I've been missing out. In recent times without me knowing, a new tonkatsu chain has taken Singaporean taste buds by storm. Luckily I caught up with the trend when I was invited to try out Saboten's new branch at 313 Somerset

We tried out 3 types of tonkatsus that day, two of which was special to the branch opening. Each set comes with chawanmushi, refillable lettuce, miso and rice and dessert, which is good news for big eaters and VERY value-for-money! The chawanmushi was great as a starter - smooth, silky and flavorful.

First there was the Fried Jumbo Prawn Set ($28.80) which was super shiok because you can eat the entire jumbo prawn like you would a cutlet since it is de-shelled. The breadcrumbs on it was fried to golden perfection, and not too oily or crumbly. It also comes with half loin katsu which is the original tonkatsu so we could compare. Still, it is very good.

We then tried the super star of the night -- the Iberico Loin Katsu ($28)! The black pig fried cutlet is really something. Even though you pay about $4 more compared to regular tonkatsu sets, this is really worth it. The meat was fatty, juicy and crunchy on the outside but melty on the inside! It was really heaven on earth. Try it to believe it. I would definitely go back for it until they take it off the menu.

Lastly we also tried the Ebi Katsu Variety set ($23) with crab cream croquette, ebi katsu and asparagus cheese roll. This is great for those who are non-pork lovers, or there's already pork on the table and you want to have more variety. Then get this, plus the Iberico set and share it among two!

We finished off with some refreshing yuzu or matcha ice cream. Pick the yuzu if it is available - much better than the matcha, which was normal. 

Do you know that Saboten means cactus in Japanese? I have no idea why that made it to the restaurant name.. but I always remember it as if you have to eat ten, then really "sabo ten"! That said, I finally found a great alternative to my usual tonkatsu haunt Tonkichi at Shaw Lido. I really do think the tonkatsus at Saboten are value for money and high quality so I'll highly recommend for you guys to check it out!

Saboten
#B2-02/03, 313 @ Somerset, 313 Orchard Road, Singapore
Daily 11am - 10pm

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I was invited on a lazy and rainy Sunday afternoon to try out the 2-month old establishment Souper Sarnies (not related to the Sarnies at Telok Ayer!) at Orchid Hotel, facing Tanjong Pagar Road. I was treated to a feast of their staples, as well as some new items which the two friendly and young Singaporean owners are trying out, for their Weekend Brunch menu. What luck! I had been slightly wary about another new brunch joint, but actually there really isn't that many of them during weekends that you can eat comfortably at which is not packed to the brim, so maybe it's a blessing that another one opened?


They open during weekdays lunch to cater to the business crowd in the area with affordable and generous sandwiches. I read about some complaints on other places about slow service, but c'mon, give them a break if there's a thousand and one things to handle things will take a bit more time!

The interior's cosy and hipster enough. Not many seats, since it is a small place. Still, the place didn't smell very much of food or grease, which is great. Ventilation, very important!


Here's the menu on a regular day.


And the weekend all-day brunch menu I was privy to. 
Prices are so reasonable! Call the police! 


First I had the Summer Salad ($10.90), which was probably one of my favorite salads I've had this year. It had all my favorite ingredients such as bits of cranberry, roasted pumpkin, avocados, watermelon (refreshing) and cherry tomatoes! The dressing was light and inconsequential since there's so much original flavor exploding all over the fresh greens already. Plus it makes for a pretty Instagram photo!

Then the Roast Beef Sirloin Sandwich ($14.90) which was priciest among the lot, since it had slabs of thinly sliced roast beef in there. To me this was alright, but as I have feedback to the owners, it was quite difficult to eat since the sandwich is so big!

My favorite, which I had raved all over Instagram, was the BLAT ($10.90) sandwich instead. It stands for Bacon Lettuce Avocado and Tomatoes, and boy oh boy were they great together! The panini was soft and the ingredients so complementary, it was difficult to find any fault with it. I would highly recommend ANYONE to try the BLAT.

I also tried out the Souper Brekky ($16.90), comprised of the standard stuff. Good enough -- as you can see it has all the ingredients required. I must say though, I used to really love these Big Breakfasts, but over time I kinda outgrew them slightly and found it rather unchallenging. Still, a good meal if you are looking for brunch!

The Eggs Benny ($14.90) was the cousin of the BLAT, since it had avocado spread, lettuce and bacon as well. The difference though lies in the poached eggs and homemade hollandaise sauce. The proof of the pudding really comes from the sauce. This was light, not too tart or creamy, and just right to balance out the runny eggs on toast. Thumbs up, eggs benedict fans rejoice!

Lastly, we had the Salted Caramel Buttermilk Waffles ($12.90) which was again quite perfect. It's amazing how all these food actually came from the two co-owners of this place in the span of an hour in a little kitchen behind the counter. The salted caramel was generously spread over the fluffy light and not too sweet waffle, and the New Zealand vanilla ice cream added the extra indulgence.



Great brunch or lunch place with hearty, delicious and fresh food made sincerely from scratch. Get the Summer Salad, BLAT and the waffles. The owners are constantly looking to better themselves so give them a break and support their food-preneurship will ya? I'll definitely be back for more of their sandwiches and desserts!


Souper Sarnies
#01-07, Orchid Hotel, 1 Tras Link, Singapore 078867
91159566
Mon - Sat: 08:30 - 21:00
Closed on Sundays

Brunch Review: Souper Sarnies at #01-07 Orchid Hotel, 1 Tras Link Singapore 078867

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