SIN: PoTeaTo

Sweet pork ribs; savoury wedges with curry mayo!

From the name itself, you may guess that PoTeaTo is a place where people chill by drinking tea and eating spud-based finger food. Well, you're right, but my purpose of visiting the eatery the other day was to have my dinner. It's a relatively new eatery in Tiong Bahru, and I'd consider it as a hidden gem.

Waldorf Salad S$6.80

Taste: 8/10

Served on a bed of lettuce were fresh apple cubes, celery stalks, walnuts and grapes bound with mayonnaise which was pretty light on the palate. All of the ingredients were fresh with the apple cubes being juicy.

Potato and Leek Soup (Small) S$4.20

Taste: 7.5/10

The soup, made of blended potatoes, had a bit of leeks in it that gave out an appetising aroma. It was slightly too thick, but it was nevertheless good till the last drop. The accompanying garlic bread was crunchy and buttery, but it could have more garlic bits.

Louisiana Pork Ribs S$17.80

Taste: 8.5/10

I gobbled down the half slab of tender and meaty pork ribs lacquered with BBQ sauce, which was adequately sweet and had a heady, smoky aroma, in no time. Well, by ordering this particular main course, I got to taste their potato wedges. True enough, they were down-to-earth goodness with their slightly crispy texture on the outside, but addictively smooth texture on the inside. Dipped into the homemade mayonnaise with a hint of curry, they were too good to be missed. My only qualm would be on the vegetables served which weren't as fresh as the ones used for the salad earlier, although I enjoyed the vinaigrette which was aromatic and had enough piquancy. Pika's advice: Fans of Heinz's tomato and chili sauce would be delighted to know that the eatery provide them, but not on your tables though. Feel free to grab them from the table opposite the counter.

Bangers and Mash S$13.80

Taste: 8/10

Another main course that I tried was the combination of three varieties of sausages and mashed potatoes, served with the same disappointing vegetables on the side. The mashed potatoes were smooth and creamy, ladled over with caramelised onion gravy which was savoury, but it could be slighly sweeter. The sausages were robust meat: chicken, beef and beef with cheese. Without doubt, I enjoyed the one with the melted cheese inside the most.

Lemon Meringue Tart S$5.60

Taste: 8/10

The pretty looking dessert is definitely not for those who can't take too much of the acidity of the lemon. The meringue was somewhat akin to melted marshmallows in terms of taste and texture, which offered a comforting sweetness in contrast to the sharp homemade lemon jam hidden underneath. The crust was pretty buttery, but I wished it'd be more crumbly than hard.

 

Thousand Nights Tea S$7.20

Taste: 8/10

No one should leave the eatery without trying the tea, and I first succumbed to the seemingly exotic name of the above-mentioned tea. The tea infused with lemongrasses, orange peels and marigold blossoms helped me to unwind after a tiring day of experiments in the laboratory. I truly enjoyed the hint of sweetness that lingered in my mouth.

Rest + Relax Tea S$7.20

Taste: 7/10

This particular concoction is supposed to be healthy tea with the calming effect of St. John's wort, the cholesterol lowering gingko and the blood purifying nettle leaves. Well, I felt that the tea was kinda tasteless at first, but as I took slow sips of it, I could taste the very subtle herbal flavour. Still, it was too subtle for my liking, but certainly it wasn't unpleasantly bitter.

Melon's Rating

Taste: 8/10

Ambience: 8/10

Service: 8.5/10

Overall: 8/10

I enjoyed the rustic feel of cement walls and exposed brickwork, and I commended the young lady, who seems to be the daughter of the eatery owner, on her politeness which was well reflected in her gesture and speech. I'd definitely come back to try their sweet potato fries, as well as other varieties of tea.

PoTeaTo

78 Yong Siak Street

#01-18 Tiong Bahru Estate

Singapore

(Tue-Fri: 11.00am - 10.00pm; Sat: 10.00am - 10.00pm; Sun: 10.00am - 9.00pm)

*Prices quoted are nett prices.

Have a nice meal,

Cliff(y)