okb - one kampong bahru

one kampong bahru is located at the corner of Kampong Bahru Road and Spottiswoode Park, right beside Savor Rey La Mian (which we learned is no longer there!!). From what I've heard, they have an interesting assortment of baked goods by day, but by night it becomes a bistro, serving wine by glass and beer as well. Each dish in the menu has a suggested wine pairing to go with it, for those who like that sort of thing.



The sharing plates concept reminds me a lot of Ku De Ta, but perhaps on a slightly less opulent end of the scale. You also don't get to enjoy a panoramic view of the Singapore city skyline, but hey, our favourite dog groomer is just a few shops down the row, and if you can get a lot, coupon parking is a plus. Chill music can be heard over the speakers, not loud enough to drown out casual conversation, and the vibe of the place is just relaxed with more than a hint of class. The clipboard menu isn't very extensive, with about 10 items on the menu, excluding the side dishes and drinks, just right for a gastronomic tease.

The seared scallops ($9) should be advertised as just seared scallops with secret sauce, rather than blatantly stating 'buah keluar oil' - it's actually really good with the seared outer and semi-soft inner, flavoured by the oil, but I keep wondering how it's supposed to taste like buah keluar, thus diminishing the wow factor. Comes on a bed of salad.

The sliced angus beef ($18) is garnished with raw onions, coriander and a sweet sauce. The best bits were the pure unadulterated fat, which was almost foie gras like, unfortunately I only came across 1 slice like that.

The divine Sheperd's Pie - is actually a meatball covered with mashed potato and pumpkin mix, of the very soft and moist kind. Because it was baked, you also get a little of the charred crisp bits. Really outstanding dish! (at $8, it's the cheapest of the three too).

The dishes came one at a time, allowing us time to slowly savour and discuss the flavours, then musing about other similar dishes we've had elsewhere. Water is provided from the onset and constantly refilled, something that Mky and I appreciate in any restaurant. The waiters are polite and fade into the background, and inquire your views on the food when you pay for the bill. Good service. Since I wasn't there with Mky this time round, I'll probably bring her here the next time Roxy needs her nails trimmed, if at least, just to savour the Sheperd's Pie.

okb

1 Kampong Bahru Rd, Singapore 169339
Tel: 6220 4711