The 1925

Wasabi Fries and a half-pint of Yellow Van

I have different friends to fulfill different needs.

I’ve got my super intellectual/shopping enabler best friend.

I’ve got my best bro with whom I discuss movies and shit.

I’ve got my soulmates from high school I still Whatsapp and Skype furiously with.

And… I’ve got my gurlfriends.

Chatting about boys, clothes, our careers and gossiping might not feature very prominently on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs but can I just say – talking shit is cathartic.

Which is why when Mel booked a table at The 1925 to get together our group of girly-friends, I was thrilled because I know it meant good times and maybe… good food? Coz I didn’t know shit about The 1925. Nobody I knew had eaten there and all Mel said was that it looked cool and the food looked “tasty.” Sure.

So this 1925 place is fashioned as a brewery slash brunch place. I didn’t know what to expect, especially since most of the restos in Jalan Besar fashion themselves as these industrial-hipster hangouts where people wear lots of hats. I’m not into hats – worn indoors. In Singapore. Because why.

When we arrived Amy was tucking into Wasabi fries (picture above) which was just as you would expect – tangy and the right consistency. Not too crispy and comfortingly dense.

I got the Yellow Van to drink and really enjoyed it (our very helpful waiter advised me to go with that since it was the girliest of the beers they had – not disappointed!) The girls had the darker and more bitter beers and they were, in their own words “bitter.”

Crispy Egg Aglio Olio

Food was a mixed bag, Mel was exited about eating the Aglio Olio with crispy egg, which she thought would be a soft boiled egg that was deep fried. Alas it came with flyaway crispy egg bits and the dish tasted more like not very good mee hoon than aglio olio.

Grilled Teriyaki Chicken

Amy went for the chicken that came with potatoes and ratatouille and said it was passable.

Pan Seared Fish in Pesto

I ate this. I know what you’re thinking, fish fillet? It’s so boring and safe and plain. Well maybe it’s a boring choice but goddamn it was good. Perfectly seared, with perfectly seasoned rice and an accompaniment of ratatouille. I was impressed and happy.

So it just goes to show – the safe choice is probably the best one.

We also had a salad (not on the menu) with a yummy wasabi-balsamic reduction dressing and a Hawaiian pizza (crust deemed too thin).

Overall the beer was good, service was great, food was so-so and the ambience was nice. Would I go back? Probably, just to test out their brunch items and then walk over to Chye Seng Huat Hardware for a coffee.

The 1925
369 Jalan Besar
Singapore 208997
+65 6294 9215

The Bravery

Yes, the eggs were dry as they look

What: A very hipster, very derelict (I’m using this the Zoolander way) industrial cafe that serves reasonably priced brunch options.

Pros: The wait-staff were quite polite and they let you sit forever. Like FOREVER.

Cons: Ok… well the food is very whatever. It’s really just like eggs and toast and you can probably make it better at home. And the coffee is also whatever. And their chairs have no backs. I must be getting old because stools are no longer acceptable forms of seating.

Verdict: No, NO. Go find another hipster cafe, there are so many more that do it so much better.

Details:
The Bravery
66 Horne Road
Singapore 209073

Aeiou

Their famous Avocado Coffee

What: A kitschy, quirky, cafe in Jalan Besar that seems to attract visitors based on how photogenic their food and furnishings are.

Pros: Really, REALLY good avocado coffee. It’s basically an avocado smoothie-milkshake thing with one or two espresso shots, depending on how you’re feeling. Two espresso shots – because who are you kidding?

Cons: The food is extremely underwhelming. My duck confit salad was first of all – not a salad, because five green leaves do not, a salad make, while the duck was dry and tough. BLARGH.

Verdict: If you’re in the neighborhood and want a great dessert/drink, pop in, get the coffee and take some pictures. Otherwise no, just, no.

Details:
Aeiou
111 King George’s Ave
Singapore 208559
6291 2698

Druggists

Not actually my beer (I can’t drink the dark stuff) but this a preview of the pretty glasses they serve them in!

What: A craft beer joint (23 different types!) housed in what used to be an old school chinese pharmacy. See: hipster.

Pros: The beers (prices range from SGD8-15-ish), which are plentiful and DELICIOUS and the staff who are helpful and charming.

Cons: Food is not their strongest suit – especially the coffee ribs – don’t order them, they be bitter. Also, where are the nuts man? I need me some nuts with my beer!

Verdict: It’s a great place to start the night, especially if you’re a beer drinker. My recommendation – tuck in a dosa, or two, at nearby Little India, and walk over for some beer to settle those carbs.

Details:
Druggists
119 Tyrwhitt Road