Baba Chews Bar and Eatery @ Hotel Indigo Katong - Taking Asian Inspired Cuisine To The Next Level

Change is for the better and indeed Baba Chews Bar and Eatery at Hotel Indigo Katong has done just that. The restaurant has embarked on a new chapter, adding new Asian-inspired creations, combining Asian flavours with western gastronomy to its popular Peranakan menu.

Quinoa Salad 3.5/5

We started with the light and healthy Quinoa Salad ($17) which consists of a quinoa, feta cheese crumble, cucumber, beetroot, pomegranate, avocado, sunflower seeds, almond flake and micro cress. The lemon dressing gives it a zesty touch for a refreshing finish.

Otah Yu Tiao 4/5

Otah Yu Tiao ($12) sounds gimmicky to me. However I was totally wrong when it was put into a taste test. The combination of sandwiching the homemade otah in between the charcoal dough fritter actually works for me. It is definitely a welcome light snack to whet up the appetite.

Peranakan Pulled Pork Burger 4.2/5

An interesting Asian take of the burger is the Peranakan Pulled Pork Burger ($20). Instead of the usual beef patty, it is replaced with Iberico pulled pork cooked pongteh style, which is braised in fermented soybean sauce. It also comes with caramelised onions and cucumber with fries at the side. What impressed me is the softness of the bun that goes really well with the flavourful pulled pork.

Chicken Rendang Lasagna 4.2/5

The Chicken Rendang Lasagne ($18) may look rather unappetising but it turned out the opposite. It has never occurred to me that the rendang sauce can work so well with the lasagna giving the traditional Western fare a delicious face lift.

Barbecued US Pork Ribs 4/5

The Barbecued US Pork Ribs ($30) did not bring the same excitement I get from the more Asian flavours influenced dishes but the St. Louise spare ribs with homemade barbecue glaze is so tender that it fell off the bone with ease. It also comes with fries and coleslaw.

Laksa Salmon 4/5

Similar to the Chicken Rendang Lasagne, the Laksa Salmon is given an Asian twist by pairing a local sauce to the Western fare. The light laksa complements the salmon excellent, giving the dish a whole new dimension. It also comes with sauteed Asian greens and crispy beancurd puff.

Chilli Crab Tagliatelle 4.5/5

The dish that stole my heart goes to the Chilli Crab Tagliatelle ($20). Many restaurants have done this dish but it always turned out to be on the sweet side. I applauded the chef for getting the signature chilli crab sauce spot on with the right balance of spiciness and sweetness. Completing the dish, it comes with tempura soft shell crab, sous vide egg and fresh cilantro.

XO Pork Belly Char Siew Rice Bowl 4.2/5

A homely and comforting dish on the menu is the XO Pork Belly Char Siew Rice Bowl ($19). The rice bowl comes with homemade pork belly char siew, egg sunny-side up, fragrant Hainanese 'oil' rice and premium XO sauce. I personally do not think there is a need for the XO sauce and plain steamed rice will do as the rich flavours of the char siew sort of overpowered the other flavours. I am not complaining but a pity to see the effort goes to waste if it didn't help to create the harmony.

Baba's Chendol 4.2/5

For dessert, I decided to have the Baba's Chendol ($10). I have mixed opinions with the dessert. We are told that it is supposed to be eaten with chopsticks because the homemade pandan jello is purposely made into long noodle strand. I think it is a bit gimmicky and I also observe other diners ended up using the spoon for the dessert as the jello is toso slippy to be picked up by the chopsticks. However I applauded the idea of the red bean mousse which infused with the fresh coconut milk and gula melaka as the shaved ice melted, bringing the different characteristic of a bowl of chendol together.

Overall I have enjoyed the new Asian inspired cuisine by Baba Chews. It has kept the food familiar but yet added excitement with new tasty twists, by coming Asian flavours with a western approach. Now the expanded menu allows Baba Chews to cater for a wider group of diners.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Baba Chews Bar & Eatery
Hotel Indigo
86 East Coast Road
#01-01
Singapore 428788
Tel: +65 67232025
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Dakota (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 630am - 11pm
Fri-Sat: 630am - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Take exit A. Walk to bus stop at Blk 99 Old Airport Road (Stop ID 81181). Take Bus 10 or 32. Alight 6 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Spinelli Coffee @ Tampines Hub - Very First Outlet In The Heartland

Spinelli Coffee has opened its very first suburban outlet in the heartland at Tampines Hub. The newest outlet is located near the library side, directly opposite NTUC income. It has both air conditioned and outdoor sitting area.

Ice Mocha, Iced Latte 4/5

Matcha T-Twist 4/5

The weather has been extremely hot lately, and what better way to cold down at the cafe with a cold drink. A few recommend choices would be the Ice Mocha, Ice Latte and Iced Matcha T-Twist. An interesting twist is the matcha t-twist, which is a blend of matcha powder with cranberries. The combination of bitterness and sourness surprisingly works harmoniously together.

Quinoa Salad Bowl 3.5/5

For the health conscious eater. there is a number of salad bowls at Spinelli Coffee. One of these is the Quinoa Salad Bowl ($9.80). The bowl comes filled with fresh crunchy greens, sweet tomatoes and quinoa patties. I love the roasted sesame sauce that is drizzled on top, boosting a flavourful finishing.

Bagel Tomate Olive 3.8/5

I am not a bagel person as I dislike the dense texture of the dough. However the Bagel Tomate Olive ($4.50) turns out pretty good. The open-faced bagel topped with cheesy pizza toppings is soft and fluffy.

Beef Lasagna 3/5

As for the Beef Lasagna ($10.80), I didn't quite enjoy it. While the flavours from the cheese and beef are spot on, I felt that the pasta sheets are too soft, without texture. This doesn't help with the layer of gooey stretchy cheese on top. it just made the whole dish collapsed into a pool of softness.

Devil's Chocolate Cake 4.2/5, Carrot Cake 2.8/5, Strawberry Shortcake 3.8/5

If you are at Spinelli Coffee just to chill, you may want to order some cakes to go along with your drinks. They have a number of cakes such as the Strawberry Shortcake ($6.80), Carrot Cake and Devil's Chocolate Cake ($5.20). If you like something light, then I would recommend the strawberry shortcake, if not my personal favourite the the rich Devil's Chocolate Cake.

Cold Brew Ice Cream 3.8/5

Another first at Spinelli Coffee besides opening its first suburban outlet is the introduction of their freshly churned Cold Brew Ice Cream ($4.20). The ice cream is infused with the rich coffee aroma on top of its smooth creamy swirls.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Spinelli Coffee
Our Tampines Hub
1 Tampines Walk
#01-K8
Singapore 528523
Facebook
Website
Nearest: Tampines (EW Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 8am - 10pm
Fri-Sun: 8am - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Tampines MRT station (DT Line). Take Exit F. Walk down Tampines Central 2 road to Tampines Ave 5. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tampines MRT station (EW Line). Take Exit C. Walk down Tampines Central road to Tampines Central 6 road. Walk to NTUC Income Tampines Junction. Walk to traffic junction of Tampines Ave 5 and Tampines Ave 4. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Grain Traders @ Capital Green - Atas Mixed Vegetable Rice

I heard many raving reviews of Grain Traders at Capital Green since its opening in September 2015. Grain Traders basically serves comfort hearty meal bowls where guests can mix and match their own preference. The concept is quite similar to our mixed vegetable rice stall.

Guests will get to pick from the spread a Grain, 1 Protein, 1 Hot Vegetable, 2 Cold Veggies, 1 Sauce and 1 Topping. If you are those indecisive type, don't worry. Grain Traders has 6 Signature Bowls that has already pre-matched to your liking.

Salmon Bowl 4.2/5

For our first rice bowl, We had the Brown Rice, Crunchy Green Medley, Chargrilled Salmon, Bean Sprout Salad, Wafu Tomatoes, Crushed Peanuts and Coconut Curry sauce. The portion of the Salmon Bowl ($16) is rather generous and substantial. The fresh ingredients which unlike those mixed vegetable rices, are less oily and more healthy.

Tuna Bowl 4.2/5

For the Tuna Bowl ($16), I chose the Quinoa, Wild Mushrooms, Wafu Tomatoes, Cucumber Pickles, Crispy Garlic & Shallots and Asian Gravy to go with the Tuna. It was another delightful bowl of fresh, comfort and hearty bowl that was both satisfying and filling.

The opening of Grain Traders definitely given the workers in CBD a healthier option and variety for lunch everyday. If not for the $16 price tag, I would have gladly substitute the $3.50 mixed vegetable rice and have this everyday. By the way, I heard words that Grain Traders will be opening its second outlet very soon.


Grain Traders
138 Market Street
#01-01/02/03
Singapore 048946
Tel: +65 63846559
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line), Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 8am - 8pm
(Closed on weekend)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk down Cross Street. Walk to Destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Raffles MRT station. Take Exit F. Walk straight down Cecil Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Ninja Bowl @ Duxton Road - Hearty Meals at CBD Below $20

Take over the space at Department of Caffeine is Ninja Bowl. Ninja Bowl is opened by the same folks behind Chillax Cafe and Babette Restaurant & Bar. The restaurant offers diners an extensive menu filled with unique all day brunch options, sandwiches and hearty one bowl meals.

Coconut Lemon Mint 4/5

Recently the weather in Singapore has been really hot.  The Coconut Lemon Mint ($8) will be very refreshing and satisfying with its huge serving. It even comes with the coconut flesh. Furthermore coconut water supposes to have health benefit isn't it?

Yasai 4.2/5

Ninja Bowl offers 8 different types of bowls on the menu. Basically these bowls are carb free and comes with default ingredient combinations. However diners have a choice to add on the ninja rice, orzo pasta, garden greens and white quinoa for an additional cost of $2 to $3.

We started with the Yasai ($16) that comes with chunky salmon poke, mixed sultanas, tomatoes and onsen egg. We topped it with White Quinoa ($3) for a complete meal. A light and healthy Polynesian-inspired bowl.

Kabuki 4/5

The Kabuki ($14) comes with tender pieces of deboned chicken thigh marinated in miso, soy sauce, garlic and honey. It is rounded off with baby corn, pickled beetroot, snow peas, onsen egg and fried shallots. We chose to add on the Ninja Rice ($2), which is a blend of vinegared Japanese pearl rice and brown rice with seaweed flaks. A substantial Japanese style mixture vegetable rice, in my own layman description

Buta 3.8/5

If you are one that cannot resist a delicious piece of pork belly, then the Buta ($14) is for you. The bowl comes with Japanese aburi chashu, cherry tomatoes, onsen egg, roasted pumpkin, and ume-pickled apples. We added Orzo Pasta ($2), a rice shaped short cut pasta to round off the whole meal.

Ebisu 4.2/5

From the brunch menu, the Ebisu ($18) is a creamy stew that comes with pan seared hokkaido scallops, mussels and miso butter cream. It also comes with two slices of toast to soak up the delicious cream. I only wish there was more of the sauce.

Gyu & Tama 4.2/5

The Gyu & Tama ($17) comes with Ninja Bowl's signature 24 hour braised beef cheek that literally melted in the mouth. It is paried with a side of creamy scrambled eggs, mushrooms and toast. It is one of the better scrambled eggs I have eaten for a long while.

Fancy French 4.2/5

Worth waiting for 20 minutes is the Fancy French ($16). The French toast is stuffed with fig jam and then drizzled with honey that is infused with umeboshi (pickled plum) and topped with homemade hazelnut butter. The slices of figs, plums, green grapes and edible flowers not only make the dish pretty but also helps to balance the sweetness from the fig jam.

The menus at Ninja Bowl as per the name suggested or you would have guessed, is Japanese inspired. The delicious bowls come with quality ingredients, healthy and affordable priced below $20. What's more attractive is that they are all nett cost and the restaurant does not have service charge.


Ninja Bowl
15 Duxton Road
Singapore 089481
Tel: +65 62228055
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 930am - 730pm
Sat-Sun: 9am - 6pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Orchid Hotel. At Orchid Hotel turn right onto Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road to the opposite side of Tanjong Pagar Road. Walk along Tanjong Pagar Road to Duxton Hill. Turn left onto Duxton Hill and then turn right on Duxton Road. Journey time about 15 mins. [Map]

Pacamara Boutique Coffee Roasters @ Upper Thomson Road

This is a backlog post which I sold how allows it to slip down the whole list of articles to be published. Probably because I decided there is no urgency to feature Pacamara Boutique Coffee Roasters at Upper Thomson Road since it has been reviewed numerous times and even to the extend that some claimed the cafe to be their best cafe of 2014.

Latte 4.2/5

Stepping into Pacamara Boutique Coffee Roasters, I can understand why so many cafe hoppers love this place. The cafe has the Aussie feel. Beautifully decorated in white with wooden furniture, I felt as if I am in Melbourne, sipping my cup of Latte ($4.50/$5/$5.5) which comes in three different sizes of 3oz, 5oz and 7oz.

Truffle Fries 4/5

I am not a big fan of Truffle Fries ($8) as I don't think it is worth the extra cost to pay for a few drops of essence. Nevertheless I still gone with the group and ordered this. The fries were deep fried to nice crisp but yet not overly oily.

Deep Fried Mid Wings 4/5

I remembered have a similar rendition of the Deep Fried Mid Wings ($8) at Sunday Market. However, the version with a more crispy exterior batter fares better while also retaining the juiciness. Once again this is not something I would usually order, I felt it is not value for money with the skinny wings for that price I need to pay.

Quinoa Salad 3.8/5

For a healthy brunch, one can go for the Quinoa Salad ($15) that comes with quinoa, edamame bean, pique pepper, baby spinach, sweet corn and pomegranate with lemon vinaigrette dressing. The colour combination is very pleasing in sight. If only the seasoning can be a bit bolder that will give the dish a much needed lift.

Red Velvet Pancakes 2/5

Food that looks pretty does not mean it will taste good. This is exactly how we felt with the Red Velvet Pancakes ($16) served with mascarpone and fresh berries. The pancake itself was rather bland and dry. In the fact the tastiest components on the plate are the berries.

Salted Caramel Banana French Toast 4.2/5

The Salted Caramel Banana French Toast ($16) was the opposite of the red velvet pancakes. It may look messy but it tasted so delicious. The soft brioche french toast was drizzled in a salted caramel sauce and topped with caramelized bananas and whipped cream.

Truffle Benedict 4.2/5

I really felt cafe food are over priced, just take for example the Truffle Benedict that costs $18. I am not saying the food is not good but I probably can't afford to eat it everyday. A breakfast dish is as expensive as a dinner main. Anyway back to the food itself. Two free range poached eggs with truffle hollandaise sauce sits on a bed of wilted spinach, smoked ham and brioche. A beautiful combination that brought sunshine to the plate.

Oven Baked 5 Cheese Macaroni 4.2/5

Last but not least another worthy dish to try is the Oven Baked 5 Cheese Macaroni ($18). The five cheese used are parmesan, feta, emmental, mild cheddar and mozzarella. The macaroni is also infused with honey ham and mushroom, finished with a dash of truffle oil. I love my cheeses and this has the cheesiness that I enjoyed while not too overpowering with a nice harmony. Being oven baked, the macaroni may turned dried but this is still well timed. By the way, I don't understand the need to display the types of cheeses used for the dish on the wooden plank.

Overall Pacamara Boutique Coffee Roasters is a nice cafe to check out. It has ticks all around (Ambience, Coffee, Food and Service.). No wonder it is one of the more popular cafes for cafe hopping in Singapore.


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Pacamara Boutique Coffee Roasters
185 Upper Thomson Road
Singapore 574333
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pacamarasg
Nearest MRT: Upper Thomson (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 9am - 11pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Upper Thomson MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk down Upper Thomson Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Foodology Fresh @ URA Centre

Healthy food and beverage concepts are indeed sprouting, especially in the CBD area. Foodology Fresh nestled in the ground floor of URA Centre is one of the latest to offer such meals to the health conscious crowd. They have just launched their revamped menu with mains starting from $7 onwards  that comes with choices of Salads, Sandwiches and Wraps. Their ordering style differs slightly from the rest in which you can take directly from the shelf, even for soups. After which you pay at the cashier. Something that I find quite enjoyable.

photo credit: Foodology Fresh

Smoked Duck Breast Salad 4.2/5

If you are somebody who are quite choosy on your greens, their salads will be right for you. I like the way Foodology play with textures and taste profiles of the different ingredients in their salads. Take their Smoked Duck Breast Salad ($8.50) which is one of my favourites. The Smoked Duck had been cubed so you don't get too much of the smoky and salty flavour in one mouthful. Putting the arrays of ingredients together gave a burst of texture and flavours. Fresh Mescluns, chunky beetroots, soft sweet potatoes, creamy cheese, smokey duck breast and sweet crunchy walnuts.

photo credit: Foodology Fresh

Roasted Chicken, Grape & Apricot Salad 4.2/5

I would also recommend their Roasted Chicken, Grape & Apricot Salad ($8.50) with White Wine Vinaigrette. I took a spoonful of all the ingredients, arugula, chicken, grapes and apricot together. I got the arugula's sharp herbaceous taste , the juicy chicken with a tinge of spices, the sweetness of the grapes and the tanginess of the apricot. I like how the fruits elements zest up the overall flavours which is quite refreshing.

Quinoa Salad 3.5/5

If you want something more grainy, you may want to try either the Brown Rice & Promegranate Salad or Quinoa Salad. I often have brown rice at home so to me the Quinoa Salad ($8.50) is more interesting. Both use ingredients that come with a bit of crunch and with sweet, tangy and savoury ingredients all pooled together, I find them pretty fun to eat and equally delectable.

photo credit: Foodology Fresh

Smoked Salmon & Avocado Wrap 3.8/5

There is variety of wraps of the shelf for you to choose from. I took my all-time favorite, Smoked Salmon & Avocado Wrap ($8.80). It didn't disappoint me. Though I find the wrap slightly too thick, the generous filling makes up for it. The sweet tangy honey Dijon mustard makes it really refreshing especially so when I had it straight from the chiller. I prefer this much more to their Roasted Chicken & Avocado Sandwich ($7) as I find the latter's taste slightly bland. But given the amount of chicken and avocado, I find it quite value for money.

Mushroom Soup 3.8/5

 For every Salad, Wrap or Sandwich you order, you can just top up $3 for an additional soup, muffin, or a Quiche. There are three soups to choose from, in which I had the Mushroom Soup ($5.80). I have always like mushroom soup but I find most either too creamy or too watery. Theirs is definitely one of the better ones which I have tried. The soup was loaded with mushrooms with the right amount of cream.

Spinach & Mushroom Quiche 3/5

I tried their Spinach & Mushroom Quiche ($5.80). I would prefer one with a much thicker filling, but it is still acceptable. It wasn't too creamy and has a good portion of spinach and mushroom.

photo credit: Foodology Fresh

Summerberry Yoghurt Tart 4/5

They also offer a variety of desserts and surprisingly good, considering their mains are salads and wraps. Summerberry Yoghurt Tart. I find this a perfect closing to tonight's dinner. It has a firm texture, and yet it melts readily in my mouth. The biscuit base gave it a good crunch. Almost like a non-bake cheesecake, but it is much lighter and refreshing.

Amidst the competition, I feel Foodology Fresh stands out in its own way. Its creative use of ingredients have made salads more exciting to the taste buds. It also offers delivery service around the Chinatown area. So if you happen to work at that area and rushing for time, you may want to do away with your usual delivery menu and engage their service for a change.

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. 


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Foodology Fresh
URA Centre
45 Maxwell Road
#01-02
Singapore 069118
Tel: +65 62239274
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/foodologyfresh
Website: http://www.foodologyfresh.sg/
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 8am - 6pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk to Maxwell Road. Turn right and walk down Maxwell Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]