By the same people behind A Poke Theory, Alter Ego enters the dining scene at Esplanade Mall, as… Their alter ego. Known for their healthy bowls filled with Poke, greens, nuts and all that you see under the hashtag eat clean, A Poke Theory is one of the pioneers of this trending healthy food in Singapore.
What’s a poke bowl, you may ask.
Poke, means cubed raw fish in Hawaiian. A poke bowl is topped with cubed raw fish goodness, seasoned with any kind of sauce, atop of any kind of grains, greens, or just sushi rice. For a true blue Singaporean, I choose to describe a Poke Bowl as… That chirashi don trying to act yi ge ang moh (acting Hawaiian, for those who don’t understand). DON’T YOU GUYS AGREE?!
Ok back to Alter Ego. I thought its sister outlet was so aptly named because apart from their signature poke bowls served here, they also serve food of the OTHER EXTREME. It’s like omg, it’s not fried chicken kind of sinful, but it’s sinful on a brand new level. They serve items like doritos fried chicken skin, pizza fries, grilled cheese sandwiches and MORE.
The Place
Occupying a space amongst the foodie haven at the outside of Esplanade Mall, I loved how the space overlooks the Singapore River with a glimpse of the merlion. Super romantic and a great place to chill and people watch! I also liked how the natural lighting flushes in during the day. My favorite kind of place for photography.
Alter Ego also gives a space for our local budding artists to showcase their talent and works, as their interior works are all done up by these designers. This huge ass mural has the glowy glowy ink when night falls. I kinda forgot what it’s called but pretty cool.
The Menu
It’s like the menu has a massive split personality, feeding your “try to be healthy” self, and then tempting you with the clutches of its evil twin called indulgence.
The Drinks
Drinks always excite me. I was surprised to find that they actually served flavored coconut milk in the form of Rebel Coconut Mylk.
While my dining companions thought the coffee one with coconut milk was good, it was a NOPE for me for all three flavors. Albeit interesting and unique, my tastebuds just couldn’t agree.
But I had THE best Cider of ALL TIME. I’m trying to buy this online but to no avail. It’s none other than…
My eyes immediately lit up upon my first sip. That coconuty fragrance with a punch of lime within. Perfection in a bottle. YOU GOT TO TRY.
The Food
For the #eatclean peeps, Alter Ego stays true to its yin – Aloha Poke bowls! Only available from 11am to 8pm!
Aloha Poke Bowls ($13 – $16)
The salmon is marinated with their spicy sesame sauce, pretty darn good and that spice definitely whets your appetite. I loved the ikura especially because of the twist it provided to the textures of the entire dish. Wow. I didnt know poke bowls could taste this good. While I’m not usually a fan of avocados, their avocado was oh so creamy, I was asking for seconds. Danggggggggg. I definitely can see the appeal of A Poke Theory now.
I liked this bowl more than I expected myself to! But, nope, I need my PROTEIN and MEAT! A good alternative for vegans out there!
Now, on to the stuff that makes people happier and bellies rounder. Seriously tempting you to succumb to them inner desires.
1. Fried Chicken Skin ($8)
Super good. Super super super super good and sinful. It’s like a double fried chicken skin like cracker. Oh gosh. I couldn’t stop myself from reaching in one after the other despite knowing that this is as sinful as hell!
2. Buffalo Wings ($14)
Okay lah, it’s not too bad, and i liked how the ranch sauce actually balances the acidity of the sauce. Not bad not bad.
3. Pizza Fries ($14)
Pepperoni, 3 cheeses and served with BACON ketchup. What the heck. Those arteries.
The cheese hardens up pretty quickly which leaves majority of fries beneath naked. Not very shiok towards the bottom of it because cannot eat with the cheese. So… EAT IT WHILE IT’S HOT. It would be a lot better that way.
4. Loaded Taters ($13)
These tater tots are drowned with jalapeno cheese sauce, and maple glazed bacon and sour cream. Oh gosh. Just typing this out, I feel like my arteries clogging leh.
5. Chili Cheese Dog ($14)
Besides that grilled cheddar sausage, that buttery bun is filled with a sweet and spicy housemade beef mince and more cheddar cheese! Oh gosh, what a mouthful of goodness and that combination of sweet, savory and umami. BEST.
6. Grilled Cheese ($11) + Braised Beef short rib filling (+$3)
BUT. The exterior is oh so crispy, and yet fluffy within. The additional filling added to the bite and texture, and when you dip it into the tomato sauce provided, that tangy kick just brings everything to yet another level. SO DARN GOOD.
All them sinful food, you’d better go run a marathon before coming to Alter Ego. Everything just looks so sinfully good. I cant.
On to the desserts. I thought the desserts were pretty meh in contrast to their food menu.
We tried their Berries and Cream, as well as the Lemon Icebox Pie. Both priced at $11.
The no bake pie fared slightly better with the tangy, creamy lemon filling with the cinnamon spiked crust. Not too bad, but not the most impressive pie I’ve had.
Desserts were a bit of a disappointment after the super exciting line up of mains. But that doesn’t dampen my spirit too much because THAT cider though. I could have it as an appetizer and dessert all at one sitting. Mmmmm.
Catch Alter Ego over at:
Esplanade Mall – 8 Raffles Avenue, #01-13D, Singapore 039802 (Promenade MRT)
Opening Hours:
Mondays to Thursdays:
11AM – 1AM
Fridays:
11AM – 2AM
Saturdays:
10AM – 2AM
Sundays:
10AM – 1AM
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