Date of visit- 06/02/08

Having been to Ikea Cafe at Alexandra, I was almost hesitant when my friend suggested dinner at Ikea Tampines. Being starved however, I agreed when the thought of the delicious meatballs and wings got better of me. "This place is huge!" was my immediate reaction when we finally arrived at the cafe's premises. Armed with a digicam, I went snap-happy. lol



This place has a very clean feel, and as a previous reviewer suggested- "Scandinavian". I couldn't agree more. Being massive, I guess it helps. No more waiting by the table like hungry predators, there's room for everyone!



I was amused to find this little hut in the middle of the cafe. It was a brilliant idea- the parents get to eat while keeping watch over their restless kids in the playpan. Talk about family friendly eateries!



Ordering at the Ikea cafe is a simple affair. Join the queue, get a trolley (if you're ordering lots), take what you want for cold food/ask the staffs to prepare for you the hot food, and pay up at the cashier, which is also the end of the queue. Cashier accepts multiple modes of payment via cash, nets and cards.

The picture on the right shows a Halal queue. Ikea did not forget our Malay friends!



Here's how the trolley looks like. Capable of carrying three trays altogether, wheel your food around as you look for a seat effortlessly. How innovative is that!


2 pc chicken wings- SGD2.80

Looking at this makes me feel that my reunion dinner a few hours ago was inadequate. Aww, I'm hungry again! Ikea does manage a mean pair of wings, which was very well received by my mouth. And my friends' too! mwaha. This was really tasty la, try it yourself!


cold water prawns- SGD4.20

Love how they present this dish! Just makes you want to rescue the little prawns from the cold fridge. Impulse or not, this tasted fresh. Only for prawn lovers.


gravad lax plate- SGD5.80

Not really sure what this is, though my friend insist it's salmon. Had a bite and found it was fresh too, albeit a little tasteless. Not a fan of raw stuffs so can't comment on this further.


swedish meatballs 15pc- SGD8

Ta-da, the star of the dishes! These brown balls are really good, and really making me hungry now. You just have to try them yourself cos I'm not good with describing taste. Try first, thank me later. :D


sambal fish with rice- SGD5.50

Both me and my friend wanted to order the chicken leg initially but we changed our minds instantaneously when we saw (and smelt) a couple leaving the cashier with their order of sambal fish. It didn't matter to my friend that he doesn't take spicy stuffs, the aroma was reason enough for him to order this, and I second that. Although this wasn't a permanent fixture on the menu, it was excellent for all our senses. Sambal was of moderate spiciness and rice was managed well. It was a joy to be eating this, serious. Or perhaps we were all starved. Ha.



Conclusion:
Ikea is never known for their food but they have managed it so well their supposed canteen has integrated into their business. I'll gladly return to this cafe anytime for another meal again. Parking is foc too! (: