Thursday, March 21, 2013

Bespoke Japanese Vegetarian Dining (藤素食) @ Sunshine Plaza Bugis

Hi Everyone, I truely am overwhelmed by the number of likes on my facebook page. It's very rewarding to see more and more people being open to vegetarian food. It is through one of my friend's facebook that I got to know of this new establishment.
So the curious me decided to try it out last night! Located right opposite the vegetarian building (Fortune Centre) is this new place, Bespoke Vegetarian Dining. Not a new concept as the Chief Chef was originally from Zen Japanese Vegetarian. They are not the same owners as verified.

Here's the entrance of the restaurant
I tried to Google what Bespoke means but to no avail. It does mean Customization. Perhaps the idea behind was to make customised vegetarian japanese cuisine.

The Restaurant Interior
The Chinese Character (藤) as written. 藤  in english means "Cane" or "Wisteria", which is a kind of flower. I overheard the owner using this character for Cane.. not sure of the reason why.

Quite nicely layout of the cafe, Modern and Zen Style

The Menu
Professional Printed. The Menu has more than 50 choices available. They do serve Ala Carte or Set meals similarly to the previous Zen.

 As I wanted to try the Sashimi & Pork Cutlet, decided to order this set to try!
Yummy Green tea. A pity the pot wasn't well made as the water did not flow out well.
The Sashimi Set $35

This is the Sashimi Set which is suitable for more than 2 persons to share. Its a HUGE portion! Comprises of the following:- Fresh Salad with Japanese Sesame Sauce (The avocado slices are really good!); Pork Cutlet (Crispy); 6 Slices of Sashimi (Vegetarian of cos!); Fresh Greens (Stir Fried Long Beans spinkled with Veg Pork Floss; Steamed Pumpkin; Pickles; Miso Soup, A bowl of Rice; Dessert (Panna Cotta)
So how did they taste? The Salad. I love the sauce as its mixed with Sesame and Miso Dressing.
The Pork Cutlet:- I saw it costs $10 on the Ala carte menu and the picture of this was so appealing! Definitely yummy and I couldnt make out what flour was used for the coating. Good Job on this!
Sashimi:- Made from Konnyaku, which is available in the market as most vegetarian suppliers sell this. Aint too bad, but people who are not into vegetarian mock may find it too chewy.
The Long Beans tastes really good, but a tad too oily.
The Pumpkin:- Yummy and fresh.
Couldnt comment much on the miso soup as it always tastes too salty for me.  (Opps I've forgotten to remove the cover of the soup bowl here!)
The Dessert:- I found out that this is vegetarian Panna Cotta as most Panna Cotta is made with Gelatin, which we cannot consume. This was really creamy, like a pudding. Served with Fresh Cream and Strawberries. Not suitable for vegans though.
Pricy but worth sharing!
Buckwheat Noodles Soup $9
Mr Tea wanted to try this Buckwheat noodles soup. I've always envied those who post pictures of the japanese Ramen. This is a really good alternative. Comprises of Japanese Buckwheat Noodles, Vegetables, Tofu Skin and Japanese Mushrooms. I can't make out what is in the soup based but the noodles was really chewy. On the side was something that does tastes like Quinoa which is a little crispy. Again, this can be shared as the serving is big.

Shitake Mushrooms with Cheese $12

This is one of the recommended by the manager of the shop. As the picture on the menu was too tempting, I decided to order even though it costs $2 per piece of mushroom! This is pure heavenly, and it is a MUST-ORDER. The fresh Japanese Shitake is firstly deep fried with tempura flour, then topped with Japanese Cream, and covered with a piece of Japanese Cheese on top. Lastly it is baked to make the cheeese melts. This totally won me over. I was told they have sold over 100 plates even though they are only opened for 3 weeks! Impressive creation I must say, as this is something that I would not be able to make it myself. The sauce was a little saltish, but it made the entire dish perfect. If you ask, I will just go back for this dish alone. WOW Factor:- 5 Stars worth. Of cos again, it may not be suitable for vegans.

Spring Roll with Cream Cheese $8
Again i couldnt resist when I spot the word "cheese" so decided to try this. Comes with 6 pieces and the dish was served really hot. As the skin was not made with your regular Popiah (Spring Roll) skin, it was a little too hard for me to bite. The ingredients comprises of corn, some raddish, carrots and cream. I found the corn taste too over-powering so sadly this did not impress me much. But well, if you are into Spring rolls, its okay for a try if you have strong teeth.

All in all, it was a great experience as our server was friendly and service was good. They too, kept asking us for feedback. Not your everyday place to go unless you are extremely rich. But for once in a while indulgence, its worth visiting. It does charge service charge and GST. Also note that water is not served free.
I heard that they are going to do promotions next - 30% discount next month or so. Please call them to enquire. Like they always say, competitions are good! So, lets hope to see Zen opening soon. I too wish Bespoke all the best and i'll Sure be back for more of their Chef Recommendations :)

Location: SunShine Plaza
91 Bencoolen Street #01-50 Singapore 189652
Tel: 63377050
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun (11.30am to 3pm; 5.30pm - 10pm) Last Order: 9.30PM
Catering Services are Available



Pappa Rich Singapore @ Parkway Parade

I used to think that Parkway Parade is one of the most Vegetarian Unfriendly place as there isn't any place that caters to Vegetarians.
Lately it has revamped and there are places, such as Pappa Rich and Mad Jack Cafe that do offer an option for Vegetarians.
Do note that this is not Pure Vegetarian Establishment, but they do have vegetarian options available in the menu.
I only know about Pappa Rich when I was in Malaysia JB and Im am surprise they are doing pretty good our of Malaysia.
I was told of the vegetarian segment so decided to give it a try during Lunch Time.

Menu
I didn't take a picture of the Menu but found it on the company's website. There are around 6 selections available. Pretty interesting.
I decided to try the Nasi Lemak

Nasi Lemak $7.90

The Portion is rather big. Comes with 3 slices of Cucumbers, Peanuts, Long Beans, half an egg (You may request to omit if you are vegan), 2 Papadums and vegetarian mushroom chili.
It wasnt too bad. I love the rice as it was fragrant and it wasn't too moist. I never manage to cook it this way. The mushroom chili was yummy. No garlic/onions in it.
Though it was a little pricy, but its good to see more of the non-vegetarian places offering options for vegetarians. Do note that they do charge 10% and GST.
I will be back some day to try the curry mutton rice :)

Locations:-
1. 1 Vista Exchange Green,
#01-43, The Star Vista,
Buona Vista,
Singapore 138617
Telephone No. : +65 6684 3373

2. 80 Marine Parade Road, #01-17A, Parkway Parade,
Singapore 449269
Telephone No. +65 6344 6323

Website:http://www.papparich.com.sg/


It is usually packed on weekends, but service was okay and food was served really fast.