Going Greek:
Where to meet and mezze!
Bakalaki Greek Taverna 3 Seng Poh Road 6836 3688 | bakalaki.com
The scene: There’s a reason this place is packed every night of the week. The Tiong Bahru-based gem has a great vibe with warm, unpretentious service that’s only made better with always-delicious food. (It’s definitely best to make a reservation, but I’m guessing these guys won’t turn you away if you show up without one.) There’s alfresco dining available on the patio, and a light and airy indoor dining room decorated with wooden furnishings, earthy tones and a wine wall resembling the Greek flag. Whether you go for date night or a large friends’ gathering, there’s a table to accommodate any group size.
The food: Start with pita and one or more mezze spreads – we especially love the meliitzanosalata agioritiki ($14.90), a smoky eggplant spread with red peppers, garlic and extra virgin olive oil – and don’t miss dousing your bread in the to-die-for oil imported from Greece; I couldn’t leave without buying a bottle of it from the mini shop! Do save room for other appetisers, though, like the keftedes (beef meatballs; $16.90) and the deliciously salty, grilled halloumi cheese with oregano and tomatoes ($16.90). You also can’t go wrong with the fresh Greek salad ($20.90).
There are loads of meat options, from kebabs and yiros, to a beef moussaka ($25.90) and meat sharing platters ($97.90 to $188.90) for two to four people. The seafood selection doesn’t stop short either; standouts include the htapodi ($32.90) – perfectly grilled octopus with lemon and olive oil – and a newly introduced special, grilled red mullet fish with vegetables. And, whatever you do, don’t leave without ordering a side of fried zucchini sticks ($15.90) with garlic dip; if you like French fries you’ll love this.
For dessert, definitely try the baklava ($14.90), but be sure to ask if they’ve got the mosaiko ($14.90; think Nutella with biscuit chunks!) as a dessert special – if available, it’s not to be missed.