Coming from New York, pizza is pretty much part of our DNA, which is why we’re always on the lookout for the perfect slice. Unfortunately, the places that make our cut are few and far between. However, that doesn’t mean we’ve given up the hunt. In fact, far from it. Hence our trip to Cicheti, a new Italian place on Kandahar Street inKampong Glam.
Located in a conservation shophouse in the Arab Quarter, Cicheti was named after the small plates served in Venetian bàcari (wine bars). The concept here is old world design with modern touches, and the menu focuses on traditional regional Italian dishes with a few innovative plates thrown in for good measure.
Our first impression was that the space was quaint and had a really a laid-back vibe. We entered into the long narrow dining room and had our choice of rustic wooden tables and cozy corners. Chilled out house beats were playing in the background, and the servers were smiling and helpful from the minute we walked in.
After a thorough inspection of the menu, our taste buds were raring to go, so we went for an order of thePomodori Secchi ($11). The combination of homemade semi-dried tomatoes and ricotta cheese spread on freshly baked garlic bruschetta was a definite harbinger of good things to come.
TheCioppino ($27)was next, and it consisted of fresh fish, squid, prawns and clams simmered in a savory broth. The broth was delicious and the seafood was abundant, yet the dish was surprisingly light.
And of course, our raison d’être on this occasion—the Neapolitan-style pizzas. We tried theNapoletana ($17)with homemade tomato sauce, oregano, garlic, capers, olives, anchovies and basil, theMargherita di Bufala ($17)with tomato sauce, soft bufala mozzarella, parmesan and basil, and theProsciutto e Rucola ($19)smothered in mozzarella cheese and topped with parma ham, arugula and shaved grana. All very tasty.
We also tried theBismark ($19), which came with tomato sauce, mozzarella and parmesan cheese, topped with ham, bacon, mushrooms and a soft, runny egg yolk. This was a bit heavy and intense for our liking, but if you’re into that sort of thing, it definitely works.
As far as pizza goes, we were impressed. We just loved the thin crust, and it was nice that each pizza was a good 10-inches, so we could easily consume one each. The prices were also very reasonable compared to other places we’ve been.
For dessert, theCrema Bruciata ($12.50)was like an ice cream version of creme brulee with frozen rich custard topped with a layer of hard maple caramel and topped with candied bacon. Interesting combo, but it worked. TheSalted Chocolate ($12.50)was the real favorite at the table though, with its warm, molten salted chocolate cake doused with a sweet honeyed caramelized sauce and smooth vanilla gelato on the side.
WHAT WE LOVE
Kampong Glam is an area we love and want to hang out in more, so Cicheti wins points with us for location. Plus, it’s got a trendy vibe and fantastic pizza. We’ve already been here for both for lunch and dinner, and neither time did it disappoint.
SUGGESTED FOR
This is a great spot for lunch or a casual fun dinner with a group of friends. Be sure to make reservations in advance though!
52 Kandahar Street
Singapore 198901
Tel:+65 6292 5012
Hours:Mon – Fri: Noon to 3pm, 6:30pm – 11pm. Sat: 6:30pm – 11pm
