A couple of years back, I still remembered how I would spend my lazy weekends visiting cafes and trying out their version of egg benedict and cafe latte. However, these days I would spend my weekend mornings in the gym and then heading back to prepare some post-work meals. But this particular weekend, I had a lovely brunch at boCHINche, an argentinean restaurant located along Martin Road, just right above Common Man Coffee Roasters at Robertson Quay area. I wouldn’t have actually known that there’s an argentinean restaurant that serves an amazing brunch in Argentine style in Singapore. If you’ve been doing cafe hops among the usual popular western-style brunch cafes, I would say that it’s time for a change – indulge and try out other cuisines for brunch instead. This is far from your run-of-the-mill sort of brunch. Life is too short for you to be eating Egg Benedicts, toast or sausages every weekend for brunch.
Bochinche offers a weekend brunch featuring warm and hearty dishes with a unique combination of South American flavours. The new brunch menu was designed by respected Argentinean chef Diego Jacquet from boCHINche.
Unlike the usual brunch cafes around in Singapore, it’s more conducive for families and large gatherings to have their meals here. It’s also perfect for those who prefer less crowded places and enjoys some quiet time during their meals.
These lovely fruits and vegetables on displayed are used to make the fresh juices that are found in the brunch menu. I really like the concept of an open kitchen where you can get to watch the chef at work and you could also be sure that the chefs are handling the food with extra care and caution. There’s really nothing for them to hide, is there?
Horses…red…bull…passion.
This is what this South American country, Argentine reminds me of.
I really like the concept of an open kitchen where you can get to watch the chef at work and you could also be sure that the chefs are handling the food with extra care and caution. There’s really nothing for them to hide, is there?
I was very intrigued by the large piece of crumpled note that was stuck to the wall. It would be so cool to scribble notes on it. Maybe a recipe?
I tried an Argentinean tea called Mate tea which is a caffeine-rich infused tea that has several health benefits. I’ve tried other brands of mate tea but the ones that were brewed here were much stronger in taste and tasted slightly more bitter. It is rich in antioxidants and it aids in digestion. This is exactly what I need especially if I’m going to eat and drink merrily at the table.
Get yourself educated with some interesting facts about Argentina whilst enjoying your brunch there.
I must really thank the folks from Spa Esprit Group and boCHINche for inviting me to have a lovely brunch session with them even though I was a vegetarian. I gradually got to know that Argentinean food is quite all about meat and there are vegetarian options for the health-conscious or veggie-eaters. These days, it isn’t difficult at all for vegetarians to dine out as they are so many cafes and restaurants out there that cater to vegans and vegetarians. Yes, I am just glad that I am still able to have a hearty brunch at vegetarian-friendly restaurant.
As a vegetarian, I do eat dairy products so I only refrain myself from eating dishes that contains meat. Even though I didn’t taste the meat-containing dishes, I must say that the presentation of the dish looks really good and I could totally imagine how the dish is going to taste like – no, I’m not tempted to eat it.
Ok, I lied.
Toasted croissant with grilled tomatoes, creamy spinach and smoked ricotta ($9) ( On the left)
This toasted croissant tasted way too good that I could probably stuffed myself with two more servings of it.
Pan and manteca ($7) (top)
House-baked bread and salted butter
Classic Provoleta, almonds and honey (v) ($17)
You need to order this if you are so in love with anything cheesy. This will bound to make you crave for more cheese. It goes really well with their house-baked bread.
Heirloom tomato salad, burrata, citrus olives and chopped basil ($23)
Ricotta pancakes, berries salad, maple syrup and cinnamon crème fraîche ($18)
This ricotta pancakes was another hit dish that brunch diners should try – especially the ladies who love berries. I love berries and I couldn’t resist pancakes with maple syrup.
Squid burger with smoked pepper, chopped
romaine, crayfish and dill mayonnaise
House chorizo sausage, Malbec braised ox cheeks and caramelised onions ($25)
Organic poached eggs on toast, braised ossobuco and chives hollandaise ($25)
Yellow fin tuna, grilled pak choi, spicy humita & crispy “aji molido” tofu ($30)
Brioche French toast, house-cooked ham and bacon, bacon ice cream ($19)
Pear, apple and celery Juice ($9)
I love the idea of serving freshly-squeezed juices in a beaker. And boy, the juice was so refreshing and tasty. It just instantly brightens and energizes my Saturday morning. Keep the coffee, nourish your body with green juices instead!
Smoked salmon and scrambled eggs with red onions, capers and dill cream cheese ($24)
Bitter chocolate tart, chili flakes yogurt and chocolate ice cream ($16)
Crème caramel, “dulce de leche” and crushed meringue ($13)
“Dulce de leche” crème brûlée and banana split ice-cream ($17)
Grilled pineapple, mate tea granita and “arroz con leche” sorbet, lemon crumble ($18)
Milk cake, passion fruit sorbet and toasted almonds ($14)
All the desserts certainly did not disappoint me and I really like the pairing of warm cake or pudding with cold ice cream. The desserts that stood out the most for me was the Grilled pineapples and crème brûlée. It looked exquisite in presentation and was made to perfection. It takes a good and experienced chef to make a crème brûlée that has a smooth and even caramelized shell and has well-balanced taste to it.
A unique brunch experience?
Approved.
There isn’t a need to hop on a plane to Argentina when their own chef has brought the flavours to our shore.
Visit http://www.bochinche.com.sg/
BoCHINche
22 Martin Road
#02-01
Singapore 239058
