Stateland Cafe at Bali Lane – New Asian-Fusion Rice Bowls
Stateland Cafe has launched their new ‘Rice’ Series, featuring six rice-based dishes with a mix of asian and western influence.
Rice Series 稻米·系列
1. Herbal Duck Confit Risotto 「十全藥材鴨燴飯」
2. Hainanese Chicken Risotto 「海南雞燴飯」
3. BBQ Sambal Unagi Bowl 「烤鰻魚飯」
4. Crispy Salmon Belly Bowl 「脆皮三文魚飯」
5. Roasted Pork Belly Bowl 「雙拼飯」
6. Senkaku Beef Donburi 「釣魚島牛肉飯」
My favourite definitely goes to the BBQ Sambal Unagi Bowl $28. The Unagi was soft with a layer of sambal sauce spread beneath. The spiciness kicked in after a while, though mild, I was glad it didn’t overpower the taste of the fish.
The tobiko and pickles lent a crunchy texture to the overall dish while the soft runny yolk simply seeped through the rice grains such that each mouthful of rice and ingredients was filled with an explosion of flavours. Yum!
Senkaku Beef Donburi $22 was surprisingly more affordable than I expected. Relish in the tenderness of the grilled beef steak which didn’t require that much of gnawing; each slice was juicy and nicely seasoned with chilli and cumin. It had a curry touch to it and a subtle taste of spices. Beautiful.
The Roasted Pork Belly Bowl $24 was served with pork belly cooked in two ways – Hong Kong Char Siew Style and Crispy version. The cuts were thick and the former came glazed in a sweet sauce which spilled over to the rice. What got us confused was the crispy pork belly, slightly tough and tasted like a cross between fish and chicken. It could perhaps be better should the meats be more tender.
Ever had herbal gravy in your risotto? The Herbal Duck Confit Risotto $25 was a unique amalgamation of Chinese and Italian cuisine and you would be thrilled to find out how well both complemented each other. The risotto was actually more like ‘mui fan’ aka mushy porridge, dense and filling. while topped with a duck confit.
Finished off with spring onions, fried shallot and naibai, the Herbal Duck Risotto might not be the most visually appealing dish but would send your tastebud on a roller coaster.
Before I rounded off the Rice Series, I must proclaim my love for the Hainanese Chicken Rice Risotto $22. Firstly, it tasted and smelt like chicken rice. Secondly, the homemade chilli sauce (sriracha chili vinaigrette which was what it was called) was dope! The risotto lapped up the rich savoury sauce and together with the soy braised chicken plus chilli, it found it quite to my liking. Had this since last year and I am still loving it.
Other usual favourites include the Korean Fried Chicken Waffle $20 and Kimchi Carbonara $20.
Good thing to note is that each main course is nett in price and comes with a choice of complimentary drink.
Come in groups of friends? The sides are really great for sharing and munching over conversations too.
The Hot & Spicy Wings $12 was as delicious as it looked. I adored chicken wings coated in a thick batter and fried till the outside was a golden yellow, crunchy and addictive. It could get a little bit oily on the inside, but oh well, I ain’t saying no to these.
If you like Mentaiko, the Mentaiko Gyoza $14 would be your kind of snacks with its generous pour of mentaiko sauce over stacks of fried dumplings. I would have preferred the dumplings to be pan fried on one side, leaving them with crispier edges. These dumplings was fried through and through, though the meats within remained juicy. It was decent and you must really love mentaiko.
It was my umpteen times to Stateland Cafe and I am still enjoying my dining experience here. Their ever-evolving menu is what kept the dishes fresh and innovative enough to amass a consistent following/ crowd. Come with an open mind and see how the different cuisines can marry each other through the hands of Stateland cafe.
Of course, don’t leave without ordering their signature and photogenic soft serve either on waffles, mochi balls or donuts!
Previous visit can be found here. And yes do check out their iconic soft desserts too.
Stateland Cafe & Brother Bird at Bali Lane: Asian-fusion Food & Soft Serve
Stateland Cafe
30 Bali Lane, Singapore 189866
Wed to Mon: 12PM-10PM
Tue: 6PM-10PM
Tel: +65 9296 4997
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