Sando (NTP+)

Sando has been one of those establishments that we had been looking forward to visit for a number of years when we had first heard about them — these folks have been operating from their space in Alexandra Technopark for quite some time, and the location and its operation hours does make it a little difficult to plan on a visit. That being said, these folks do seem to be ready to expand their operations in recent times, and have opened a new location within NTP+ just a short walking distance away from Lorong Chuan MRT Station with the turn of the new year. Sando takes over half of the space that was previously tenanted to Wooga Jjajang x Yuk Tan KBBQ there. Taking up the space of a single shop unit there, Sando’s NTP+ space is decently-sized — the interior being decked in a manner that replicates that of an old-school American deli; the use of dark wooden accents for its furniture and fittings alongside the bricks found along its counters and concrete floors felt a little close to that of what establishments like nakey. and B FOR BAGEL had adopted as well. Whilst some of its seatings comprises of stool seating, most of its dine-in space is made out of tables good for groups of four (4) pax. The menu at Sando’s NTP+ location is segmented in a manner that is similar to that they offer at Alexandra Technopark; the menu comprises of sections such as All Day Breakfast, Lunch Sandwiches, Rice Bowls, Sharing Plates and Coffee; the beverages available would include espresso-based specialty coffee, Brews, Breezy and Craft Beer (stocked in the display fridge near the entrance).

We visited Sando at its NTP+ location on a weekend dinner service and we were told that they had already run out of all Rice Bowl offerings for the day. Since Sando is an establishment that is all about their Sando offerings, we found our attention turning towards the items listed in the All Day Breakfast and Lunch Sandwiches section of the menu instead. Of all the items that are listed in the Lunch Sandwiches section of the menu, it was the Hoki Fish Sando that caught our attention; after all, it isn’t common to find a Sando that comes with a fish element anyway. The menu at Sando describes the Hoki Fish Sando to come with elements such as Fried Hoki Fish, Burger Sauce, Mint Cream, Lettuce and Cheddar Cheese. Taking a bite into the Hoki Fish Sando, first impressions will be how soft, light and fluffy the buns were — it does seem that the folks at Sando had grilled the buns before assembling the Sando altogether. Considering how the Hoki Fish Sando involves the use of fish, it is also noted that the Hoki Fish Sando will be the item to go for for those whom do not intend to have an item that is too heavy. The Fried Hoki Fish comes with a fried batter that is almost akin to that of what can find in true-blue English-style fish & chips; crisp without being greasy whilst tightly encasing the moist flesh of the fish within and not particularly greasy. We did feel like the combination of the burger sauce and mint cream does seem to end up with a flavour profile that felt rather similar to that of tartar sauce; that slight zing and tang that kept things refreshing whilst giving a creaminess to the fish — the cheddar cheese providing a slight savouriness while the lettuce and purple cabbage added an element of crunch.

Whilst skimming through the menu, another item that had caught our attention would be the Tamago Bacon Sando that is being listed on the All Day Breakfast section of the menu. One thing that is noted about Sando is how it allows its patrons to opt to add a side of Wingettes or Fries to their order of the All Day Breakfast / Lunch Sandwiches sando at an additional cost — we went with the Fries for our order of the Tamago Bacon Sando. Sando described its Tamago Bacon Sando to come with elements such as Tamago, smoked bacon, sweet onion chutney, cheddar and bonito flakes. An item that is undoubtedly hearty, the Tamago here is done just about right here where it is thick, yet soft and fluffy; one an also feel the different layers of the egg being folded on top of one another, while the egg also retains a moist texture while at it as well. The bacon is one that is of a thick cut; comes with a meaty bite whilst being savoury and carrying a slightly smoky note from the grilling process — all that whilst coming with the same pillowy soft buns as the Hoki Fish Sando. The inclusion of the sweet onion chutney gives an additional touch of sweetness typical of caramelised onions to the Tamago Bacon Sando, while the bonito flakes provided a umami note as well. The Fries that we had opted for to come together with the Tamago Bacon Sando were shoestring fries; coming all crisp without being particularly greasy, we do note that these did carry some flavour without being excessively seasoned with salt at the same time.

We also had given their Cereal Milk Latte a go during the same visit; Sando uses a blend of coffee beans roasted by Allpress Espresso for their line-up of espresso-based specialty coffee. Available in both hot and iced variants, we went for the latter and was surprised by how the Cereal Milk Latte carried a slightly floral and nutty note from the cereal milk which fused really well with the nutty and earthy flavour profile of the coffee — all that with just a very slight dash of sweetness to bring up the flavours of the cereal milk without having the cuppa feel overly sweetened; quite one that truly impressed us. Sando seems like one of those establishments that really delivers — its offerings being a product of passion for the craft and does seem like a proud creation that the folks behind the brand are ready to stand by; it does remind us of the likes of some other establishments serving up sandos, sourdough pizzas and bagels around the island that are just simply driven by wanting to serve their patrons their very best whilst also offering patrons with flavours that their patrons had never imagined with a certain sense of “rowdiness” instilled in their DNA. We were most definitely satisfied with what we have had during our visit; this is also explains the popularity of the brand as well. On one hand, it did feel like we should have made the visit to their Alexandra Technopark outlet earlier in the days when they had just opened their doors, though we are still glad that we have checked them out now that they are in a more accessible location around the island. We are definitely looking forward to seeing what these folks would be able to bring as time goes on, but we would also like to take the opportunity to congratulate these folks on the opening of their new location, and wishing them all the best in what is to come!