Signature Flavors From Across The Globe To Make Traveling A Little Easier

From Italy to the Middle East, these signature flavors from across the globe make traveling a little easier

- Katherine Arteche

Artichoke

Tucked away in a corner off the main road from colorful heritage buildings, Artichoke is an al fresco dream. Tropical overgrowth is sandwiched among picnic tables, while awnings of mismatched colors shade the wooden patio. The restaurant’s warm welcome is synonymous with Bjorn Shen, the owner and head chef who started Artichoke nine years ago, and his boisterous personality.

Artichoke serves Middle-Eastern inspired cuisine that’s creatively reinvented by Bjorn’s personal innovations. A set of new items are introduced in the menu, such as Artichoke’s version of kushari. The traditional rice dish is usually prepared with legumes like chickpeas and lentils, but at Artichoke, the basmati rice bowl is tossed with rocket salad, mint, puffed corn and chunks of deep-fried cauliflower.

Arguably the first restaurant of its kind to recognize one of Philippines’ famous dishes, the adobo, Artichoke reinterprets the humble vinegar-and-soy marinated meat dish with a lamb version. The palatable dish is stacked with crispy shredded lamb shoulder and a well-cooked sunny side up. Hummus is thinned down to create a sauce that flavors the base of the dish, while a piece of toasted Turkish bread is perfect for mopping up the remnants when you’re done.

161 Middle Road, Singapore 188978 www.bjornshen.com

Caffe Cicheti

Pasta is Italy’s sacred staple. From Tuscany to Sicily, Sardinia and Lombardy, the best style of pasta you’ll ever find is one that’s classically prepared — al dente, tossed in a little bit of olive oil and garnished with sprinklings of salt, basil and chili flakes. While our curious palates yearn for a variety of styles, there’s a new Italian restaurant in town that brings Italy’s coastal dishes to life without the need to be pretentious.