Mark D.
Yelp
This is a review of a delayed birthday dinner with a friend at The Blue Ginger.
This is an update to a previous review. Since, with the exception of kueh pie tee, I had completely different dishes this time, I thought it was worthwhile to write a new review.
Plus, the second time around, my overall experience was more consistently positive.
Obviously, the ambiance has not changed. So, I will mostly pull from my previous review. I also have now included interior photos .
The room is stylish. There are beautiful accents and warm colours providing the room with a warm and comfortable home-like feel. It is a pretty small restaurant and the seating can be a touch cramped. I am relatively large and this doesn't help the situation.
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An additional positive (at least for me), is that, on both visits, they were playing Pink Martini. This is one of my favorite musical groups and not one that I would expect to find playing in a Singaporean restaurant.
The service was more consistent than my first visit. The staff was attentive and very present. They checked often to insure things were going well. I also thought the meal was better paced. They were all very friendly, polite, and professional.
The food ranged from good to extremely good. The food was also nicely presented.
Mixed pickles and sambal belachan are provided on each table. However, these are not complimentary. There is a small charge. The rice is also included in these charges. Throughout the meal, the rice is served as needed.
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Kueh Pie Tee (Shredded bamboo shoots and turnips garnished with shrimp in pie tee cups) - This was very good. The cups were perfectly fried and the fillings were fresh.
http://tinyurl.com/bg5v54l
Nonya Rolls - They were quite delicious. They were super crunchy. The yam added a very nice sweetness that typical spring rolls do not have.
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Ayam Panggang "Blue Ginger" (De-boned chicken thigh and drumstick flavoured with coconut milk rich in exotic spices and grilled) - I am lucky this was one of two great chicken dishes I've had recently. The chicken was so moist and tender. The flavours went so well together. The coconut, dash of heat, and other spices just took this chicken dish over the top.
http://tinyurl.com/cgbkzd3
Beef Rendang (Tender beef cubes prepared in rich coconut milk spiced with ginger, lemon-grass, lime leaves and a dash of curry powder) - This is the best rendang I've eaten yet. Now, I've not had that many. But this was a very tasty dish. There was just loads of flavour. There was a richness and almost a smokiness to the flavours.
http://tinyurl.com/a49u8jd
Nonya Fish Head Curry (Red snapper with ladies fingers and eggplant cooked in a traditional home-style curry) - The only specific request my friend made was she wanted the fish head curry. This was my inaugural fish head curry. I am not sure what I was waiting for. I have no idea how this stacks up against other fish head curries. I do know it was extremely good. The seasonings in the broth were amazing. The fish was tender and flaky. Some way, the spices did not overpower the delicate taste of the fish. The vegetables were crisp. The okra did not have even a hint of the slipperiness that can so easily develop with okra. This was just an all around great dish. Visually, it was also quite appetizing.
http://tinyurl.com/a87tets
Receipt ($102.75):
http://tinyurl.com/c8r7pex
Overall, this was a very enjoyable dining experience. The food was consistently well-prepared with very substantial and well-balanced flavours. The attentive and friendly service combined with the warm and inviting room to compliment the food perfecty. In my last review, I was rounding up a bit. For this visit to The Blue Ginger, I am providing a very solid four star review.