[CLOSED] My NoNNa’s (SUTD)

Very lively and friendly owner (Geri / Geraldine Tan) who welcomed me into the shop with a smile and very cheerful 'Welcome!' the moment I stepped in. I had a quick chat with her to find out more about this cafe which I had no prior knowledge of. At the end of it, I was thoroughly impressed and moved by her 'craziness' and passion in what she is doing. As with other reviews, I think this cafe is worth giving a try if you happen to be in the East for both its social cause (Providing people with disabilities with employment) and value-for-money eats.

The cafe specialises in Italian cuisine but they do serve Asian dishes as well such as Thai Red Curry and currently, a Wagyu Beef Rendang as well!

Chicken Quesadilla ($5, $4.50 without chicken)
- Not oily at all
- Cheesy, slightly spicy, and lots of tomato flavour
Overall, I love the portion size and is definitely a substantial snack or even, a light meal. However, I felt that the flavours were quite flat and could have used some sauce with stronger flavours such as honey mustard or a vinagrette. The cuisine will probably become less 'Italian' but perhaps some chili powder or black pepper would work as well?
Taste: 5/10
Price: 7.5/10
Overall: 6/10

Despite not really liking the quesadilla, would definitely come back to try more of their dishes which seem more popular!

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Had the privilege of checking out @my_nonnas, a cafe at SUTD which serves primarily home-style Italian fare at very affordable prices - I kid you not. Helmed by Geri, the lady boss with a big heart and a witty sense of humour, the cafe focuses on engaging people with special needs, enabling them to grow a sense of independence and self-worth through service, and it was really heartening and definitely put a huge smile on my face to observe as the cheerful servers worked. 😊 Food-wise, I'm thoroughly impressed too - here are some highlights:

The Tiramisu is a standout here: light but generous layers of marscapone cheese fill between Italian ladyfingers soaked in Kahlua and Lavazza coffee mix. Boozy and texturally well-balanced, this was soooo good that I had close to two glasses! 😍

The Beef Stew with Mashed Potato and Chips is undoubtedly one of my top tier dishes here; tender and savoury chunks of beef soaked in what tastes like an alcohol-infused brown gravy, with a side of smooth, delicious mashed potato. Trust me - the chips work for some reason. 😉

Part of the Asian Delight selection, the Thai Red Curry with Blue Rice and Steamed Fish is also pretty darn good and not too spicy for my liking, while the fish is fresh and yummy!

Other dishes include Beef Bolognese, Italian Chicken with Pasta, Blackened Fish with Quinoa, Chicken Rice Bowl and Salmon, just to name a few!

Now that you've made it this far into the review, it's GIVEAWAY TIME! One of my followers stands to win a meal for two at @my_nonnas - all you gotta do is:

1. Like this post
2. Follow @my_nonnas and @thefussyfoodie_
3. Tell me which dish you'd be most keen to try here and tag a friend you'd like to bring with you!
4. BONUS ENTRY if you leave a Google review about your experience here

One comment equals one entry; multiple entries allowed! Winner is chosen at random. Giveaway only open to Singaporeans or folks residing in Singapore; head over to @yanfoodography and @yongkaiiii's page to increase your chances of winning!

Shoutout to @laurstasia @yanfoodography and the folks at @my_nonnas for hosting the tasting! 🙏🏻

Chef-owner Geri employs staff who are autistic, have intellectual disabilities, or with physical disabilities including the wheelchair bound.

To be honest, this is a seldom talked-about subject in Singapore, and many people may not know how best to communicate with the staff there.

They feel the proudest when the staff get a sense of independence and self-worth, because there are those who stay at home and eventually find it more difficult to integrate into society.

This is also opportunity for students to learn how to interact with people who may seem to be different from them.

Geri also shared difficulties in getting fundings, the red tape, the long wait etc.
So well... DFD decided to sponsor them their new POS system, just a little something to help the staff in their way, and because they taught me when Love is.
When we give, we receive much much. All the best My NoNNa’s team!
bit.ly/mynonnas