It is not often a vegetarian place can be around for five years without the Hungry Ang Mo knowing about it. But, inexplicably, Piore Organic Vegetarian Cafe has managed to fly under the radar in the vegetarian scene for many years. One reason for this may be the isolation of the location, which is nestled on the second level of a very old HDB block. However, with the Farrer Road MRT recently being built a few years ago, now this eatery is just a stone's throw away from the MRT, making things a lot more accessible for potential customers.
Piore Organic Vegetarian CafeLocation: Blk 3 Queen's Road, #02-163Contact: 64744047Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 10.30am-7.30pm (Friday currently closes at 3.30pm). Sunday closed. The ambiance at Piore is one of the best in Singapore. This is a peaceful, calming, cosy little cafe. There are only a few tables, and a comfortable sofa in the corner. I loved the old-fashioned feel that this place has. Menu wise, there are many daily specials, which have a habit of selling out very fast. Customers are advised to call in advance and 'reserve' dishes. All customers get a complimentary wintermelon drink, upon sitting down. We also ordered the
Avocado Drink, which was thick and creamy, with just the right amount of sweetness.
Price: $3.50. 6/10We kicked our meal off with the
Fried Black Pepper Udon. Personally, if I had to pick between rice and noodles, I will always pick rice. Thick udon or yellow noodles are the ones I dislike the most, as they are often too soft and starchy. These udon noodles were fresh and bouncy, and really impressed me. Not only were the udon noodles great, but I also loved the ingredients that were used. Monkey head mushroom, corn, carrot and green capsicum could be found inside. Monkey head mushroom is probably one my most beloved ingredients, so put them in any dish and I will be a happy boy. The wonderful fresh ingredients, matched with the black pepper grains equated to a excellent tasting dish.
Price: $5.50. 7/10People often lament that one of the drawbacks to eating at organic vegetarian/vegan eateries is that the food is too bland. I guess we grow up in a culture where reckless usage of oil, salt, spice and MSG is the norm - So when these items are removed, inevitably the taste is going to be different. The
Fried Noodles (Tom Yam) dish is a perfect example of how a dish can still be packed with flavour, without using an abundance of toxic ingredients. The slightly sour and spicy flavour of the tom yam really came out in this dish, and the organic ingredients were bursting with flavour. I'm usually not a fan of tom yam, but I was licking the plate clean with this particular dish. The fried noodles also have another two varieties to choose from - 'Sesame' and 'normal'.
Price: $5.50. 8/10Thunder Tea Rice, otherwise know as
lei cha擂茶 is one of those dishes you either love or hate. Out of every Chinese dish ever concocted, I would be willing to bet this is the most healthy of them all. Eating lei cha (which literally means 'pounded tea') just feels good for your body. The main ingredients are rice, tofu, nuts and green vegetables. I was particularly delighted that 四脚豆 was used, as it's one of my favourite vegetables. These ingredients are cooked in minimal oil and salt (almost none). It is the bright green tea infused soup, however, that packs the most nutritional value. This soup is usually comprised of tea leaves, basil, coriander and mint. Lei cha is a dish that everyone would benefit from eating more often. Personally, I don't find it to be the most enjoyable dish on the planet - But it is comforting to know it is doing my body good!
Price: $6.50. 7/10
Conclusion - It is time for the rest of Singapore to know about Piore! Serving healthy and organic food always scores brownie points with me, especially when the price is affordable. Piore is an ideal eatery for those wanting to chill out and enjoy great food, without any health consequences!Overall Rating
Food - 7/10
Ambiance- 8/10
Service - 8/10
Value - 7/10
