Stepping into ninethirty, an awfully chocolate restaurant and dessert bar, is like visiting a long-lost friend: the familiarity tugs at your heartstrings and you vaguely remember the feeling, but you’re just not sure where you’ve seen it before. TaiKoo Hui Mall, perhaps?
Once you walk in, however, it all floods back. There’s an immediate sense of unpretentiousness and comfort that welcomes you as your eyes settle on the mounds of handmade chocolate, lushly stacked cakes and creamy ice cream.
This casual bistro, housed bang in the heart of Parc Central Mall next to H&M, is suitable for a shared meal with friends or family. Its menu, presented rather modestly, appears tame, but rest assured, you will be left speechless and craving more once you sink your teeth into the faultless marriage of European and Asian flavors.
The watermelon and rocket salad (RMB18) warmly melts in your mouth with a certain crunch and textural appeal that goes beautifully with the citrus jus. The apple crumble salad (RMB28) could very well pass as a savory dessert. It hits the spot with its combination of ingredients, and is best eaten as soon as it lands on the table.
Brunch or all-day breakfast lovers will applaud here at ninethirty, where their favorite meal just got a kick. Try the bangers and mash (RMB38) or golden coin pancakes (RMB40), cooked with pizzazz.
Seafood lovers should take note of the aromatic garlic prawns (RMB48) in chorizo oil and roasted garlic, seared pacific cod (RMB68) with cauliflower mash, caramelized onions and roasted peppers, and the delectable lobster tail with bisque (RMB88). Pair your selection with some truffle fries (RMB28) or crispy potatoes (RMB28) with light wasabi for a kick.
Plated desserts are, of course, brilliantly conjured up – an ode to ninethirty’s humble beginnings as a dessert bar. Without giving away too much, try the dark chocolate s’more (RMB48). Its warm, sticky exterior and chilled ice cream will leave you licking your lips.
Those seeking more Asian flavors will love the salted egg yolk donuts (RMB48). The runny center tends to ooze out so keep it close to your mouth as you bite into the sugary crust.
Drinks have a local spin, with the sweet yet refreshing Katong jelly (RMB35) playing to its Singaporean heritage. There are coffees, teas and, of course, beers and wine to wash down the feast of small plates.
Prefer a beverage and dessert in one? Order the cold dark chocolate martini (RMB58) or salted caramel chocolate (RMB33) and have the best of both worlds!
The mention of ninethirty alone could probably summon a small, helpless groan from the stomach, with a creative range of items, flavors and textures enough to cure any cravings. Retail therapy can wait – we’re just getting started.
Price: RMB70
Who’s going: curious palates, awfully chocolate fans
Good for: tapas-style dishes, anything sweet
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