The newest addition to the array of dining choices around the Holland Village vicinity, Otto’s Deli Fresh focuses on delivering quality food at reasonable prices through Chef Otto’s personal relationships with farms and other food suppliers.
The simplistic interior of the restaurant gives it an unpretentious feel, which provided some form of reassurance that the customer’s pockets are safe. The deli stands right at the entrance and features an array of fresh premium meats and produce, and is the source for all the good food that comes out from the kitchen.
We had the Button Mushroom Soup with Toasted Brioche ($8.50) to start off the night. The home-made dish is a must-have for a comforting starter. Its intense mushroom flavor goes well with the crispy Brioche.
The Hand Cut Fries ($6) came next. As the name suggests, these are freshly sliced and fried to a pleasantly crisp texture, without feeling too heavy on the tummy. Some pretty interesting sauces include Mentaiko Mayonnaise, a salted egg yolk sauce with curry leaves and lemongrass, and Otto’s own barbecue sauce.
To get our fill of greens, we had the Burratina Roquette Salad ($17). This Italian-tasting salad came packed with flavor. We loved the burrata cheese that went well with the cherry tomatoes inside, reminding us of a caprese salad. The Iberico ham added another dimension to the dish.
The Pulled Pork Burger ($19) featured slow-cooked pork cheeks and shredded pork tossed in home-made barbecue sauce before combining it with yuzu mayo cabbage, pickled cucumbers and rocket leaves. The slight tangy taste help cut through the grease, and refreshes the palate with each mouth.
Another sandwich we had was the Press Beef Steak Ciabatta ($20). The highlight here is really the strong beefy flavors that are accentuated further with gruyere cheese and caramelized onions.
The Beef Stroganoff Fettucine ($17) was next on the menu. The pasta was braised with beef jus, caramelized onions and gherkins. Somehow, it was dull in flavour, but would still make a hearty meal for pasta lovers out there.
For meats, we first had the Heritage US Kurobuta Pork Rack ($39). The pork was juicy and we could definitely taste the quality of the meat. However, we expected a little more ichargrilled flavours and an added intensity that would have made this dish my favourite.
The Limestone Ridge Full Blood Wagyu Beef Rump ($32) was also simply grilled and lightly seasoned. The meat was tender and robust and went well with the barbecue sauce.
The dessert we tried was the signature Burnt Banana Waffles ($11.50). Fret not, the banana isn’t rotten! The waffles is actually topped with a freeze dried banana and peanut butter gelato.
Banana and peanut flavours go well together, but the caramelized banana were a little lacklustre. I would have preferred a more impactful banana tang to the dessert.
Do note that this restaurant serves an excellent cup of Valrhona Hot Chocolate ($9.50). There is an injection of hazelnut flavors to this cup of hot chocolate that works wonders in my opinion, making it one of the best chocolate drinks in Singapore for me.
The menu offered here features simple comfort food. Do not expect anything sophisticated as the focus is on the quality of ingredients here. If you are looking for food prepared from premium produce, and fear having to empty your bank account, this is the place for you.
Expected Damage: $20-50 per person
