Nom La La by Bakerzin is a homegrown enterprise oriented on a 360 degree dining concept. If I could sum up the experience here in a few words, it would be that there's truly something for everyone at Nom La La.
Located at the newly opened SAFRA at Punggol Waterfront, Nom La La is a perfect location for a good family meal for its diversity of choice and pocket-friendliness. The cafe serves up different cuisines for every palate, from Asian to Western; different courses for any time of day, from breakfast to dessert and even snacks to go; different styles of cooking for all ages, from traditional to fusion.
Nom La La operates on a self-service concept, a fuss free order-pay-collect system much like Ikea. This is intentionally done to differentiate themselves from parent brand - Bakerzin. As the Head Chef said, "with less distraction for service, all the heart can go into the food!". We say, yay!
We were treated to a tidbit sized portion of the Nasi Lemak ($7.90 for the full portion) - a comforting local delight, the familiar fragrance of coconut milk infused with pandan leaves wafted up to my nose even before its taste hit my tongue. The essential condiment of sambal chilli, made from the chef;s secret recipe was simply quite irresistible. This little bite-sized portion left me wanting more!
The brightly colored Peranakan Ayam Merah with Mashed Potatoes ($12.90) was certainly eye catching and I'm glad that it didn't stop at amazing visuals alone. The sensational dish was a powerhouse of sweet and spicy, with a tinge of sour. The meat, expertly marinated, tender and tasty right down to the bone. At Nom La La, patrons are invited to customize their own dish. For example, with every meat dish ordered, you get to choose the accompanying carbohydrates, be it rice, mashed potato or in house-made bread. I found the intensely aromatic Ayam Merah and buttery smooth mashed potatoes to be a great combination, a splendid Malay and Western fusion.
Another localized treat is Aunty Kim Neo's Mee Siam ($6.90). Considered to be a specialty of Nom La La, the secret behind the dish is the fact that the chilli is made from scratch and the beehoon is cooked in it first to absorb the residual flavors, then smothered in aromatic gravy. A real medley of spices, the Mee Siam is more sweet than spicy, but comes with more chilli at the side if you wish to mix it in - therefore potentially a treat for young and old alike.
A great refreshing starter to whet the appetite is Yum Woon Sen Seafood Tung Hoong Salad ($7.50). The expected Thai flavors do shine through, one can taste the tangy lime juice, salty fish sauce and sweet chili sauce. The glass noodles could do with a little more care while cooking through, it's important to ensure that they remain firm to preserve the overall perkiness of the dish.
To conclude the meal, we found joy in a entire plate of assorted signature cakes. Those with a sweet tooth will not be disappointed at Nom La La, for there are desserts and cakes aplenty and many with an interesting local twist!
The Chicken Floss Cake ($1.800 is for all you meat floss mayo bun lovers out there (guilty as charged)! Reminiscent of the neighborhood bakery delight, this creation simply substitutes bread for cake. A unique savoury sweet treat although I feel that the sponge cake should be thicker for more enjoyment. The Chocolate Peanut Butter Cream Cake ($2) tastes like a snickers bar in cake version. Definitely a more decadent option, for those who feel a little naughty. The Kaya Pandan Roll ($1.80) was a personal favorite. As a lover of kaya, the thick, generous layers of it in between cottony soft cake, stole my heart. The Yuzu Chiffon Cake ($1.50) is made using yuzu juice for distinct flavor and fresh milk to ensure softness.
Artisan Ice Cream ($3.50 for 100g tubs) are available here at Nom La La and soon to be launched at Bakerzin's Gardens by the Bay outlet. There are currently 5 far from ordinary flavors including Popcorn, Lavender, Tiramiu, Green Tea with Azuki Bean and Gula Melaka. The Green Tea Ice Cream is quite pleasant, a good treat for matcha fans whilst the Gula Melaka flavor is more chendol inspired than anything else, acquiring a peculiar shade of green and distinct coconut taste to accompany the richer taste of palm sugar. What I found interesting was that the gula melaka flavor didn't have the standard creamy texture you would expect, but instead, a lighter, fluffier, more mousse-like consistency.
Despite the unmemorable depictions of the other dishes; the Beef Lasagne, Oxtail Stew and Lamb Rendang; I must say that the Nom La La is worth a visit mainly because of its amenable quality for what it's worth. Definitely a wonderful addition to the slowly expanding foodscape of Punggol.
Nom La La
#02-04
SAFRA punggol
9 Sentul Crescent
S(828654)
t: 6385 0409
Operating Hours:
Daily: 9am - 9pm
Written and Photographer by Jordan Ong. Jordan finds happiness in the simple: to eat and drink and find satisfaction in all her toil. Besides a deep love for artisan bread, she also has a taste for adventure, activism and anything alternative.
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