Springleaf Prata @ Jalan Tua Kong - The Ultimate Prata Alfredo

I have the honour to work with Springleaf Prata back in 2014 for the Ultimate Hawker Fest. Springleaf has been creating new innovative prata items every year since 2012 and introduced them into their menu. When I got words that it has created a new prata for 2017, I made my way down to their newest outlet at Jalan Tua Kong to check out their newest creation - Prata Alfredo!

Prata Alfredo 4/5

The all new Prata Alfredo ($9.90) comes with rosemary smoked chicken, fresh button mushroom, mozzarella cheese and creamy alfredo sauce, all stuffed into the prata. This is your ultimate creamy and cheesy prata with delectable mushroom and smoked chicken pieces encased in a crispy exterior, yet fluffy interior prata. For that instinct, it felt like I was having a cheesy toast. The latest creation definitely brings a new excitement to the traditional prata with an enjoyable western influences.

Plaster Blaster 4.2/5

I can't visit Springleaf Prata without trying the Plaster Blaster which we collaborated with Springleaf Prata to create for the Ultimate Hawker Fest back in 2014. Actually this is the version 2 because it has replaced the original masala hollandaise sauce with normal hollandaise sauce. Don't be despair as the restaurant still serves the original version, you just need to inform the staff that you prefer the masala hollandaise sauce over your crispy prata with turkey ham and poached egg.

Red Bean Prata 4.2/5

Not known to many is Springleaf's Red Bean Prata. The extremely thin tissue-like prata with sweet red bean paste may seen unassuming but this is a surprise favourite on the menu for me. The first time I had it, I thought it tasted like our Chinese pancake.

Umami 50 4.5/5 and Salted Egg Prawn Prata 4/5

Not to be missed is their Umami 50 and Salted Egg Prawn Prata creations for 2015 and 2016 respectively. The Umami 50 was created for Singapore's 50th birthday to signify 50 years of deliciousness in Singapore. The Umami 50 is also known as your heart attack prata as it is wrapped with chicken luncheon meat, chicken floss, mayonnaise, condensed milk, cheese and egg. I was initially sceptical but I was sold once I have a bite of it.

The other highlight is the Salted Egg Prawn Prata, driving on the bandwagon of the salted egg yolk trend in 2016. The combination of salted egg yolk sauce, cheese, egg and prawn is a new for prata with hint of curry aroma. The prata is packed with savoury richness that hits me like tank, complemented by the crunchy prawns in it.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Springleaf Prata
57B Jalan Tua Kong
Singapore 457253
Tel: +65 66362935
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Bedok (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 8am - 12midnight

Direction: 
1) Alight at Bedok MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Bedok Bus Interchange (Stop ID 84009). Take bus number 40 or 401. Alight 5 stops later. Walk to Elite Park Ave. Turn right onto Elite Park Ave and walk to Jalan Tua Kong. Turn left onto Jalan Tua Kong. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

The Timmis @ Oxley Tower - A Great Place for Protein + Salad Fix

Oxley Tower is a fairly new office building situated along Robinson Road. If you are a 'Healthy Lunch Eat' kind of person, then you must get to know The Timmis. Over here at The Timmis, you are encouraged to take your protein, alongside with fresh salads for a balanced meal. The owner has spent quite a good number of years living in Canada, loves cooking and adopts a pretty clean diet as well and hence, would like to provide something similar to the CBD crowd here.

Similar to other salad bars, the ordering is just as straight forward. Simply tick off your desired ingredients and pass it to the crew. As mentioned, protein is the focus here and hence, you must choose your meat first! The rest are secondary. Tofu is available if you would like to go meatless. Slender (1 protein), Fit (2 protein) or Macho (3 protein) at $11, $14, $17 respectively depending on the number of protein that you wish to have. Common Man coffee beans is served here, if you would like to have some gourmet coffee.

Rib-Eye Steak Salad 4/5

I made 2 Slender - Rib-Eye Steak and Salmon. I was surprised that each meat cost only a dollar more. I was so elated when I spotted the charred pineapple chunks (baked fruits). My rib-eye steak salad, along side with the onsen egg, shimeji mushrooms and baked pineapple chunks felt like a deconstructed steak burger and it is carb free!

Salmon Salad 3.5/5

For Salmon, I chose pumpkin mash, avocado ($1), beetroot, button mushrooms and an additional asparagus. Avocado is usually considered a premium ingredient but over here, an entire half of the fruit only cost me a dollar more. I fellt that is pretty generous. The citrus ginger dressing which I had chosen really zest up my salad. What could be improved here is really the pumpkin mash. It is too watery and lacks the starchy texture that a good mash should have.

I find the sides here more interesting compared to some other established salad bar. I don't just get cold beetroot but beetroot with sweet onions, sauteed shimeji mushrooms with onions, and my favourite baked pineapple chunks. With The Timmis just around the junction of Robinsons Road and McCallum St, you don't really have to walk far off to get your protein + salad fix. Just remember to stop over.

Words and photos 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.


[CLOSED]
The Timmis
Oxley Tower
138 Robinson Road
#01-06
Singapore 068906
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 8am - 7pm
(Closed on Sat & Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit F. Turn left onto Robinson Road. Walk down Robinson Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]