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Saturday, 30 July 2022

Cherry & Oak – A Smoking Good Meal

Cherry & Oak (‘CNO’) is an Asian smokehouse, that combines the art of slow-cooking with traditional local dish Nasi Lemak Bakar. The name of the restaurant is derived from the wood logs used to smoke all the food served here. Cherry wood is known for its flavour and colour, while oak wood maintains the temperature of the smoker.

Cherry & Oak
I met up with YP for our regular catch-up. However, LD is not feeling well, so she can’t join us.

Smoked Satay Madura Chicken 
We started the meal with Smoked Satay Madura Chicken ($18), thick chicken cubes marinated with Madura spices and served with peanut sauce. The chicken cubes are succulent, well marinated and filled with a nice smoky aroma. The satay is already good on its own, however, the nutty and sweet peanut sauce, just brings it to another level. How I wish they give us more of the peanut sauce.

Smoked Satay Madura Chicken
Smoked Satay Madura Chicken
Rainbow Sausage ($16) comes with the complimentary Nasi Lemak Bakar. The sausages are original, spinach, beetroot and curry. I am usually a bit apprehensive when ordering sausages because they can be very salty. However, I am glad CNO proves me wrong.

Rainbow Sausages
These handmade chicken sausages are well smoked, juicy and bursting with flavour. The saltiness level is very subtle, allowing the flavours from the marinade to shine. I was surprised by the clean taste of the beetroot and spinach sausages. A must order here.

I can’t remember when was the last time I tried Nasi Lemak Bakar. The version at CNO is as good as it comes. The combination of coconut milk and smoky aroma just whet your appetite. The Nasi Lemak Bakar is served with fried ikan bilis and peanuts plus the sambal. It is also nice with the peanut sauce from the satay Madura.

Nasi Lemak Bakar 
Brisket 200g ($23) comes with the complimentary Nasi Lemak Bakar. The smoked brisket is the main reason why YP and I choose this place. CNO uses pure-bred Black Angus, MBS 3 -4 from Australia. The brisket is soft, juicy and delivers a melt-in-your-mouth sensation. It has a rich beefy flavour and is filled with a beautiful smoky aroma. The best part is it just goes well with the Nasi Lemak Bakar. Yummy.

Brisket
Since CNO is a Muslim-owned establishment, no alcohol is served here. Instead, you can enjoy the mocktails. At that time there was 1 for 1 promotion. I ordered Cassanova ($18) and YP ordered Paloma. Both the mocktails have complex and multi-layer of flavours. A treat to your five senses.

Cassanova
Paloma
The design of the restaurant is based on industrial concept. The cherry wood, oak wood and even the mini smoker are displayed as part of the décor. Some of the seating areas are separated using tall plants, that add nice greenery to the restaurant. The piano tunes playing in the background created a relaxing ambience and a nice environment to catch up with friends. I prefer the indoor seating, however, for those who like the outdoor, there is an al-fresco area available.

Part of The Dining Area
The service is friendly and attentive. Although we order through QR code, the service staff also check with us again to ensure the order is correct. During the meal, they also drop by a few times to ensure the food is ok and if we need anything else. Do take note that reservation is recommended and you will have to put your card as a guarantee for your reservation.

Part of The Dining Area
Overall, we had a great time dining at Cherry & Oak. The food is great and so does the service. The smoked Brisket, Nasi Lemak Bakar and Rainbow Sausages are a must-order here. We’ll surely make a return visit to try the rest of the dishes. Cheers!!

Food & Drink: 8.25/10
Value: 8/10
Service: 8/10
Ambiance: 7.5/10
Budget per Person: $26 - $50; $51 - $80

Cherry & Oak
95 Owen Road
Singapore 218907

T: +65 9119 4074
OH:
Tue – Sun: 11.00 – 22.00
Closed on Monday
Menu is Available Online

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