I dare say it’s been a couple of years since I last stepped into GT. The menu’s changed (no more salad base omg), there’re now more unfamiliar faces, and even the vibe feels oddly different; but one thing’s for sure — the food’s still as solid as ever. I fell back on their quinoa given that the greens are now gone, and I’m pleased to say it’s as tasty as I remember them to be when they first opened their doors. The Sous-vide Salmon’s still fork tender and beautifully charred on the outside (if smaller than I recall haha); Roast Chicken’s as juicy and well-seasoned; and really all my favourites that they still carry remain as delicious. Sure there are plenty of other grain bowl options around right now and yes GT isn’t exactly the cheapest. Perhaps it’s nostalgia, as well as the fact that I know I’d always leave the restaurant mega satisfied, that cements GT as among my fave grain bowl spots. Ever. Besides they now carry Mate Mate and I swear there’s no better way to end the meal than with a can of this refreshing sparkling tea 🥰
Being in the heart of the financial district, the rustic-themed Grain Traders is a really nice place to people-watch during lunchtime (that is, if you can beat the office crowd to get a window seat). Get your money's worth by choosing the more exotic options; here is crusted tuna tataki (+$1.50), ratatouille, mixed bean salad, curried veg and sunflower seeds atop barley risotto, diviiiine.
Here for their grain bowl that you can choose from 1 base, 1 protein, 2 veggies, 1 side, 1 topping and 1 dressing for $16.
I got the sea bass with lemon & curry leaf dressing (seems like this was famous as they just served the 2nd platter for this). It doesn’t taste very fishy at all for me.
Snagged a 1 for 1 using Shopback! This bowl ($10) comprises sourdough topped with mashed avocado. The toast was too dense but the spread was great!! Lightly flavoured and very generous with its portion. Accompanied it with sautéed mushrooms, mixed bean salad and egg cocette. A highlight was the salsa verde - a tangy tomato sauce with a spicy kick!
Am surprised that so little has been said about Grain Traders’ breakfast options - snagged two bowls for the price of one ($10) using Shopback! Picked sourdough for my base but was disappointed to find it very dense and hard (not at all airy, and a lot more like rye). Paired it with house made ricotta cheese and vegan avo hollandaise! Also had broccoli kale spinach (little bit strange for breakfast oops) and scrambled eggs. Super worthwhile for its price but I could probably have done better with my selection of ingredients!
Protein: Donburi Salmon
2 veggies: Broccoli & Mushrooms, Beetroot & Carrots
Base: Brown Rice
1 Salad : Bean Salad
1 Topping: furikake
1 Sauce: Miso Caramel
Overall a very nourishing bowl that’s delicious as well!
Priced at SGD 17.5 but everything on it was generous in portion especially the salmon
GUIDE