With the humble aim of serving wholesome food to busy people, Asian’s Next Top Model finalist Aimee Cheng-Bradshaw and her mother started Cheng’s a year ago. A mere five minutes’ walk from Kent Ridge Terminal, it wasn’t difficult to find this gem of a cosy restaurant that serves hearty, genuine food. Collaborating with celebrity chef Benson Tong, Cheng’s recently updated their menu, drawing on different yet complimentary cuisines.
We started off with the Yuan-Yang Fries, which on hindsight was a particularly wise decision because it was so appetising and thoroughly prepared our palate for the superb meal that ahead of us.
Yuan-Yang Fries
The Yuan-Yang Fries is a half and half mix truffle and sweet potatoes fries. For lack of a better description, it was a match made in Yuan-Yang heaven. The sweet potatoes fries were not too soft (something sweet potatoes fries sometimes run the risk of), and the big plate of the fries was perfectly complemented by the aioli dip, a Mediterranean sauce usually made of garlic and olive oil.
For our mains, we ordered The Big Breakfast and the Pulled Pork.
First up, the aptly named Big Breakfast (S$18.90) – grilled pork sausage served with sizzling streaky bacon, crispy potatoes hash, two sunny side-ups, caramelized watermelons, and arugula.
The Big Breakfast
Next came the Pulled Pork (S$14.90), a filling combination of slow-cooked smoky pulled pork served on toast with red cabbage and poached eggs. I personally liked this more than The Big Breakfast. The toast and the pork go together seamlessly as though they are made for each other. The red cabbage and arugula added the right amount of crunch to the whole dish, which was greatly appreciated.
Pulled Pork
We also shared one dish from the Tapas menu as recommended by chef Benson Tong, the Smoked Duck Quasadillas (S$14). Going back to basic with folded tomato and basil flavoured Tortila with cheese and smoked duck in between, this simple dish tastes better with every bite. I especially loved how well the melted cheese goes together with the lean and fat parts of the duck meat.
Smoked Duck Quasadillas
Now let us talk about Cheng’s beautiful signature drinks.
The Earl Grey and Thyme Sparkler (left), and the Passionfruit Mint Tea (right)
The Passionfruit Mint Tea (S$6.20) is refreshing to say the least, and I particularly enjoyed how the Earl Grey and Thyme in the Sparkler (S$5.50) permeates the entire drink subtly without any one being excessively overwhelming.
Although already immensely satisfied, we could not resist the temptation to order the Chef’s Recommendation Tower of Belgium (S$13) for dessert. Crispy Belgian waffles stacked and topped with coconut ice cream and fresh strawberries, this was a picture-perfect end to our meal, I’m pretty sure if my stomach had a mouth, it would be grinning from ear to ear. The ice cream was good with plenty of coconut chunks in every bite.
Tower of Belgium
Oh and did I mention, this place plays pretty decent songs too? The next time you’re looking for good vibes for a chill evening, head on over to Cheng’s, you won’t be disappointed.
Cheng’s Gourmet Food Bar & Bistro
28 Clementi Road Singapore 129754
Opening hours: Daily; Brunch/Lunch: 11.30am – 5.00pm; Dinner: 5.30pm – 11.45pm
