Despite her tender age at 41, Singapore now reigns as the leading food haven in the Asia Pacific region. Being a cosmopolitan city has worked to Singapore 's advantage. The diverse mix of cultures and religions has attributed to the array of gourmet dishes created with foreign influence but with a twist of local flavours. Restaurants serving such fusion dishes are aplenty. Yet strangely, in the heart of a true blue Singaporean, it will always be the local dishes which we will fondly recall. Envisioning this demand for local fare, homegrown Prima Taste was thus set up to captivate such Singaporeans, especially the out-stationed ones who are far and away in a foreign land.

• The Vibe
  Located at the fringe of the shopping district in Centrepoint Shopping centre, Prima Taste Kitchen positions itself to reach out to foreigners as well as locals working and shopping there. Though minimal equipments are used in the set-up of the kitchen, yet be amazed at the speed which your meals are dishes out. Efficient and effective, this is one kitchen which is equivalent to a fast-food joint. Some may call it a Chinese fast-food deli with an open concept. Passers-by can actually peep over to delight in your meals and be allured by the aroma and fragrance of the food served. There is an outside terrace with an overhead canopy for al fresco dining.

• The Food
  The menu is considered extensive for such a small scale kitchen. Diners have the privilege to relive the days of yore when their grandmothers whipped out tasty authentic Bah-Kut-Teh and fragrant Hainanese Chicken Rice straight from the kitchen in the comfort of their own homes. Even for a simple appetizer of Po piah ($3.80 per roll), still water runs deep. With bamboo shoots included as one of the ingredients and special Popiah skin to complement the juicy filling within, it leaves one lingering for more.

  An introductory dish for tourists and foreign expatriates will be the 'Five Foot Way' ($14.50 per set). Consisting of an assortment of chicken from steamed chicken to soya sauce and roasted ones, diners are able to taste the array of chicken found in the local scene. Not only were the chicken tender and delectable, the presentation of the dish itself whets your appetite!

  One of the popular meals will be the Bah-Kut-Teh ($8 per bowl). Using good quality prime pork ribs so tender that it peels off easily and glides down your throat with ease; served in peppery soup, this is one ultimate combination which leaves one satiated. A spicy version of local delights will be the Laksa ($6.50). Fresh prawns and cockles with tender chicken slices made this a dish worth working out your calories for.

  The more adventurous diners may wish to attempt the Berwangi ($7.50) which is marinated fish fillet in sweet sauce. Though it appeared black and unappetizing, yet the outburst of flavours in your palate speaks otherwise.

  In a fine dining restaurant, sorbet helps cleanse the palates in anticipation of more good food. Likewise in Prima Taste Kitchen, the K-last Sng Boey ($2.50) which has 1 sour plum infused within the drink itself, does its job to refresh the palates and makes the meals more tantalising. It aids digestion and allows diners to indulge in a more fulfilling finale to the meal.

• The Service
  The manpower of service staff is sufficient to cater to the lunchtime crowd. The staffs are attentive and polite to diners making it a delight to dine there. As the soups and gravy as pre-prepared, waiting time for the dishes are minimized.

SD Food Advisor's Take on Prima Taste Kitchen
As the owner of Prima Taste Kitchen is a gourmet food lover himself, he does insist on use of fresh ingredients for the dishes. Hence, it leaves behind a memorable dining experience especially for tourists and foreign expatriates. As compared to hawker centres, the prices are higher but yet, to pay for the air-conditioned seating with fresh ingredients and a hearty meal, it is worth the experience. Diners can replicate their dining experience by purchasing the pre-packed paste and sauces home to prepare in the luxury of their own homes. Remember to serve with fresh ingredients because it does make a difference!