The Co-Op @ HomeTeamNS Bukit Batok Clubhouse, Singapore

You know how every singer comes out with an all-hits compilation album after a few studio albums?  The Co-op (Bukit Batok) is the all-hits compilation equivalent of local, made-in-Singapore halal food empire The Blackhole Group.  The Co-op (Bukit Batok)’s menu comprises of the “best of” dishes from The Blackhole Group’s extensive roster of halal F&B establishments such as Working Title, Afterwit Tipo Pasta Bar etc.

The Co-op is a family restaurant housed in the very family-friendly Hometeam NS Bukit Batok Clubhouse.  Families can very easily enjoy a very hearty and affordable meal at The Co-op after enjoying the swimming pool, children’s water playground, KTV, gym or shopping for groceries at the Fairprice supermarket in the same building.  There is ample parking.  Public buses stop right in front of the clubhouse.  The Co-op is smacked straight ahead of the main entrance; you just can’t miss it.

Being a family restaurant, the thoughtfully curated menu has something for everyone.  There is grilled meat (steaks, grilled chicken etc), pasta, pizzas, burgers, Mexican food (tacos, burritos), British grub etc. For tykes, they have designed a children’s menu which will definitely appeal to them.  Lastly, their secret weapon is an array of mouth-watering milkshakes to keep your little ones satisfied and entertained.  I dare you adults to try and resist all these milkshakes.

You know how restaurants always try to get you to order beverages because that is a good source of revenue for them? Well, The Co-op doesn’t try that lame tactic.  Instead, they very generously provide FREE FREE-FLOW soft drink (U.P. $3.90) with any and all mains (there is no typo in this sentence).  On top of the FREE FREE-FLOW soft drink, you only have to top up an additional $2.90 to get a soup as well.  Alternatively, top up an additional $4.90 to get a soup AND an ice-cream.  Where else can you find such a good deal in Singapore?  I feel like I struck lottery!  If you dine here every day, then would it feel like striking lottery every day?

Best of all, if you are a student, you can enjoy a student lunch deal comes at $6.90 NETT (!!!!!!!!!)  For $6.90 nett, students can enjoy Popcorn Chicken Tacos, a chicken burger or Aglio Olio Pasta.  For $8.90 nett, they can choose from a beef burger, fish and chips or chicken pasta.  AND the student lunch deal comes with FREE-FLOW drink (there is also no typo in this sentence).  Ah!!! To be young and a student again.  The student deal is only available on weekdays (excluding public holidays) from 11am to 5pm. 

Reed’s Ginger Brew $5.90

One thing I like about The Blackhole Group’s restaurants is that, besides the usual Coca Cola, Sprite etc, they have really interesting drinks.  This one is an all-natural, Jamaican ginger ale.  It has a really tropical, ginger taste.  Best of all,  it is gluten-free, caffeine-free, GMO-free (wow!) and it has no preservatives.

AUS Grass-fed Tenderloin 200gm $34.90

Comes with a choice of 2 side dishes and choice of 1 sauce

This dish is a Co-op “original”.  It is not found in the other restaurants of The Blackhole Group.  The tenderloin was indeed heavenly.  It was so tender.  Gosh!!! I missed having a tenderloin and I am so glad I don’t have to run downtown to enjoy one.   The fresh, light Garden Salad was a perfect complement to the (heavier) beef.  I also like that they have also used baby potatoes and not regular potatoes for the Potato Salad.

Summer Roast Dinner $19.90 (from The Mad Sailors British Kitchen)

Australian grass-fed flank steak (150 gm), beef bacon, baked beans, coleslaw, red potato salad, Yorkshire pudding, black peppercorn sauce.

It was beautifully presented.  I like how dainty and graphic the presentation looks.  I also appreciate the opportunity to enjoy a roast dinner any time I want.  Most pubs run by Westerners only offer a roast dinner on Sundays.  Speaking of Western pubs, the roast dinner here is definitely on par with those offered by Western pubs.  In particular, I appreciate how the sweet, coleslaw refreshes you and balances the rest of the items on the plate.

Cajun Chicken Quesadillas $13.90 (from Afterwit Taqueria)

Cajun spiced chicken breast, caramelised onions, corn kernels, tomatoes and mozzarella cheese in a grilled flour tortilla served with Mexican rice and tortilla chips

The quesadillas was really flavourful.  I once tasted a quesadilla made by a chef who had worked in Hilton, Sheraton and other 5-star hotels for 15 years.  This quesadilla was definitely on par with the Sheraton one.  It was very creamy inside and the caramelised onions are really interesting.  Besides the usual sweetness, it has a bit of a mild spiciness.  This gives it a little kick and lifts the whole quesadilla.  The Mexican rice was absolutely delish—— each grain was distinct, firm and completely soaked with flavour.  This is also a very filling plate.    

Churros $7.90 (from Afterwit Taqueria)

Fried Spanish donuts (x4) served with chocolate dip

The churros arrived warm.  When you bite into the crispy, sugary crust and it’s all warm and fluffy inside, oohhhhhhhh!

Gula Melaka Latte $6.90

Gula Melaka, vanilla cream, coffee jelly

I really liked this one.  It is everything it professes to be.  You can taste the Gula Melaka, the vanilla cream and the coffee jelly.  The coffee jelly was particularly delicious.  Also, this is an amazingly advanced milkshake.  You have the distinctly Southeast Asian flavour of the Gula Melaka balanced by the Western vanilla; the bitter-sweetness of the coffee jelly blending and complementing the sweetness of the Gula Melaka and the sweetness of the vanilla.  Complex and advanced.

Cappuccino $3.50

The most affordable cappuccino I have seen in Singapore!

I am particularly impressed by the staff here.  All of the dishes above (except the Gula Melaka Latte) were competently executed by Chef Ash.  I love the thoughtful plating of all the dishes and the careful attention to detail as evident by the placing of sprigs of rosemary on both the beef dishes.  Mr Handri, who served me, has the patience of a saint.  He calmly and capably attended to all the needs of the customers. I can’t believe he kept his cool as his attended to a customer in front of me who kept “customizing” her orders—– more of this, less of that, sauce on side, requesting a special non-spicy version not on the menu etc.  He also made me the Gula Melaka Latte—– he is good at that too.

Whew!  That was “hit” after “hit” of dishes.   Compilation albums are indisputably the best value for money and The Co-op is no different.  The experience and the cuisine here definitely made it worth my time coming here.  This “compilation album” will definitely soar up the charts very soon!

The Co-Op @ HomeTeamNS Bukit Batok Clubhouse

2 Bukit Batok West Ave 7, #01-07 A/B, HomeTeamNS, Singapore 659003

Tel: +65 6258 2843