Finding wholesome food in the CBD isn’t difficult at all, but Grain Traders is holding on to a winning ticket built on tasty veggies, premium meats and a wealth of grain options.
The high-ceilinged space bears the good looks of a sun-kissed Aussie café and Mexico-style washed pastels, cleverly worked into a chilled-out respite. Dominating the room is a coffee stand, set up in partnership with Papa Palheta, that delivers cakes ($4-$5.50) and caffeine in espresso drinks ($4-$5.50), cold brews ($7-$7.50) and hand-poured doses ($6).
Grain Trader’s mission, however, is no better evidenced in the salad and meat bar at the far end of the space. Every day, chef Gisela Golding, who comes to Singapore by way of Venezuela and Cambodia, dispatches a bounty of multi-cuisine options.
But Grain Traders is not a spot you must muster a diet’s discipline to visit. The pick-and- mix bowls ($16) allow clean permutations with a base of salad greens, bulgur wheat or quinoa, roasted chicken, and vibrant grilled and roasted vegetables. Even if you’re planning to go big on calories with grilled striploin or slow-roasted pork, white Japanese rice, fried garlic and shallots, bean salad, and coconut curry sauce, the smiling counter staff are happy to oblige.
‘Wholesome’ is a better word to describe the feeling of chowing down on the big bowls packed with well-cooked protein, seriously yummy vegetables and zesty vinaigrettes. Those not as adventurous to assemble their own can choose from one of six Hero Bowls ($16), packed with the right amount of crunch, zing and meat to fill you up. Breakfast is a simpler offering of stuffed bagels ($10), brown rice chicken or pork porridge ($8), and Mexican breakfast eggs ($8).
The CBD has no shortage of salad shops, but with Javier Perez (Kilo) and Joshua Adjodha (Kilo Lounge) putting their knowledge of good atmosphere and food behind a joint like Grain Traders, it’s clear the game has changed.
Time Out Singapore reviews anonymously and pays for all meals. Read our restaurant review policy here.
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