CBD – Page 3 – The Salad Addict

The Harvest

2024-07-072024-07-07Leave a comment

-My Order-

Small Bowl ($9.40, 2 bases, 2 supplements, 1 protein, 1 topping, 1 dressing)

[Base] Romaine Lettuce, Sweet Potato Mash
[Protein] Plain Sous Vide Chicken Breast
[Supplements] Pickled Cauliflower, Mixed Mushroom
[Topping] Wolfberries
[Dressing] Spiced Yogurt

-The Review-

Their display immediately showcases the freshness of their ingredients. The leaves are crisp, the grains and fruits look plump, and even the avocado, despite being cut, showed no signs of oxidation.

Pickled Cauliflower is definitely the highlight

The store’s unassuming appearance initially led me to underestimate its offerings, but I was pleasantly surprised to find interesting supplements like Pickled Cauliflower and Sweet Potato Mash available.

The pickled cauliflower provided a refreshing kick with its crunchy texture and tangy flavor, which complemented my bowl well.

As for the Sweet Potato Mash, its clean taste was exactly to my liking, allowing me to fully enjoy the other supplements without being overwhelmed by herbs or salt in every bite.

The mixed mushrooms were slightly too oily for me, but in terms of taste it is well-seasoned.

Many Sous Vide Chicken options available

You can choose from Plain, Kung Pao, Cilantro pesto, or Honey Mustard, all of which do not come at any additional cost. The plain sous vide chicken was lightly seasoned with a touch of pepper, and I appreciated its tender texture that made it easy to bite into.

This is a very well-balanced bowl.

The portion size of about 300-360g was just right, with everything perfectly proportioned. There was a good balance—enough base without overwhelming the supplements, and the flavors complemented each other well. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my Harvest bowl; it had a clean and fresh taste, exactly how a salad bowl should be. I can definitely see myself returning.

35g Romaine Lettuce
130g Sweet Potato Mash
95g Plain Sous Vide Chicken
50g Mixed Mushrooms
25g Pickled Cauliflower
7g Wolfberries
20g Spiced Yogurt

The Harvest OUE Downtown Menu — The Harvest Menu – July 2024

-Information/Hacks-

Address: 6A Shenton Way #03-30 Downtown Gallery, #2, Singapore 068815

Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:30AM-5PM

Other information: You can pre-order by contacting Irene via WhatsApp at 96487905.

SuperSimple

2024-07-062024-09-09Leave a comment

-My Order-

Regular Bowl ($11.90, 1 protein, 1 base, 3 supplements, 1 dressing)

[Base] Romaine Lettuce
[Protein] Slow Cooked Chicken Breast
[Supplements] Pickled Turnip, Roasted Pineapple, Egg White
[Dressing] Spinach Pesto

I did not use the pesto sauce in the end. It looked too oily for me. On a separate trip I picked the Ponzu Sauce and that was perfect.

-The Review-

I visited the SBF branch, which I heard is superior to SuperSimple’s other branches in CBD. This branch is partnered with Guerilla Coffee, and they recently launched their operations here in June 2024.

After visiting twice, SuperSimple has become my top choice for salad bowls because the flavours were unique, and yet I didn’t feel thirsty after having my meal. Every dish I ordered was perfectly seasoned, and it tasted clean, just as a salad bowl should be.

The only salad place that serves medium steak

So far, I’ve tried the steak and the slow-cooked chicken, and I liked them both. The steak is cooked to a perfect medium, and the slow-cooked chicken was clean-tasting yet juicy. In fact, it might be the juiciest chicken breast I’ve had from a salad bar.

They have very interesting sides

The pickled turnip tastes homemade, maintaining its satisfying crunch. If you’re not a fan of raw-tasting vegetables, this may not be for you. It was perfect for me and I order the pickled turnip every time.

Unlike most salad bars, the egg white is served in cubes rather than scrambled, resembling feta cheese or tofu, without the latter’s grittiness.

I’ve heard that the roasted pineapple’s standard can vary; some days it’s fragrant and juicy, but on other days it can be a bit tough to chew, probably depending on the quality of the pineapples they get. Fortunately, on the day I tried it, the pineapple was very nice.

For those looking to add cooked vegetables to their bowl, the curried cauliflower and roasted cabbage are excellent choices.

Generous serving

The $11.90 box is ~520g of food. This was how each item weighed in my bowl:

160g Chicken Breast
90g Pineapple
90g Pickled Turnip
80g Egg White
70g Romaine Lettuce
30g Spinach Pesto Sauce

This menu was available in-store but it is inaccurate. They no longer serve soba noodles, instead they have whole wheat pasta. The protein choices are also slightly different. Refer to the various food delivery platforms/YQueue for a more accurate version of their menu.

-Information/Hacks-

Address: SBF Center/Telok Ayer/International Plaza/Galaxis/IOI Central Boulevard

Hours:
Mon-Fri, 11AM-2:30PM, 5-8PM [SBF, IOI]
Mon-Fri, 11AM-2:30PM, Mon-Thu 5-8PM [other outlets]

Other Information/Hacks: Upon comparing prices on various platforms, including the store-preferred YQueue, GrabFood’s 15% off self pick-up (or 20% off self pickup with subscription) turned out to be the cheapest option (at $11.81 without premium, less if you have Grab premium subscription).

On YQueue it is at retail price of $11.90 (but you can dine in with this method). On FoodPanda/Deliveroo it will be >$12.

MAIZ

2024-07-052024-07-07Leave a comment

-My Order-

Regular Bowl ($12.90, 1 base, 1 protein, 3 sides, 1 garnish, 1 dressing)

[Base] Romaine Lettuce
[Protein] Grilled Chicken Breast
[Sides] Pickled Cactus (+1.5), Pickled Carrots, Chile Cucumbers
[Garnish] Pico De Gallo
[Dressing] Lemon Caper

-The Review-

When I first saw MAIZ, I couldn’t help but notice its similarity to OMNIVORE’s business model—from their minimal social media presence to the ordering process, food preparation methods, and even the choice of serving containers. The main distinction lies in the absence of a display window showcasing their offerings, and the somewhat introverted and shy demeanor of the staff. Admittedly, I approached with skepticism due to mixed Google reviews, but I was pleasantly surprised by the experience.

Everything Is Made Fresh!

I observed them sous vide some of their protein, and when they ran out of the Chile Cucumbers I had ordered, I had the opportunity to watch them prepare a fresh batch. The pickled carrots I received were clearly made from fresh carrots, retaining their original crunch.

The Mexican flavors were exceptional—complex and layered, just as they should be. The Chile Cucumbers were boldly spicy, while the pickled carrots, lemon caper sauce, and pickled cactus offered just the right amount of tanginess. The Pico De Gallo was refreshingly herbal and fresh. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed every item in my order.

Generous Servings

The container was impressively large, reminiscent of OMNIVORE’s offerings. Naturally, I decided to weigh my bowl to see how it measured up. It turned out to be about 600-650 grams of food, and it certainly did not disappoint in terms of filling me up.

130g Romaine Lettuce
160g Grilled Chicken Breast
70g Pickled Cactus
70g Chile Cucumbers
70g Pickled Carrots
50g Pico De gallo
35g Lemon Caper

I will be back.

I can already envision MAIZ becoming my go-to spot for satisfying my Mexican food cravings. Their extensive variety of Mexican flavors has me eager to return and sample more of their dishes. Initially eyeing the Grilled Achiote Chicken (which unfortunately was sold out), I caught a glimpse of the last batch being prepared, and it looked absolutely enticing.

Maiz Menu Marina One The Heart — MAIZ Menu July 2024

-Information/Hacks-

Address: Marina One – The Heart, 5 Straits View, Singapore 018936

Hours: Mon-Fri, 10:30AM-5:30PM

Other information: MAIZ isn’t prominently featured on ordering platforms currently, possibly due to its new presence. Even their Deliveroo operates exclusively for delivery purposes. I’ll update this page if there are any changes.

[Edit: I just learnt that MAIZ is owned by the same person behind OMNIVORE, Nori, WOLF, Saigon Rolls, Infinity Cafe, Steam, and Local Coffee People! No wonder the standards are there.]

OMNIVORE

2024-07-042024-07-271 Comment

-My Order-

Regular Bowl ($13.90, 1 base, 1 protein, 3 sides, 1 garnish, 1 dressing)

[Base] Romaine Lettuce
[Protein] Masala Chicken Breast
[Sides] Spiced Green Papaya (Som Tam), Kimchi, Egg White
[Garnish] Fresh Red Chilli
[Dressing] Thai Basil

-The Review-

Best for Southeast Asian (especially Thai) Flavours

OMNIVORE is my go-to whenever I crave Southeast Asian flavors. Their Thai dishes are absolutely spot-on, surpassing every other salad bar that attempts Som Tam or Thai Basil sauce. Everything is perfectly seasoned with minimal use of oil, thanks to their Sous Vide preparation method. What really won me over is the variety of textures they offer.

You should definitely give these sides a try:

Smashed Cucumber – Unlike the Szechuan style, they use white vinegar, making it incredibly refreshing and a wonderful palate cleanser.
Kimchi – Enhanced with carrots and soybean sprouts, their kimchi offers additional texture and crunch beyond the standard version.
Spiced Green Papaya – This dish embodies the true essence of Som Tam with its perfect balance of fish sauce, lime, and chili—a must-try for authentic flavors.

Generous Servings

Each protein option consists of a whole fillet, steak, or breast. The smoked duck is juicy, the nonya tilapia comes with Assam chili sauce that delivers a refreshing hint of Kaffir lime. The Tuna Tataki is clean tasting, seasoned lightly with sesame oil. Unfortunately the masala chicken breast which used to be juicy, has recently been rather dry.

Out of curiosity I decided to weigh my bowl, and these were the numbers (close to 700g worth of food!)-

100g Romaine Lettuce
150g Masasla Chicken Breast
100g Som Tam
150g Kimchi
100g Egg White
15g Fresh Red Chili
30g Thai Basil Sauce

I have no complaints.

I wish they would stay open a bit later so I could grab dinner there. It would also be nice if they had a stronger social media presence, but even without it, their long queues suggest they’re maintaining quality by limiting accessibility.

-Information/Hacks-

Address: The Sail@Marina/79 Robinson Rd/Ocean Financial Centre

Hours:
Mon-Thu, 10:30AM-5:30PM
Fri, 10:30AM-4:30PM

Hacks: You can pre-order for self-collection on Waitrr. You should definitely pick your favourite branch and return to the same one to earn loyalty stamps. Every $10.90 spent earns you 1 stamp, and every 10 stamps you’ll receive a $10.90 gift voucher◡̈

Grains & Co.

2024-07-032024-08-13Leave a comment

-My Order-

Regular Bowl ($12.90, 2 base, 5 supplements, 1 protein, 1 dressing) [Side note: You can also purchase their Gain Bowl at the same price for 1 base, 3 supplements, 2 proteins, 1 dressing]

[Base] Romaine Lettuce x2
[Supplements] Korean Beansprouts, Charred Cauliflower, Cherry Tomatoes, Roasted Carrots, Smoked Pumpkin
[Protein] Paprika Chicken Breast
[Dressing] No sauce

-The Review-

I’ve tried everything on their menu—I’m that big of a fan. Grains & Co is hands down one of the most value-for-money options out there. The portion sizes are fantastic (nowhere else offers two proteins for $12.90), and every item on their menu actually tastes delicious.

First, their proteins are very worth it.

The Cajun Fish is my absolute favorite. Getting two whole fillets in a $12.90 grain bowl is incredible value.

Their vegetarian choices like tofu kebab, Korean tofu, and black bean kebab are all well-seasoned. Each protein is perfectly flavored—never too salty—and they provide generous portions.

The chicken breast options (paprika and rosemary) are cooked to perfection, remaining juicy. Their chicken thighs (Thai basil and teriyaki) strike a great balance with minimal oiliness and just the right skin-to-meat ratio.

The beef is typically cooked to medium-well, although occasionally it may be slightly overcooked. You can always check through the glass display before ordering to ensure it meets your preferences.

This was such a perfectly cooked batch of angus beef, thank you CIMB branch ❤

Regular Bowl – 2x Romaine Lettuce (120g), Korean Beansprouts (40g), Roasted Okra (60g), Beetroot Hummus (40g), Boiled Egg (50g), Capsicum Hummus (40g), Chipotle Dressing (20g), Herb roasted Angus Beef (112g, +$3.30)

Secondly, their supplements are lightly seasoned and offer a diverse range of flavors and textures.

The beetroot hummus provides a nice balance to the spices in the protein dishes. Korean beansprouts add a satisfying crunch, while roasted okra offers a unique stringy texture. Potatoes contribute a comforting starchiness.

They also offer basics like boiled broccoli, charred cauliflower, or roasted carrots, catering to different preferences and moods.

Gain Bowl – Romaine Lettuce (100g), Smoked Pumpkin (60g), Charred Cauliflower (70g), Boiled Broccoli (70g), Jalapeno Ranch (25g), Rosemary Chicken (138g), Cajun White Fish (143g)

While these options may seem simple, many salad stores typically prepare them (especially broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and sweet potatoes) in a standard manner—usually boiled or roasted. Grains & Co stands out by providing variety to these otherwise common choices, enhancing the overall dining experience.

If I had to nitpick…

It would be the limited availability of low-calorie sauce options. While their sauces are flavorful, during my calorie-conscious days, I preferred choosing “no sauce” so I could add my own vinegar at home. (I must commend the team for promptly accommodating my request for a “no sauce” option through their platforms.)

-Information/Hacks-

Address: One Raffles Place/CIMB Plaza/Fusionopolis

Hours: Mon-Fri, 10:30AM-7:30PM

Website: https://grainsandco.sg/

Nutrition Information (with Macros) available here

Hacks: You can pre-order for self-collection on their website. Add in the code “20off” for 20% off ($10.32 per regular/gain bowl) your first order. You can also earn points to offset future meals!

Alternatively, Deliveroo would cost you $10.50 with self-pickup for Plus members, which is the cheapest option across delivery platforms.

The Salad Shop @UOB Plaza

2024-07-022024-07-29Leave a comment

-My Order-

Human Feed ($14.80, 3 cold + 2 warm + 1 protein) + 1 add-on protein ($3)

[Base] Romaine Lettuce
[Cold Feed] Red Cabbage w French Dressing, Tomato Salsa, Thai Glass Noodles
[Warm Feed] Char Siew Eggplant, Egg White with Spinach
[Topping] Spring Onion
[Dressing] Signature Chili
[Protein] Pesto Sous Vide Chicken Breast, Spicy Blackened Chicken

-The Review-

I was thrilled by the unique options on their menu. Their offerings certainly set them apart from most places. For instance, they provide choices like cauliflower rice and broccoli rice, though I preferred to stick with my romaine lettuce base to fairly judge their supplements and proteins. However, I was disappointed with two aspects.

The Salad Shop UOB Plaza Menu — The Salad Shop’s July 2024 Menu

First, many things on their menu turned out to be high in fats.

The red cabbage was excessively coated in French dressing, which typically contains 13% carbs, 86% fat, and 1% protein. It would have been better if the cabbage had been thinly shredded.

The Spicy Blackened Chicken was prepared using chicken thigh, and after removing the skin, only about half the amount of chicken remained. Additionally, it seemed they had added oil during the cooking process.

Even the Sous Vide Chicken, which is supposed to be the healthiest standard option without an additional charge, included Pesto. Pesto is usually high in fats due to the nuts, olive oil, and cheese content.

Second, the taste profile of the items were very one-dimensional

The Thai Glass Noodles, which I was excited about, lacked acidity and did not capture the expected Thai flavors. Adding more lime/lemon, garlic, and fish sauce could enhance its authenticity.

Similarly, the Tomato Salsa was missing the bright flavors of lime, cilantro, and onion.

While the signature chili had a satisfying kick and texture, it didn’t offer much beyond that in terms of flavor complexity.

Overall, the bowl tasted predominantly spicy and oily. I found that adding some White Wine Vinegar at home significantly improved the flavors, suggesting that they might consider incorporating more acidity into their offerings to enhance taste profiles.

If I had to buy it again…

I would definitely opt for the Egg White with Spinach. It was the standout item in my bowl. In terms of protein, the Sous Vide Chicken Breast was also very well-prepared. It remained tender and appeared to be the least oily option available.

However, as someone mindful of my caloric intake, I didn’t find the additional calories from the oil and fats (even if they are healthy fats) justified. Those calories would have been better spent enhancing the natural flavors with ingredients like onion, cilantro, and lime in their supplements.

Personally, I prefer the Thai flavors at Omnivore and the salsa at Urban Mix/Patrons.

Nevertheless, The Salad Shop is still worth trying. They offer vegan-friendly options, and if you’re bulking, this place might be a better fit for you than for someone like me watching calories closely.

[Edit: 29 Jul 2024] I decided to give The Salad Shop a try again and this time round I picked the Beetroot Yogurt along with Brussels Sprouts. I also opted for the simpler cold feeds like pickled tomato and boiled egg which did make the bowl a lot less oily. The bowl added up to a total of about 665g.

50g Mixed Greens
134g Pickled Tomato
132g Tomato Salsa
56g Boiled Egg
57g Egg White Spinach
63g Brussels Sprouts
125g Pesto Sous Vide Chicken Breast
12g Fresh Lime
35g Beetroot Yogurt

-Information/Hacks-

Address: UOB Plaza 2, 80 Raffles Pl, #01-20, Singapore 048624

Hours: Mon-Fri, 8AM-4:30PM

Website: https://www.thesaladshop.com.sg/

Hacks: Their queues can get quite long. You can pre-order for self-collection using this link here.