Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Nick Vina Artisan Bakery

One of the perks of working in the CBD is the many delicious lunch options within walking distance. So when I was meeting a friend for lunch the other day I had no hesitation to accommodate her by going somewhere near her workplace at Tanjong Pagar.
With only one hour's time, we went into the Icon Village and found Nick Vina Artisan Bakery at a hidden corner of the shopping mall. Although the lunch promotion had finished 15 minutes before our arrival, the staff very kindly let us order the lunch set. 
A simple lunch set of picnic ham sandwich, brownie and fruit juice

The bread is definitely a winner. After being re-heated in the toaster oven, the crust was crispy and crumbly. The inside was fluffy, with the aroma of wheat. The ham, however, was no better than the luncheon ham sold at any supermarket. It was thankfully rescued by a dressing of mustard and apple chutney, which added both sweetness and acidity to the otherwise bland filling of ham and lettuce.
A meal always ends better with a nice dessert and lunch is no different. Their brownie was firm but moist and the top was slightly crumbly. The richness of the chocolate was occasionally interrupted by the generous amount of crunchy walnut. Its small serving was just enough to be satisfying without giving you the sense of guilt.
I could not help myself but selected something from their small range of artisan bread. I bought their mini walnut and was impressed by the aroma and the flavour of the sourdough. Chopped pieces of walnuts and black sesame seeds were scattered evenly in the small bun. It made a delicious breakfast even in the following day. 
Despite the high quality of the bread, the price are very affordable. The lunch set cost only SGD$5 and their pastry and bread ranged from $1-$5. If Nick Vina was any closer to my home I'm sure I would be a frequent customer there!

Nick Vina Artisan Bakery
#01-54/55 Icon Village
12 Gopeng Street