Ninja Bowl @ Duxton Road – Japanese Fusion Grain Bowls At CBD

Opened by The Astronauts Group, Ninja Bowl is the third brainchild of former 987FM radio deejay Darren Wee. Perhaps not the newest kid on the block by now, this hip dining joint situated along Duxton Road first opened its doors in April 2016, establishing a solid fan base since then with its hearty one-dish meals - an extensive range of vibrant Japanese-inspired grain bowls and unique all-day fusion brunch items. Geared towards providing healthy, fuss-free meal options to cater to the busy CBD workers seeking a quick bowl of nutrition during their short lunch hours, it is also the perfect spot of weekend brunch indulgences for the unconventional brunch or rice bowl go-getters.

A recent revamp of its menu features a whole new slew of exciting dishes to choose from, and patrons are bound to be spoilt for choice. The different types of bowls come carb-free with its default ingredients, and diners can choose to add on a bed of carbs of their choice, such as the ninja rice (+$2), orzo pasta (+$2), garden greens (+$2) or Quinoa (+$3) at an additional cost for a more filling meal.

Ushi 4.2/5

One of the bestsellers in the menu, the Ushi ($22) is a remake of a popular bowl that made its debut back in Sep 2016. It features slices of tender grass-fed marbled Australian tenderloin steak, glazed with fragrant truffle leek butter, a myraid of vegetables, and runny onsen egg to pack a good variety of textures and flavours to this bowl of goodness. With an add-on of Quinoa for just $3, it is the perfect option for those seeking a high protein meal.

Kabuki 4.2/5

The Kabuki ($16) comes with a whole maple mustard glazed smoked chicken leg confit and generous servings of vegetables, with the quintessential presence of an onsen egg to boot. The highlight of this dish – that huge slab of chicken leg boasts a beautifully crisp brown skin and tender juicy meat within. To round off the meal, I had the Orzo pasta for an additional $2, which is essentially short-cut pasta shaped like rice grains and tossed with honey, multigrain mustard, miso and chilli.

Torinosu 4.5/5

The Torinosu ($18) features a nest of crispy shrimp and vegetable tempura kakiage, accompanied by an onsen egg atop, together with a medley of vegetables and a bed of Ninja rice underneath. Slice into the egg, let that glorious runny yellow flow over, as you break the "nest" and mix all the ingredients together. A tad different from the aforementioned rice bowls, the Torinosu is not overly complicated at all, and all the elements are essential complements that gel together just right. This is one gem of a dish that is definitely worth trying.

Merry Melon 3.8/5

Last but not least, desserts to round off a perfect meal. The Merry Melon ($19) arrives in a huge block of brioche french toast, with a lightly browned toasted exterior and delicately plated with an assortment of accompaniments. It already constitutes as an aesthetic enjoyment on its own. Perhaps the french toast was not coated substantially with enough egg batter, it does not boast a soft pillowy texture, and leans slightly towards the stodgier side. Slathered with thyme shiso infused honey, and with the addition of fresh rock melons, watermelons, and a scoop of rock melon ice cream to boot, it contributes to a luscious sweetness of the dish, while the parma ham chips provide a strong hint of saltiness and smokiness to balance it off. Overall, a pretty decent dessert with a balanced salty.

With a strong focus on Japanese-inspired rice bowls, Ninja Bowl infuses a healthy twist to their menu prolific of creative offerings - also a refreshing change to the usual brunch dishes elseplace. Made al-la-minute to ensure freshness, I liked how the bowls can be lighter or heartier depending on personal preferences too.

Words and photos 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


Ninja Bowl
15 Duxton Road
Singapore 089481
Tel: +65 62228055
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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]

Dehesa Restaurant @ North Canal Road - Surprising In Flavour And Not In Cuts

“Surprising in flavour, and not in cuts" is what sets Dehesa's new menu apart from its original. Located admist a row of bistros and cafes along North Canal Road, Dehesa (which in Spanish means “grasslands” – home of the Iberico pig) was conceptualised in 2015 as a nose to tail dining experience that showcased alternative cuts. But as Chef-Owner Jean-Philippe Patruno also wishes to engage diners who are more flavours driven, this new menu was born.

Charred Peppers with Sea Salt 3/5

For starters, we had a couple of one-ingredient dish from Chef's Specials. Pimientos De Padron ($14) is a traditional Spanish style blistered Padron peppers, a dish that either gives you the kick when done right or doesn't at all. With a skinny frame akin to green chilli, it still tastes rather sharp after roasting but blessed with the inherent sweetness of bell peppers. The sprinkle of sea salt seems to be an innocent gesture but is quintessential in making it right. Closer to the stalk is where the seeds resides and you might just love the kick of biting into it.

Salt-cured Jamon Ham 3/5

Jamon De Bellota 100% Iberico 5J ($36). An iberico breed that can only be found in Spain, this plate of salt-cured Jamon Ham is known for its rich flavour due to its high fats content. That of course, translate to a more luscious mouthfeel as well. Great if you have a drink in hand!

Jamon Croquetas 3.5/5

Clams, Sherry. Garlic and Chilli 3.5/5

Grilled Octopus, Potatoes and Lard 4/5

All Time Favourites offers dishes with familiar flavours but packed with a punch. Croquetas 4 Pieces ($14) has a light and crispy exterior, and each piece is delish with creamy Bechemel sauce, enriched with Jamon ham. The smell of Sherry Lala ($18) - the combination of Sherry, butter and garlic, will just make you salivate. Looking at the creamy broth, again, I could only lament on the absence of bread to soak up the broth enriched by the juice that seeped out from the lala. Dehesa Octopus ($28) is a must-order from the list. Torch and melt in front of your eyes, visual feast on how the lard spreads over the octopus and eventually insulates each piece when cooled. It's a Spanish version of our braised pork belly Dong Po Rou!

Crispy Braised Pig With Capers And Soft Yolk 4.5/5

Alternative cuts are still here for diners who appreciate them and you could get them from Dehesa The Grasslands. Rather sceptical about how my acceptance level towards the dishes but be it the presentation or the taste of the dish, Chef makes me forget about my reservations. Crispy Pig's Head Dehesa Signature ($28), as its moniker, is like a fried pork rillettes made with the entire pig's head. The flavours are strangely homely and inviting, a dish that you will keep going back for. I believe the pork has been simmered for very long in its own fats to attain such a soft texture and rich flavours which are all fortified by the fried crust. The crust which has a chewiness to it, is another element that the table will fight over for. Some toasts within reach would be great to deliver the luscious texture into my mouth and allow me to slowly savour it.

Sliced Tender Braised Pig Skin With Meat And Vegetable Stew 4.5/5

Pig Skin Tagliatelle, Ragout ($28) is another dish that took me by surprise. The pasta in this dish is actually made of pig skin. Its texture is springy, very much like Korean's potato starch noodles. I love how homely the meat and vegetable stew tastes, like a pot of stew served in winter.

Tender Ox Cheek, Spanish Onions Purée, Bone Marrow 4/5

The towering bone marrow in Ox Cheek, Oloroso Glazed ($36) is surely eye catching. Ox cheeks was well done to fork tender, hence no complaints. The only thing that is missing - the action of me slathering the bone marrow onto a crostini. It's funny how often I wished for toasts throughout the dinner!

Squid Ink With Tender Baby Octopus 3.5/5

2 types of seafood Spanish style rice are available, in which we had the Squid which serves 2 pax ($28). In pitch black squid ink, the rice was creamy, rich in ocean flavour but not too much.

Boozy Gin Panna Cotta With Berry Compote And Crumble 3.5/5

Gin Panna Cotta ($15) is a straight forward dessert but again, deliver an enjoyment beyond its simplicity. The touch of the deep bitter-sweetness from Gin balances the sweetness, along with a slight tartness from the berry compote. This creamy dessert also has a contrasting crunch to it, in the form of candied walnuts.

So elegant and refine are the dishes, that one's taste buds could readily relate to. As novel as Dehesa may sound, I certainly don't feel alienated at all. You may also head down for its latest brunch offering which is available every Sunday from 11.30am to 4pm, and priced at $58++ per pax. Free flow soft drinks, juice and coffee are available at an additional $20+ per pax while guests can enjoy free flow cava, house pours, soft drinks, juice and coffee for an additional $30+.

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.


Dehesa Restaurant
12 North Canal Road
Singapore 048825
Tel: +65 62217790
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Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line), Clarke Quay (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 12midnight
Sat: 530pm - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk towards North Canal Road. Continue on North Canal Road. Walk along the shophouses along North Canal Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk towards the junction of North Canal Road and South Bridge Road. Cross the junction and continue on North Canal Road. Walk along the shophouses along North Canal Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]