Orchard

Nanbantei's $13.80++ Lunch Bento Set is damn good value for money (even more so nowadays since everything else is getting so expensive in Singapore). Why do I think that? Well, what you get is a compact box with neatly-arranged, well-grilled skewers of chicken and leek, quail eggs, meatballs, bacon-wrapped asparagus and pork with shiso leaf, as well as a couple of raw vegetable sticks plus an accompanying miso paste dip. The other half of the box is filled with a thin layer of rice blanketed in separated sections of seaweed, mushrooms and minced pork (the latter two have a yummy sweetish taste from the sauce used).
Included in the set is a bowl of piping hot miso soup that's served at the same time as the bento, as well as a petite dessert of chilled red bean with a single button of mochi that always automatically appears when you're nearing the end of your lunch.
The impression I have after coming here for close to two decades is that nearly everyone who visits in the middle of the day, tends to order this. There's proof of its enduring appeal.

Nara Thai's new fiery additions are a hot treat.

The restaurant has introduced 14 new items to its menu. Named Bangkok Sois' Hidden Gems, these dishes are adapted from Thai classics by featuring unconventional ingredients. Among a few of my favourites is Phad Kra Pao Phunim (S$16.90++), a modified rendition of Nara Thai's bestselling Stir-fried Soft Shell Crab. It now comes with a spicy thick sauce of red chilies and hot basil.

Also, Nara Thai has a loyalty programme named Nara Rewards. For just $20, one can enjoy benefits such as a rebate of 10% on nett spend, a complimentary 1-for-1 voucher and 20% off in your birthday month! Furthermore, from now till 31 Aug, get instant $30 credit (usually $25) once you sign up on their Facebook page!

This was a tasting hosted by the restaurant. Thank you Nara Thai and Burpple for the invite! 😋

Just finished the savoury and starting on my cakes!

Had quite forgotten how humongous the portions here are – I barely managed to finish half the scrambled eggs (although I did polish off the bagel and herb cream cheese cleanly). The knishes here are a must-order; each parcel of puff pastry is swollen with mashed potato and peppery pastrami. And the latkes this time were better-cooked and crispier around the edges than I remember them to be when I first dined here last December.