The Love Affair Continues….@ Warm Up Cafe (Star Vista), Singapore
After an inhumanly, punishingly busy period, I finally had the time to indulge in the finer things in life. And that of course includes dining.
One of the best restaurants in town, and certainly one of my favourites, Warm Up Cafe, has had a new outlet at Star Vista (next to Buona Vista MRT) for some time now. I had previously tried their OG Mackenzie Road outlet (complete with ample parking). It was astounding. With curiosity, I arrived at Star Vista to continue my love affair with Warm Up Cafe.
The location is extremely easy to find. When you follow the foot path from the MRT and take the escalator up to Level 2, Warm Up Cafe is just one shop away from the top of the escalator.
Warm Up Cafe Star Vista has air-conditioned seating and outdoor sheltered seating. Indoor seating is not capacious so reservations are a must (seriously, the place is full even for weekday lunch). The air-conditioned area has a indoor-but-outdoor theme, with faux carpet grass, faux trees with branches and faux green hanging garden wall.
Thai Lemongrass Drink $3.40
It was heavenly! Exotic, Asian and very cooling. It was almost as good as a trip to Thailand itself.
Thai Basil Seafood Mix $19.90
It was spicy sweet, soy sauce-y. It might be a little too spicy for some. The lemongrass drink above or the slices of cucumber by the side help. The squid is thick, fresh and firm, it must be said. For a squid lover like me, it is extremely satisfying to bite into such firm squid.
Premium Pork Jowl $28
Made from the rare limited quantity premium pork available in each pig
The jowl is a tender cut of meat from a pig’s cheek. The flavours here are subtle and harmonious. The faintest of sweetness and spice blend is topped with the faint hint of char smell.
This is fine dining grilled meat, if there is such a thing It was very elegant and refined, more elegant and elegant than the char siew at Shisen Hanten.
Kailan with Oyster Sauce 9.90
An unbeatable dish! The kailan was firm, had crunch and was not too bitter. The flavours were typical Thai cuisine magic— you taste the sweetness and umami of the oyster sauce, and the inimitable fish sauce. On top of that, it was garlicky and it has that wok hey aroma. This humble plate of vegetables is my favourite dish of the meal.
Steam Fish with Spicy Soup $31
La piece de resistance. This is the only dish I have repeated from my last visit. Not that the other dishes I tried the last time were bad. I just wanted to try new dishes and discover more gems.
So, the verdict? Is it still as great and memorable? YES. Garlicky, spicy, herb-y, and most importantly, the sourness from the lime all add to an intoxicating, addicting blend of flavours.
Thai Fried Kway Teow $9.80
The Kway Teow is glistening, velvety and with a touch of bounce. Best of all, the Kway Teow does not cling to each other in a clump even when cold.
Thai Milk Tea $3.40
How about a cup of Thai Milk Tea to round off the meal? The bitterness of the tea dust is sooooo cooling. It felt very authentic.
I have said it before—Warm Up Cafe is my favourite Thai restaurant. Is it the best? Very likely.
Warm Up Café (Star Vista)
1 Vista Exchange Green, #02-10/11 The Star Vista, Singapore 138617
Tel: 8028 7323
