Almost as soon as we are seated, without as much as a quick glance at the menus, we are asked if we are ready to order – our party realises the need to end the chit chat and to concentrate on what we will be eating tonight. If only they had a website, I would have been able to study the menu extensively throughout the day and would have psyched up my tastebuds on what to be expecting for dinner.

Hainanese Chicken

While we wait for our next dish to arrive, Ms. Taste overhears some Mandarin from the table behind us. They’ve asked whether the Beef Rendang comes without chilli, to which the waiter replies, “What’s the point of coming to a Singaporean restaurant when you can’t eat spicy food!”

We ponder the same question ourselves…

Sambal Prawns

At this point, our Sambal Prawns arrive. The prawns are big and juicy and drowned in a ketchup-like sauce. It’s sweet at first but quickly turns into a stinging spiciness that causes some of our party to break out in sweat.

Beef Rendang

The usually curry-dodging Ms. Taste digs in to the Beef Rendang and her face lights up with delight (not to mention lighting up from its spiciness). I make sure to scoop up every drop into the takeaway box for tomorrow’s lunch.

Chicken Laksa

The Chicken Laksa comes with egg and vermicelli noodles. The soup is rich and earthy, without being too overpowering. It is the perfect complement to the spiciness of the prawns and beef curry.

Kangkung belacan

Looking around at the other tables, we see that the Kangkung Belacan is a popular order at Temasek. My father and our waiter have some trouble ordering the vegies. I think we went through every single name. “Is this one water spinach? You know? Ong Chai?” he asks. “Pak boong right?”, he gestures to me. The waiter, looking puzzled “Huh? It’s kangkung, you know morning glory”. They each then try and describe it “you know it’s the vegetable with the stem and leaf and you stirfry it…”. Ms. Taste and I, thoroughly entertained, decided to end the fun by acknowledging our order.

Temasek

Temasek is no doubt the place to go for authentic Singaporean dishes, if not the best place in Sydney. The service is prompt and efficient but can be a little stern at times. But be warned, failing to book on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights can mean a ridiculous wait time for a table!

Temasek
The Roxy Arcade
71 George St
Parramatta NSW 2150
# 02 9633 9926

Open daily from Tuesday to Sunday from 11:30am – 2:30pm and 5:30pm – 10:00pm.

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