One Bowl Restaurant & Bar Tasting Session
101 Jalan Sultan
#01-00 The Sultan Hotel
Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm
https://www.facebook.com/onebowlsg/
This was an invited media review. I did not pay for the meal during the free hosted tasting session, but I did pay the standard price during subsequent visits.
Attended with representatives from High Net Worth, Chubby Botak Koala, Purple Taste, Jelly Love Fats, and Fundamentally Flawed.
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| One Bowl Restaurant & Bar, Flat Lay |
Homely Comfort Food, Restaurant Setting
(Ratings: On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 = Worst and 10 = Best)
Overall: 8
Ambience & Setting: 9
Food & Beverage: 9
Service: 7
Value for Money: 9
Budget about SGD $22 per person.
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Opened in November 2017 within The Sultan Hotel at the Kampong Glam area of Singapore, One Bowl Restaurant & Bar is an elegant dining destination where you can get homely, down-to-earth, yet delicious comfort food. Spurred by encouragement from her clique of friends, retired civil servant and home cook extraordinaire Tammie Loke took the leap to open One Bowl Restaurant & Bar, serving up home made dishes drawn from her family recipes, one tasty bowl at a time.
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| One Bowl Restaurant & Bar Signage |
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| One Bowl Restaurant & Bar Art Engraving |
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| The Sultan Hotel Signage |
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| The Sultan Hotel Facade |
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| One Bowl Restaurant & Bar Standee |
Ambience at One Bowl Restaurant & Bar exudes a sophisticated and refined elegance. The boutique setting features sturdy, hand carved wooden tables, and comfortable cushioned chairs and booths, neatly arrayed within the small floor space which is warmly lit by low spotlights. Clever use of walls to segment the area, allowing for a measure of privacy and exclusivity. Most striking is the decor, beautiful porcelain bowls and spoons arranged in geometric patterns. Feels so luxurious.
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| Dining Hall |
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| The Bar |
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| Seating & Table Setting |
Service at One Bowl Restaurant & Bar manages to be personable and attentive, almost the standard expected of a high-end restaurant. The young staff are friendly and welcoming, efficiently fulfilling requests or clearing away finished plates throughout the meal. Part of the appeal is the personalised attention they accord each table, due in part to the seating capacity. Chef Tammie Loke and floor manager Ace will even come by to engage guests when available.
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| Aesthetic Art Wall - Bowls & Spoons |
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| Piece 1 |
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| Piece 2 |
Food at One Bowl Restaurant & Bar revolves around home made, traditional flavours of Chinese cuisine, drawn from Chef's family recipes. However, dishes are 'bowled' in Modern Singaporean style, akin to that of high-end restaurants. The evidence is in the taste; and each dish we had was delicious. Yes, one bowl is never enough, particularly with the outstanding char siew signature dishes, freshly made before each meal period. Consistency is ensured as Chef hand makes all marinades and sauces herself, and gives the kitchen team precise instructions for cooking. Portions are large and hearty, and despite the high quality and boutique setting, prices are surprisingly affordable. Budget about SGD $22 per person for a meal here.
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| Piece 3 |
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| Piece 4 |
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| Piece 5 |
Sampled a variety of drinks here. The Hot Honey Lemon (SGD $3.50) is pretty straightforward, as is the Shirley Temple Mocktail (SGD $5.50). The Apple Blossom Mocktail (SGD $5.50) is refreshing with its fruity sweet earthy flavours, but I think my favourite is the Mocha Smoothie (SGD $6.50). Can taste the blend of chocolate and coffee within, and the texture isn't as thick or filling like a milkshake, making it easy to drink. The Banana Smoothie (SGD $6.50) had too much vanilla though, and the bar is reworking the ratio.
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| Hot Honey Lemon (SGD $3.50) |
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| Shirley Temple Mocktail (SGD $5.50), Apple Blossom Mocktail (SGD $5.50) |
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| Mocha Smoothie (SGD $6.50), Banana Smoothie (SGD $6.50) |
Served complimentary with each order of the signature char siew dishes, the Vegetable Soup (SGD $??) is a delicate, comforting soup / broth that helps open the appetite. This Chinese Cantonese double-boiled delight has carrot, corn, and winter melon within, giving it a light vegetal sweet flavour. I understand it's also available to hotel guests as part of the breakfast buffet.
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| Vegetable Soup (SGD $??) |
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| Vegetable Soup |
Some delicious Ngoh Hiang / 5-Spice Pork & Prawn Rolls (SGD $13) here. Each little nugget is piping hot, having a slightly crisp exterior and a juicy interior. Bite in, and the sweet savoury flavours of the pork and prawn / shrimp burst onto the palate. Love the slight crunch of texture from the water chestnut too, making each bite interesting. Pair it with the sticky sweet sauce, or better, the home made chili which has a light fiery kick and a distinct shrimp flavour.
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| Ngoh Hiang / 5-Spice Pork & Prawn Rolls (SGD $13) |
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| Ngoh Hiang / 5-Spice Pork & Prawn Rolls |
The Pork Trotter Jelly (SGD $??) is an off-menu item, which Chef Tammie Loke prepares in advance for close friends, so we were fortunate to get to sample it. Her version looks so vibrant and colourful, with a slippery and crunchy texture, and a delicate savoury salty flavour. Her home made chili dipping sauce gives it a refreshing tangy spicy kick.
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| Pork Trotter Jelly (SGD $??) |
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| Pork Trotter Jelly |
The Hot Braised Tofu With Ginger Sauce (SGD $10) has tofu beancurd which is silky smooth and wobbly within. The warm, zesty herbal savoury spice gravy has a bright burst of flavour, making this pair well with rice.
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| Hot Braised Tofu With Ginger Sauce (SGD $10) |
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| Hot Braised Tofu With Ginger Sauce |
The Cold Steamed Tofu With Pork Floss And Century Eggs (SGD $10) has stringy pork floss sandwiched between layers of wobbly, silky smooth tofu beancurd. Served chilled with a garnish of century eggs, the familiar sweet savoury eggy flavours are comforting, yet the dish itself looks modern and appealing.
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| Cold Steamed Tofu With Pork Floss And Century Eggs (SGD $10) |
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| Cold Steamed Tofu With Pork Floss And Century Eggs |
The Signature Char Siew In Fried Mantou (SGD $5 / $12) are a house special. Think sliders; crisp fried mantou buns, stuffed with a large slice of char siew - roasted pork belly coated in a secret marinade; along with a juicy vegetal sweet slice of cucumber. The smoky, caramelised notes of the char siew and its deep savoury sweet salty flavour is so addictive, the ratio of fat to lean meat just right. Excellent appetizer or bar snack. Highly recommended!
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| Signature Char Siew In Fried Mantou (SGD $5 / $12) |
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| Signature Char Siew In Fried Mantou |
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| Signature Char Siew In Fried Mantou |
A personal dish, the Pig Trotters In Vinegar With Ginger & Egg (SGD $11.90) is among the better renditions around. While the intense tangy sour savoury flavours could perhaps be more balanced, the pig's trotters are properly gelatinous in texture, making this easy to eat. Served with a bowl of white rice and braised egg, I like that the gravy isn't oily.
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| Pig Trotters In Vinegar With Ginger & Egg (SGD $11.90) |
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| Pig Trotters In Vinegar With Ginger & Egg |
The Claypot Rice (SGD $11.90) isn't served in a claypot, but the generous portion of ingredients compensate for the lack of smoky aroma. Filled with chunks of tender chicken, salted fish, white rice, 2 kinds of Chinese sausage, shiitake mushrooms, and spring onions, the combination of flavours are bold, earthy savoury salty sweet, and delicious. Hearty dish, I would order this again.
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| Claypot Rice (SGD $11.90) |
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| Claypot Rice |
The Signature Char Siew Noodles (SGD $9.90) has that melt-in-the-mouth, thick and tender slabs of char siew pork belly, with its deep savoury sweet salty flavour. Laid on thin and springy yellow egg noodles, tossed in a balanced savoury salty gravy of light soy sauce and sesame oil, making it so easy to eat. No wanton dumplings served with this, instead, the vegetable soup is served alongside. Really good. Highly recommended!
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| Signature Char Siew Noodles (SGD $9.90) |
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| Signature Char Siew Noodles |
The key difference with the Signature Char Siew Garlic Fried Rice (SGD $10.90) is the smoky wok hei / breath of the wok in the garlic fried rice. Super fragrant, super tasty. Bold and unctuous, the glistening slices of char siew pork belly beckon invitingly. We enjoyed every bite of this, and it's our group's favourite dish of the evening. Highly recommended!
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| Signature Char Siew Garlic Fried Rice (SGD $10.90) |
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| Signature Char Siew Garlic Fried Rice |
Loved the tasty and well executed Fish Porridge With Special Condiments (SGD $9.90). The congee rice porridge is done traditional Chinese Cantonese style, which is almost as thick as a stew, with a warm, comforting feel. Generous portion of sliced boneless seabass fish, tender and smooth and sweet savoury, along with fragrant julienne ginger, salty savoury fried scallions in dark soy sauce, and fresh crunchy spring onions, complete this wonderful dish. The big flavours and huge portion can get overwhelming if you attempt to eat this as an individual, so it's best shared. Good!
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| Fish Porridge With Special Condiments (SGD $9.90) |
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| Fish Porridge With Special Condiments |
Served chilled, the Aiyu Jelly With Aloe Vera (SGD $4.80) is a refreshing and sweet soup / broth, filled with wobbly soft aiyu jelly / ice jelly, and tender cubes of aloe vera. Little goji berries / wolfberries lend some colour and a chewy texture. Makes for a nice finish to a meal, and I find it to be more tasty than most versions in other restaurants.
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| Aiyu Jelly With Aloe Vera (SGD $4.80) |
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| Aiyu Jelly With Aloe Vera |
Only the best quality Japanese ice cream / sorbet is served here, and each of the Premium Black Sesame Ice Cream, Premium Matcha Ice Cream, Premium Yuzu Sorbet (SGD $3.80 each) are testament to the quality. All have smooth, creamy textures, and while the flavour is bold, it's never overly sweet, and you still taste the natural black sesame / green tea / yuzu flavours within. Actually better than I expected.
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| Premium Black Sesame Ice Cream, Premium Matcha Ice Cream, Premium Yuzu Sorbet (SGD $3.80 each) |
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| Premium Black Sesame Ice Cream, Premium Matcha Ice Cream, Premium Yuzu Sorbet |
Overall, I loved my dining experience at One Bowl Restaurant & Bar. The winning combination of aesthetically pleasing ambience, personable service, and delicious comfort Chinese and Modern Singaporean food, make One Bowl Restaurant & Bar a good dining destination of choice. Suitable for corporate events, private parties, large group communal dining, family meals, or intimate dates. A visit is highly recommended.
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Update Dec-2019: Returned to One Bowl Restaurant & Bar again after more than 1 year, and I'm glad things haven't changed much. The ambience, service, and food are as good as before, and prices have remained more or less constant.
The Ngoh Hiang / 5-Spice Pork & Prawn Rolls (SGD $13) remains as good as before. Served piping hot, each piece has a slightly crisp exterior and a juicy interior. The clear sweet savoury flavours of the pork and prawn / shrimp still burst onto the palate, while the slight crunchy texture from the water chestnut keeps this interesting. Pair it with the sticky sweet sauce, or better, the home made chili which has a light fiery kick and a distinct shrimp flavour.
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| Ngoh Hiang / 5-Spice Pork & Prawn Rolls (SGD $13) |
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| Ngoh Hiang / 5-Spice Pork & Prawn Rolls |
The Signature Char Siew In Fried Mantou (SGD $5 for 2 pieces) looks as cute as ever. The plating is visually appetizing, with the large slice of tender juicy char siew roasted pork belly sticking out from the crisp fried mantou bun. Coated in a secret marinade, the pork is paired with a juicy vegetal sweet slice of cucumber. This has smoky, caramelised notes with an addictive deep savoury sweet salty flavour. As before, the ratio of fat to lean meat is just right.
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| Signature Char Siew In Fried Mantou (SGD $5 for 2 pieces) |
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| Signature Char Siew In Fried Mantou |
The Jiaozi Zhengjiao / Pork & Chives Dumplings (SGD $7) here is pretty good. These steamed dumplings have a medium thick flour wrapper, filled generously with minced pork and garlic chives. With a light tender crunchy texture and a bold burst of juice, this has delicate vegetal meaty sweet savoury salty herbal flavour. Well balanced and not overly intense. Served with a black vinegar, ginger, and chili dipping sauce. Good!
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| Jiaozi Zhengjiao / Pork & Chives Dumplings (SGD $7) |
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| Jiaozi Zhengjiao / Pork & Chives Dumplings |
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| Jiaozi Zhengjiao / Pork & Chives Dumplings |
For those who just can't get enough, there's the Signature Char Siew (SGD $18 for 200g) platter. This has beautifully caramelised slices of char siew roasted pork belly, with a tender juicy fatty texture and bold sweet savoury salty flavour. Each slice has a nice ratio of fat to lean pork meat, with a smoky char around the edges. Highly recommended!
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| Signature Char Siew (SGD $18 for 200g) |
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| Signature Char Siew |
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| Signature Char Siew |
An uncommon Chinese Hakka dish, the Yellow Wine Chicken (SGD $15) features chunks of bone-in chicken, Chinese Huangjiu yellow rice wine, black fungus / cloud ear fungus, ginger, salt, light soy sauce, parsley, white pepper, goji berries / wolfberries, and sesame oil. It has a bright, refreshing, boozy herbal earthy sweet flavour, with contrasting textures from the crunchy black fungus / cloud ear fungus, tender chicken, and smooth soup / broth. Super tasty. Good!
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| Yellow Wine Chicken (SGD $15) |
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| Yellow Wine Chicken (SGD $15) |
The predominant flavour in the Fried XO Mee Sua (SGD $16 / $18) is the savoury salty shrimp notes from the use of dried shrimp. This coats every strand of the thin vermicelli wheat flour noodles, complementing the tender straw mushrooms with earthy flavour, and soft shredded egg omelette with eggy sweet flavour. Tasty but can be rather intense after awhile.
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| Fried XO Mee Sua (SGD $16 / $18) |
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| Fried XO Mee Sua |
The Chendol (SGD $4.80) is served over a mound of rough crushed ice, with generous toppings of creamy coconut milk, thick gula melaka / palm sugar, slippery pandan / screwpine leaf infused jelly noodles, tender red beans, gelatinous grass jelly cubes, and chewy attap seeds / nipa palm seeds. While I would have liked more gula melaka / palm sugar for greater taste, this still holds decent earthy milky sweet nutty flavours. A decent enough rendition. Worth ordering!
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| Chendol (SGD $4.80) |
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| Chendol |
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| Chendol |
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CONVERSATION