Get Addicted!

Who'd have thought that somewhere among the row of hair salons, hardware shops and florists in Central Toa Payoh would be a spunky bistro? Not only that, it whips up food comparable to the established Western giants that line Orchard Road. 

It's no coincidence. After all, the chef and owner used to work in NYDC as a chef for fifteen years before deciding to start things on his own. If you are observant enough, you can spot the similarities. Funky names, yummy desserts and huge drinks. Only at a much cheaper price.

And to Food Addict's credit, it offers a much more personalised service. Audrey, the other owner and also the chef's wife, is always ready to help make the meal more enjoyable. Perhaps that's to make up for the cramped seating area - there's hardly enough space for 15 people. So when she gave us another chair to put our bags, we were thankful. 

We started out by ordering drinks, code-named BFGs or Big Friendly Giants. Truly gargantuan, the drinks are served in tin pots and garnished by a dose of muticoloured sugar sprinkles and whippd cream. Innovative presentation aside, I felt like the drinks were nothing spectacular. They did help to pass the time while waiting for the main course, though. 

On top of the usual suspects for the mains, the menu offers some interesting items, plus great flexibility with a Do-It-Yourself section, allowing diners to customise their baked rice/pasta and pizzas. Pick three out of a range of toppings, choose either pasta or rice, and decide whether you want your meal baked in a zesty tomato base or a flavourful garlic sauce. 

I chose rice in garlic sauce with mushrooms, mixed veggies and pepperoni, and paid 90 cents more for tomatoes. It took a long time to come, because - as explained by Audrey - the rice was taking a long time to cook. But the dish was adequately flavourful and cheesy, and the best part was that the portions, while appearing to be small, filled me up very nicely. However, the rice at the periphery and at the bottom of the bowl was untouched by the sauce and made for an uneven taste and texture. 

We also ordered an appetiser - Lil Miss Toadstool. She's a nice row of six button mushrooms, neatly covered in garlic and ham, all sitting in mashed potato. This dish tasted so unique that it took me at least three mushrooms to figure out what it was. The freshness of the mushrooms and the tender ham make for an unforgettable treat.

Finally, I ordered a nut nut ice-cream mudpie for dessert. Watching it being prepared, tantalising my tastebuds, was half the pleasure. The other half of course was in eating it. Here was the item which the chef's experience in NYDC came through th strongest. Creamy, nutty and flavourful, my stomach was near bursting when I finished this sweet end to a meal.

As a small, new eatery, Food Addict delivers great food despite having some teething problems. For those unwilling to spend extra for ambience, this is the perfect place to eat.