Blu Kouzina - Greek Feast

Greek cuisine is one of my favourite cuisines since its food is full of flavours, healthy and exotic. So it's a matter of time I visit the popular Greek restaurant Blu Kouzina at Dempsey. And it's a rainy day, thus green landscape and the rows of restaurants converted from barracks at Dempsey looks so scenic and refreshing.

The food here is so hearty and carries that distinctive taste of Greek cuisine not present in other European dishes. And almost all the dishes features EVOO, which is short form for Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and which is cold-pressed and unrefined, retaining the rich flavour of olive.

The place is like a Greek Tavern, especially the main area, with tall red brick pillars, Greek inspired decorations, deep blue wooden tables, wooden furniture and soft yellow lights (will need to hold the camera still for 2 seconds after snapping the pictures to yield clear images.  Flash looks bad in photos, so avoid it). The area at the side feels like a lovely Greek cafe with white furniture. The outdoor area, looking out into a huge stretch of field, has the idyllic feel.

The service is very good and friendly. And one of them, an Indian guy, makes good recommendations on food and taking into account that I'm solo diner, says that I can add on dishes anytime if I want 👍

Garides is Grilled Jumbo Prawns drizzled with lemon and EVOO. The prawns are oh-so-good. Succulent flesh with full bodied flavour of the sea, the aroma of char and the exotic taste of Greek herbs and condiments, I love it.

The menu showcases so many dips that I decide to get one to try. Grilled Pita with Sea Salt and Oregano is flat and fluffy, having that nice, slightly chewy bite. I easily finish it.

I have no doubts that I will love Tzatziki, which is the refreshing mix of cucumber, yoghurt, lemon juice, garlic and of course, EVOO! But I decide to try something different as I had tried Tzatziki before at another restaurant. So introducing Harissa, which is a dip made from Spicy Tomato, Greek Yoghurt and Walnuts. Very earthy and creamy in taste, the spiciness and zest are of just the right amount. Will be cool if there are more chopped walnuts in there for that variation in texture.

Prawn Manestra also comes with the grilled prawns, and yes, I finish 4 huge prawns in this single meal. This dish is definitely worth a try because it has the delicious Garides and orzo pasta soaked in prawn broth and EVOO and peppered with garlic and onions. So many harmonised flavours working together for a rich, satisfying meal.

I had orzo pasta before in a Sicilian restaurant and absolutely loved it. And this Prawn Manstra brings back the lovely feeling of savouring this short-grain-like pasta that has texture of the most silky rice with a nice bite at the core. Due to its shape, more umami-rich sauce are trapped between the pasta grains to yield bursts of flavours with each mouthful.

Rizogalo is an interesting and nice Greek rice pudding with cinnamon and zests. Very creamy and rich, I like it. The rice soaked in the smooth custard gives a nice additional texture to the dessert.

Due to the large space, different themes between areas and high ceilings of the restaurant, there are so many instagram worthy spots to take photos of. And the food is very good to make the trip to there absolutely worthwhile. By the way, it is pretty crowded even on a weekday afternoon. So reservations is a must for peak periods.

Thoughts: Found another awesome Greek restaurant!

10 Dempsey Road #01-20

Nearest MRT: Napier