Got to learn about the existence of Freya when we weee going around the Stanley Street area during lunch hours one day — turns out, these guys had just recently opened their doors during the same week. Taking the space of a ground level shophouse unit at 13 Stanley Street these folks are more of a gastro-bar that is described to serve up “Contemporary Mediterranean x Asian Cuisine” based on what is being described in their social media accounts. The facade of Freya does seem to be able to match up against the more fancier dining establishments that are located in the same stretch of shophouses where they are; the stone wall with gold accents definitely giving it a pretty luxe look from the outside. As one walks into the establishment, one can find a mix of high chairs and tables as well as proper dining furniture; each type of seating and furniture seemingly taking up a specific space within the dining establishment. The interior is set up in a way that does feel more for functional than for form; that being said, the addition of gold accents on its walls does help to give it a bit of a modern and contemporary look nonetheless. Whilst seemingly serving up sharing plates during dinners that would match up well with the alcoholic offerings, their lunch operations sees themselves being a “Build Your Own Bowl” concept almost similar to most salad / grain bowl-centric elements that are particularly popular in the Central Business District. This would be paired up with several types of beverages such as that of espresso-based specialty coffee and detox juice — just to name a few.

The “Build Your Own Bowl” that is exclusively available during lunch hours at Freya is being offered in two (2) different sizes — there is the Regular which comes with 1 Base, 1 Side and 1 Main, and the Large on the other hand would come with 1 Base, 2 Sides and 1 Main. For our order, we went with the Regular, and have went with the Lemon Rice Pilaf, Cucumber with Chili Oil and Tahini Yogurt and the Chermoula Chicken for our choice of base, side and main respectively. Given how we had made our choices for the base, side and main, our bowl like one that leant closer towards the “Contemporary Mediterranean” part of the menu rather than the “Asian Cuisine” side — it is well noted that there are other choices for their mains such as the Lean Beef Rendang and Spicy Tempeh, as well as for the base such as the Tom Yum Noodles to choose from. Digging into our customised bowl, the Lemon Rice Pilaf is one that came with fluffy and with a distinct note of Mediterranean spices; one that is really easy to eat and perfumes subtly throughout the entire portion — the rice itself also coming with nibs of raisins to chew on that gave it an extra note of sweetness. The Chermoula Chicken was done to a consistency where the flesh is amazingly tender and falls off the bone easily without the use of a knife; the juices of the meat being locked within as well. The flavours of the Chermoula Chicken would definitely win the hearts of those whom love herb-y, pesto-esque notes — one that not only comes fairly refreshing and zippy, but is also incredibly easy to have and got us yearning for more as well.

The Cucumber with Chili Oil and Tahini Yogurt on the other hand is probably the element that sees the most obvious fusion between Mediterranean and Asian cuisine; likely inspired by the Chinese Cucumber Salad and the Greek Tzatziki, it comes with that tangy and creamy note that one would usually expect out from the Tzatziki — the fact that this included a slight hint of spice and crispy crumbs together with the chili oil and how the cucumbers still come in distinct slices brought out the Asian character of the fusion altogether. With prices starting from $16.90 for the Build Your Own Bowl (Regular) — not forgetting that there are some choices of Mains where one would be required to make a top-up for, Freya’s Build Your Own Bowl offerings might be a little pricey for some. That being said, Freya’s Build Your Own Bowl offerings does provide a slightly more upmarket touch with Mediterranean flavours that distinguishes themselves from other establishments serving up grain / salad bowls in the Central Business District that is worth checking out for those whom are willing to spare