IndoBox

The menu at Ion Orchard's BaliThai was different from its other branches at Novena Square and Suntec City. Coupled with an almost non-existent service, I never went back and was not surprised that it bit the dust. At B3 where it used to be now stands IndoBox by Katrina Holdings who also owns BaliThai, Bayang and So Phô among others. We were looking for dinner in the area on a weekend and decided on IndoBox with a queue shorter than nearby Imperial Treasure Noodle & Congee House, Itacho Sushi and Nara Thai Cuisine. Did not have to wait long for our turn and we wasted no time in ordering. My dining companion had Ayam Penyet, deep fried smashed chicken, with steamed rice. And I ate Nasi Goreng Istimewa – fried rice with a tomato slice, sunny-side up and deep-fried chicken wing as well as two sticks of chicken sate (better known as satay locally) and a few pieces of keropok. Both were nothing to rave about or fault though the meats were succulent.

Update: So Phô has taken over the space at Tampines Mall.

So Phô

After reading an article on the top 5 phô in Singapore, I decided to try So Phô by Katrina Holdings who also owns Bali Thai, Bayang and IndoBox among others. Located at the basement of Jem next to Jurong East MRT Station, the place is spacious and brightly-lit with round paper lanterns hanging from above. Red metal chairs, orange and white plastic chairs with wooden legs stood out against the mostly neutral palette – black ceilings with exposed pipes, grey walls with red and white motifs on one side and black drawings against white tiles on the other, dark flooring. Wood could be seen in shelves with plants and tealight holders from IKEA, tables and benches. There were available seats when I visited for late lunch on a weekend. Ordered Pô Bò, Vietnamese sliced beef noodle soup. The silky smooth flat noodles, reminiscent of thin kway teow, went well with thin slices of tender (neither too chewy nor gamely) beef in a rich yet light soup.

Ambush

I was intrigued by the catchy name of this casual European restaurant located on the 4th floor of newly-opened Jem, one of Singapore's largest suburban malls. After checking out its menu, my dining companions and I decided to eat there. Weekday lunch sets include a complimentary soup of the day and drink each. À la carte menu reminiscent of old-style newspaper offers a variety of fares such as Belgium moules and palourde (French for mussels and clams respectively), French entrées like Confit Duck Leg, Italian pastas, Spanish paella and Swiss-German wurst. The latter also includes German chicken schnitzels and pork knuckles as well as Swiss rosti among its choice of accompanying starch – other options are mashed potato, fries or pasta. Among us, we had three lunch sets and an à la carte dish. Except Ambush's Paella, the rest were pastas where we could choose fusilli, linguini, penne or spaghetti so our food was served quick enough.