Stepping into Ninethirty by awfullychocolate in East Coast Road is like visiting a long lost friend at his/her home. An immediate sense of comfort welcomes you, and your senses will be drawn to the aromatic smells wafting from the kitchen.

Ninethirty also doubles up as the flagship Awfully Chocolate store, and it is the only concept of its kind in Singapore.

It is a casual bistro that is suitable for a night out with a group of friends, or a date with your partner. It is nothing too fancy, just a simple and unpretentious space that serves a reasonably-priced menu of comforting Western food with Asian touches, chocolate cocktails as well as the most amazing chocolate desserts.

ONE EGG SOUP

This should be no stranger to those who frequent Everything With Fries at Holland Village, as it was one of the most popular starters there. The One Egg Soup (S$11) is a comforting bowl of soup that is, well you guessed it, prepared with one egg. Topped with a delicious egg white soufflé, it is so simple a dish, but so so good.

Flavourful when served warm, with the addition of truffle oil, the One Egg Soup is what we’d like to think of as unadulterated joy. The warmth and taste of this soup really reflects humble comfort food, elevated with the use of truffle oil.

BRAISED BEEF KARUBI

The Braised Beef Karubi (S$23) was extremely tender and well seasoned. And even though the beef was the star of the show, we couldn’t stop munching on the roasted garlic fries served on the side. This rustic dish is certainly calling out to all you beef lovers out there!

CHARGRILLED PORK CHOP

Look at that glistening beauty! We were blown away just looking at Ninethirty’s stunning Chargrilled Pork Chop (S$21). You see, pork chops can easily be overcooked, but thankfully, when we cut through our piece, the meat inside was still moist and tender.

The browned butter and garlic sauce, generally drizzled on top with more on the side, was what sealed it for us. Oh, we sure enjoyed the caramelised onion relish on the side too. And yes, more fries, please!

LAKSA TAGLIATELLE

With the famous Katong Laksa stalls in the vicinity, we were close to writing this out. We can be skeptical at times, but we were speechless when we sunk our teeth into the al dente tagliatelle with the laksa sauce. Damn, the Laksa Tagliatelle (S$20) is the perfect marriage of European and Asian styles and flavours, and boy was it amazing!

The mussels were fresh and generously offered with the pasta. The addition of crisp okra really delighted us as it added a nice bite when eaten all together. Now, we should have known better than to be too quick to judge and write things off. This Laksa Tagliatelle, you have to try.

MAC & CHEESE

We can’t be the only ones who get all excited when we see Mac & Cheese on the menu, yes?

This Mac & Cheese (S$18) here at Ninethirty sure had us jumping in joy; we are not even kidding. Rigatoni pasta is used for a more substantial texture, and the chunky pasta does its job in absorbing the cheeses. You would want to eat this warm to enjoy its best flavours.

MUSSELS & FRIES

Yup, you heard us right. Mussels & Fries (S$20) are a thing and they are here to stay. But this is not your usual Western mussels, guys. The distinct taste of lemongrass and spices used for the mussel broth had us reminded of Thai green curry. Comforting like that.

We were delighted to find a generous serving of mussels used and also a mountain of fries on the side. And you know what is the best way to enjoy the fries? Dunk them into the mussel broth, guys!

PINK SALMON

Nothing screams comfort food like a tomato-based spaghetti dish. The Pink Salmon (S$20) is a sophisticated take on the traditional Bolognese. The seared salmon perched on top of the pasta features a massive portion cooked to perfection – still slightly dark pink on the side and extremely moist on the inside.

The tomato-based spaghetti really felt like something an Italian grandmother would dish out – rustic, hearty and oh-so-addictive. It is something that we wouldn’t mind coming back again for more and more. Some things stay gold like that.

BRIOCHE FRENCH TOAST

This dish is so delicious, we wish it wasn’t only served on weekends and public holidays (from 10am to 10pm). A creamy peanut butter spread (yes!!!) is slathered generously in between in-house baked brioche toast. The bun itself is soft on the inside and lightly toasted outside.

Look out for the almond streusel tossed all around for the crisp texture really complimented the intense flavours well. It is official – we are addicted to Ninethirty’s Brioche French Toast (S$16).

MARTINIS & DRINKS

If you are a huge fan of awfullychocolate’s decadent Rum & Cherry whole cake, you will be happy to know that they now have a Chocolate Rum & Cherry (S$8) drink that is out to satisfy you just as much. Can’t finish the whole cake yourself? No biggie because this drink is a great alternative to curb your cravings.

And yes to local spin on milkshakes. The Gula Melaka Jackfruit Shake (S$8) is a sweet milk shake with rich gula melaka notes. You can taste the perfect weave of coconut ice cream, jackfruit, gula melaka and coconut milk altogether in one unassuming cup. Extremely refreshing!

Now, if you can’t decide between having a cocktail or a dessert, the Dark Chocolate Martini (S$15) is a perfect after-dinner drink. Have the best of both worlds this way, we say! Rich chocolatey goodness and alcohol sounds like a match made in heaven.

AWFULLY CHOCOLATE SIGNATURE DESSERTS

Any meal at Ninethirty wouldn’t be complete without a single scoop of the iconic Hei Ice Cream, traditionally served in an adorable takeaway box. However, here at Ninethirty, you can have it on a tall metal glass when you dine in. Rich and extremely concentrated in chocolate flavours, we dare say you can’t find a decent dupe of this ice cream anywhere else.

Apart from Hei ice cream, don’t forget to try the cake that started it all – the Awfully Chocolate All Chocolate Cake (6” at $34). Also available in 2 other flavours – Chocolate Banana Cake ($36) and Chocolate Rum & Cherry Cake ($38).

Ninethirty by awfullychocolate
131 East Coast Rd
Singapore 428816
Tel: +65 6345 2190
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 11pm
Fri: 12pm – 1am
Sat: 9.30am – 1am
Sun: 9.30am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Dakota

This post is brought to you by Ninethirty by awfullychocolate.

Esplanade Mall’s weekday 1-for-1 lunch deals with Visa is here, running from 1 July till 30 September. I am sure you are just as excited about it as I am. There are so many fabulously irresistible promotions when you pay using Visa credit cards, and the best part is that there will be free parking for the first three hours.

Be it a business lunch meeting with clients or a causal catch-up with friends, I am definitely going to Esplanade more often than ever in the next three months. Here are some of the highlights of the weekday 1-for-1 promotions which include the selection of main courses from Barossa, Häagen-Dazs ice cream, local favourites from Space @ My Humble House, and the tempting desserts from Max Brenner.

Don’t you just love Visa for this promotion?

Barossa

Among all the lunchtime deals at Esplanade Mall, one of my favourites is Barossa’s. Main courses include Fish and Chips, Gourmet Beef Burger, Chicken Parmigiana and Blue Mussel Aglio Olio, and for their 1-course menu, it is only $10++. You can also opt for the 2-course menu (salad/soup and main course) at $14++, or 3-course menu (salad/soup, main course and dessert) at $18++.

I do think that the 1-course menu is truly a fantastic deal. Your friend and you pay only $6/pax (after tax and service charge) for a main course, which is almost the same price as compared to a meal in a food court.

#01-11 Esplanade Mall
8 Raffles Avenue
Tel: +65 6534 5188

Blue Mahoe Estate Caffe

At Blue Mahoe Estate Caffe, the promotion set (from $24++) comes with a cup of 100% Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee and a dessert – molten cake, sticky toffee pudding or vanilla dirt cake. Here is your chance to try their famed coffee. Note: This promotion is limited to 2 sets per transaction.

#02-24 Esplanade Mall
8 Raffles Avenue
Tel: +65 6338 8302

Chocz

Chocz Not many people are aware that Chocz – a gourmet chocolate cafe – also serves savoury food on the menu. For the lunch promotion, you can enjoy a spaghetti (Choice of Napolitana or Mushroom) and tea/coffee from $17.40++.

#02-13/15 Esplanade Mall
8 Raffles Avenue
Tel: +65 6238 0803

Häagen-Dazs

If you are a fan of Häagen-Dazs, you must drop by the branch at Esplanade from now till 30 Sept. As part of Esplanade Mall’s 1-for-1 lunchtime deals with Visa, they are offering two sets of a single scoop in a cup at $5.90 – which means you only pay $3 for a scoop.

#02-01/03 Esplanade Mall
8 Raffles Avenue
Tel: +65 6336 4022

Max Brenner Chocolate Bar

I was thrilled when I learned that Max Brenner is also part of the promotion. I am a big fan of their desserts, but I only save it for occasional treats. With this Visa promotion, you will be delighted to know that they are having 1-for-1 on Waffles ($18.90++), Crepes ($17.90++) and Fondues ($25.90++).

#02-14 Esplanade Mall
8 Raffles Avenue
Tel: +65 6336 9563

Mirchi – Taste of India

If you have always wanted to try Mirchi – Taste of India at Esplanade Mall, now is the perfect time to do so. For Esplanade’s 3-month long lunch promotion with Visa, Mirchi is having a 3-course menu at $19.90++, which includes soup, main course and dessert.

#02-23 Esplanade Mall
8 Raffles Avenue
Tel: +65 6334 5590
Available: 12pm-2pm

Molly Roffey’s Irish Pub

Over at Molly Roffey’s Irish Pub, you get a choice of Buffalo Wings or Sausage Bites, with Potato Wedges and a soft drink for $11 nett. That works out to only $5.50 for each set.

#01-13E Esplanade Mall
8 Raffles Avenue
Tel: +65 6238 1875
Available 12pm-3pm

Ninethirty by Awfully Chocolate

Ninethirty by Awfully Chocolate replaces Loola’s at Esplanade Mall, and it showcases both contemporary and local heritage dishes with an Asian influence. Presenting a 3-course menu at $49++ is a starter of either Creamy Tomato Bacon Soup or Singapore Borscht, with main course options like Fish and Chips, Satay Pork Belly or Laksa Prawn Pasta. And for desserts, you get the White Chocolate Creme Brulee or Chocolate Tart.

#02-14 Esplanade Mall
8 Raffles Avenue
Tel: +65 6336 9563
Available: 12pm – 3pm

Simply Peranakan Cuisine

For fans of Peranakan food, check out Simply Peranakan Cuisine at level two of Esplanade. They are having a 1-for-1 promotion for four meals - Chicken Drumlet Rice Set ($14.90++), Pork Rice Set ($14.90++), Beef Rice Set ($15.90++), and Fish Rice Set ($15.90++).

#02-12 Esplanade Mall
8 Raffles Avenue
Tel: +65 6333 9382

Space @ My Humble House

A popular restaurant at Esplanade Mall is Space @ My Humble House. The eatery by the Tunglok Group serves a very good lunch set on normal days – it is perpetually full as diners tuck into local favourites.

Now that there is a 1-for-1 promotion, there is even more reason to return to try all the dishes on the menu. Main courses – including SPACE’s Hai Nan Chicken Rice, Poached Seafood Rice in Claypot – start from $12++.

#02-25 Esplanade Mall
8 Raffles Avenue
Tel: +65 6423 1881

Thai Express

Regulars of Thai Express should definitely drop by Esplanade from July till September. The 1-for-1 promotion for Thai Express covers all main courses $12.90++ and below. It is only applicable DBS Visa Cardholders.

#01-13D Esplanade Mall
8 Raffles Avenue
Tel: +65 6533 6766

Tomo Izakaya

Tomo Izakaya, a Japanese casual dining restaurant, is serving Noodle Set ($15++) where you get to choose from Gyuniku Udon/Soba, Tempura Udon/Soba, Zaru Udon/Soba or Kimchi Ramen.

#01-09 Esplanade Mall
8 Raffles Avenue
Tel: +65 6533 6766

Esplanade Mall 1-for-1 promotion with Visa

Terms & Conditions: 1-for-1 lunchtime deals are available on weekdays only, excluding public holidays. Valid for dine-in Visa cardholders only. Timing of lunch hours may vary across the outlets. Not applicable with other promotions, discounts, vouchers and other offers by credit or privilege cards.

Prices indicated are subjected to service charge and prevailing government tax. Esplanade Mall and participating tenants reserve the right to amend the promotion and terms and conditions without prior notice. Food images are for illustration purposes only and do not represent actual food served.

Free weekday parking: Weekday parking is free the first 3 hours between 12-5pm for 1-for-1 Visa cardholders who purchased the 1-for-1 meals. To redeem, show your receipt at the Concert Hall Information Counter (Concourse, Level 1).

For more information about the weekday 1-for-1 promotion, please visit www.esplanademall.com/mallpromotions.