful bite to go with the drinks. What I enjoy about the homemade chicken meatball is its soft bone, giving it a nice textural contrast.

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Miyazaki A4 Wagyu Cha Zuke 4.5/5

Besides the a la carte items, diners can leave the meal to the hands of the skilful chef too. From the omakase menu, we tried the Miyazaki A4 Wagyu Cha Zuke. The best way to enjoy this is to pour the kombu dashi stock into the rice for a light and flavourful enjoyment. It is a hearty and comforting rice dish with melt in the mouth wagyu.

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Ume Jelly 3.5/5

Wrapping up our dinner is the Ume Jelly ($8) made with Japanese plum liquor jelly and wholesome wolfberries.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Osomatsu Japanese Kitchen & Bar
Kinex
11 Tanjong Katong Road
#02-21
Singapore 437157
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Paya Lebar (CC Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 11pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Paya Lebar MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk to Sims Ave. Cross the road and walk to Tanjong Katong Road. Walk down Tanjong Katong Road to Kinex Mall. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Saturday, May 22, 2021

Kingdom of Belgians @ Rodyk Street - New French Gourmet Grocery And Daily Brunch

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Kingdom of Belgians, located at the less bustling end of Robertson Quay, has been awaiting you to have a taste of their Belgium specialities since their opening in January last year. They have revamped the menu recently, serving our beloved brunch daily alongside their popular Belgium favourites. A new partnership has been formed as well, with fine food gourmet grocer LPB Market (formerly La Petite Boutique) to offer a new store showcasing premium French groceries available both on retail and dine in at the restaurant.

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Egg Benedict with Salmon Gravlax with Brioche 4.8/5

Knowing KOB is a casual set-up by Chef-Owner Emmanuel Stroobant, there were certain expectations of the food here, and I wasn't disappointed at all. A common brunch dish such as Egg Benedict ($16) was elevated with a level of sophistication with their housemade Salmon Gravlax. Its deep orangey colour was alluring, to begin with, and its luscious texture, which was further boosted by tangy hollandaise and rich oozy egg yolk, was simply divine. Savoury and herbaceous with dill, it was perfect with the buttery and sweet brioche as the base.

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Plat du Jour 4/5

A heartier brunch dish like Plat du Jour ($18) would probably have you returning to KOB. The half of a roasted spring chicken itself was pleasingly tender. I love the creamy bacon and mushroom sauce made using the juice from roasting the chicken, imbuing layers of flavour into a simple dish like this.

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Blue Cheese Moules 4.2/5

Be sure to try one of their Moules ($24 for starters/$38 for main). We had the Blue Cheese Moules that came extremely pungent (in a good way!). Creamy and rich with blue cheese, there is no other way to savour the broth than sopping it with the accompanying sweet and buttery brioche.

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Braised Pork-Beef Meatballs 4.8/5

And I'm so in love with their Boulet Liegeois ($24)! A Belgian classic, their Braised Pork-Beef Meatballs are served with caramelised shallot, raisins in beef jus. Like a well-made burger patty, the meatballs were very well seasoned, incredibly juicy, and its texture maintained a balance between loose and compact with the right amount of lean meat and fats. The jus was superb with flavours lent from infusing cloves and juniper berries. The addition of the shallot and raisins lent a pop of tart sweetness that cut the dish's richness.

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Spiced Apple Tart 4.5

For dessert, the Spiced Apple Tart ($14.00) will make your day. The spiced caramelised apple encased within the thin, flaky shortcrust pastry was deeply infused with spices such as nutmeg, cinnamon, star anise, a lot more so than many which I ever had, which to me was even tastier.

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Before heading out, perhaps you might want to grab a few gourmet items from the LPB Market. They house a rotating selection of more than 50 different types of artisanal cheeses along with other quality products, including charcuterie, fresh dairy and meat, and award-winning wines. Famed signatures include the highly popular Truffle Brie, Saucisson, Country Paté, and Salmon Rillette. Else, online shopping is also available on https://petiteboutique-sg.com/.

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.


Kingdom of Belgians
8 Rodyk Street
#01-05/06
Singapore 238216
Tel: +65 66340500
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT Line, NE Line), Tiong Bahru (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 10am - 1030pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to bus stop along Upper Cross Road, Opposite Subordinate Court (Stop ID 06171). Take bus number 51 or 186. Alight 2 stops later. Cross the road. Walk towards the river. Cross the river. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tiong Bahru MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Tiong Bahru MRT station (Stop ID 10169). Take bus 123. Alight 4 stops later. Walk towards the river. Cross the river. Walk to destination. Journey time about 14 minutes. [Map]

Sunday, March 1, 2020

GO Noodle House @ 313 Somerset - Brings Famous Family Recipe Across The Causeway

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With over 37 outlets in Malaysia and Australia, GO Noodle House has finally opened in Singapore. Their first outlet is located at the basement of 313@Somerset, bringing their proven family fish bone broth recipe to our shore, which pairs excellently with their noodles and varies fishballs and meatballs. They even keep their master stock in a secret location behind fireproof wall, transporting them in -20 degree celsius blocks across the border.

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Hakka Sauce Handmade Noodles with Century Egg 4.5/5

I didn't go for the noodle soup during my visit as I have heard so much about their delicious Hakka Sauce Handmade Noodles with Century Egg ($9.90). What stand out is the thin and thick noodle coated with pork lard. Every strand is slurping goodness packed with aroma. Other components on the plate include black fungus, fried shallots, fried anchovies, minced pork, century egg and chilli oil giving them the extra textural enjoyment.

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Signature Bursting Meatball 4.2/5

I didn't order the noodle soup because I had the Signature Bursting Meatball ($10.90) which also comes with the delicious fine bone broth. A shot of Shao Xing Hua Diao Jiu which has been aged for three years is served separately for diners to pour into the soup. I would recommend pouring it into the soup, which elevates the soup with a distinctive aroma.

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The bursting meatball does not exactly has an oozing interior when one bites into it. It is juicy with marinated minced pork inside, somewhat like a cross between Fuzhou fishball and xiao long bao. Diners can also choose to add on other items to the bowl of soup. We chose to add on Squid Ball ($2.50) and Handmade West Saury Fishball ($2.50).

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Trio Platter 3/5

To complement the meal, there are other side dishes on the menu. I decided to have the Trio Platter ($21.90) which consists of Five Spice Meat Roll, Crispy Fuchuk and Gold Coin Bak Kwa. It is enjoyable but not the best I have eaten.

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At Go Noodle House Singapore outlet, there are exclusive specials such as fresh fish slice, premium beef slice cut from Australian ribeye and even the exotic frog meat.


GO Noodle House
313@Somerset
313 Orchard Road
#B3-37/38
Singapore 238895
Tel: +65 63635323
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Tuesday, February 25, 2020

Fat Prince @ Tanjong Pagar - Turns Up The Vibe With Its New Brunch Menu

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The notion of fun dining is central to the recent revamp of Fat Prince at Peck Seah Street. Known for its modern middle eastern cuisine and unconventional 'kotails', a new head chef is on board to drive the refreshed menu. If you are looking for more ideas for brunches, Fat Prince might just be the answer.

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Morning Star Kotail

Fat Prince’s brunch menu is available every Saturday from 1130am to 3pm. And you will be delighted to know you can couple that with a two-hour free-flow from 12pm to 2pm ($59), featuring a selection from red and wine wines, prosecco, Peroni lager and the signature Morning Star Koktail.

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Mimosa

The brunch menu comprises Mezze and Salads, Mains and Kebah. You can also opt for a Royal Brunch ($49 per person), a set which includes their pick of a brunch exclusive, paired with a glass of Mimosa to start, a choice of Fat Prince’s signature house dips, a mezze or salad, and a dessert of the day.

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Cured Salmon Crudo 4/5

Mezzes are great introductory dishes to Fat Prince's take on modern middle eastern's flavours. Served as a light appetiser, I enjoyed the mouth-filling texture of the Cured Salmon Crudo ($18) and the contrasting crunch from the sprinkle of Dukkah. The drizzle of Pomegranate Molasses and Smoked Date Puree layered the dish with notes of dark, caramelised sweetness, which complemented the savouriness of the cured fish really well.

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Cashew Hummus 4/5

Hummus lovers will not be disappointed with this Cashew Hummus ($10) - savoury, lemony and zingy; as compared to a chickpea hummus, it is more textured, which makes it all the more suitable for the soft, fluffy toasted yoghurt pita.

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Lamb Meatballs 4/5

The Lamb Meatballs ($18) was an aromatic dish with much emphasis on the use of herbs and spices. The meatballs were well seasoned, juicy on the inside and crisp on the outside. They sat on top of Chermoula, a Morrocan sauce which is a mix of garlic, herbs and spices, accentuated by a sprinkle of Za’atar and a handful of arugula leaves. There are a lot of heady flavours going on in one dish, and it is one good dish to order if you are here for their kotails.

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Negroni Rouge

I have to say, if you didn't go for their kotails, a Saturday at Fat Prince would be like any other Saturdays.  For a more cautious start, perhaps go for the Gimlet 100 ($20) with Roku Gin, Japanese cucumber cordial and citrus. For something a lot bolder, the menu features two renditions of Negroni: Negroni Rouge ($22) with Beefeater Gin, Mancino Rosso, peppercorn and juniper; and Negroni Blanc ($22) with Beefeater Gin, dill, Mancino Secco and gentianne. Even for the untrained palate, they came across as more balanced and rounded than what I had tried till date.

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Fatteh Breakfast 3.5/5

To hold the drinks, line your stomach with something hearty, such as the Fatteh Breakfast ($24). What a feast to the eyes to see a wholesome combination of poached eggs, halloumi and falafel served with yoghurt, baby spinach and toasted pita. What stood out for me is the falafel with a dollop of hummus, as well as the spiced eggplant stew. What didn't sit well with the dish was the eggs - Sous vide eggs ain't just the same as eggs that are skillfully poached in water, and in the case, the runny eggs messed up the plate the moment they were being broken.

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Mememen 3.8/5

The Menemen ($28) scores with its robust spiced tomato base, lightened with labneh (a creamy, yoghurt cheese) and toasted pita. You get a choice of either lamb or halloumi.  Every spoonful of the tender shredded lamb meat together with the deep savoury tomato was deeply satisfying. The dish could have fared even better if raw eggs were cracked directly into the spiced tomato. Our eggs were overdone, and I reckoned that was because those were pre-cooked eggs.

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Shakshuka Leek & Kale 3.5/5

Chef's vegetarian version of Shakshuka is this Shakshuka Leek & Kale ($20) - Baked Eggs, Leek & Kale Ragout, Dukkah and Toasted Pita. Although I don't quite agree that this embodies the authentic flavours of shakshuka, which can also be done in various meatless versions using eggplants, capsicums and so on, I appreciate it as a meatless dish that appeals on taste and texture. Interestingly, it reminds me of thunder rice tea with the diced leek and kale, along with the addition of ground nuts!

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Half Fried Chicken 3.5/5

The Half Fried Chicken ($24) was clean and straightforward, hitting us with the right amount of greasiness and flavours. The fried yoghurt batter was thin and crisped, and the accompanying sauces and pickles injected even more characters into this classic dish.

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Spiced Berry French Toast 3/5

Something sweet on the brunch mains, which can also be a dessert is the Spiced Berry French Toast ($21) - Brioche, Caramelised Banana, Preserved Lemon Ice Cream. The saltish housemade preserved lemon ice cream was a winner but the dense slices of thick-cut toast that tried to pass off as a legit brioche were disappointing. It was a pity as the spiced berry compote stuffed inside the toast was really delicious.

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Overall, the vibe that Fat Prince provides, on a Saturday morning, will set you right for the rest of your weekend.

Written and photography 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.


Fat Prince
48 Peck Seah Street
#01-01
Singapore 079317
Tel:+65 62217794
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm to 12midnight
Sat: 1130am -3pm, 6pm to 12midnight
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT Station. take Exit A. Turn right onto Peck Seah Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]