If your office is located where all the pencil pushers push their pencils, you really have it all food-wise. You got your authentic hawkers, your up-and-coming millennial foods; all coexisting harmoniously in the great central business district. But familiarity can make the tastiest of food seem bland, and we get that. So here are some of the places just off the outskirts you could get too for a little palate refresher.
For the experimental: ATLAS
Executive Chef Loki Lynch may hail from coastal Australia, but he finds subtle influences from the Mediterranean. To start, the taramasalata, radish, zaatar, green olive oil, bagel chip (yes, that's one dish) steals the show with its traditional Greek mezze made from smoked cod roe, sprinkled with a cumin and sumac spice mix.
It's the same zest but nicely contrasted with meat in the lamb kofta, beetroot yoghurt, bread crumb salsa, sumac onions. If you want a really satisfying tender, the smoked beef short rib, kohlrabi mash, pickled turnips, kale, mustard jus is just perfect. And goddamn, the banana and caramel cream pie.
ATLAS is located at Parkview Square, Singapore 188778. For inquiries, call 6396 4466.
For the budget-friendly: The Masses
The menu changes every four months here, but their notable dishes are understandably still their signatures. One that will definitely stay is the C&C&C&C. We recommend getting it as a starter unless you're sharing because the taste is hefty each bite. In contrast, the Burrata is light with the sweet Japanese amela tomato.
With the meats heavier on flavour, the vegetable dishes stand out (or at least become a somewhat necessary accompaniment). Get the Purple Cabbage or Roasted Cauliflower split amongst the group, and the Chargrilled Australia Octopus with homemade xo sauce, chorizo crumble, and lobster porridge for yourself. There's one to three courses as you please, or better yet, small plates night.
The Masses is located at 85 Beach Road #01-02, Singapore 189694. For inquiries, call 6266 0061.
For the healthy: SPRMRKT
Good news—the family-sharing heart behind the dishes is still going strong with the new dining menu. Take the Whole Roasted Boneless Seabass, the locally caught and slow roasted fish reminiscent of the staple in household meals. It's. Completely. Boneless. For your convenience.
It's also easy to like Brussel Sprouts, the light but deceptively addictive combination of the vegetable with burnt corn, sriracha mayo and pomegranate that you can go mouthfuls for. For the hae bee hiam fans, the Spicy Prawn Marinara is like your regular pasta but with a kick of sambal belachan on your fresh tiger prawns. All great for giving the cook of the house a break (or a hint to step up their game).
SPRMRKT at STPI is located at 41 Robertson Quay, Singapore 238236. For inquiries, call 9736 4032.
For the spice-lover: Blue Jasmine
You probably have a favourite go-to Thai restaurant's that's tucked away in a semi-seedy corner somewhere and smells a little funky. We're not going to take that away from you, but consider this change of scenery—a breezy, laidback spot with all the same fiery goodness and tropical cocktails to take the heat off.
The Southern-style Seafood Tom Yum set is the go-to with a small serving of spring rolls and mango sticky (blue) rice, which is great if you're greedy and want a bit of everything. Otherwise, the Red Chicken Curry carries a nice blend of fruit and spice. The Beef Sesame is good to snack on the side, or just to have with drinks.
Blue Jasmine is located at Park Hotel Farrer Park level 5, Singapore 217564. For inquiries, call 6824 8851.
For the sweet-tooth: The Affogato Lounge
Finally, proper desserts for proper adults. Yes, it's the same guys behind The Affogato Bar, so the same special New Zealand coffee flown in. They've also revealed the Asian-inspired Coco Black together with its launch. Doesn't get more Asian than pulau hitam, kaya bread pudding and fresh coconut ice cream.
If you want something a little stronger, the Tiramisu packs a hit, mostly soaked in its ladyfingers. For a chocolate>coffee equation, the Trilogy is possibly chocolate at its most gao. What's good about the place is its not all sticky and sweet. You can take savoury breaks with their pretty decent paninis, or quinoa salad if that eases the guilt.
The Affogato Lounge is located at 55 Keong Saik Road #01-02, Singapore 089158. For inquiries, call 9889 7005.
