In a city already crawling with eateries and with several staple hawkers in one’s neighborhood, it’s easy to dismiss another newly-opened restaurant. But that is not the case with Asam Tree Cafe´, Bakery and Restaurant.

A stone’s throw away from Ang Mo Kio MRT station, just be- side NTUC Fairprice is Asam Tree, the brainchild of a young couple who would like to fervently share their love and pas- sion for Malay cuisine. Having worked in the F&B industry for a decade, the couple scope out the ideal location for Asam Tree; eventually finding one in the town area to cater to the Malay-Muslim community.

It’s a simple, casual Halal-certified restaurant where families can dine, or one can go for quick meal after doing grocery. Asam Tree is usually packed during lunch time with the crowd traffic at its peak, so you have to be quick in finding that empty table. Craving for Nasi Padang, Nasi Lemak, Chicken Noodle, Ayam Penyet, Lontong, Mee Rebus, Mee Siam, Mee Soto, Rojak, Roti Bakar – you’re in the right place at Asam Tree. The owners admit that although these are traditional, comfort dishes, they still find ways to improve on the taste especially with crowd favourites such as Mutton Rendang, Ayam Masak Merah and Asam Fish. But the best-kept secret and crowd-drawer is their special sambal which gives that oomph to most of its dishes.