Minka @ OxleyTower - New Japanese Restaurant Offering Rice Bowls From $13 Onwards For Lunch

Minka at Oxley Tower is a cosy Kaisendon restaurant that has recently took over The Timmis. A challenging spot to be I would say, given that I was just at The Timmis barely one and a half year ago in 2017. Its neighbors are now different too.

Omakase at night, the lunch menu is fairly straight forward. For lunch, you can choose from a selection of rice bowls, from $13 onwards for a mini Sashimi Bowl to $39 for a Premium Sashimi Rice Bowl, served with a complimentary bowl of miso soup. I was tempted to have the latter but I went for their specialty instead - Seafood Rice Bowl with Seafood Soup ($29). There is a cute illustration on the table, guiding you on how to consume this dish. So traditionally, the seafood soup will be served towards the end of your meal when you have finished all the raw fish, and from there pour the piping hot soup into the bowl to mix with the remaining rice and enjoy that comforting warmth in your tummy.

Premium Seafood Rice Bowl 3/5

From the illustration, I was expecting my rice bowl to have more variety of seafood actually, instead of just fish. The Negitoro was my favourite in the bowl because it adds much of the fats and sweetness into it, which brought back fond memories of the bowl I had at Koji. Other than that, I feel there was a lack of plumpness and sweetness in my kaisendo.

I finished my meal with the seafood soup. The soup was all right but could definitely be sweeter as it tasted more like just fish soup.

River Eel Rice Bowl 3/5

We also had a River Eel Rice Bowl ($24) with an Onsen Egg ($2.50). For that price, our expectations were definitely high. The eel tasted quite tender and flavourful, though too 'boney'. Overall, the quality of both the fish and even the egg could be better for this pricing.

Ice Cream 3.5/5

Rounding off our meals were their Green Tea and Black Sesame ice creams. Both were quite rich in flavour, especially the latter.

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.


Minka
Oxley Tower
138 Robinson Road
#01-06
Singapore 068906
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm
(Closed on 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]

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]