Oriole Cafe: Lunch Without The Rush!

Weekday lunches always seem to be a hurried affair, be it at work or at school. Either you are pressed for time and have to stuff that rice down to keep the stomach happy, or your mind is bothered by deadlines and tasks till you don't really know what you are eating. Unless of course, you don't have classes or are on leave for the day, then its time to sought out that nice place for a chill-laxing lunch. Off to Oriole Cafe & Bar on such a day!



Located at Pan Pacific Suites, Oriole Cafe had made waves with its award-winning coffee creations awhile back. The hype seemed to have died down abit but nonetheless popular with the lunch crowd, packed with mostly office warriors who didn't seem to have a "1-hour only" break. Seeing that there were set lunches available, the girlfriend and I shared a 18++ set with additional ala carte items.


Iced Tea (Set Lunch), Iced Coffee ($6.00)

I couldn't quite remember what was the tea flavour (Lychee, perhaps?) that came with the set, but it wasn't too memorable and just served as a thirst quencher in our sunny climate.

I was looking forward to my coffee after hearing much about their cold brew technique and how it reduces coffee acidity. Alas, it didn't quite wow and gave a "that's it?" afterthought. Maybe its just me not knowing how to appreciate "kopi kosong", should have went for their signature Piccolo Latte instead.


Salmon Quiche (Set Lunch)

Served hot with a handful of refreshing greens, the buttery crust had a custard-like centre that was eggy and savoury. If only it came in a bigger portion!



Cubano Sandwich ($14.00), Cuban Pork Chops (Set Lunch)

With roasted pork, ham slices and Cheddar cheese pressed between warmed, fluffy baguette, it was a delightful combo that the girlfriend was pleased with. Served with potato wedges and similar greens, the overall portion still seemed a tad small.

I rarely trust pork chops that are not done by my mom, but the bet on Oriole's paid off well! Juicy and tender, it was great on its own as well as to mop up the tangy tomato-based sauce. Chickpeas were not overly mushy and served as a healthy alternate source of carbo.


Honey Crumble Affogato ($7.50)

Sharing this as a sweet end, we liked how the bitterness of espresso, sweetness of honeycomb and creaminess of vanilla bean ice cream all came together nicely. Deserved a return on its own!

Bill for two was $53.55 after taxes. Definitely more expensive than the average weekday lunch and I'm not sure if it was entirely worth the money. Big eaters might have an issue with the portions but then again, lunch was never meant to fill you up and make you fight the Z monster back at office. But if you are on a day off, then the hours spent lazing and people-watching will perhaps make the price worthwhile!

Oriole Cafe & Bar
96 Somerset road
Pan Pacific Services Suites #01-01 (Just outside of Somerset 313)
Tel: 6238 8348

Taken with Nikon D70