(Closed) Arterial Cafe @ Chinatown – Not your Ordinary Hipster Cafe

24 Temple Street. I have been here so many times. First was CrazyWorld cafe. Next was Table 24. And now Arterial Cafe. But this time, the people behind Arterial Cafe seems to be clear what they are doing. If you are expecting a typical big breakfast set like any another cafe, you are wrong. Conceptualized by chef Siong and consultant chef Shen Tan (formerly of The Wok & Barrel and Ujong), the menu has been transformed into something totally different.

The dishes appear simple, but stand out with their exquisite flavours. The homemade Pork Aspic Terrine ($13.90) is made from pig’s ears, tongue and belly. A good introduction to all parts of the pig, the chilled aspic is crunchy yet gelatinous.

It’s not easy to find tripe on a menu, I was surprised Arterial Cafe served it. Their Hunter’s Beef Stew ($16.90) features tender braised offal in a tomato base sauce that was homey tasting and a nice accompaniment to the two crusty bread. You will be pleased to know that there is no funky smell in the dish. The sauce is so good that I mop the bowl clean with bread.

Like a size of a golf ball or maybe bigger, I like Meatballs Al Forno ($11.90). Formed, flour and pan browned, the meatballs are simmered in a lovely tomato sauce. They are tender and juicy.

The fresh and juicy Handmade Wantons ($11.90) were chockful of prawns and pork. Usually chinese wantons are paired with vinegar, but here, they serve it with with balsamic vinaigrette, which gave the wantons a tangy and fruity note.

I personally feel that the other dishes fare much better than the pasta in terms of flavour. But if you need some carbs, go for their Squid Ink Aglio Olio ($15.90, the most expensive item in the menu) and Mushroom Aglio Olio ($13.90). It’s also interesting to see chef listening to earphone will cooking the pasta. Quite cool leh.

Finally, a cafe in Chinatown that serves great food. I like how homely the dishes are and the portions are quite generous. Don’t forget to pair your dishes with a cup of Liberty Coffee.

Arterial Cafe
Address: 24 Temple Street, Singapore 058569
Tel: +65 6222 8589
Operating hours: Tues – Sun 10am to 10pm, Closed on Mondays