Nestled within the Arts Centre and hidden behind the main streets is A for Arbite, a spacious restaurant with classroom-style setting and casual feel. In fact, the place was really a classroom before it was converted and designed as an eating place. They maintained the classroom concept and creatively made used of the chalkboards and other school stuff to create the overall ambiance.
Ge and I went one Saturday afternoon after I have worked a long night over the weekend. A for Arbite were just opening around that time but they let us in and courteously asked us if we’re okay to wait a while, about 20 minutes, because the kitchen is not yet ready. We’re not that hungry so we patiently waited while we take photos of the place.
Just after 5 minutes, our orders were taken, and 10 minutes later, the meals were served. We were impressed with how our food was freshly cooked and presented. All throughout our dining experience, we were also attended with their best service, checked with us every time to ensure that we have everything we need. It could be because there were only three groups of customers (including us) that time. But still, we felt like we were feasting in a fine dining restaurant.
Truffle Fries – A for Arbite serves crispy thick cut fries like in I Am Cafe. Their portions are big enough for sharing with two.
Adobo Pork Ribs – Pork ribs braised in soy and vinegar served with glutinous rice balls stuffed with serunding (coconut) and seasonal greens. Adobo originated from Spain but it is more popular as a cooking technique in the Philippines and often served when introducing Filipino cuisine to foreigners. We’re curious about A for Arbite’s version of Adobo so we tried it and it didn’t disappoint. The taste is as close as our Adobo and the meat of the pork ribs were very tender; it naturally slips off the bone. I don’t like the rice balls though, it tasted weird but Ge liked it.
My Wife’s Chocolate Cake – served with a scoop of salted caramel ice cream and coffee soil. It is sweet and moist, nothing special really, but who doesn’t love chocolate cake?
Cafe Latte and Mocha – To be honest, I can’t exactly remember how it tasted, but I do recall that I took my time to drink it to make it last until before we go.
Overall, A for Arbite is a great place to satisfy full meal cravings or just grab some small snacks. Though I think that the location is a bit challenging to find. :)
‘Til our next café hunt!
Arbite [ahr-bahyt] noun ~ A pun on the German/Danish word for work (arbeit/arbejde). Inspired by Europe but rooted in Singapore. An intrinsic honesty to the word. This permeates everything that we do and serve. e.g. quality food and drink, warm service, fair prices
A for Arbite
28 Aliwal Street, #01-01
Singapore 199918
Website: http://arbite.com.sg/
