Mediterranean

As a dessert that was recommended on the menu, this was pretty disappointing, albeit unique. From Wikipedia, the dessert originates from Egypt and literally means 'Ali's Mother'. Typically, pastry is divided into pieces and blended with pistachios, coconut flakes, raisins and plenty of sugar. Milk, sometimes with cream, is then poured over the mixture and may be sprinkled in cinnamon. While it can be served either hot or cold, the variation at Le Rida's was hot. In essence, it contained filo pastry mixed with a variety of nuts and pomegranate seeds all of which are then soaked in a cloyingly sweet milk mixture. It reminded me of a watered-down version of Bircher Muesli with less texture and a whole lot more sugar. As all the ingredients were soaked in the milk mixture, the filo pastry became soggy which was unfortunate, especially when compared to its firm and crumbly counterpart found in the Baklava. The nuts still provided that crunchy texture I was craving for but overall, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗹𝘆 𝘀𝘄𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗸 𝗺𝗶𝘅𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗲𝘄 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗲𝗹𝘁 '𝗵𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘆' 𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗺𝘆 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝗲𝘄 𝗺𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗳𝘂𝗹𝘀. In fact, I required 3 more glasses of water to finish it up. While it is still a unique dish that I was thankful to try, I will definitely not order it again.
Taste: 4/10

Full review at: https://liveeatbless.wordpress.com/2020/03/26/restaurant-review-le-rida-bukit-timah-road/

More pictures at: https://www.instagram.com/p/B-MRTn_nvkY/?igshid=8r16jwmx9yp0

Coming in 3 separate portions of filo pastry, the dessert immediately appealed to the penny-pinching, economical side of me given its price. Not only were the portions generous, the flavours were well-balanced as well. The layers of filo pastry were well-soaked in a sweet syrup which complemented the intense nutty notes you get with every bite. Needless to say, generous amounts of nuts were given between the layers of pastry. While it's hard to eat without getting the entire table (and floor) in a mess, it was certainly a great way to end off our meal. After a few miserable attempts at trying to be civilised, my tummy got the better of me and I barbarically devoured it whole as soon as it could fit into my mouth. For the immense pleasure experienced, especially after having a savoury healthy (If ordering Mediterranean) meal, it was 𝘁𝗼𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗶𝘁.
Taste: 8.5/10

Full review at: https://liveeatbless.wordpress.com/2020/03/26/restaurant-review-le-rida-bukit-timah-road/

More pictures at: https://www.instagram.com/p/B-MRTn_nvkY/?igshid=8r16jwmx9yp0

3 charcoal grilled lamb chops were plated beautifully at the center of the plate, with a small mound of fragrant saffron basmati rice at the side. Sampling the lamb chops first, I was glad at how easy it was to cut into it. As I subsequently sunk my teeth into it, it was expectedly moist and tender.  Hardly gamey to start with, as it was also imbued with a smoky charred flavour, most of its gaminess was masked. While it is still discernible, it is arguably sufficiently palatable for all, as long as you're not allergic to lamb. The rice was delicious in its own right. Topped with fruity bits of pomegranate which bursts as you bite into them and earthy notes of cashew nuts, I was happy eating the rice on its own, appreciating its medley of flavours. It leaned more towards the healthier side in that it was not oily but dry. Nevertheless, having it together with the lamb or pomegranate will help to balance its lack of moisture. While some may find the portion of rice slightly small given its price, you're 𝗱𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗽𝗮𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝘁.
Taste: 8.5/10 (One of the better lamb chops I've had for sure)

Full review at: https://liveeatbless.wordpress.com/2020/03/26/restaurant-review-le-rida-bukit-timah-road/

More pictures at: https://www.instagram.com/p/B-MRTn_nvkY/?igshid=8r16jwmx9yp0

(Part 5/5)
Note:
- All prices are EXCLUSIVE of 10% service charge
- Will not be rating the price as I have no comparison when it comes to Turkish Cuisine

Baklava ($6++)
- Comes in 3 bite-sized pieces
Baklava's crisp and crunchy pastry was soaked in sugar syrup and had strong nutty notes (I'm pretty sure it was almonds), complementing the flaky sweet pastry. This baklava was very simple and a good pastry to satisfy one's dessert cravings but I felt that I have tasted better, was far too small and was just a tad too sweet for my liking.
Taste: 7/10

See more at: https://www.instagram.com/p/B0KWJLZApWf/?igshid=1vaj1kge8k15v

(Part 4/5)
Note:
- All prices are EXCLUSIVE of 10% service charge
- Will not be rating the price as I have no comparison when it comes to Turkish Cuisine

Kunefe ($12.90++)
'Künefe (kyoon-eh-FAY') is a traditional Middle Eastern dessert made with thin noodle-like pastry, or alternatively fine semolina dough, soaked in sweet, sugar-based syrup, and typically layered with cheese'; Typically topped with pistachio powder as well
As my virgin experience eating this warm pastry dessert, it was very creamy (From the whole cream), subtly sweet and crunchy. Its quite dense and stringy with the entire exterior having a texture similar to that of the light crunchy ends of a Min Jiang Kueh (Chinese pancake) combined with the bite of Hong Kong Crispy Noodles. While the dish was drenched in sweet syrup, the cheese within the pastry helped to cut through it, making the dish not too cloying, a comforting dessert to end off the meal. If you had a hearty main, can be shared amongst 3-4 pax.
Taste: 9/10 (Must-try dish)

See more at: https://www.instagram.com/p/B0KWJLZApWf/?igshid=10fgfy005wxjl

(Part 3/5)
Note:
- All prices are EXCLUSIVE of 10% service charge
- Will not be rating the price as I have no comparison when it comes to Turkish Cuisine

Beyti Kebab ($17.90++)
- 6 pieces of Grilled minced beef & lamb wrapped in Lavash (A soft thin unleavened flatbread made within a tandoor) within a mixture of cold greek yoghurt and warm tomato sauce
A very interesting dish where many different basic flavours are combined together. As the greek yoghurt on its own is not strong in flavour and only slightly sour, when combined with the warm tomato sauce it definitely elevated the sauce by adding a creamy texture but the flavour profile was overwhelmingly tangy due to the strong tomato flavour and sourish greek yoghurt. The lamb & beef wrapped in the bread tasted slightly similar to the Pide I had earlier except that this was definitely more meaty and the taste of the lamb was more muted, probably due to it being drenched in the tomato sauce and greek yoghurt mixture. Personally, I do not quite like this dish as after awhile, the flavours seemed quite flat and one-dimensional but I do appreciate the natural and fresh ingredients used.
Taste: 6/10

(Part 2/5)
Note:
- All prices are EXCLUSIVE of 10% service charge
- Will not be rating the price as I have no comparison when it comes to Turkish Cuisine

Pide with Lamb and Cheese ($14.90++)
Lamb flavour was very strong, slightly gamey which I like and the bread was nicely toasted as well. Good for sharing amongst 2-3 pax. If eaten on its own, may be quite dry after awhile hence if you can dip it in the hummus, it will definitely make this dish much better.
Taste: 8/10

(Part 1/5)
Note: 
- All prices are EXCLUSIVE of 10% service charge
- Will not be rating the price as I have no comparison when it comes to Turkish Cuisine

Lunch Set Menu B ($12++; Ala carte price for Doner Chicken Kebab is $8++)
- Comes with Soup of The Day (Tomato Soup), Salad & Doner Chicken Kebab
Tomato soup had a hint of mint, sour and tangy, not sweet but fragrant; Not your typical tomato soup. Comes with a side of Pide Bread which was very fresh and fragrant (All of their breads are very fresh). Unfortunately, did not try their salad or the donor chicken kebab.

Hummus with Pita bread ($8.90++)
To start, absolutely love their bread like seriously all their breads are good to eat on their own with this one being nicely toasted and crisp on the outside. When you get towards the middle, topped with white sesame seeds, it adds an additional crunch to the bread and greater complexity to the overall flavour profile of the bread. The hummus dip (Typically made with mashed chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, salt & garlic) complemented the bread very well, adding a creamy texture and earthy flavour to the bread. The overall dish was very natural and a good start to the meal.
Taste: 9/10 (Must-try dish)

See more at: https://www.instagram.com/p/B0KTljCghX7/?igshid=1wgp4pebspeze