Oriole Coffee + Bar is one of the longest running cafés in Singapore. Founded in 2008, Oriole, like its name suggests, is a café in the day and a bar at night. If you still are new to Oriole, it is actually located right in the city centre simply minutes away from Somerset MRT Station.
Oriole's menu was just extensive. From the usual brunch options like Smashed Avocado Toast ($18.00) to locally inspired dishes Shrimp-paste Marinated Chicken Wings a.k.a Har Cheong Gai ($16.00) . It is a place where you can satisfy each and every palette.
When we visited the cafe, it was around lunch hour so we had to get the mains! We got a total of 3 mains and a side: Sweet Soy Pork Ribs, Spicy Crabmeat Capellini, Bacon Truffle Mac and Cheese and Spicy Calamari.
The Sweet Soy Pork Ribs ($32.00) are one of Oriole's Signature mains. The ribs were fall off the bone tender. Each rib is generously coated in their special "Kecap Manis" (otherwise known as Sweet Soy Sauce), making it palatable for not only adults but for kids as well! This is a must-try for anyone who is a fan of sweet-savoury combination. However, personally thought more smokiness would further elevate the flavour of the ribs! [Ratings: 3.5/5]
Being a huge fan of capellini, crabmeat and spice, I had high expectations for this next dish. The Spicy Crabmeat Capellini ($28.00) was topped generously with crabmeat and pasta was cooked al dente. The only thing that fell short was the spice. It wasn't as spicy as I preferred and it lacked the kick. However, for those who can't take spice this is definitely something in the menu to look out for! [Ratings: 3/5]
Bacon Truffle Mac and Cheese ($26.00) stole the show. The savouriness of the bacon, coupled with the creaminess of the cheese and the slight touch of truffle in every bite was just amazing. There was nothing cloying about it and it kept us wanting for more. This is the one of the dishes that would make me visit Oriole time and time again! [Ratings: 4/5]
Much like the mac and cheese, Spicy Calamari ($16.00) lived up to its name. It was a wonderfully done rendition of calamari with pickled chilli which gives a tinge of sourness to the spice making it extremely palatable! One thing that can make it better would definitely be having the chilli on the side instead of being drizzled on top as the calamari got soggy at the end. [Ratings: 3.5/5]
To end off our meal, we had the Chocolate Fudge Cake ($14.00). It was a decent chocolate cake with a creamy hazelnut gelato. The warm cake and cold gelato complimented each other greatly. While nothing mind-blowing, it was still a good note to end the meal! [Ratings: 3/5]
Oriole Coffee + Bar is definitely a place to drop by if you're craving for some good mac and cheese or even a place with good coffee. Will definitely be back to try more items on their menu!
Overall Ratings: 7/10
Location: 96 Somerset Rd, #01-01, Singapore 238163
Nearest MRT: Somerset MRT
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