Clarissa's Kopitiam

From sticky tables to silver spoons. Jom makan.

  • 中国兰州拉面 Noodles Home 我家有面

    Verdict

    4/5: Excellent, will go back

    • Would it seek out: Yes
    • Would go back: Yes
    • Standout dish(es): Spicy Beef Flank Noodles
    • Decor: Basic, canteen-style
    • Service: Quick and efficient; waitress offered extra meat as pork was over-fried straight up without being asked
    • Other thoughts: Not spicy despite the labelling

    Dish(es) savoured

    • Spicy Beef Flank Noodles
    • Fried Pork Steak Spicy Noodles
    • Sliced Beef

    Price

    • £12-£14 per bowl of Chongqing spicy noodles

    Date

    • April 2025

    Clarissa Ching

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  • Turmeric-Roasted Cauliflower Chicken with Hummus

    Spread a generous layer of hummus onto the plate, then pile on the toppings to your heart’s content.

    Ingredients

    Spices: Cauliflower & Chicken

    • 1 tsp ground cumin
    • 1 tsp smoked paprika
    • 1/2 tsp turmeric
    • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
    • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper

    Others

    • Pomegranates
    • Avocado & baby plum tomato salad

    Inspiration

    Date

    • April 2025

    Clarissa Ching

    , ,

  • The Black Grape

    Verdict

    4/5: Excellent, will go back

    • Would seek it out: Yes
    • Would go back: Yes
    • Standout dish(es): Whipped feta with pistachios & honey on charcoal crackers canapés
    • Decor: Modern, sleek
    • Service: Charming
    • Other thoughts: Wine bar and small plates restaurant, hosts wine events – sometimes free! A better wine bar than a restaurant: Canapés > Restaurant plates.

    Dish(es) savoured

    Chef’s Menu

    • Mushroom & miso broth, sesame & black garlic
    • Venison tartare, beetroot & sourdough scraps
    • Ricotta tortellini, pesto cream

    Others

    • Rhubarb and custard; poached rhubarb, rhubarb gel & custard chantilly served with meringue & vanilla ice cream

    Drink(s) sipped

    Chef’s Menu

    • White: Villa Noria Chardonnay
    • Red: Le Campuget, Syrah Viognier

    Price

    • Chef’s Menu: £25 for two courses and a glass of wine
    • Final bill: £45 pp including more wine, focaccia & pudding

    Date

    • April 2025

    Clarissa Ching

    , , ,

  • BABA

    Verdict

    3/5: Good enough

    • Would seek it out: No
    • Would go back: Only if asked
    • Standout dish(es): Marinated chicken thighs
    • Decor: Rustic, had hotel guests occasionally pass through in dressing gowns
    • Service: Fine, a bit slow
    • Other thoughts: Need to pre-book; tried walking in twice on weekdays without success

    Dish(es) savoured

    Tasting menu: BEST OF BABA

    • Lamb and haggis skewers, amba sauce
    • Hummus, burnt harissa butter, blonde raisins and lemon
    • Buffalo mozzarella, charred grapes and basil
    • Marinated chicken thigh, spiced spinach sauce and garlic yoghurt
    • Cauliflower shawarma, ras-el-hanout, tahini and rose

    Other dishes

    • Blackened sweet potato, saffron crème fraîche and harissa

    Drink(s) sipped

    • Dock of the Bay mocktail: Feragaia, pink peppercorn & bay leaf cordial, ginger ale

    Price

    • Tasting menu: BEST OF BABA: £27.50 pp
    • Final bill: £82 for 2 pax with a drink each

    Date

    • April 2025

    Clarissa Ching

    , , ,

  • Lovely Paella, Stockbridge Market

    Verdict

    4/5: Excellent, will go back

    • Would it seek out: Yes
    • Would go back: Yes
    • Standout dish(es): Seafood paella
    • Decor: N/a – Market
    • Service: N/a – Market, but friendly
    • Other thoughts: Queued for ~15 minutes @ 12.25pm

    Dish(es) savoured

    • Seafood paella

    Price

    • £12 per portion

    Date

    • April 2025

    Clarissa Ching

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