Randomness Guide to London - Differences between Version 3 and Version 2 of Singapore Orchid, CR5 2RB

Chinese and Singaporean restaurant in Coulsdon.

The small, dimly lit dining room seats only around 40 people on hoop-backed chairs at square tables, all in dark-varnished wood photo. The tables are laid with rattan-style tablemats, wine glasses, cutlery, and dark burgundy paper napkins echoing the upholstery of the chairs. A dark green carpet underfoot contrasts with the light-coloured patterned fabrics that hang in swags from the ceiling. The overall feel is definitely old-school.

Kake visited on a Thursday lunchtime in May 2019. Arriving just after their opening time of noon, I was the first customer of the day, though one other arrived shortly afterwards. No music was playing.

Nasi lemak sayur (coconut rice with vegetarian sambal chicken, potato croquettes, and salad; £9) was served on a plate textured to resemble a banana leaf photo. The rice was competently cooked and subtly coconutty. The vegetarian sambal chicken, made with mock meat, was pretty decent, with plenty of umami and a gently warming level of chilli.

The potato croquettes were good, with just the right level of oiliness and perfectly seasoned. Unfortunately one of them was a little over-fried on one side, making it slightly tough and chewy, but this is a minor criticism. The salad was undressed and not very interesting, but fresh enough.

No service charge was added to the bill.

Kake's verdict: A decent option in an area with very little else of interest. I'd certainly order those potato croquettes again, despite the minor blip in execution.

Vegetarian-friendliness: Around half the menu is vegetarian, including vegetarian versions of Singaporean classics such as mee goreng and nasi lemak.

Accessibility: A step to get in. Toilets are up a steep flight of stairs with a handrail on one side and a tightish turn at the top.

See also:

• Photos of the menu as of May 2019 (note that prices on the takeaway menu are significantly less than prices on the eat-in menu): takeaway page 1, takeaway page 2, set lunch
• Su-Lin's photo of the chicken chop rice
• Happy Cow comments
• TripAdvisor comments
• Yelp comments

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