Before things get sensitive, I fully realize talking about Karen as the ‘rough’ is probably not accurate but listen, from someone who used to live around crossroads and is permanently in shock of how chaotic Karen crossroads is, the rough feels like an appropriate description.
But this review isn’t about that. This review is about my surprising and delightful experience at Que Pasa Bar & Bistro.
Unlike most people I know, Que Pasa was never my regular spot during the weekends or even for a game. I had no experience of their food and had no stories of showing up at Que Pasa for their famous pizzas. In fact, reviewing a place that has been around for so long is a bit of a new experience for me, mostly because places like Que Pasa already have a loyal customer base and there is always that fear that someone will be like “You’ve never been to Que Pasa before and you call yourself the Yummy editor?!” People can be like that sometimes.
Anyway, YES I was invited to Que Pasa for a review of their food and with a few workmates, we braved the traffic and made our way to the quaint but tired looking Karen shopping centre. From the outside, it looks like a regular bar with its lighting and casual space. I confess I had no expectations for the food – I was expecting the usual fries, chicken wings, maybe some fish fingers. But as the old saying goes, I went with no expectations and things just became better.
Instead of the usual, we were served awe-inspiring food that had me questioning where we were and who the chef was. The food was GREAT. Not much of a detailed explanation, but sometimes food needs to just be simple and good. Food that was wholesome, simple but also impressive in its simplicity. The Que Pasa chef took things that we loved and made it a show, full of rich taste and excitement.
Sometimes food needs to just be simple and good. Food that was wholesome, simple but also impressive in its simplicity.
Exhibit A: Their caramelised onion tart with brie, spicy tree tomato sorbet and walnut granola
(First of all, why don’t more restaurants have tarts on the menu? Seriously, why deny people the deliciousness of a perfectly soft tart.)
Exhibit B: Fennel & Avocado Salad
(Avocado? Always! Fennel? I wasn’t too sure but again, what a delightful surprise!)
Exhibit C: Chicken tikka pizza
(When I sent this to my family, the first thing they said was “Dhania on pizza?” And you know what, it works!)
Exhibit D: Charcoal-grilled octopus with tamarind sauce
(Seafood isn’t my thing but not only did this look great, but it also tasted amazing! Crunchy and not too chewy with the tamarind sauce creating the perfect balance).
