Review: Delicious @ Scotts Square

“It’s the exact same replica of the one at Duo Residences, Jalan Ampang,” a friend had said when I mentioned the new Delicious café in Singapore. I’ve never been to any of the seven branches in Kuala Lumpur or Penang, so naturally I was highly inclined to visit their new local outlet at the equally new Scotts Square.

Walking into the café, you are first treated to a whimsical display of birdcages—with two hanging around this giant avant-garde ‘tree’ in the main dining area—and a colour theme of turquoise – reminiscence of Tiffany’s blue – and white, coupled with earthy and wood touches.

The menu items are a confusing mix of cuisines, ranging from Chicago-style Deep Dish Pizza to Confit Duck Red Curry and Rendang Tok Beef Short Ribs. You say ‘International’, I say ‘pushing it’; you say ‘fusion’, I say ‘messy’. On a light note, I do like their pretty menu though.

Probably one interesting thing about the café, besides their standardized black-and-white cushion covers throughout the restaurant, is that they have this looooong table at a separate dining area, which was not open during Six&Seven’s lunch there. I do hope it’s available for reservations, ‘cause we like to lunch with big groups of friends.

We started off with some Spicy Buffalo Wings ($7). At about a dollar plus per chicken wing that seemed to have some pepper sprinkled across, with a  hint of weirdly, non-spicy Tabasco, accompanied with a watered down blue cheese dressing, I can’t decided if it’s worth the value.

In light of the many features we saw in publications on Delicious, we opted for the Nasi Kerabu with Ayam Percik ($12). One of the brand’s pork-free bestsellers, this generous dish of red curry ayam percik (spicy barbecued chicken) did not please curry-lover Saunders.

The dry curry was rich with coconut milk, which made it lacking in the spicy department. Paired with savoury, fishy budu (fermented fish sauce with poached garlic) sauce, it leaves a funny taste on our palate – read: it’s better without the sauce.

With interesting sides of keropok, half a salted egg and peculiar raw ulam (four-angled beans, long beans and ginger flower), the plain steamed rice tasted even more bland. Overall a dish that didn’t get our fancy and could perhaps use a few tweaks to appeal more to the local palate.

Our other choice of Masala Lambshank ($19.90) fared much better. The huge, fork-tender lamb, covered in a thick and spicy rendang, definitely has enough kick for the average-spicy Jasper aka me.

An advantage over the previous lacklustre main is the aromatic nasi pilaf (basmati rice cooked in broth, though I couldn’t taste exactly what broth), that did not stick together. The crunchy papadum added texture to the dish, as the cucumber raita counteracts the spiciness of the rendang with its cool yoghurt and cucumber, making it an ideal complementary side dish.

As we kicked back with our Long Black ($5.50) and Long Cool Black ($5.50), we consolidated on a few other points. Firstly, Delicious should invest in some non-slip table mats, seeing as how our dish of Ayam Percik was free to twist and turn on the table. Next, they should firm up their play list. Six&Seven visited before Christmas, and it was a mix of loud lounge music interlaced with Christmas covers.

All in all, Delicious offers some serenity (when the music isn’t blasting) in the centre of town, and priced below that of a PS. Café, this stylish, spacious café is definitely worth a visit or two – just don’t order that pork-free bestseller.

Did it turn us on?
Hits & misses, but Six&Seven is looking forward to return for other dishes, and cakes.

Delicious
Scotts Square, #B1-16 to 19
6 Scotts Road, Singapore 228209

Tel: (65) 6636 0903 | Website

Operating Hours: Daily 10am – 10pm

As we value honesty and integrity here at Six&Seven, all food reviews have been paid for by our writers.

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