One Kind House: The Modern Kampung That Serves Homely Food

Singapore’s kampung days might be long gone, but there’s a hole in the wall establishment in heritage-rich East Coast that is hell bent on preserving our unique culture. Enter One Kind House, a modern, 60’s inspired kampung with an eclectic touch.

They’re open for food and drinks from Tuesday to Sunday, 8am – 5pm – but One Kind House is more of a community than an eatery.

One Kind House: Decor

The house is thoughtfully littered with art in the form of paintings on the walls, down to the bathroom sink. The art is by their family member, Ng Yak Whee, who is quite a famous Singapore painter.

Greenery at One Kind House

Plants line the entrance of the house and the dining area; and an urban farm fills the backyard.

Of course, no hipster spot is complete without freshly brewed refreshments. Blue Collar Collaborative has moved into One Kind House to serve up hot and cold brew coffee and tea – think cold blue pea flower tea with lemon grass.

One Kind House: The Story

One Kind House was born out of nostalgia.

The owner’s son, Calvin Soh, explained that during kampung days, families were able to reach out to their neighbours to borrow ingredients, or invite them over for food if they had overcooked.

Kampung life was open and communal, unlike the closed-door mentality we have adopted today. Calvin and his family wanted to replicate just that.

Mommy Soh is the head chef and owner of the house.

Her plat du jour differs day by day, but one thing is consistent – she uses only the freshest, cleanest ingredients from her urban farm.

Another constant on the menu: Mommy Soh’s signature duck egg kaya toast, mostly served during breakfast. Her other farm-to-table creations include fish laksa, mee siam with prawn sambal, ulam vermicelli – just to name a handful.

She cooks some of these dishes over a traditional charcoal stove, so the flavours are top-notch!

Because the idea of One Kind House is less of a business and more of a community, all of Mommy Soh’s creations are while stocks last (if the food runs out but you ask Mommy Soh nicely for more, she would whip up something nice for you).

One Kind Family is a space for friendly neighbours and guests who are open to learning from both young and old.

The Soh family, and of course, guests from all walks of life who pop by One Kind House for meals and refreshments, have a wealth of knowledge to share. So come for the kaya, and stay for the conversations.

One Kind House
Location: 136b Lorong J Telok Kurau Road
Facebook page here

Picture credits: One Kind House

Also, read Lovers Of Old School Snacks, Here Are The Very Best Places For Your Nonya Kueh Fix!

Our Food Trail With SR Signatures Will Leave You Drooling [Singapore River Festival 2016]

This year, Singapore River Festival 2016 returns to celebrate how the river has connected our past to our present, and to our community. All these are brought out through the theme of ‘River Connections”.

Besides a chock-full of music acts and performances, you can also expect to indulge in flavourful SR Signature dishes that will tantalise your taste buds. Visitors can expect a multi-sensorial experience at this festival.

Here’s what it’s all about:

“The Singapore River Festival is proud to present SR Signatures, a selection of establishments handpicked by a panel of critics, comprising of their favourite food and drink that can be found along the three quays – Boat Quay, Clarke Quay and Robertson Quay.”

Read on to find out about the gourmet choices of the chefs for this year’s theme, “Where Chefs Eat”.

1. Gai Yang by Soi 60 Thai

Took a bite of this tender piece of meat and we could not refrain ourselves from the second, third, fourth bite and so on.

It was really well marinated and grilled to perfection. The sauce that accompanied it made us feel like we were really having this dish along the streets in Thailand – such an authentic taste!

DISH: Gai Yang
RESTAURANT: Soi 60 Thai
Accolade awarded by Chef: Bjorn Shen
Singapore River Festival 2016 Promotion: Dish is priced at $18.00++ (Usual price: $21++)

2. Elotes by Super Loco

Who says that corn would only go well with butter?

This sweet corn not only looked appetising, but also had a unique and flavourful taste that is hard to forget.

The cheese gave the corn an extra special flavour. Squeeze some lime on it and it’ll tingle your taste buds!

DISH: Elotes
RESTAURANT: Super Loco
Accolade awarded by Chef: Nixon Low
Singapore River Festival 2016 Promotion: Enjoy a pair of Elotes at $8+ only (1-for-1 offer). Valid from 4 to 5 Nov 2016, during Dinner only (not available for weekend Brunch). Quote “SRF Elotes” to Super Loco team during the festival period

3. 8 Colours Set by Eight Korean BBQ

Here’s the ultimate treat.

Eight strips of pork belly, marinated differently, will be grilled right in front of you. They’ll then be dipped into various sauces.

Eight ways of marination: Original, Wine, Kalbi, Curry, Miso, Red pepper, Garlic and Herb.

You can then add your own pickles, and wrap them up in fresh green lettuce, a la Korean style – before stuffing them into your mouth. You’ll be in food heaven in no time.

Every marinated piece of pork belly would make you go “SHIOK”!!!

DISH: 8 Colours Set
RESTAURANT: Eight Korean BBQ
Accolade awarded by Chef: Bjorn Shen
Singapore River Festival 2016 Promotion: –

4. Breaded Shrimp With Salmon Aburi by JJ.com Fish Mart

The breaded prawn was a super plus point to this dish!

Here’s a winning combination: the freshness of the salmon and the crispy and sweet breaded prawn.

DISH: Breaded Shrimp With Salmon Aburi
RESTAURANT: JJ.com Fish Mart
Accolade awarded by Chef: Cheryl Koh
Singapore River Festival 2016 Promotion: Dish is priced at $14.80, valid from 4-5 November 2016

5. The Gambler by The Butchers Club Burger

This is the best burger we’ve ever tasted!

A very crispy, juicy and tender chicken is sandwiched between buttered and toasted soft bun. Topped with hot sauce and creamy mayo (with blue cheese), this was a party in our mouths.

DISH: The Gambler
RESTAURANT: The Butchers Club Burger
Accolade awarded by Chef: Anthony Yeoh
Singapore River Festival 2016 Promotion: Free upsize (including bottle beers, cold brew coffee or milk shake) with every order of ‘The Gambler’ for set lunch on weekdays from 12pm to 3pm (usual price $22.80++)

6. Rasmalai by RAS The Essence of India

A traditional Indian dessert that was really well done – it concluded our meal perfectly with a refreshing after taste.

DISH: Rasmalai
RESTAURANT: RAS The Essence of India
Accolade awarded by Chef: Cheryl Koh

7. Gambas al Ajillo by My little Spanish place

All prawn lovers need to order this. A very simple yet fragrant and flavourful dish

The bread served along it was soft in the inside and crispy on the outside, and was a very good dipping medium for the sauce.

Ordering a glass of cava sangria on their menu to go along with this dish would do no harm for the night.

DISH: Gambas al Ajillo
RESTAURANT: My little Spanish place
Accolade awarded by Chef: Nixon Low
Singapore River Festival 2016 Promotion: Special Price: $14 (U.P. $16)

8. The 79 by Ô Comptoir

A savoury galette that went perfectly with their apple cider.

Every bite was a mouthful of bacon, cheese, potatoes and onion. Definitely worth it!

DISH: The 79
RESTAURANT: Ô Comptoir
Accolade awarded by Chef: Anthony Yeoh
Singapore River Festival 2016 Promotion: A glass of cider will be served for free for every ‘The 79′ ordered during the Singapore River Festival period.

With such good food, evident in carefully handpicked SR Signatures’ dishes, Singapore River Festival 2016 is a must visit. Savour all these delectable dishes and take a breezy stroll along the river and appreciate how far Singapore and our Singapore River has come!

To find out more about Say Cheese! This Food Truck Stocked Full With Artisanal Cheese Will Make You Melt With Pleasure