24 March 2015

Moody Foodie Report: Kazbar

I love to eat but I was never the adventurous type when it comes to food. As of recent years, however, I got used to eating out and trying new dishes, with friends of course. I realized that I wouldn't know the finer things in life if I don't go out of my comfort zone and try them for myself. So, with recommendations from friends, I managed to get myself acquainted with other kinds of cuisines.

I was always the one who would go for the conventional I-know-this-dish-so-I-will-order-it when eating outside, but I figured that I should stop that. I would actually check the menu, see the chef's recommendations, and even ask the staff for their best seller or what they think was the best. There were other ways to be able to try out new food as well, you just have to put in a little effort so as to enjoy the good stuff.

Okay, I'm gonna stop with the random blabber. I just really want to share a restaurant that I tried out recently. The name is Kazbar, a restaurant and bar serving Middle Eastern and Turkish dishes. The resto was located at 25 Church Street, in the area of Raffles Place. It was my friend who was working in the area who recommended the place, since my other friend wanted something different.

It was a Friday night when we went for dinner, and just after office hours. I was kind of surprised to see how packed the area was. It was probably because of the happy hour in almost all the restos in the area. Fortunately, the place was easy to find, because I do not wish to walk around a couple of times in the place with so many people.

The place has a relaxed but a little upbeat vibe. The inside looked spacious but we decided to have a seat in the alfresco area. The lights were noticeably a little din, but I guess it was like that for most restaurants of the same theme. Anyway, we ordered what my friend had recommended for us. For starters we had Labneh and Merguez, and for main dish, we had Shish Taouk and Mix Kofta Kebab.

Labneh is a cold starter made of Greek yogurt mixed with garlic-infused oil and mint. It was served with warm pita bread. Merguez is spicy grilled sausage, choice of lamb or chicken, served with garlic sauce and homemade harissa. Shish Taouk is actually grilled chicken kebab. Mix Kofta kebab are grilled spiced minced lamb and chicken, made separately. I really am not sure how to describe the Kofta kebab, but it was also delicious.

The personal favorite of mine was the Labneh. I am not a very big fan of yogurts, and I have never tried the Greek ones before. But it being mixed together with garlic and mint flavors is really interesting. There was a taste that tease your palate to make you want to eat more. But you will eventually get sick of the flavor if you eat a lot. So take it as a starter, and do not make it your main dish. But I really love this dish so I will try making it at home.

Kazbar is a really nice place to hang out for drinks, and they even offer good food. Do note however that the place gets busy after office hours.

Kazbar
25 Church Street #01-03 Capital Square 3 S(049482)
Contact number: (+65) 6438 2975
Email address: info@kazbar.com


Operating Hours
Mon-Fri: 12nn to Midnight
Sat: 6pm to Midnight
Sun and PH: Closed