Murphy's follows the route of your classic cafe settings albeit caught in a past era, the kitschy paper advertisements stuck to glass walls, small little book corner constructed for book swaps tucked into the corner and unorthodox kitchen specialities yielding a stronger voice. It's a grand narration of what the joint was meant to deliver - British styled Fish & Chips with a side of Victorian charm; yet these notions have been seemingly watered down by expectations and survival instincts. Cakes, all-day-breakfast and salted egg yolk calamari occupy the menu for a more wholesome family approach.
Still, I came in hope that the true focus of the menu would make up for the lack of social presence of this wayward joint. The signature Murphy's Fish &Chips ($16) arrived swiftly. The crisp taste of batter, succulent smooth innards lifted by just a drizzle of lemon whets our palates for an apologetically sapid meal. Unlike the traditional versions of dory fish that reduces to a mosh pit when man-handled too much, Murphy's uses Canadian arrowtooth fish which has a firmer and flakier texture in juxtaposition to the crisp crumb. It's a tad more expensive, but justifiable when you've got major fish and chips cravings to fix.
A not-so-surprising addition to the menu is Calamari with Salted Egg Yolk Sauce ($15). The menu sees a affluent gentrification of trendy cafe dishes. Except that this rendition yields top scores with the teensie pot full of heavenly salted egg yolk dip inducing heavy breathing at the table. And if you can't get enough, take note that the cafe serves this same liquid gold on grilled chicken chop.
While I give Murphy's props for offering options not easily found in your regular Singaporean cafe, the Prawn Aglio Olio ($15) doesn't live up to expectations. Blend and leaving your lips speckled with too much oil; I would leave funds for the classic fish and chips instead.
If you're looking for a quiet joint in the Ang Mo Kio district with some solid bites and a light tipple, 20-month old Murphy's will sort that out. Also, save some space for desserts because the Salted Caramel Cheesecake is worth the extra calories. Trust me. Sturdy praline biscuit base with moist cake above baked cheesecake layer at the top; although this isn't baked in house, the product is treated with equal respect nonetheless with less than 2 slices exhibited in the cold display for customers' perusal at every one go, ensuring top quality in every slice.
Final Verdict: Most of struggle with the notion of paying double the price of a hawker centre western food offering for fish and chips; but rest assured, you won't be eating just limp floured batter and watery fish at this joint. Definitely worth a visit for the British classic aficionado.
Murphy's
532 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 10
#01-2495
S(560532)
t: 6452 9863
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sgmurphys/
Operating Hours:
Mon - Fri: 11am - 3pm; 5pm - 10pm
Sat -Sun: 10am - 10pm
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