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Cafe Utu: A Warm and Flavorful Escape to Africa
Cafe Utu is a beautiful and inviting spot that instantly transports you to Africa with its rich décor, music, and warm atmosphere. We loved the friendly service, thoughtfully designed setting, and the overall vibe of the place—it’s clear that a lot of care went into crafting an experience that feels both immersive and welcoming.
The food was flavorful, showcasing spices and ingredients distinct from Asian cuisine, yet with familiar touches in items like chapati and coconut rice. We particularly enjoyed the cauliflower starter, which was perfectly cooked and enhanced by crunchy sunflower seeds and a tangy Dijon-based sauce—a great way to kick off the meal.
The fried chicken and fried plantains were decent, though more standard in flavor and less adventurous than we expected. For mains, the charred aubergine lamb stew stood out with its tender lamb and the silky texture of slow-cooked eggplant. The calamari, on the other hand, was more forgettable, served in a tomato-based sauce that lacked distinction.
The recommended chicken in peanut sauce was a pleasant surprise—its earthy richness added a different twist to a dish that could have easily leaned too close to familiar Southeast Asian flavors.
We ended with the chocolate dome dessert, which featured spiced custard, dark chocolate, and a milk chocolate sauce. While the use of pepper in the custard was unique and bold, the overall dessert didn’t quite hit the mark for us.
Overall, Cafe Utu is a wonderfully atmospheric spot with great service and decent, thoughtfully prepared food. While some dishes could use more refinement or boldness, the experience as a whole is definitely worth a visit—especially for those looking to try something beyond the usual dining scene in Singapore.