Intrepid diners are often on the lookout for something that is novel, a dish so unimaginably inventive that it will leave them amazed by its pure ingenuity. One doesn’t have to look too far to find these semblances of culinary creativity – you can find them right here in Singapore.
To help you begin your search for the unusual, here are 7 wacky culinary fusions that are as unexpected as they are delicious!
Mentaiko Scallop by Jack’s Place
Mentaiko mayonnaise is an elevated take on conventional mayonnaise, with a creamy base that is infused with seasoned pollock roe. The chefs at Jack’s Place thought it was a great idea to pair this indulgent condiment with scallops, albeit with an execution that is simply brilliant!
Scallops are generously topped with mentaiko mayonnaise, baked, then torched, adding a toasty and slightly crispy top to complement the scallop’s melt-in-the-mouth texture. The natural sweetness of the scallops is accentuated by mentaiko’s inherent savouriness, amplifying its succulence with a much-needed oomph!
SAFRA members enjoy 10% discount at Jack’s Place SAFRA Jurong and SAFRA Punggol. Find out more at safra.sg/amenities-offerings/jack’s-place
Cereal Hae Bee Hiam Fried Ice Cream by Keng Eng Kee Seafood (KEK)
While it may not be known for its desserts, Keng Eng Kee Seafood is not afraid to try some novel experimentation. Like really, who would have thought to pair hae bee hiam (spicy fried shrimp) with coconut ice-cream in a golden fried pastry?
The combination works beautifully though, as strange as it might sound. Just like how chocolate can be elevated with a pinch of salt, the coconut ice-cream is elevated to new heights with the crunchiness, saltiness and mild spiciness of dried shrimp, resulting in a mind-blowingly good confection that will leave you wondering, “How come no one thought of this before, ah?”
SAFRA members enjoy 10% off at KEK SAFRA Punggol and 15% off at KEK SAFRA Tampines. Visit safra.sg/amenities-offerings/kek-seafood to find out more.
Sambal Belachan Aglio Olio by Old Habits
Saute some fresh chopped garlic, a drizzle of olive oil and some red pepper flakes with pasta noodles and voilà – you have yourself a classic pasta aglio olio.
While traditionalists may frown, modern culinarians like the Old Habits cafe at SAFRA Mount Faber are not afraid to inject a new twist into this classic Italian recipe. Instead of red pepper flakes, Old Habits combines the funkiness of shrimp paste and the tangy accents of sambal to enhance the dish with a fiery base, adding a new savoury intensity that breathes new life into this beloved pasta dish.
SAFRA members get 10% discount off all food and drinks at Old Habits. Go to safra.sg/amenities-offerings/old-habits to find out more.
Däs Pratwurst by Springleaf Prata
In addition to its menu of Northern and Southern Indian delicacies, Springleaf Prata has a series of inventive prata dishes that are inspired by international cuisine. Updated every year, its Ultimate Series features the likes of Plaster Blaster, a prata intended to emulate the buttery creaminess of Eggs Benedict, and the whimsically named Murtaburger, a play on the famous Ramly burger!
Nothing tops the list off quite like its 2020 instalment – the Däs Pratwurst. Coated with currywurst sauce, this German-inspired fusion comes with plenty of chicken sausage pieces, sauerkraut and topped with a light sprinkle of aromatic curry powder. And in true Springleaf Prata fashion, the dish is accompanied with a serving of their signature curry gravy.
SAFRA members enjoy 10% off at Springleaf Prata. For more details, visit safra.sg/amenities-offerings/springleaf-prata-place
Mysterious Prawn Noodle with Fried Mealworms by Takagi Ramen
Takagi Ramen brings together two classic noodle dishes – prawn mee and Japanese ramen – with its Halloween special, Mysterious Prawn Noodle Soup. With punchy prawn-based broth, this ramen variant is served with chewy noodles and juicy prawn slices, delivering a fusion of flavour from both Singapore and Japan! And you’re in for a surprise – each bowl comes with deep-fried mealworms for that textural crunch!
This mind-boggling creation is considered relatively tame for Takagi Ramen’s standards, given that they have introduced nuttier inventions before! Cockles Milk Tea: need we say more?
SAFRA members enjoy 10% off at Takagi Ramen at Staytion Lifestyle Centre. You can find more about the promotion at safra.sg/promotions/staytion-dhobyghaut
Get a facial, grab a sandwich and more – find out what else is on offer with discounts for SAFRA members at Staytion Lifestyle Centre <link>.
Ribena Wings by Working Title
Sure, you might grab a few chicken wings alongside a cup of refreshingly sweet Ribena. But to put them together? The chefs at Working Title have reduced the concentrated Ribena cordial into a viscous, sweet glaze and coated their seasoned wings with this sticky sauce, surprising diners with a piquant mix of tanginess and honeyed sweetness. It’s the perfect alternative to Korean fried chicken, without the spiciness.
Working Title is at Lasalle College of the Arts, 1 McNally Street, Block D, #01-01, Singapore 187490; Tel: 9436 2482
Gula Melaka Salted Egg Cake by Baker’s Brew
Gula melaka (palm sugar) is not as sweet as granulated sugar, with a deeply complex flavour that can be best described as a smoky butterscotch-like tang. Given its robust nature, it is rare to find another flavour that pairs nicely with gula melaka.
Baker’s Brew has possibly cracked the code by adding salted egg! Coated in a fluffy salted egg and gula melaka cream, this vanilla sponge cake answers the question, “What if?” beautifully, responding with a decadent dessert that is addictively salty-sweet.
Baker’s Brew is at various locations around Singpore, including Great World, Jem and Causeway Point.
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