The next time you find yourself in town with no idea what to eat, look no further than this modern East-meets-West grill concept by the Les Amis group.
Nope, I’m not telling you to randomly splurge on fine dining.
![koal](https://confirmgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/koal.grill_1652441420_2837206642476577999_49240990034.jpg)
I’m telling you to visit KOAL, a casual restaurant in Shaw Centre specialising in affordably priced sharing plates and meats grilled over an open flame.
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Think cuts like beef belly, Iberico pork presa, and ribeye paired with complementary sides like charred broccoli, potato salad, and more.
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But if you wish to stray away from the classics, go for dishes like the Crispy Pork Riblets (S$16), crisp yet tender ribs tossed in a mala honey glaze, peanuts, and chilli oil, if you’re the kind that always orders marmite pork at zi char restaurants.
![koal](https://confirmgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/KOAL-edited-6-scaled.jpg)
I was also impressed by the Grilled Eggplant (S$12), or yaki nasu, which had been roasted till soft, sticky, and caramelised, dressed with soy confit garlic, coriander yogurt, and crunchy tempura bits.
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As for dessert, look no further than the signature Apple Crumble ($16), a sweet-savoury, hot-cold combo of apple compote, oat crumble, and smoked gelato drizzled with a shoyu caramel.
![koal](https://confirmgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/koal.grill_1706931016_3294298519563763229_49240990034.jpg)
We recommend coming by for lunch if you’re seeking a more value-for-money option, with three different types of sets comprising a main and dessert to choose from.
The Rice Bowls are perhaps the most popular, so you can look forward to sets like the KOAL Chirashi (S$38), Grilled Pork Collar (S$27), and Grilled Salmon (S$31).
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However, KOAL is known for their meats after all, so we were eager to try the Meat Sets, both of which are served with Yuzu Caesar Salad.
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Regardless of which protein you pick, we highly recommend forking out an additional S$4 for the Chilled Tomato Soup, a piquant and refreshing pick-me-up with vinegared nori and croutons.
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As someone who perks up at the mere mention of the word “steak“, I was hoping to really enjoy the Steak & Potatoes (S$38), comprising triple-fried potatoes and 200g of angus ribeye, but the meat was a tad too overcooked for my liking.
![koal](https://confirmgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/KOAL-edited-5-scaled.jpg)
The Spring Chicken & Potatoes (S$25), a roasted half spring chicken topped with fried garlic and a moreish sweet onion jus, fared a lot better.
However, the potatoes were the real star of the show. Soft and fluffy on the inside, with shatteringly crispy skin — we couldn’t get enough of them.
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The apple crumble is unfortunately not available at lunchtime, but you’ll still get to choose between the equally enticing Miso Pannacotta with Passionfruit or Umeshu Jelly.
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The best part? From now till 31 May 2024, diners can enjoy 50% off the second set lunch, so grab a friend and swing by for a midday feast in the heart of Orchard!
Reservations can be made here.
KOAL
Facebook | Instagram | Website
📍1 Scotts Road, #03-09/10/11 Shaw Centre, Singapore 228208
🕐 12pm–2.30pm, 6pm–9.30pm (Tue to Thu), 11.30am–2.30pm, 6pm–10pm (Fri to Sun), Closed on Mon
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Photos by Christabel Tan
I'm always feelin' either boozy or boujee ✨