located behind raffles hotel, the place is a blend of new and old... traditional medical halls amidst the modern skyscrapers...
i came with a expectant heart after reading the review in the sunday times... it sure did not disappoint and I have since return to the place and on both occasions, the same dishes were ordered... not because I did not want to try something new but i was with different group...
after our orders were taken, we were served the appetiser, the bitter taste of the crackers went well with its accompanied dip which I suspect has the component of cincalok in it...
the dishes that followed were just as tantalising... the arch special fried rice ($12), infused with the spiciness and aroma of hae bee hiam, I would say it so good that you can even eat it on its own...
up next was the ayam buah keluak ($12), a chicken dish cooked using the nuts from Pangium edule or the "Kepayang" tree, a mangrove tree that grows in Malaysia and Indonesia, the colour of the dish was not really appealing but the meat was very tender...
the following dish was the sweet potato leaf lemak ($8), as the name suggest, the leaves of the sweet potato plant are cooked in coconut milk... this sauce goes very well with plain rice...
to end the meal, we ordered the dessert of the day – yam and pumpkin paste ($5)... this is something common during chinese weddings but their version was not as sweet...
the arch can sit up to 70 people with choice of indoor or alfresco, though outdoor seats are limited... I especially like the clean concept and the service staff are attentive however the place seems quiet even on a friday night...
with its good service and reasonable pricing, I recommend this place to anyone who loves spicy food...
where:
32 seah street (s) 188388
call:
6837 3132
when:
1130 to 1500hrs (lunch)
1900 to 2200hrs (dinner)
price:
~ $20 per head
