Visited the new Tanglin Cookhouse that had recently opened its doors at Tanglin Mall — the mall is currently in the midst of the revamp, and has also seen other tenants such as Poke Theory and Nick Vina Artisan Bakery move into the mall; long-time tenant Caffe Beviamo has also been relocated to another unit with a whole new interior as well. Located at Level 1, Tanglin Cookhouse isn’t particularly difficult to find if one enters the mall through the entrance closest to Starbucks Coffee and Nando’s — Tanglin Cookhouse is the latest concept by Creative Eateries, which also run other F&B establishments such as Patara Fine Thai Cuisine (also located within Tanglin Mall), Bangkok Jam, Typhoon Cafe and Suki-Ya; just to name a few. At Tanglin Cookhouse, the dining establishment strives to bring its patrons back to the colonial times through cuisine with their Asian-inspired European fare; being “inspired by the rich culinary traditions and influences of British cooking”. The menu is pretty extensive here — there are sections dedicated to Breakfast that runs from 9am to 3pm, Brunch that is available from 10:30am to 3pm on weekdays and 9am to 3pm on weekends and Lunch and Dinner which runs from 12pm to closing. The Lunch and Dinner section of the menu comprises of sub-sections ranging from appetiser, to salads, soups, Western mains, Asian-inspired mains and pasta — a kids menu titled “For the Little Ones” is also available. Apart from the desserts listed in the menu, there are also viennoiserie, cakes and pastries displayed in the bread trolley located at the entrance and also in the display fridge to choose from; they also do provide for a good variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages as well.

The Welsh Rarebit with Espresso Bacon Jam is an item that is being listed on the “Breakfast” section of the menu which is available only from 9am to 3pm daily — it comprises of elements such as Brioche Toast, Farmed Egg, Béchamel Sauce,
Triple Cheese and Petite Salad as per its description on the menu. When it was first served to our table, we felt that the Welsh Rarebit with Espresso Bacon Jam does bear a striking resemblance to one of our favourite dishes served at another indie cafe — the Gashouse Eggs from One Man Coffee; right from how it does consist of a variant of bacon jam, to the plating of the Espresso Bacon Jam that is serge on a round slice of toast. The similarities don’t end there — slicing through the toast does reveal a surprise of a sous vide egg with molten egg yolk within; the golden goodness eager to burst as one slices the toast down. The brioche toast comes with crisp edges, yet fluffy within — absorbed the molten yolk so well whilst also carried a slight hint of sweetness of its own; the triple cheese melted over the toast with the bechamel sauce further adds a savouriness that works pretty well with the eggy notes as well. For those who prefer a heavier flavour, add on the Espresso Bacon Jam for a bit of bite; think of it as chopped up candied bacon that is laced in an espresso glaze that is all sweet, and savoury with a bitter undertone from the espresso that gives it the dish a good meaty bite that antes up the overall flavour profile. All in all, pretty much spiritually the same as the dish that other dish we liked, and one that we felt was pretty decently executed considering the commercial outfit that it seems to be.

Tanglin Cookhouse does seem like a spot that expats and locals in the area alike will like having around in the neighbourhood — situated conveniently in the mall, Tanglin Cookhouse does serve up items that speaks to the locals, whilst offering familiar Western dishes that would resonate with the expats. Whilst it is being run by a group rather than being an indie establishment, we found the quality of food to be more than decent here, which we would say is a pretty commendable deal for such commercial establishments out there — we would hope that they are able to maintain the level of quality over time. That being said, service isn’t the smoothest here though we would also reckon that it is pretty much attributed to being teething issues for a newly-opened establishment — probably just needs some time to smoothen their operations. Wouldn’t really say I would make my way out for Tanglin Cookhouse, but it does work as a spot good for gatherings and catch-ups alike; all that with pretty decent food to go along with which I would not mind having again if in the area and having a bit of cash to spare.