8_Days__June_1_2017

Beef
Rendang $10
a la carte (feeds
two pax); $14 set
(feeds one)
THE FOOD A good
measure of
any Peranakan joint can be made
by the quality of its rendang. And
this one rocks. After all, it uses
the same rempah (spice blend),
prepared in the central kitchen as
the main outlet’s. The thick coconut
sauce scented with turmeric leaves
is mouth-wateringly rich
and not too spicy. And
the chunks of beef shin
8 DAYS
PICK
dusted with spiced grated
coconut are deliciously
fork-tender.
8 DAYS
PICK
Babi Pongtay $10 for set meal (feeds one)
Another winner. The pork belly is braised in a salty
fermented bean sauce with shiitake mushrooms and
bamboo shoots till soft, gelatinous and fragrant. You can
order this a la carte ($7; feeds two), but the fab value set
meal for one comes with a side of Sayur Masak Lemak,
water spinach and sweet chunks of papaya drenched in a
salty dried shrimp and coconut gravy, and Nyonya Tauhu
with two small blocks of fried custardy tofu soaked in tau
cheo gravy. There’s even an excellent Sago Gula Melaka
for dessert, gooey pearls of sago bathed in caramelly palm
sugar syrup.
Nyonya Assam Laksa $7.80
Unfortunately, we weren’t impressed with this rice noodle
dish, which is only available here and not at the flagship
eatery. We found the spicy and tangy fish broth, garnished
with sliced onions, pineapples, lettuce, cucumbers, red
chillies and prawn paste, too light and lacking punch.
Kaya Cake $3.80 a slice
Rich and creamy kaya custard infused with the delicate
aroma of coconut and pandan is wedged between soft, fluffy
layers of sponge. Let this sit for a while at your table so that
it’s nice and thawed by the time you dig into it. So good.
BOTTOM LINE: Tingkat is a more affordable way
to taste sister eatery PeraMakan at Keppel’s sedap
dishes in a relaxed, casual setting. Do note that
portions here are smaller to match the lower prices,
and that its location is slightly inaccessible if you
don't drive.
8 DAYS | 55