Sunday, April 8, 2018

The Salted Plum @ Circular Road (Boat Quay) - Homely Taiwanese Tapas Concept for $5 and $10 Per Dish

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I have visited Five Ten when it was a pop-up at South Bridge Road and I was impressed with the Taiwanese tapas concept. I am glad that they have now found a permanent home at Circular Road. The team has also renamed it as The Salted Plum, a fitting name to the new restaurant as it makes reference to a common ingredient used in Taiwanese cuisine.

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Taiwanese Sausages Patties 4.2/5

The Salted Plum has continued the concept of offering the dishes at $5 and $10. One of the many dishes we ordered is the Taiwanese Sausages Patties ($10). It has been grilled to a nice smoky charred on the exterior on top of the succulent patty.

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Burnt Chilli Chicken 4/5

Another beautifully grilled dish is the Burnt Chilli Chicken ($10). Nicely charred on the exterior, the chicken thigh was tender and juicy. The menu description says it is cooked with loads of chilli but it was not spicy at all. Saying that, the chicken thigh pairs excellent with the accompanying chilli dipping sauce.

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Brussels Sprouts with Shiitake Mushroom 3.5/5

The Brussels Sprouts with Shiitake Mushroom ($5) is stir-fried to a delectable crunch. There is also a bit of heat from the chilli padi.

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Oyster Steamed Egg 3.5/5

Steamed egg probably is a common dish served on the dining table at home. Over here, it has been given a uplift with the used of dashi to heighten the flavour on top of its smooth texture. You can also find baby oysters in the Oyster Steamed Egg ($10) topped with chopped spring onions.

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Grilled Squid 3.8/5

One of the dishes I remembered having at Five Ten is the Grilled Squid ($10). The squid is glazed with housemade five-spice BBQ marination and grilled to a nice tender bite.

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Braised Pig Intestines with Fresh Garlic 4/5

If you think that The Salted Plum is only good at grilling, then you are wrong. Their braised items are even better. If you are afraid of having pig intestines, then you should try the Braised Pig Intestines with Fresh Garlic ($10). The large intestines are not gamey and well infused with the braising sauce.

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Braised Pork Belly 4.5/5

Not to be missed is the Braised Pork Belly ($10) in special haus saus. The pork belly which has absorbed the flavourful braising sauce, literally melts in the mouth. This goes perfect with a bowl of Shiny Rice ($0.50). The rice here is also extra fragrant as it is drizzled with lard and garlic oil.

Besides the variety of dishes at The Salted Plum, it also offers 7 different type of rice bowls at only $10 for lunch. This caters for the office workers that just want to have a quick lunch.


The Salted Plum
10 Circular Road
Singapore 049366
Tel: +65 62600155
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay (NE Line), Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 930pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction
1) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit E. Cross the road. Walk to Carpenter Street. Walk to the end of Carpenter Street to South Bridge Road. Cross the Road. Walk to junction of South Bridge Road and Circular Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight At Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk to Circular Road. Walk down Circular Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Saturday, April 7, 2018

Dehesa @ North Canal Road - Introducing Power Lunch Sets

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Known for its nose to tail dining concept, Dehesa at North Bridge Road has launched a new lunch menu. But not too worry, the dishes are nothing too exotic for your weekday palate. Known as Power Lunch Sets, the menu consists of simply steak, ribs and halloumi cheese as a vegetarian option.

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But why 'Power Lunch', you will know at the sight of the dishes. Both Ribeye Steak ($25 for 180g) and Hanger Steak ($23 for 150g) come with crispy potatoes and salad. The crispy potatoes are not your regular wedges, but Dehesa Patatas also known as Patatas Bravas. Sliced, layered and baked, after which the slab of layered potatoes will be cut into strips and deep fried. Hence you get this extremely crispy exterior with fluffy core.

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Ribeye Steak 3/5

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Hanger Steak 3/5

Ribeye Steak is always a safe option when comes to steak, but if you are into a gamier taste, try the Hanger Steak. I like how the sweet-tanginess of the homemade garlic aioli served at the side balances the richness of the meats.

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Halloumi Cheese 3/5

As much as it may seem a little out of place, the Halloumi Cheese ($22) with quinoa is an apt vegetarian option. Nestled above a heap quinoa, leafy greens and red onions, the grilled cheese holds a firm savoury bite, while the grains is no less satisfying than the crispy potatoes when it has soaked up the tasty brava sauce and carries hint of smokiness from paprika.

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Pack of Ribs 3/5

Sous-vide for 12 hours before braised and seared, the Pack of Ribs ($25) came with a shiny molasses glaze. The meat simply falls off the bone as you attempt to lift one with your finger. I really love the molasses sauce for its rich and dark caramel taste. I would have loved it even more if not for the porky taste.

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If you are in for a afternoon tipple, simple cocktails and house pours are available too.

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
Facebook
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]