At my German-speaking friend's several mentions of Paulander, I decide to spend my weekend afternoon here and enjoy some German or Bavarian fare. I have to admit the sheer variety of the menu items is one of the reasons that tempted me to here. I'm actually spoiled for choices here, especially with weekend Frühschoppen, which is free flow of ala carte items with the "F" mark.
The food here is distinctive and simulating in taste, unique, satisfying and super hearty. They are great for sharing because the portion is so huge. After an outing here, I'm so looking forward to trying more German cuisine.
The restaurant consists of three storeys, with the first being the cool, swanky bar, the second and third being incredibly cosy and full of that German rustic cottage feel. The third floor is only open on special occasions. I opt for dining at second floor and I love the feel of this place, with yellow lights, full-length windows, wooden furniture, checkered table cloth, pots of plants and flowers. This is perfect for dates, gatherings and even family outings.
The service is very good and friendly, and they know their selection of beers very well, and food too.
First time trying a Pretzel, and I love it. Served warm and fresh, I immediately catch whiffs of the lovely aroma of baked wheat as I bite through the smooth, glazed, slightly crispy surface and into the fluffy interior. With a light sprinkle of salt on the surface, it tastes so good on its own.
It also goes well with the Obazda cheese, which has the nutty flavour of Brie cheese, smooth texture and richness of butter and refreshing crunchiness of onion rings and chives.
Roast Pork Carpaccio is so unique and is served exactly how I like my pork: thinly sliced, velvety pork drizzled with clear, simulating red vinaigrette. The grated horse radish adds the extra kick and complements the subtle gamey taste of pork so much.
Schupfnudeln, German potato noodles, is actually like springy potato fingers with rich grilled aroma on the surface. It's texture is like gnocchi, which is one of my favourite potato dishes. The accompanying Sauerkraut is really drenched in lactic acids, yielding the distinctive sour taste. I like the texture of the fine, thin strips of fermented cabbage. And this actually contrasts well with the big fat potato noodles.
As I'm too full to enjoy the dessert (really bursting at the seams lol), the friendly staff offers to serve the ice-cream instead for a sweet ending.
Update: Since I always make it a point to try the dessert at any restaurants I have been to, except for those have ice-creams only for desserts, I’m back here to try some Nachtisch und Schnitzel.
Dumpling Duo becomes Triple lol I sure don’t mind. This is quite an unique dessert, in which a ganache of chocolate or apple filling is covered with custard pudding and then coated with a thin layer of breadcrumbs to be deep-fried. The texture is really good due to the juxtapose of crispness and creaminess. The tart taste of berries adds a nice kick to the milky goodness of the custard.
What's a trip to Paulander without drinking a tall glass of Paulander's German beer? So I order a Jubilee Edition, which is refreshing and light.
Nice refreshing drinks: Orange juice and simlating Virgin Mojito.
For patrons who are not used to European cuisine, Pretzel, without the cheese, is a good choice to start with. Flammkuchen (based on my experience at another establishment), Sausages, Beer Bites and Schnitzel are other safe and good choices. One may take some time to get accustomed to the taste of Sauerkraut (think Kimchi without the spiciness).
For me, I actually love Sauerkraut and the simulating, hearty taste of the food here.
Thoughts: I do look forward to come here to enjoy more German cuisine!
Millenia Walk #01-01
