Singaporeans have an undeniable love affair with Melbourne's laidback vibes and cool cafe culture. If you're ever craving a piece of this feel-good city (or Australia, in general), there's a new hidden gem in Singapore you can head to - Surrey Hills Grocer at Raffles City.
Photo from Surrey Hills Grocer
This homegrown grocer and restaurant offers an authentic Australian farm gate and gourmet experience without the need to get on a plane!
Following outlet openings at D'Arena, ION Orchard and Raffles Place, Surrey Hills Grocer has unveiled their latest outpost at Raffles City Shopping Centre with an "Australian Backyard Moment" concept. And like its other outlets, the Raffles City outpost is somewhat hidden away, located in a corner at Level 3 that's easy to miss if you're just passing by the main walkway.
Backyard Ambience at Surrey Hills Grocer Raffles City
Photo from Surrey Hills Grocer
Spanning over 2,326 square feet, the dining space feels like a cosy little neighbourhood grocer. Australian produce lining the shelves and baskets of fresh fruit add a rustic charm to the ambience.
The interior is decked in a soothing palette of greens and browns, with cascading foliage and lush greenery creating that "backyard" aesthetic. One wall is covered in eclectic photo frames reminiscent of a family home wall. It displays fond Australian memories contributed by the Surrey Hills Grocer's community.
Photo from Surrey Hills Grocer
The Raffles City outlet is the first to have an open kitchen, which is designed to look like a gardening shed nestled in a backyard. There's also a bar where diners can grab a pint of Australian draught beer or a glass of red wine.
Photo from Surrey Hills Grocer
Food at Surrey Hills Grocer Raffles City
Surrey Hills Grocer has curated an outlet-exclusive menu that'll give diners that "Australian backyard" experience.
You can expect hearty grub like Farm Style Mushroom Soup ($16) and Melbourne's Mussel Pot ($36) along with local-inspired dishes like Crispy Soft-Shell Chilli Crab ($25) and King Prawn Laksa Linguine ($29).
Some of our recommendations for starters are the Tater Tots ($18), addictive little treats covered in an umami-packed mentaiko sauce, tobiko and seaweed, as well as the creamy and indulgent Strawberry Burrata ($26) with mixed greens and parma ham.
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
The menu also includes three exclusive creations by MasterChef Singapore Season 2 winner, Chef Derek Cheong.
One of them is right on trend with the cafe-hopping crowd, the Crab Avo ($28). It comes with a generous serving of house-made guacamole and crab atop roasted sourdough. Adding a touch of elegance is a pinch of ikura as well as spring onion and kelp aioli.
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
Although less trendy, the Barramundi ($38) had our hearts for its buttery and fresh texture accompanied with the fragrant Thai curry-esque sauce. It's served on a bed on quinoa which was a great clean-tasting complement to the rich sauce and fish.
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
Everything was served in generous portions ideal for sharing, and we were feeling pretty stuffed. Still, we were tempted by their desserts and decided to squeeze in the Double Fried Donut French Toast ($22).
That proved to be a good call! This artfully presented dessert tasted as good as it looked. A creative take on the classic French toast, it had a satisfyingly crunchy doughnut instead of the typical bread slices, served in a dissected form with smooth Chantilly cream and pistachio praline. All that richness paired perfectly with the refreshing and zesty flavours of the raspberry sorbet and berries.
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
Other desserts we're keen to try on our next visit are the Banana Bread ($18) and Mochi Egglet Waffle ($26). There's also a dessert counter with Sourbombe Bakery bomboloni and Nesuto cakes in flavours exclusive created for Surrey Hills Grocer.
On the drink menu are coffees ($5 - $8.50), artisanal teas ($8), fresh pressed juices ($10), cocktails ($20) and wines ($18).
If you like the idea of a relaxed yet elegant dining experience with hearty food and Aussie vibes, all in a cosy little "secret hideout" that's actually easily accessible (via City Hall MRT), you know where to head to!
Surrey Hills Grocer is located at Raffles City #03-42 and opens from 10am to 10pm daily.
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