At an inconspicuous corner of IMM, perched Food Lovers Only serving Korean Fusion Fusion dishes. Little knew that it is a Halal certified cafe. I was surprised when we were informed about this fact. Another surprising fact is that the owner of Food Lovers Only is Candyce Toh, a local celeb actress/host/singer. To add on, the cafe is helmed by Chef Kim Jin Myeong, a bubbly 18 year old Korean who has been cooking at her mother’s restaurant in Korea since she was 14 year-old.
Tables in mainly 2 neat rows with homogeneous tables and chairs. I like the colour scheme, especially the Aqua cushy side seats. Even the lamp are neatly lined up in a single file.
Food Lovers Only is a kid-friendly cafe. They offered some toys and board games for kids, to keep them entertained.
Flipping through the 12-page worth of food and drinks menu require some time to navigate through them. We noticed there were a good mix of Korean and Western items. Some of the Korean dishes were a hybrid of Western food. On this menu, a handful of new items were introduced.
Among the 3 appetizers, Kimchi Pancake ($14.90) was the recommended new item. In the pancake were generous amount of kimchi, onion, corn, chives and served with soy dressing and salad.
If you love noodles and in particular, Angel Hair pasta, Korean Bulgogi Pasta ($16.90) is a great choice. This is also a new item. Served with abundant pieces of tasty beef round the al dente pasta.
Another new item, Chicken Salad Bibimbap ($15.90) is the must have for the spicy-lovers. Beware, it is truly spicy. Go easy. Alternatively, have it together with the Chicken Mayo by the side.
The last new item we tried was the Bulgogi Rice ($16.90). Beside Bulgogi Beef, scrambled egg was served. The colours didn’t suggest delish, however, it was tastier than I expected. Nevertheless, this is the lightest in flavour among all the new items we tried.
Korean Marinated Chicken ($16.90) is an item found on its previously menu which was strongly recommended by the cafe. Well marinated sweetish chicken accompanied with Kimichi Fried Rice. A comfort food, I feel.
As always, it is a routine to round up the meal with a dessert. 3 desserts to choose from and our option was the Bountiful Choco-Brownie ($15.90). A chocolate indulgence on waffle was my description. The waffle was airy and lightly crispy. For those who love their waffle dense might skip this.
The hand-crafted beverages were in gorgeous shades too. We tried the Strawberry Lime Tea ($7.50), Iced Lychee Rose Latte ($7) and Iced Chocolate Earl Grey Tea Latte ($8). Among the 3, I didn’t like the first as the flavour tasted like artificial flavourings. All the drinks were very lightly sweetened.
As all dishes are prepared upon order, hence there are significant waiting time.
NAHMJ Verdict
We find that the food served at Food Lovers Only Cafe is on the lighter flavour spectrum and it is dominated by sweet scent. The taste and flavour is like home-cooked food. It reminded me of the time I visited a Korean at their home for dinner.
Food Lovers Only
2 Jurong East Street 21 #02-15A IMM, Singapore 609601
Tel: +65 6896 1396 / 8866 6676
FB: https://www.facebook.com/FLO.foodloversonly/
Opening Hours
Daily 1100 to 2200
Getting There
By Bus:
- At or Opp IMM Bulding along Toh Guan Road 2, 105, 188, 188R, 333, 502, 990
- At Ng Teng Fong General Hospital or Big Box along Boon Lay Way 99
- Jurong East Interchange 51, 52, 66, 78, 79, 97, 97e, 98, 98M, 105, 143, 160, 183, 197, 333, 334, 335, 506
By MRT:
- East West line – Jurong East station
Rating: 6.5/10
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