There are probably only a few Russian restaurants in Singapore, and Shashlik Restaurant being the most popular, is a must-try since I don't think I'll ever get to visit Russia in my lifetime. The name Shashlik or shashlyk comes from a popular skewered dish throughout the former Soviet Union and Mongolia.
Shashlik transports one back into the 70s with waiters and waitresses, mostly between their 50s and 60s, dressed in maroon vest, pushing wooden trolleys in a dimly lit restaurant tucked in a corner of Far East Shopping Center. Reservation is recommended regardless of its secluded location.
I shall start with the desserts because they are what made my heart melt. My favourite is the Cherry Jubilee ($16.00, serves 2). It was "cooked" and prepared before our eyes.
The warm cherries soaked in liquor blended perfectly with the melting ice-cream. Every mouthful was love at first bite.
The Baked Alaska ($16.00, serves 2) is ice-cream cake with meringue covered with mountain of whipped cream, drizzled with rum and heated to crisp. It was heaven on earth.
The desserts are so popular that they have to restrict diners from coming just for desserts because of the limited seats, especially during weekends.
The mains are mostly steaks and skewers. Shashlik Beef ($25.00) is Russian beef kebabs, tender, tasty and perfectly seasoned. Shashlik Pork ($22.00) is not too dry or tough but palatable even when I'm "semi-halal".
Steak a la Russe ($26.00) is good too but tasted like regular European food.
These mains were served with "Russian Salad".
This is some caviar-stuffed-eggs appetiser I had on my first visit. Can't remember the actual name, price or taste. So I guess it isn't worth trying. :P
Many complained about their poor service but I haven't experienced anything indigestive. Apart from the bad reviews on their service (and my bad pictures), Shashlik is definitely worth trying even when it usually totals up to $40-$50 per person for a full meal. Just remember to leave some room for desserts!
On a separate note, I got to taste some unique and interesting Russian food a couple of months ago at Russ'a Delights, Sim Lim Square foodcourt. Very excited to open my appetite and welcome new flavours as I'm always curious about Russian cuisines, I ordered the unfamiliar Kotlety ($7.90) and cabbage rolls ($4.90).
They were quite decent and flavourful. I wikipedia-ed and figured that they were Russia local delights. Unfortunately, before I can get to know Russian food a little better, the stall has wound up.
To date, Russia still remains as a strange but special place.
*Really sorry for the lousy pictures as the place was really dim and they were shot with my hp. :(
1 comment:
Shashlik's dessert was the best! :D
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