OOOF at Abof.

I was surprised when Mum suggested Abof for dinner. She, being one who digs tastebud-assulting spicy indonesian and malay dishes, had always held low regard for blander fare such as Japanese.

Eyebrows were raised when we learnt that prices were tweaked upwards. the restaurant was barely half full on a Saturday night and by raising prices, I didn't see how small-time regulars would be inclined to re-visit. Wouldn't it be interesting to delve deeper into their marketing strategy?

What's a trip to Abof's without the Best Friend's Platter? That would be akin to visiting Morton's without having steak or a dim sum restaurant without ordering Char Siew Bao. The amazing thing is each time I go through the BFP, something new strikes me.



This time round the curried herring was stirring. To Asians, the liberal cream-mayo content compared to curry powder is unorthodox and it almosts tastes like mock curry. It is an acquired taste and best enjoyed against the sourish tinge of pumpernickel toast.
The smoked salmon ws naturally satisfying but the mashed egg yolk within proved to be a tad too rich for my liking.
There's something unusual about the pink shrimp- it tasted fresh or rather, too fresh if that is ever possible. HAHA.. Having said that, I would believe it to be the natural sweetness of pink shrimp.
It was a pity that liberal amounts of remoulade sauce and shallots mask the natural taste of roast beef .



For something new, we picked the breaded fried oysters. these nuggets of delish were a-third the size of my palm. Prying it open, i found a mix pouch of bacon and oysters, which created a "arh, so that's why it tastes so marvellous" moment. Though oyster enthusists may scoff at the bacon addition, I was glad for the unyielding oysters aroma would have been too overpowering for my liking.



You know those potato wedges they sell in frozen packs always taste like they are choked full of additives.. but this is different with none of that questionable whatssits..

Apart from Swedish meatballs, Scandinavian cusisine remains an unchartered terrotry. However, I do love the unprocessed au natural taste and could never say 'no' to pumpernickel toast.

It was my third visit to Abof and frankly, I wasn't quite so charmed. Perhaps the novelty has worn of and the cracks are beginning to show. Service was as warm as Scandinavian winter and the upward adjustment of prices was a difficult pill to swallow.

Aböf Restaurant & Tea Lounge
Millenia Walk #01-109
9 Raffles Boulevard
Tel: 6338 7113
Opening hours: 8:30am - 11pm daily, last order at 10pm