Cafes within hotel premises have always sat with well me - the quiet ambience, decent food and excellent service. Not referring to those at the lobby that offers high-end afternoon tea, but a much less conspicuous setup such as the Tuxedo Cafes located within the Carlton Hotels, which remain one of my favourites. And I think I have found another one! MEMO at Studio M Hotel Singapore, which has recently revamped from a self-service deli to a full-service all-day dining cafe to includes your all-time favourite brunch items, pasta and mains, alongside sandwiches and salads.
Lemongrass & Turmeric Wings 3.5/5
Apt for any occasion is this what I would describe as a refined Ayam Goreng style Lemongrass & Turmeric Wings ($8). Thin crust and crispy skin, if you are here for their beers instead or coffee, then go for it.
Chum Chum 2.8/5
I tried one of their brunch items Chum Chum ($18), which to me seems like a dish created more for a hangover cure. Imagine you have streaky bacon on top of beef rendang, plus fried egg and chicken flavoured rice. For regular days, this is a tad too greasy for my liking.
Prawn Penne 3.8/5
Pasta renditions of our local prawn mee aplenty but I reckon MEMO's Prawn Penne ($18) is definitely one of the more memorable ones. The prawn bisque that lays the foundation of the dish is superb. Chockful of flavours, yet its consistency was unexpectedly light, flavouring the pasta without weighing them down. And the prawns, each individual slice was firm and succulent.
Seafood Casserole 3.8/5
The crustacean flavours are even more intense in Seafood Casserole ($22), centring a beautiful slice of barramundi, accompanied by prawns and potatoes. The nicely toasted sourdough is there for you to sop up the delectable saffron tomato sauce. It was a pity that the potatoes, carrots and celery were not being cooked down in the same sauce, which would have otherwise rendered much of its flavours into them.
Hern & Lemon Baby Chicken 3/5
While the Grilled Herb & Lemon Baby Chicken ($18) was pleasingly tender and well marinated with aromatics and spices, the smoky chipotle sauce didn't seem to gel well with the meat. I think even without any sauce, the baby chicken stands out on its own.
What's cute is that you could even choose a limited time only Star War print on your latte! A range of other beverages is available as well, such as Better Latte Than Never, which is flavoured ice lattes with interesting options such as gingerbread and chocolate cookie, as well as wines and beers.
In the heart of Robertson Quay, I love how MEMO is being tucked away from all the hippy spots, and it is just me, my companion and my food.
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.
MEMO
Studio M Hotel Singapore
No.3 Nanson Road
Singapore 238910
Tel: +65 68088885
Website
Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT Line, NE Line), Fort Canning (DT Line)
Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 7am - 11pm
Fri-Sat: 7am - 12midnight
Direction:
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to the bus stop along Upper Cross Road, Opposite Subordinate Court (Stop ID 06171). Take bus number 51 or 186. Alight 2 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to Saiboo Street. Cross the river and walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]
2) Alight at Fort Canning MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to junction of River Valley Road and Clemenceau Avenue. Cross the road. Turn left and walk to the river. At the river, turn right and walk down the river. Walk to The Quayside and turn to Nanson Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]
