Humpback @ Bukit Pasoh Road

The folks that brings you Jigger & Pony and Sugarhall has launched a new concept, Humpback at Bukit Pasoh taking over the space previously occupied by The Clan. The Seattle style seafood restaurant comes with its own craft cocktail bar offering white spirits based cocktails, wine and craft beer.

The highlight at Humpback is the oysters from the pacific northwest. During my visit, I got to try three different types of oysters, in the Kumamoto, Shigoku Fat Bastard and Rocky Bar.

Kumamoto - Peale, Washington USA ($6 each / Happy Hour $3) Petite in size despite taking an average of 3 years to grow in suspended trays. Deep cup, fluted shells and prized for its sweet fruity flavour.

Shigoku Fat Bastard - Samish Bay, Washington USA ($6 each / Happy Hour $2) Grown in bags that rise up and down with the tides, tumbling the oysters twice daily. Firm flesh, deep cup and clean taste of cucumber

Rocky Bar - South Puget Sound, Washington USA ($6 each / Happy Hour $2) Beach-grown, flute-shaped beautiful oysters. Mild subtle flavours with burst-in-your-mouth brine texture.

Jasmine & Pear Gin Tonic 4/5

There are 13 different signature cocktails on the menu. I had the Jasmine & Pear Gin Tonic ($22) which is a light and refreshing alcohol to go with the delicious oysters.

The menu at Humpback is categorized into Pantry, Garden, Seafood, Meat and Desserts.

Carrots 4/5

We started with the Carrots ($8) from the Pantry. The pickled carrots are served on a bed of yogurt with cumin salt at the side. Simple, nothing fancy but the crunchy pickled carrots were quite addictive that I could not help going back for more.

Clam Dip 4.2/5

The other item from the Pantry we tried is the Clam Dip ($10) in cream cheese, served with ritz crackers. The clam dip goes very well with the ritz crackers. The clam dip was so rich and good that someone in the group actually suggested diluting it to make into clam chowder.

Kale 3/5

Moving on to the Garden menu, we started with the Kale ($14) which comes with buttermilk, pear, kale chips and pecan nuts. Although I am not a big fan of kale but the buttermilk sauce gives it a very palatable dimension.

Cabbage 4.2/5

While the kale is not my preferred greens, I would definitely go for the Cabbage ($10) which is topped with herb cheese, crispy quinoa and chilli oil. The sweetness and crunchiness of the cabbage, plus the charred aroma, elevated a simple ingredients to a new level of appreciation with hint of spiciness from the chilli oil.

Calamari 4.2/5

The seafood menu at Humpback stood out for me, starting with the Calamari ($14). The lightly battered calamari comes in a bed of mashed potatoes with fried capers, in a tangy sauce that warrants another round of drinks to go with it.

Rainbow Trout 4.5/5

The Rainbow Trout ($16) delighted me with its unique combination of egg yolk sauce, almond milk and pickled mustard seeds. The beautiful presentation is translated to a beautiful ocean bed swimming on my palate.

Hamachi Ceviche 4.5/5

The Hamachi Ceviche ($22) is another clean and beautiful dish, lifted by a zest of yuzu with the almond and radish providing the extra crunch. I felt that the avocado is unnecessary, it is there for the seek of being a ceviche than complementing the dish.

Cod 4.2/5

If you enjoy the firm and buttery taste of the Cod ($20) than you will like the execution at Humpback, paired with leek, vinaigrette and chestnut puree which works harmoniously.

Beef Short Rib 4/5

Moving on to the meat, the melted in the mouth grain fed 120 days Beef Short Rib ($23) is a good alternative from the seafood. The carrot puree was an excellent choice, creating a balance to the whole dish.

Pork Collar 4/5

The Pork Collar ($16) is another great cut for the carnivorous with pear, frisee and orange glaze. To be frank, I find the pear a bit over used in their menu and I did not see any purposes of it in this dish.

Fernet Panna Cotta 3.5/5

When the Fernet Panna Cotta ($8) was served to the table, my first thought was who lost his handphone case. Anyway, the flavour came across some what foreign to me while the wobbly texture holds up well. Have it without the bitter cocoa and orange first and then with them to appreciation the different flavours it brings out.

Valrhona Chocolate Mousse 4.5/5

The Valrhona Chocolate Mousse ($8) paired with berries compote and fresh cream is deadly. Not deadly sinful but deadly addictive for the richness in chocolate. So good that we ordered a second servicing.

Humpback is a great casual and relax place to chill out with friends coupled with great selections of oysters and small plates. The seafood dishes on the menu stood out for me . Food at Humpback is served as small plates, and it is recommended to order around 6-8 dishes to be shared between 2 people.


Humpback
18/20 Bukit Pasoh Road
Singapore 089834
Tel: +65 67504461
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Outram Park (EW Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 5pm - 12midnight
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit H. Turn left onto Teo Hong Road. At the end of Teo Hong Road turn left and continue on Bukit Pasoh Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Oriole Coffee + Bar @ Capitol Piazza Neue

Oriole Coffee + Bar has chosen Capitol Piazza to house their second outlet. Located at Level 2, it is tucked in a rather cosy corner, which is great for diners who are looking for some serenity. Over here, not only you can continue to enjoy their gourmet coffees, you get something extra - their Capitol Exclusives and All Day Breakfast.

Warm Spinach Salad 3.5/5

Warm Spinach Salad ($18) and Portobello Confit ($17) are two dishes that showcase the versatility of Portobello mushroom. Both items may look quite ordinary but they are in fact packed with real wonderful ingredients.

With the poached egg oozing over the mushroom and down to the bed of spinach, it was almost picture perfect. Tossed in truffle balsamic vinaigrette, the overall taste is earthy and tangy at the same time. The shaved black truffles and crispy serrano jamon make every mouthful of it even more exciting. Some say salads are boring, but definitely not this salad.

Portobello Confit 3/5

The latter is a delectable sandwich which comprises Portobello mushroom confit, sun-dried tomato compote, buffalo mozzarella with basil pesto and baby spinach. The intense flavour of the basil pesto pairs really well with light tasting buffalo mozzarella. If a stronger kind of cheese has been used, such balanced taste wouldn't have been achieved.

Avocado and Toast 3/5

Unlike their first outlet, the breakfast items here are made available all day. Avocado and Toast ($14) is a fairly simple dish - crushed avocado and smoked tomatoes on focaccia bread, topped with basil leaves. Nothing exceptional, at the same time, I feel this dish is too light and clean for me. If I'm gonna make my way here for an all day breakfast, I would look for something heartier and more indulgent.

Reuben 2.5/5

Reuben ($17) - housemade coffee-cured salt beef and sauerkraut clasped between grilled rye bread with melted swiss cheese and mustard mayo. It looks really mouth-watering but sadly the overall taste doesn't quite work for me. I was expecting the coffee-cured beef to taste different from the regular cured ones. However, with the cheese, sauerkraut & mustard mayo, all I could taste is the saltiness of the meat.

Hotcakes 2.8/5

One of the quintessential breakfast items is of course, hotcakes. Their Hotcakes ($12) is served with Oriole’s expresso mascarpone butter and maple syrup served on the side. For diners who didn't read the description, some may mistaken this as Espresso infused hotcakes, which I thought may be more unique. Nonetheless, the pancakes are fluffy and the expresso mascarpone butter also has enough caffeine to give you that bitter sweet taste.

Oriole's Angel Cake 4/5

Coming to their deserts, I realised using coffee as one of the ingredients is almost their trademark. Their Oriole’s Angel Cake ($14) is a coffee-textured cake infused with signature house blends, topped with chocolate crunch sprinkles, chocolate jelly, crushed meringue and an espresso crème anglaise core. The texture is like a harden cotton candy, that melts in my mouth with just a slight munch. The espresso crème anglaise core I feel is an ideal combination with the cake, which may otherwise be a bit too dry. With its coffee color, it may not be one of those photogenic desserts, but it's definitely one of the most interesting I have come across.

Waffles, Ice Cream & Caramelised Banana 4.2/5

Their Waffles, Ice Cream & Caramelised Banana ($14) may seem conventional, but with the bananas so skilfully caramelised, it definitely surpasses many others. Of course, not to forget using real ice cream made with vanilla beans, and warm crisp waffles. The addition of coffee mascarpone makes this item uniquely Oriole's.

Cold Brew - Black 3.8/5, White 4/5, MAD Milk 4.2/5

Oriole is well known for its award winning coffee, this I knew that all along. What surprises me is their cold brew, the Taisho series -This signature in-house cold-brewed coffee comes in Black ($6), White ($7) or with M.A.D. Milk ($8). When I find most bottled chilled white coffee syrupy and artificial, theirs is really smooth and silky. It is  done by steeping ground coffee in cold filtered water for hours to bring out their delicate flavours. My favourite is the one made with M.A.D. Milk, a cold-pressed non-dairy nut concoction of macadamias, almonds and dates. It is also available on its own ($10). Even if you are a coffee drinker, I would recommend having it on its own. That's when you can really appreciate its nuttiness and sweetness that is so so comforting. I can imagine myself waking to it every morning!

When there are so many new and exciting concepts over here in Capitol piazza, Oriole may be slightly overshadowed. However, I believe their reputation in coffee making and quality of their food will win regulars over. Their lusciously delicious Taisho series, or even the M.A.D. Milk per se, is enough reason for you to come for it. Order their M.A.D. Milk Taisho, or M.A.D. Milk, then think of what food do you want to go with it. That would be the way which I'm gonna do the next time I visit Oriole.

Photograph and Written 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.


[CLOSED]
Oriole Coffee + Bar
Capitol Piazza Neue
13 Stamford Road
#02-20/21
Singapore 178905
Tel: +65 63846495
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1030am - 1030pm

Direction: 
Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]