PET-FRIENDLY VENUE

We dig into scrumptious Chinese fare at a newly opened dog-friendly zi char restaurant.

fur-milies, rejoice! There’s a new zi char joint in town and it’s not located in a humid coffee shop. Situated right next to Zhongshan Mall, I.N.U Pet Friendly Cafe is a spacious 2,347 sq ft double-storey eatery. The premises used to be occupied by Paw Petradise Cafe, but it was bought over and rebranded last June.

We’ve got to admit that it doesn’t look like your regular zi char place. With high ceilings and sturdy black tables that are evenly spaced out, this cafe-like venue exudes a contemporary vibe. Colourful donut-shaped cushions sit on built-in black benches. The walls are peppered with the joint’s latest menu promotions. A rack of chic pet accessories, treats and beds can be found next to the cashier counter. The first floor, which can sit up to

50 customers, is split into an upper and lower deck. The second floor is cosier, quieter, and takes up to 25 diners. I.N.U also hosts private parties and weekend markets, so be sure to check its Facebook page for updates.

The extensive menu includes classic zi char fare like Black Pepper Crab

($69), Salted Egg Squid ($25), Prawn Paste Chicken ($15), Mapo Beancurd ($13), and Sweet & Sour Pork ($15). For those looking to enjoy a one-person meal, there’s I.N.U’s Signature Bak Kut Teh ($11.80). Furkids also get to enjoy doggy meals made from human-grade ingredients like oats and chia seeds.

The spacious and clean environment makes it easy for us to tuck into hearty plates of XO Fried Rice ($14.80) and Fragrant La Las ($20). Felines and small critters are welcome too, as long as they’re well-behaved and housed in carriers.

FOOD AND DRINK

If you’re in the mood for some excellent seafood, try the Black Pepper Crab—it packs some serious heat and comes with a good amount of roe. The Salted Egg Squid features crisp battered chunks of squid topped with a decadent golden sauce. The Fragrant La La is stir-fried with garlic, chilli and spices. The Prawn Paste Chicken doesn’t disappoint either. We really enjoyed the XO Fried Rice, a flavourful toss of squid, capsicum, prawns and egg. For the greens, try the Broccoli w Scallops ($18) and the tangy Thai-Style Beancurd ($13), which are refreshingly light dishes. Satiate your thirst with the cafe’s light Flora Tea ($9) or order a bucket of four Tiger Beers ($20) during happy hour, which is from 3pm to 7pm.

AMBIENCE

Surprisingly, for an air-conditioned zi char place, the double-storey cafe is clean and well-ventilated. The high ceilings add to the spaciousness, and the divide between the upper and lower deck on the first floor is great for pooches that need space. PET-FRIENDLINESS

There’s a common area in the centre of the cafe for pooches to run around and mingle. A push cart containing pet toiletries is conveniently stationed at the corner of the main hall; a large water bowl is placed centrally, and the helpful staff love to dish out free treats. As for food, Fido has the luxury of choosing from Waggies Bites ($6.90), which are baked liver bites, or Wooflesburg ($9.90), a pork patty with tofu, peas and carrots, which is served between toasted waffles. On a hot day, order Woopie Chillers ($6.90) for your pup, which is frozen yoghurt, or Woofles Ice Cream ($6.90).

ACCESSIBILITY

If you’re driving, you can park at Zhongshan Mall (which is right next door), or at any one of the nearby residential estates. The cafe is an 11-minute walk from Novena MRT.

PRICE

Granted, the dishes are priced a little on the high side and only come in one size. However, the portions are pretty generous. The noodles and rice mains start from $13.80, meats from $15 and seafood from $9. Drinks start from $2.50.

PAW-RATING:

This is the first pet-friendly zi char place we’ve heard of and it certainly doesn’t disappoint. The cafe’s dishes pack a punch of flavour, there’s enough variety to ensure you never try the same thing twice, and it’s a boon that Fido has his own menu as well. Airy, roomy and clean, it’s also conveniently located and there’s ample parking space nearby. We’re definitely coming back again with our own fur-milies.

I. N. UP et Friendly Ca fe

530 Balestier Road #01-07 Monville Mansion Singapore329857

Tel:81898092 Opening hours :12 pm -10 pm( Sun to Thurs ); 12 pm -11 pm( Fri to Sat ). Last orders 1 hour beforeclosing.