Stepping into Don Ho Instantly makes me feel as if I've been transported to a resort. The first thing that catches my eyes was an insta-worthy wall of bright pink flamingos in tropic green, palm leaves surrounding. Then my gaze shifts to the ceiling high cabinet decked out with potted plants and animal figurines. Walking through sliding doors and into the main restaurant area reveals a space that is generously decorated with foliage, pale wooden chairs accompanied with teal coloured cushions, a wall printed with palm leaves and light bulbs hanging from the ceiling. I was utterly impressed by the interior even before the food was served. Secretly adding brownie points to the final score.
Don Ho offers diners an all-day breakfast menu from which we picked up on the Brioche French Toast and Hot Smoked Salmon; chased by Sticky Beef Ribs from the lunch menu.
The Hot Smoked Salmon arrived first and while we expected to be served raw smoked salmon, what greeted us was literally smoked (also read, cooked) salmon. Slightly disappointed but still hopeful, we broke the poached egg and assembled the potato bite, herb orange dressing and salmon to try the components all in one mouth. The salmon was not over-cooked and moist, while the potato bite was overly salty. The saving grace of the dish had to be the orange dressing. It added a slight sweetness to the salmon without overwhelming its natural flavours.
The Beef Ribs arrived deboned and presented in a stack, served beside a huge rib bone. Not the best presentation we've seen bits its flavours made up for those grievances. The ribs were fork-tender and fell off easily from the rest of the stack. The sauce tho was salted and sugared too gregariously. While the mash seemed unassuming, it might have been the star of the show, every bite smooth and creamy. Only lightly seasoned, the tart sauce from the beef proved to be a great combination with the mash.
The Brioche French Toast was served as a thick toast topped with raspberry cream cheese, banana, blueberries, strawberries and pecans - what a splendid sight. The toast had a top cereal coating which adding crunch and a was a delightful contrast to its moist and soft interior. Although the raspberry cream cheese closely resembled the texture and taste of yogurt, it added a good amount of sourness to the saccharine effects of the banana and maple syrup drizzle.
Although Don Ho is well tucked in the enclave of cafes along Keong Saik Road where choices are aplenty and honestly mind boggling, it proved itself to be worthy of return trips. It's captivating interior is greatly alluring and the dishes are bound to lift spirits.
DON HO - Social Kitchen and Bar
1 Keong Saik Road
The Working Capitol Building
t: 62235001
Operating Hours:
Mon - Fri: 6pm - 12am
Sat: 10am - 4pm; 6pm- 12am
Sun: 10am - 4pm
Words and photos by Belinda Yong who wishes that every time of the day is food o' clock. She loves trying new cuisines and creations, and prays hard for a higher metabolism.
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