Dropped by the new Surrey Hills Grocer; a cafe-cum-grocer concept that has recently opened at a rather hidden spot around the island — one of the few new tenants which have recently moved into Arena Country Club alongside Joya Onsen Cafe, which is situated a short walk away from Joo Koon MRT Station. While the grocer, which occupies the air-conditioned space, offers a variety of Australian products and produce from various origins, the cafe dine-in seating is more of an al-fresco style situated just on the platform outside of the grocer; orders will have to be made within the cafe counter situated just on the left of the entrance to the grocer. Opened from 3pm to 8pm, the cafe offers all-day brunch featuring a variety of burgers, open-faced toast and meats amongst some other dishes; all of which being designed by their consultant who is a Australian Michelin Chef, which looks to “honour ever farmer and grower for their love and passion that made all flavours in each dish possible”. Also available here are a small selection of danishes, as well as ice-cream sourced from Creamier Handcrafted Ice-Cream; beverages include tea, wines and specialty coffee, which is brewed using beans roasted by Proud Mary Coffee Roasters of Melbourne, Australia.

We tried two of the mains here and both of them are as well-executed; that being said, the Tasmanian Salmon was our pick between the two for its composition and complexity that seemed to have stood out a little more. The dish features slow cooked Sashimi-grade salmon, served medium rare and mushroom reduction barley grains. Basically a barley risotto, this was executed beautifully without being too wet; each grain being done just right to carry a springy chew that was absolutely delightful with the slight cheesy savouriness that it was reduced with. All that goes especially well with the inherent briny-ness of the salmon, which is nothing short of being sufficiently moist and flaky; the Ikura further adds on to the dish with its umami flavours; providing much of the additional oomph factor when it pops in the mouth. Overall, a dish that has pretty much nailed it both texturally and in terms of flavour.

Surrey Hills Grocer is undoubtedly a hidden gem in the far west — cafe-cum-grocer concepts are not something particularly new, but definitely a rare find within this area of the island where it is better affiliated with industrial buildings and army camps (especially with SAFTI Military Institute being situated right across). Surrey Hills Grocer attempts to break that barrier; a spot where expats may probably find some products that may pique their interests, whilst also putting an emphasis on their food to showcase fresh produce executed with finesse. No doubt they are quite out of the way for most, but a trip here for the food is probably still worth the time, especially if one is going to pick up a few items from the grocer whilst at it. It is no doubt that we have enjoyed our time here — here’s wishing the folks behind Surrey Hills Grocer all the best in what is to come; pretty sure we will be back for more!

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