IN the concept-driven F&B hotspot of Tanglin Village, Karma Kettle & Rhapsody appeals despite its bare-bones feel (read: basic renovation) and eclectic decor (read: junk shop buys). Set below road level at the newest section Dempsey Green, this mid-sized non-airconditioned cafe looks out into wild greenery complete with the continuous sound of crickets. The bathroom looks like the outhouse it might have been years ago, but with new, no-frills sanitary fixtures inside.
It is this old-world feeling that you get when you step in that you will either like or not depending on how into the colonial lifestyle you are. Expats will no doubt get a kick out of it, while locals lament the lack of artificial cooling systems (apart from one tiny airconditioned room on the side).
The menu, like its original outlet in Cluny Court, is rustic colonial, featuring both Indian and Western-influenced cuisine. If you thought frozen prata was just for eating with curry, Karma Kettle's Khati roll ($12), shows that you can stuff it with chicken, onions and capsicum with a yoghurty dressing and make a pretty tasty wrap with it. Its Lamb Bhuna ($19) makes you glad you didn't bother to go to Samy's to eat instead - tasty tomato-based lamb curry with just a hint of heat went very well with the white basmati rice accompaniment. Otherwise you could go Across the English Channel ($16) - the quirky name for a mixed mushroom stroganoff also served with rice. Yummy, albeit too creamy.
If you're so inclined, you could try the Eton Mess ($7) but be well advised there is a reason why English college food has never had a good reputation. A horrifying parfait of diced imitation sponge cake, bits of meringue, sliced strawberries, runny marmalade and whipped cream literally screams "leave your taste buds at home". Word of advice: use real sponge, make some custard and a decent trifle might come out of this.
It's not serious cooking that you will find here, more like what one colleague describes as "play play" food, but at least there's some fun to be had eating here.
