NOSH (Sembawang)

Indulge in classic Western dishes at NOSH Bistro, near Sembawang Shopping Centre! Treat yourself to the satisfying Nosh Chilli Beef Burger or the delectable Chicken Chop, both served with golden potato Sidewinders Fries. Plus, enjoy an exclusive 25% off on mains with Burpple Beyond!

It has been a long while since we had stepped foot in the neighbourhood around Sembawang Shopping Centre and it seems like there has been some changes around in the tenants occupying the premises of Victory8 at Jalan Legundi; one of which would be the closure of Common Chefs Bistro that had been operating in the building for quite a number of years. The establishment has since been replaced by one that is named NOSH; the unit being one which is tucked at the back of the building and faces Jalan Tampang; most of the other F&B establishments in Victory8 faces Sembawang Road instead. For those whom are familiar with how Common Chefs Bistro was, it is easily noticeable how NOSH had just simply used the furniture and fittings which are left behind by the previous tenant; there is no significant changes made to the space save the signages, some photos that are hanging on the wall, as well as a slightly re-designed counter area with a board that describes other services that NOSH is able to provide. While Common Chefs Bistro could be better described as a cafe to a certain degree, NOSH is more of a bistro bar; the establishment serves up western fare that is categorised into sections such as Appetisers, Light Bites and Mains — there is also a section dedicated to Waffles and Ice-Cream that exists in the online POS system, while the selection of drinks include coffee, tea, fruit juices, drinking chocolate, canned drinks etc.; they also do have a promotion where they are serving Connor’s Stout Porter on tap as well.

NOSH does feel a little bit like an establishment that is a little stuck in the past unfortunately; most of the western fare that is being listed on the menu includes dishes like the Nosh Chicken Chop, Fish & Chips, pasta, hotdog buns, burgers — there are also dishes fit for brunch such as that of the Big Brekafast, Eggs Benedict and Shakshuka. These are all items which can be said as a little more on the safer side of things these days; something that doesn’t really define the character of the establishment considering how F&B establishments these days are always seeking out ways to better distinguish themselves from others. Skimming through the menu, we found ourselves simply settling for the Nosh Chilli Beef Burger since that just sounded good to us at the moment; the Nosh Chilli Beef Burger is being described on the menu to come with elements such as Beef Patty, Sidewinder Fries, Sliced Cheese, Chilli Beef Sauce, Jalapenos.

We would say that the Nosh Chilli Beef Burger doesn’t really offer much surprises; the burger coming with Chilli Beef Sauce and Jalapenos atop the beef patty that comes with slice cheese melted over it — all in between burger buns. The burger buns are lightly grilled; soft and airy, while the beef patty did provide a meaty bite being not too gamey — that said, we did find it a little dry however. The chili beef sauce did help to add a bit moisture to the beef patty; one that is savoury with just a very light hint of spiciness to tickle the tastebuds — could be easily managed even by those whom have a lower tolerance of spiciness. The chili beef itself also does come with elements like beans and minced beef. While it is noted that the garden salad on the side is rather generic; the usual mix of greens drizzled in balsamic vinegar, one thing that NOSH does to differentiate themselves is the offering of Sidewinder Fries. These Sidewinder Fries can described as skinless potato wedges with a slightly curled aesthetic; they came with the crispness of usual fries, though comes with a soft, chunky bite which would be able to associate with potato wedges. We aren’t quite sure if this is a matter of our preferences; having tried the Nosh Chilli Beef Burger, we felt that it was an item which we might have liked in the past — the burger felt like what we would like doesn’t to have from an establishment circa 2015. Fast forward to 2023 (and especially with 2024 just right around the corner), it does feel that our preferences have moved on; such flavours and offerings no longer fascinates us especially with how the hawker scene is filled with more inspiring offerings. Still we do think that NOSH does cater to the demographic whom
would prefer something more safe and predictable, though is one that is a little behind its time while at it.