Down in a quaint corner of the Central Business District, lies a humble little cafe which one can find themselves the grande dame of exquisite sandwiches. You know these commendations could not be passed off as hearsay when The Moomba Tuckshop had been acknowledged as the winner of Singapore Best Sandwich in the CNNGo’s Best Eats 2010. Yet another feature in TimeOut magazine as Singapore’s top sandwich deli only further proved its credibility. This tiny cafe, quietly tucked away at the ground level of Bank Of China building, is easy to be missed even if you are familiar with Raffles place.
Expect an extensive selection of avant-garde sandwiches at this white-and-azure 20 odd seater. Although they are positioned slightly underground, they almost need no lighting as the natural radiance from the sun does a good enough job. Also feel free to dine al fresco, which boasts a bird’s eye view of Singapore River, if you feel claustrophobic. Opened from 8am to 630pm on weekdays only, don’t be surprised they are a favourite among the suits. Or, come at non-peak periods to enjoy the whole cafe to yourself:)
small, cosily tucked away, and full of potential
chorizo- caponata pasta salad, 3/ 5.5
Of course, besides sandwiches, The Moomba Tuckshop do serve sides like salads, soups and an array of enticing desserts. We started off with the orangey chorizo-caponata pasta salad, served in a bowl and chilled. The slightly chewy fusilli matched well with the tender chunks of chorizo, a handful of olives and morsels of tomatoes and more. It was a thick concoction of goodness that was refreshing to the palate. Nevertheless, i guess it was a side meant to be shared because it did get jelak after a while.
Mini Sandwiches (tuckshop signature), 10
Mini Sandwiches (tuckshop signature), 10
Starting from bottom left, going clockwise: Vegebite with portobello mushrooms, Ham & swiss emmenthal cheese, Tea smoked chicken, Seafood, Sugar cured salmon, Poached chicken
I got myself a sugar cured salmon sandwich on my very first visit and i fell in love with it instantaneously. Therefore, on my second visit this time, i asked for this self-claimed Moomba Tuckshop Signature Mini Sandwiches in attempt to fall in love a few more times. I do not take beef and the crew was most willing to help me substitute another sandwich for it.
Presented before my eyes were what-looked-like button-shaped rainbows. 6 cutesy-looking sandwiches were not only adorable, they made my mouth water. At The Moomba Tuckshop, the every individual sandwich come with their own preferred bread in which they taste best in. Hence every sandwich here stands alone, special on its own shape, colour and taste. The combination of what-goes-inside are imaginative as well. For instance, the Ham & Swiss emmenthal cheese sandwich was packed with raisin chutney, fresh tomato slices and onion sprouts slathered with mustard mayo, and finally served in between slices of basil brioche bread.
What got my pulse racing was the Tea smoked chicken and Poached chicken. The former had adroitly-prepared chunks of chicken which was pleasantly paired with leaves of crunchy greens and mustard mayo. The latter was surprising refreshing upon tasting. It is hard for it not to taste so good when it had a joyful assembly of tomatoes, carrots, cilantro, basil, chicken pieces in yuzu marinate and an added layer of avocado spread. Hands down!
Nevertheless, all were good, and first timers should really get yourself this plate of sampler. On subsequent visits though, it is advisable to have the individual sandwich by itself so as to indulge in the full deal.
ham & swiss emmenthal cheese
poached chicken
sugar cured salmon
my favourite sandwich place now!
The much-raved-about sandwiches here in The Moomba Tuckshop are available at an average price of $9-$9.50, with no GST nor Service charge. No doubt this is my favourite sandwich deli now. Not only their main grubs were unpretentiously awesome, i heard they have really tempting desserts to couple with. Our only moan: their slightly aloof crew.
The Moomba Tuckshop
4 Battery Road, #B1-01
Bank of China Building
Singapore 049908
Contact Number: 6536 5235
Operating Hours:
Mondays to Fridays, 8.00am till 6.30pm
