Miss Vanda - The Delivery Arm of One Michelin-Starred Restaurant Labyrinth

Miss Vanda is the delivery arm of Michelin-starred restaurant Labyrinth. The menu consists of local favourites which are somewhat familiar but yet different with an elevated twist. The concept was originally Chef Han's expansion into casual dining, but the pandemic gives birth to the delivery service instead.

Singapore Style Laksa with Premium Seafood

The Singapore Style Laksa with Premium Seafood ($28) blown me away with with its no holds barred rich flavours. The laksa broth made from fresh coconut milk, belachan and prawn heads hit me like a tank with its richness. Look deeper into the creamy broth, you will discover a treasure of pan-seared Hokkaido scallop, local Green Lip Mussel stuffed with Fish Paste, and Her Geow with Crabmeat filing. This is definitely an atas rendition of the local laksa.

Boneless Crispy Har Cheong Chicken Wings

Unfortunately the Boneless Crispy Har Cheong Chicken Wings ($14) did not travel well. It lost its crispiness when I received the delivery. However, I can imagine how good it will tastes if I get to have it pipping hot as the distinct prawn paste flavour was well marinated into the chicken wings.

Labyrinth Signature Claypot "Ang Moh" Chicken Rice

If you have tried the Labyrinth's "Ang Moh" Chicken Rice, now you have the full portion at Miss Vanda. The Labyrinth Signature Claypot "Ang Moh" Chicken Rice ($18) is created in memory of Chef Han's grandmother. She created the version during the colonial era whilst working for a British family, pairing Hainanese chicken rice with creamy chicken mushroom sauce. For those that is used to our local Hainanese chicken rice, it will take sometime to appreciate it.

Hainanese Style Sweet & Sour Sakura-Kurobuta Pork Collar

Unfortunately another dish that didn't manage to travel well is the Hainanese Style Sweet & Sour Sakura-Kurobuta Pork Collar ($24). It lost its crispy when its reached me. Putting that aside, the pork collar was tender and the accompanying sauce complemented it excellent.

Wagyu Beef Rendang with Buah Keluah

A dish that I enjoyed a lot is the Wagyu Beef Rendang with Buah Keluah ($28). This is so good with the buah keluah giving the whole dish that extra oomph. Not to mention how tender the beef rendang was, well flavoured with the aromatic rempah.

Bo Luo Bao - Char Siew Creme Diplomat Choux Puff

An interesting take of the choux puff, giving it an Asian twist is the Bo Luo Bao - Char Siew Creme Diplomat Choux Puff ($15). You can even find bits of diced bak kwa in it.

To be frank, I am glad that Chef Han is able to adapt to the new norm and started Miss Vanda. During the pandemic, the most worry thing is resistant to change and not moving on. I applaud the courage of Chef Han to take the first step. My favourite dishes are the Laksa and Beef Rendang. This is a must order.


Miss Vanda by Labyrinth
Esplanade Mall
8 Raffles Avenue
#02-23
Singapore 039802
Tel: +65 62234098
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Website
Nearest MRT: Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Fri: 12pm - 230pm, 630pm - 1030pm
Sat-Sun: 630pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit B or D. Walk to Raffles Avenue. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Gabbar Bistro & Bar @ Clarke Quay - Spinning To A Mix Of Bollywood Music And Scrumptious North Indian Cuisine

Gabbar Bistro & Bar is a fairly new modern Indian bistro bar located at Clarke Quay. Its live Bollywood music performances often draws huge turnouts, where diners get to experience an international DJ spinning the latest Bollywood and Punjabi mixes over an extensive selection of drinks which includes wines, cocktails and Single Malts. However, customers return to Gabbar time and time again not just for its music, but to satisfy their cravings for a scrumptious North Indian cuisine.

Lamp Chops (tasting portion) 4/5 

The Lamb Chops here wins the hearts of the Indian diasporas and locals alike. Its mouthwatering aroma delivered my expectations. Marinated for 12 hours with hung curb and spices, the meat was succulent, tender, and flavourful with just the right amount of spices. For a drink and a quick bite, this serves equally good as a bar bite too.

Surkh Laal Chicken, Tikka Fish Amritsari and Hariyali Chicken (tasting portion) 4/5

From the tandoor, we tried Surkh Laal Chicken, Hariyali Chicken and Tikka Fish Amritsari. The reddish Surkh Laal chicken was punchy with spices with a tinge of heat. The Hariyali Chicken didn't lose out either with its well-seasoned, creamy spinach marination. I have had quite a few unpleasantly dry and bland Fish Tikka before, but the version here was moist and flaky.

Dal Makhani (tasting portion) 3.5/5

Dal Makhani is a comfort food, and also quite nutrient-dense with beans and black lentils. I would have liked it even more if it is slightly more tomatoey to have some tartness to balance the richness of it.

Assorted Naans (tasting portion) 4/5

Options aplenty for naans. We tried Roti, Tumeric, Olive and Cheese, Garlic, Butter and a Lachha Parantha. Each of them was soft and fluffy, but if you can only choose one, go for the Olive and Cheese naan for that full-bodied flavour.

Chicken Biryani 3.8/5

Chicken Biryani is a great option for a quick lunch. It seems like a basic dish, yet there is complexity in the use of spices and the way the rice is being cooked and put together with the meat. Mine was packed full of flavours but not too overwhelming with aromatics and spices. Hidden underneath the pile of fluffy basmati rice is load of tender chicken cubes.

Paan Ice Cream 4.8/5

If you visit Gabbar, do go for its Paan Ice Cream. Made with betel leaves, the sweetness and milkiness were at the right amount to mellow down the sharp herbaceous flavours of the betel leaves. The spiced and nutty topping intrigued my taste buds in every bite. It was such a unique and delicious ice cream, I strongly encourage you to give it a try.

 

Besides dining in, Gabbar Bistro & Bar also offers island-wide delivery for you to dine at the comfort of your home. You can order island-wide delivery at www.sgdelivery.online

Photos and words 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.


Gabbar Bistro & Bar
Clarke Quay
3B River Valley Road
#01-14
Singapore 179021
Tel: +65 87555597
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Nearest MRT: Fort Canning (DT Line), Clarke Quay (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Fort Canning MRT Station. Take Exit A. Turn right and down River Valley Road. Turn right onto Tan Tye Place. Walk to the end of the road. Turn left onto Clark Quay. Walk to destination. Journey time bout 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit C or G. Walk to the river front. Turn left and walk down the river. Cross the bridge. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]