Coriander Leaf

There were noticeably fewer participating restaurants in Singapore Restaurant Week from 24 to 31 Mar. Decided on Coriander Leaf, a Pan-Asian restaurant on the 2nd floor of Chijmes. Could neither rave about its first course of pomelo and green mango in chilli-lime dressing topped with coriander leaf, nor fault the dessert of Alphonso mango sorbet with fresh fruit salsa and meringue. Thai mango salad was followed by second course of tiger prawn tempura, and sweet potato noodles with honsimeji mushrooms and edamame. Do not expect the tempura to be thin and crispy like how it was done in a good Japanese restaurant, or the sweet potato noodles to be springy and chewy like how the Koreans do it. But the sweet prawn and flavourful japchae made up for what this dish lacked, and I liked both the mushroom and edamame. Main course of tender Tandoori chicken, served with cucumber relish and mint chutney, was well-marinated and went well with the butter naan.

Clarke Quay Food Trail

Last Saturday, I joined other food bloggers on a food trail organised by Clarke Quay and Food & Travel magazine.

Bayang

Our first stop was at Bayang, a Balinese Indonesian restaurant located at Block A facing Block D. Choose between the air-conditioned indoors or alfresco outdoors, with bar stools along a high wooden table by the glass façade offering the best of both worlds – to people watch in cool comfort. Stepping in, I noticed decorative pieces that gave the spacious place with lots of wood (think wooden floor, tables and chairs with backrest) an Indonesian charm. On the wall behind comfortable bench seats with cushions, were Wayang Kuilt or Indonesian shadow puppets in white. Baskets of emping crackers with chilli sauce to dip in, and glasses of lime juice were placed on our tables. And as we settled in, the appetiser platter was served. Preferred the succulent grilled prawns and tender chicken satay to the begedil and fried spring rolls even though they were not oily.

Westgate Food Trail

Last Saturday, I participated in Westgate Food Trail organised by Food & Travel magazine. While this was not my first time to the shopping mall beside Jem, I have never been to the 4th floor where we gathered at Westgate Wonderland, a themed play area. What I like about Westgate is its mix of tenants including the only Borders (Kinokuniya is in Jem) in Singapore, Isetan department store and supermarket as well as restaurants opening their first branch outside the heart of Singapore – MK Restaurants at 313@Somerset and Ippudo with presence at Mandarin Gallery, Mohamed Sultan and Asia Square. Nara Thai Cuisine, with a branch at Ion Orchard, will open next week. CapitaLand vouchers can be used here or at nearby IMM and JCube.

Muthu’s Curry

Muthu's Curry at Suntec City is my favourite Indian restaurant because it is not only conveniently located in a shopping mall, but also serves consistently good food at reasonable prices. However, renovations at Suntec City have made manoeuvring around the once familiar shopping mall confusing and I have not visited in a long while. Started as Muthu Makan shop on Klang Road in 1969, Muthu's Curry has a branch at Race Course Road in Little India and another in Dempsey Hill. When I finally dropped by the renovated restaurant after a more-than-one-year hiatus, it was almost empty. Possibly because I was there on a weekday for early dinner or that it faced stiff competition from other restaurants also located at basement around the Fountain of Wealth. Sitting at one of the bench seats, I ordered mostly the usual and tried its Lamb Chops for the first time. No Fish Head Curry but Tandoori Chicken, Masala Prawns and Biryani Rice served with vegetables.