Hob Nob Cafe Bar (Far East Shopping Centre)
Unassumingly tucked in a corner of the dilapidated Far East Shopping Center -- a mall that is long past its glory days, Hob Nob Cafe Bar serves an affordable and unpretentious plate of fish & chips. The owners look Thai and decor looks Thai. The menu has fushion Thai and Western dishes eg. Tom Yum Pasta. Sounds good already eh. Not to digress, that's their signature Iced Bailey's Cream ($6.80) - and they kind of went to town on the alcohol which is entirely a good thing :)
Here's the fish & chips we were raving about! Should be about $12 for this portion, if memory serves us right - this was quite some time ago. That's slightly above what you can get at Char Grill Bar and on par with Astons. Admittedly, we could use an up-size on the sides but the fish did not disappoint. The batter was light and crisp and doesn't draw (unwanted aka Long John Silvers) attention away from the firmness of the fish - we suspect its dory.
The baked dory fish ($15) was also excellent and it was accompanied by some potato wedges and garden salad. Compared to the fish & chips, this was no doubt a fuller meal. The flakiness of the fish contrasted perfectly with the dreamily-oozy baked cheese. You'll be glad they held back on the sides this time round.
All in all, Hob Nob was a surprise find for us. Never did we expect a dingy place like Far East Shopping Center to yield this pleasant and affordable meal. Hob Nob certainly deserves more attention, do consider if you wish to stray off the beaten path and explore the quieter side of Orchard Road.
Hob Nob Cafe Bar
Address: Far East Shopping Center, 545 Orchard Road, #03-18/19, 238882
Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 11:30-23:00; Last order 21:00
Contact: +65 6734 0474
Damage: ~$18/pax
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