SIN: Folks Collective
Addictive deep-fried squid appetiser with lots of garlic and chili!
I wasn't sure what to expect from the name of the dish, but I was then impressed by the flavourful fried rice. While the lean pork collar slices were a treat, but they weren't as tender as I'd like them to be, and I thought they could be cut into smaller chunks. Seen as accompaniments were tomato and cucumber slices, as well as a boiled egg that wasn't overcooked.
Even though it probably doesn't sound like one, Folks Collective is a Thai restaurant located at Cross Street Exchange near where I used to live. It's said that the inspiration behind the restaurant "stems from a Bangkok night market that grew out of an abandoned railway station" with 'every corner [revealing] a sentimental surprise from bygone days".
The restaurant offers a range of traditional and modern Thai dishes.
Salt and Chili Squid S$15.90
Taste: 9/10
I really enjoyed the deep-fried squid as an appetiser that packed a punch, whetting my appetite for the dishes to come. The batter, which I believe was mixed with turmeric, was addictively crunchy. There was a generous amount of chili and garlic bits, and thankfully just enough salt to make it tasty without giving me high blood pressure.
Pad Thai (Prawn) S$14.90
Taste: 8/10
I had to put the traditional stir-fried rice noodle dish to the acid test. Speaking of acid, It was a pity that the wedge of lime was rather dry, so I couldn't drizzle much of its juice on the noodle for that zesty tang. Anyway, the dish was had nice wok hei (lit. breath of the wok) without being overly greasy, but I'd certainly love to have more of the succulent prawns.
Basil Pork Collar Rice S$14.90
Taste: 8/10
Brownie Cha Thai S$7.90
Taste: 7/10
The dinner didn't exactly end on a high note. Although it was definitely not too shabby, I was hoping for the homemade chocolate brownie to lock in more moisture. They could also be more generous with the Thai tea syrup. Served alongside the brownie was a decent scoop of vanilla ice cream with a mint leaf on top of it.
Melon's Rating
Taste: 8/10
Ambience: 7.5/10
Service: 8.5/10
Overall: 8/10
Pika's advice: Are you interested in a whole Mango Sticky Rice Cake, said to be perfect for any celebration, priced at S$38.00? In collaboration with the newly opened Thai supermarket at Aperia Mall, the restaurant has set up a bistro with a concise selection of the bestsellers at Cross Street Exchange, but it boasts an extensive bar menu.
Folks Collective
20 Cross Street
#01-25/26/27 Cross Street Exchange
Singapore
(Mon-Sat: 11.00am - 11.00pm)
*Prices quoted are subject to 10% service charge and 8% GST.
Have a nice meal,
Cliff(y)
Comments