Eden in the City, Singapore

A recent trip to China Square one Sunday afternoon left us very hungry after trawling through two floors of the Sunday vintage flea market. On the way out to hunt down some food, we stumbled upon Eden Sanctuary Floral Cafe located on the ground floor of China Square.

We sat ourselves in the slightly cramped but cozy eatery and was greeted promptly and enthusiastically by Chef & Owner Clement Ronald Ng. Chef Clement is an adorable and portly man, who is so passionate about cooking and sustainable produce that he just loves sharing his knowledge with those who express an inkling of interest. Service was rather busy that afternoon leaving him rather frazzled, but he took time in between attending to customers to chat with us on his philosophy and rationale behind cooking healthy food with sustainable organic produce, in-between raving about his in-house mushroom ‘farm’ from which he plans to harvest the mushrooms on demand for his dishes. How’s that for farm to table freshness!

We really enjoyed Chef Clement’s food, which was prepared by a young chef that afternoon. Many of Chef Clement’s recipes were created from his days cooking at his cafe Eden Sanctuary at 44 Rochester Park, when he specialized in cooking for people with allergies and dietary restrictions. His methodologies are still evident in his food today; the mushroom soup is cream-less, the pita bread (with tomato chicken stew, above) is wholemeal, and most of his vegetables are locally grown or self harvested from his vertical garden at the back where the window frontage is. Even his breads from his baker follow a strict recipe which he developed.

We also loved the small and fine touches around his cafe, from the glass of fighting fish placed at each table, to his unique choice in tableware and presentation of food, often accompanied by edible flowers.

Do make a special trip to Eden Sanctuary Floral Cafe to visit Chef Clement when you are in the area, and engage in stimulating conversation while sampling some thoroughly wholesome and hearty fare – you will leave feeling refreshed, nourished and ready to hit the vintage stores on level 2 with zest and fervour!