Necessary Provisions

Hadn’t really heard much about Necessary Provisions ever since they had re-opened their doors within SmartFit Pilates at Tanglin Shopping Centre — whilst I had been there once and had their Croque Kinoko, I had been quite intrigued by their Quinoa Ulam; and so a revisit was going to happen just for that.

The Quinoa Ulam is their very unique rendition of the Nasi Ulam — a dish that is sometimes found in Peranakan restaurants being a somewhat of a rice salad dish featuring shredded mixed herbs that is known for being especially aromatic and refreshing. Being an establishment that is all about healthy eating, Necessary Provisions had switched up the usual rice grains with quinoa instead — also feature elements such as shallot, chili, lettuce, fresh herbs and lime juice. For one who does not quite enjoy salad usually, the Quinoa Ulam was actually a dish that I found to be really easy to finish and pretty appetising — just like the typical Nasi Ulam, there is just so much going on in the rice — the freshness of the herbs carrying not just a burst of umami, but also a slight crunch, while the chili provides an extra punch that tickles the taste buds; all that while the quinoa comes soft and fluffy. Served chilled, the Quinoa Ulam is nothing short of zippy yet refreshing — never a moment where it felt monotonous because there is always something different in terms of flavour and texture with every spoonful.

The Quinoa Ulam is probably the dish that embodies the character of Necessary Provisions the best — a comforting take on something familiar to our local taste buds with just a slight twist; not something too different that reinvents the wheel, but just a minor switch up but executed in a style that is so homely, simple and satisfying. I still do miss their rendition of the Luncheon Meat Fried Rice during their days at Eng Kong Terrace; but I guess that will never make it to the menu here at Tanglin Shopping Centre. Nonetheless, it’s great to have them back in the F&B scene — looking forward to the next visit so that I can enjoy a slice of their signature Pandan Chiffon Cake over a leisurely cuppa!

Chifforn cake smells really good the moment it is served. Very soft, fragrant and moist.

Americano is good with no sourish or bitterish after taste.

An overall great experience especially if you need some quiet times alone.

The Pandan Chiffon Cake from Necessary Provisions is something that speaks very close to my heart, being one of the items I would most certainly order with my Flat White (maybe apart from the MIL Pineapple Tarts) whilst enjoying an idyllic afternoon here even before enlisting into National Service. This was everything I remembered it to be; soft, cottony and fluffy, the chiffon cake perfumes of an intense Pandan aroma whilst being light in its texture — its surprisingly homely for a rendition served at a cafe, and still reminds me of those simpler days of cafe-hopping that I certainly miss.

Those who have been around my Instagram profile would probably know how much I used to love Necessary Provisions — the space at Eng Kong Gardens is somewhere which I still found to be pretty unique and filled with character; was definitely sad when they pulled down their shutters for the last time a few years ago. So one could imagine the excitement in me when I first came across Necessary Provisions’s post on social media about their comeback in partnership with SmartFit Pilates, occupying just a small space that consists of two four-seater tables at Tanglin Place in the same space as the pilates studio.

Despite the small space occupied by Necessary Provisions here, they actually serve up hot food here alongside a small variety of cakes and bakes — that being said, the cafe now features a meatless dining concept (yes, no more Luncheon Meat Fried Rice and Pork Burger sadly); the Croque Kinoko is a sandwich that features shiitake mushroom and gruyere. A simple dish that’s comforting and satisfying (which is pretty much their branding since their days at Eng Kong Gardens), the toast comes crisp on the exterior with melty, oozy cheese lacing the earthy mushrooms in between that gives a bouncy chew. Topped with shaved cheese and a pickle, the pickle cuts through the heaviness of the cheese and bread to provide a sour-ish tang to refresh the taste buds.

The current rendition of Necessary Provisions at Tanglin Place is a more scaled-down version of what they were back then at the Eng Kong Gardens lot — smaller, cosier with a small stripped down menu that consist of only meatless options. That said, Necessary Provisions is still pretty much the same space it used to be — simple food that taste like home, straight from the heart, all in a cafe setting. Still, I must say I am pretty stoked about their return into the cafe scene; welcome back, and I am definitely returning for more (especially the Quinoa Ulam) some time soon — and to more Pandan Chiffon Cakes in time to come!

Tiny things that you get to appreciate when you’re not working. Now what do you do on your off days?

Almost don’t want to share this because the place can be a really good hide-out, but good things must share right?

The salad is just something as simple as cherry tomato, mozzarella, and coriander drizzled with soy and mirin dressing, but I must say it’s quite satisfying. They might have limited food selections but I heard they’re pretty good.

The coffee beans used are roasted by themselves. I don’t like my coffee too sour and this one has just the perfect acidity.

When I visited on weekday, the place is really quite with just a few of people doing their works or readings. I did notice some patrons coming to take away their coffee as well.

When you come in they will serve you with a jug of water. Overall the service is really good as well (hopefully I’m not biased just because I know someone there 😅)

Insider tips: It get more busy on weekends with the brunch crowds.