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Tembusu (Fagraea fragrans)
The Tembusu is one of Singapore’s most distinctive trees. The finest specimen of a Tembusu found in the Singapore Botanic Gardens is said to be more than 150 years old, and is featured on the back of Singapore’s $5 note. The Tembusu can be recognised by its deeply fissured bark and unique perpendicular branching. It is a highly robust tree and is able to grow in poorly drained clayey soils. It flowers in May – June and October – November, with cream-white flowers that open at sunset and give off a strong fragrance.
Beachfront Dining, Away from the Crowds
Changi Beach Park is, admittedly, much quieter than the comparatively hip and happening East Coast Park. But it is this quality that lends Bistro @ Changi much of its charm. Few restaurants in Singapore can offer beachfront dining in such a tranquil setting, and with an extensive menu that ranges from light bites to charcoal grilled surf-and-turf.
On the Saturday afternoon of my visit to Bistro @ Changi, only three other tables were occupied at the late lunch hour of 2 pm. I later found out that I had just missed seeing Singapore’s own Minister for Foreign Affairs George Yeo, a regular at the bistro – he even once gave it a short review on his Facebook profile, recommending the spaghetti vongole.
The soup turned out to be a tasty crab bisque, a far cry from the milk-thickened cream soups that so many other restaurants serve with their set meals. My main course, an Irish lamb stew, was excellent: the lamb chunks were tender and rich with flavour, and the side of fluffy butter rice was a perfect complement to the light yet creamy gravy.
My lunch companion had a Hawaiian pizza that was delightfully cheesy with a thin crust; it was a substantial meal for one, or else an afternoon snack for two. We finished up with a massive slice of apple pie which was unremarkable by itself. The optional scoop of ice cream, however, complemented it nicely with the flavour of vanilla beans.
We washed down our meals with beach-worthy drinks for beating the heat: a chilled coconut, and a glass of freshly squeezed lime juice with sour plum that had a most unique tangy flavour.
The bistro is far busier in the evenings. Bistro manager Winston Low often sees the bistro at 70% capacity on Saturday nights, with the charcoal grill in huge demand. Some weekend customers actually arrive for lunch and stay through to dinner, such as regular customers Jim and Sally who often make the trip all the way from their home in Chua Chu Kang. “This place is not as crowded as East Coast Park, it’s hard to find seats when you eat there. Here, the scenery is nice, especially at nighttime when you can see the lights from the vessels,” said Jim, over his frosty mug of Tiger beer.
Even though Changi Beach Park isn’t exactly in my neighbourhood, I expect I’ll be back soon for another meal at this beach bistro. Perhaps when I next get supper cravings in the wee hours of the morning, since it’s open 24 hours a day, seven days a week!
Bistro @ Changi is located at 260 Nicoll Drive, near Changi Beach Carpark 1. For enquiries, please call 6546 5229. The bistro menu is also available online
By Germaine Ong
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