PUBLISHED November 4th, 2013 12:41 am | UPDATED April 14th, 2016 05:52 pm
Perhaps it’s secret snobbery, but I’ve always had my sneaky suspicions about restaurants with meat heavy menus, at which you can enjoy a main course and a glass of wine for less than 20 bucks. My first thought: I love a bargain, but steak on the cheap? Errrr?
An Asian specialty chef and a pastry chef combine at newly opened Supperman, where quality and quantity are the best of friends. The idea is to make the dishes affordable enough that the people working around Tanjong Pagar can afford to go EVERY day. Well.. the bait obviously has people hooked, because Supperman is already drawing in the lunch crowd even though the restaurant has only been open a few months. And with food being served til 10pm, you can get your lunch, dinner or supper at Supperman!
Austin Powers-esque décor aside, this is Asian Fusion at its most wholesome. None of that pernickety, one-bite, unfulfilling hoo-ha – this is well-portioned, scrumptious food at affordable prices. Here’s a helping hand on what to order..
Ribeye Steak with Green Onion Puree ($14.80). Piled under a good serving of leaves and a gorgeously gloopy onion puree, you’ll find pink, ready-cut, succulent beef. The puree is fresh and bouncy, which reduces the usual heaviness of the beef. It’s not the best steak I’ve ever had in my life, but hey it’s juicy, an amazing combination of flavours and it’s less than $15! A clean and well portioned main course.
If you’re not a fan of red meat, try the Cereal Crusted Cutlet with Yuzu Wasabi Sauce ($8.80). Paired with a mild wasabi sauce, which really kicks some life ino the dish, the crispy cereal coating on the chicken makes for a fairly healthy change from batter.
Supperman’s forte is pairing complimentary textures, demonstrated in their carefully crafted menu. For a fish compilation with some subtle heat try the Pan-fried Cod with Preserved Radish and Soya Broth ($21.80). The splash of broth soaks into the buttery soft fish and moistens the other ingredients with a salty tang. The crunchy skin and roasted chillis add a separate dimension to the otherwise very smooth dish. Roasted chills aren’t too punchy and sit well alongside some of the more delicate flavours.
The Beer Battered Cod ($6.80) is battered to order with Pure Blonde Beer and has to be some of the lightest and freshest battered fish I’ve had around town. Pair this with a side of Garlic Fries ($3.80) or crispy Potato Wedges ($3.80) and you’ve got one of my favourite, classic, seaside combos.
The two dishes which impressed most were the Tom Yum Seafood Risotto ($11.80) and the Laksa Seafood Linguini ($11.80), both creative collaborations of Asian and Italian cuisine.
The carnaroli rice is well cooked and the Tom Yum flavoured sauce provides a good amount of heat, but is also accommodating to those might ordinarily prefer their dishes with less fire.
I’m not usually a Laksa lover.. I can’t quite put my finger on why, but it doesn’t work for me. The seafood linguini in laksa sauce, however, totally won me over. The pasta, as opposed to noodles, is a nice switch, adding a little more bite to a traditional Laksa and the flavours have been softened with extra coconut flavour.
For a little bit of sweet, pastry Chef and owner Wendy bakes up some real treats, all crafted in elegant little, guiltless portions. I mean one bite more won’t hurt will it?
I felt like I’d been transported to Christmas day with the minced pie-esque Coconut Butter Tart ($4.80). These tiny bites of floury, buttery goodness are just enough to round off your meal nicely.
Being the world’s biggest chocolate lover, it was inevitable I’d love the Chocolate Mud Cake ($4.80). Unlike the usual mud cake set up, this one is separated to start with. It’s coco rich and complete with just the right amout of espresso to get your coffee and cake all in one!
As far as beverages go, the Portuguese house red wine is delicious and priced at a fairly standard $10 a glass. If you like cider, Gaymers Tropical Pear Cider ($14) is their speciality cider of choice. The drinks are pleasant, but Supperman really is all about the food.
If you’re looking for real food and real prices then head for a feed at Supperman.
Written by Superpat
On this occasion, the meal was compliments of Supperman.