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In a capital city that represents the cuisine of nearly every nation in the world, from Iceland to India, Nepal to New Zealand, it’s surprisingly difficult to find Singaporean and Malay food. Singapore Garden, a beacon of good Straits cooking, continues to draw people from all over town to NW6. The upmarket dining room, decked out with patterned banquettes, wooden flooring and crisp white linen, displays few hints of the restaurant’s oriental bent, though waitresses are dressed in traditional batik costumes.
After countless meals here, we can vouch for the tender pork satay, in which the meat is slightly caramelised for added flavour. Singapore laksa (here served with rice vermicelli, beansprouts, prawns and fish cake) is another sure-fire winner – we lapped up every drop of the spicy coconut soup. Fried hokkien mee (stir-fried egg noodles with prawns, egg and pork) is good enough to grace any table in Singapore. When available, pulut hitam (black glutinous rice) with coconut milk guarantees a sweet and starchy end to your meal.
Prices have continued to creep up, but there’s no arguing that this is a quality experience. Note that there’s also a Singapore Garden takeaway outlet in Chiswick (474 Chiswick High Road, W4 5TT, 8994 2222).