El Carbon Grill House @ Ang Mo Kio Ave 8 - Halal Western Food Stall With An Authentic Charcoal Grill Concept

Situated within a coffee shop in Ang Mo Kio, western hawker food stall El Carbon delivers quality western food at wallet-friendly prices. The storefront has a unique aesthetic appearance and gives off fancier vibes which made it different from other stalls in the coffee shop. They also have 2 other outlets opening daily at Yishun and Tampines as well.

One of the highlights is that they use a Mibrasa oven (Carbon’ is Spanish for coal, and Mibrasa Oven uses only charcoal as fuel), which employs all the great taste and rustic techniques of traditional charcoal cooking - which means a hands-on versatile process that allows the chef to push the limits of a menu. This also allows the chef to closely monitor the temperature and fire to keep different batches of food consistent in taste.

Signature Roasted Half Chicken 4.2/5

First, we had their most popular dish - the Signature Roasted Half Chicken ($9.50). It is of little wonder why as their chicken is extremely crispy and juicy inside.

Haddock Fish 'N' Chips 4/5

Haddock Fish 'N' Chips ($7.50) - Different from other stalls, they use Haddock Fish for their version of Fish 'N' Chips. Crispy, and tender yet still firm on the inside, I was pleasantly surprised that the Haddock Fish did not fall apart when cut and picked up by the fork. Dip it in to the cheese sauce or mayo for either a savoury or tangy-sweet taste which paired well with the seafood sweetness. At just $7.50, it's definitely a steal.

Angus Ribeye 3.8/5

Done medium rare, the Angus Ribeye ($13) is tender with a rich beefy flavour. Furthermore, it's only priced at $13 for such a huge portion of beef, so there is nothing to complain about.

Grilled Japanese Squid with Kicap Manis Sauce 4/5

One of the starters we had was the Grilled Japanese Squid with Kicap Manis Sauce ($9.50). An interesting dish - the kicap manis sauce used is an Indonesian sweet soy sauce which gave the tender and smoky charcoal-grilled squid a delicious spicy sweet flavour.

Cheesy Tater Totes 4.2/5

My favourite goes to the Cheesy Tater Totes ($5). The mini hash browns are crispy and fluffy inside, layered with melted cheese and mayo which gave an extra boost in flavour without being too cloying. It definitely makes for an addictive side to the meal.

Forest Mushroom Soup 4.2/5, Garlic Bread 3.8/5

Another of our favourite starter is the Forest Mushroom Soup ($3) which is thick, creamy and loaded with a rich mushroom earthiness.

Photos and words 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.


El Carbon
Blk 721 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 8
#01-2823, Food Loft
Singapore 560721
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Ang Mo Kio (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Ang Mo Kio MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn right and walk to traffic junction. Cross the road. Turn right and walk down Ang Mo Kio Ave 8. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Raffles Courtyard @ Raffles Hotel - Newly-launched Weekend Brunch Menu With Asian And Western Delights

Raffles Courtyard at Raffles Hotel now presents a new weekend brunch menu to include both Asian and Western delights, as well as healthy beverages to fuel you for the rest of the week.

Antipasti 3/5

If you are reaching out for some bubbly or wines, the Antipasti ($58) would be ideal for 3 to 4 pax. It comes with an Anchovy spread, selection of Cold Cuts, Smoked Salmon, Marinated Vegetables, some cheeses and a couple of raisins. The Anchovy spread was really yummy, and to appreciate its flavours, simply spread it onto the breads that is served with the antipasti. The bunch of raisins was abit awkward on the plate, a handful more dried fruits would definitely help to make this platter more complete.

Avocado Tartine 2.8/5 

You can go for ala carte or create your own Courtyard Brunch ($28) which will provide you with a Main Course, a Cold Beverage and a Hot Beverage. For Main Course, I had a Tartine from the Heartier Options category, that is to be topped with Avocado Hash, Guacamole, Toasted Pine Nuts, Rocket and Parmesan Cheese (ala carte $22). Although this dashed my hopes of a creamy, satisfying avocado toast luxe for carrying only a thin spread of Guacamole and heaps of rocket, the refreshing bitter greens that was beautifully salted, in combination with the toasty pine nuts, was very much enjoyable.

For beverages, there are some interesting choices for juices, customisable smoothie and teas.

Kaya Toast Set 3.5/5 

From the Asian Delights, the Kaya Toast Set delights with its thick slices of butter and mellow sweet kaya. I hope the toasting of the bread can be improved over time, as mine felt like it needed a minute more. It comes with traditional kopi or teh.

Popular local items such as Nasi Lemak and Mee Goreng are also available, as well as the quintessential egg-centric dishes which can be found in the Protein category.

The weekend brunch is served on weekends from 930am to 3pm.

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.


Raffles Courtyard
Raffles Hotel
328 North Bridge Rd
Singapore 188719
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 3pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 930am -10pm

Direction:

1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to the junction of Bras Basah Road and North Bridge Road. Cross the road. Walk down North Bridge Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]