Dinner at The Lab Cafe @ Bugis

1 Jalan Pisang #01-01, Singapore 199069

Tel: 6299 5681

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/weexperiment

The Lab reminds me of Fresh Fruits Lab (review here), drinks and condiments are served in syringes or other clinical apparatus, and they are also experimenting with their menu / dishes.  I guess the difference would be that the latter theme their drinks and desserts largely around fresh fruits, living up to its name.

Immensely popular, and only taking reservations for groups of 6 and more, we waited for an hour before we had a table.

This is a halal cafe serving Western / American cuisine such as burgers, desserts, Ondeh Ondeh waffles and interesting beverages such as Yam Latte, etc. As the name suggests, this experimenting cafe changes its menu often, bringing refreshing delights to patrons.

Service was efficient enough, and ordering is done at the counter. There are indoor and outdoor seats available, and interior is rustic with an artistic touch.

We started with Beef Con Carne Chili Fries with Cheese (SGD$10.00), consisting of fries with cheddar cheese, minced beef and kidney beans. I prefer those with more distinctive minced beef bits and flavor.

Next,  a bucket of Mussels Marinade (SGD$10.00), made of up large fresh mussels, leek and celery in a bucket of white cream marinade. Toasted baguette was served together with this dish. While I rather enjoyed the plump and springy mussels flesh, squirting sweet cream sauce when chewed, I thought the broth was too luscious for my liking.

Moving on, the Classic Beef Burger (SGD$13.00) - juicy and smokey beef patty, caramelised onions and melted mixes cheese clasped by toasted buns, and held tightly together by a steak knife. This was tasty and undoubtedly one of the better burgers I have tasted so far.

Finally, Smoked Duck Aglio Olio Pasta (SGD$14.00), fine pasta tossed with garlic flakes, chilli padi and olive oil.  The smoked duck was surprisingly tender and delicious, adding a umami touch to the spicy pasta dish.

Ask if I would return? Probably yes, for the rainbow cheesecake and yam latte, and during non-peak period. Don't get me wrong, the food here is rather good and all, but definitely not worth and hour-long queue.