The executive crowd at the Central Business District (CBD) in Singapore just got a lunch option upgrade with the convenience and no-nonsense approach of Baja Fresh’s new outlet at The Sail.
It’s not easy to recognise good food when it’s staring right at you. But fresh and crisp colours in Baja’s entire food offering already whetted my appetite while I was queuing up for the food. Ripe avocados, fresh Roma tomatoes, fire-grilled chicken – all these bring about the tangy, zesty and smoky flavours of a Mexican grill.
Located at the The Sail, Baja Fresh Express is just less than five to seven minutes’ walk from Raffles Place MRT station, and less than three minutes’ walk from One Raffles Quay.
The restaurant sits 35 indoors and up to 15 at its airy and shaded alfresco area. I’d really recommend the alfresco area if you’re taking a long break from the cold air-con office environment. The indoor seating arrangement are relatively modular; you can even move the tables around, whether you’re dining alone or in a group of eight. As with other Baja Fresh outlets in Singapore, you queue up to order at the cashier, but you have the option to grab a chilled drink (or even an additional serving of guacamole) from the chiller while in the queue.
The queue moved relatively fast. I counted less than a minute of waiting between each customer in queue. Post-paying, I sat down at the table. I didn’t even have to wait three minutes though; the order pager buzzed after I barely exchanged a few words with friends at the same table.
I ordered the Tostada Salad with Steak (S$14.40), a total indulgence. The tortilla shell is slightly oily but crispy, and it’s a real treat to break apart the shell in between bites of guacamole and tomatoes. The sour cream and guacamole (and, oh please squeeze the lime!) complimented the steak nicely. I’m pretty sure it’s a heavy meal for anybody, but I dug in till the last bite of the salad.
The 3-piece Churros (S$4.50) is crispy on the outside with a slightly chewy interior, and is one of the larger churros I’ve had here. It’s definitely fresh from the pot, and I have no qualms about the quality ingredients and care taken in crafting this treat. A generous coating of cinnamon sugar (not excessive) results in an extremely enjoyable but moderately sweet dessert, topped with an even more generous portion of chocolate dip!
I tried two Jarritos-branded Mexican Sodas, The Cola, and The Guava (S$4.50 each), and there was no doubt the Guava soda helped to enhance my appetite, leading to my finishing most of the food on the table. The Cola was a pleasant surprise, and for the higher price point, I would hardly recommend it, but it’s still worth a worth compared to the bigger name brands we are accustomed to. And hey, there aren’t many places in Singapore where one can grab a Cola in a glass bottle.
The best part of Baja Fresh is the promise: real food made from real recipes and real wholesome ingredients. I’m guessing the lack of microwave ovens in the kitchen (versus other fast-food options) is an assurance to their customers of a fresh and outstanding meal on every visit.
I was there for two whole hours, and so far it’s been really comfy and airy. I might even bring my laptop to hot desk here. With a huge variety of menu options and the promise of tangy flavours for my tastebuds, I’m definitely coming back for more.
Baja Fresh Express
4 Marina Boulevard
#01-31A The Sail
Singapore 018986
Opening hours: 7:30am to 10pm (Mondays to Fridays), and 9am to 7pm (Saturdays and Sundays).
District: Downtown/CDB
Great For: Quick Lunches, Takeaways, Office Catering, After-work.
Recommended: Pork Carnitas Nacho, Churros, Baja Burrito, Tostada Salad
