Had gotten to know about Bricolage whilst scrolling through social media not too long ago — these folks are located in The Arts House Annex Building along Old Parliament Lane; the entrance of the establishment CNA be found on the side of the building that faces both The Arts House and Victoria Theatre. Bricolage is a pretty interesting addition to the local F&B scene; these folks call themselves a cafe and a collaborative space — its concept fairly unique considering how they see themselves as an establishment that places itself in the middle of culture, collaboration and community. The space of which it occupies is decked in a way that centres itself around the community it serves — despite how the entire establishment is being decked in a way where the furniture and fittings do seem pretty coherent with a very warm and homely ambience, it is interesting to note that the furnishings are sourced from various places — quite a feat to pull off considering the tasteful set-up. To further drive the emphasis on creating a community, the dining furniture are arranged in a way that encourages communal dining as well — allows for conversations in between different groups of patrons. Another thing worth noting about Bricolage is how they use surplus ingredients for their menu offerings which changes on a weekly basis. Offering patrons with two (2) different sets on their menu, the menu which was served on the week where we had made our visit was one that featured Mixed Grain Rice & Miso Soup, Radish Mochi & Ssamjang, and Yellowfin Tartare, Burnt Citrus Emulsion / Cured & Preserved Vegetable Tartare, Burnt Citrus Emulsion. Bricolage goes by a pay-as-you-wish model, though they do indicate a recommended pricing for the Sets.

We opted for Set B which was the set that came with Mixed Grain Rice & Miso Soup, Radish Mochi & Ssamjang, and Yellowfin Tartare, Burnt Citrus Emulsion. As much as it is, the Set turned out to be quite a hearty affair considering how well-sized everything added up to be whilst also being pretty homely at the same time — there is just a little bit of everything that made it feel pretty balanced. For the Set B that was offered on the week that we had dropped by, the Set also does comprise of a small appetiser which wasn’t described / mentioned on the menu. That being said, we felt that the true star here was probably the Radish Mochi & Ssamjang — this seems to be their play on the Korean-style Pancake though this does seem to be made with a slight twist with the use of mochi rather than the typical corn / potato / tapioca starch; this still results in the crisp consistency over the top, while the Radish Mochi itself carries a texture a chewier texture than what we would have expected typically for a Kimchi Pancake. The Yellowfin Tartare, Burnt Citrus Emulsion came all fresh with the yellowfin being all diced up with to provide for a good bite; the Burnt Citrus Emulsion adding slightly dull zing and a smoky hint that provides a depth of flavours for the dish. Even the Mixed Grain Rice & Miso Soup did turn out to be pretty wholesome with the Mixed Grain Rice featuring broken grains, but well-flavoured with the use of Furikake while the Miso Soup does come with a distinct earthy and bean-y note; all accompanied with Konjac and chunks of carrots within.

Most dining establishments to seem to exist as a spot just to dine whilst also perhaps showcasing the skills of the chef and their approach to the food that they are serving up. Bricolage seems to be more than just that; it does feel like an establishment that is part of a wider movement to bring awareness on how ingredients can be further made use of; bringing food waste to the bare minimum whilst trying to also create a community within its means that are passionate for the same causes that they are into — the space being designed in a way that encourages conversations through their unique take of food whilst also doubling up as a space that is suitable for events as well. The pay-as-you-wish model also makes things pretty accessible for the masses for a concept that can be seen as abstract to some. Do expect some waiting time for the food to be prepared here considering how Bricolage does operate with a very lean team; that being said, this is certainly one dining concept that has a character unique to its own in the local F&B scene here — one that comes with a lot of vision from the passionate people that is behind it, and is one that is definitely deserving of support not for the sheer novelty in its ideas, but also for the quality food and the bigger cause that it is all about!