Stiff Chilli: Hole in the Wall Pizzas
OK, this is the kind of "Hole-in-the-Wall" outfit that I really feel Singapore should have more of. It's a dingy, dilapidated little place surrounded by Karaoke Lounges such that you get to hear middle aged men dishing out their own renditions of "I did it my way" while digging into your pizza and pastas.
Call it rustic, call it cheap. I call it "Boh Chup" (Can't care less) decor. The walls spot original paint from WWII with the existence of old electrical trunking left unashamedly evident. Oh, it just brings back memories of the times I was in the rustic cafes of Bangkok. It's original and it's got personality. It's a far cry from the standard "Nanyang School of fine art" plug and play type, I copy you, you copy me and "why think of something new when we can play it safe and stick to what everyone likes" kind of decor. No, we are talking about raw concrete, don't bother plastering up defects and using whatever is lying in our storeroom to decorate the place kind of approach.
Too bad the food was not as original as the decor. It's good but I was hoping for something that would have the same amount of raw, unabashed passion behind it. This is a shame as they even went to the extent of building a wood fired oven at the back to cook the pizzas. The pizzas range from $15-$26 dollars and are as competent as any pizzas around. 4/5
In case you are wondering, Stiff Chilli is a branch of a chain of restaurants started in Bali by this Aussie guy who married some Balinese princess. So I guess the "Boh Chup" decor probably resembles its sister restaurants in Bali. I was kinda hoping that this was going to be another "Ang Moh in the heartlands" story, but unfortunately, the joint is being run by a local, so it really is a shame. Having an Ang Moh behind the counter could really complete the illusion that you are somewhere overseas!
Conclusion
Great place to chill out, get a nice bite to eat and listen to Karaoke music!
Update: 29 Nov 2008
One of our readers has updated that they are closed.
Stiff Chilli279 Jalan Besar
Singapore 208943
Phone: 62975509
Recommended by Damien
7 comments:
As ieat had said, its a branch of a chain of restaurants started in Bali by a Aussie bloke, my guess is our local guy approcahed the aussie bloke and asked to be the local franchisee. It doesn't really matter if the person behind the counter is ang moh or not, its not the colour of the skin that determines if the food is good or not.
If the decor reminds one of Bali, thats good enuff, like PS cafe in Dempsey rd reminds one of being in a aussie cafe, Dome Cafe and Jones the grocer in Dempsey rd reminds one of being in cuppacino strip in freemantle, perth. Its all in the mind and a little imgination goes a long way.
We went there last October and sat next to a picture of half-naked Indonesian women. We had the pizza with parma ham and blue cheese (very nicely done)and squid ink pasta cooked in a creamy sauce with pieces of seasoned marlin. The pasta was cooked to perfection (truly al-dente!) and totally yummy. I had always avoided this dish thinking that it would be somewhat fishy but it was not a single bit fishy at all.
The gelatos are also worth trying. There's this interesting Chilli Chocolate Ice Cream, albeit too abstract for my liking :)
Pizza's were really good - the thin crust were addictive.
I have been going to this place since it opened as I live just around the corner. I think the food is above average and also pretty good value, I agree with Damien about their home made ice cream, My girlfriend loves their squid ink pasta, whereas I always order one of their anti pasti platters (generous servings of salami, parma ham etc.) which I think is unbelievable value.
Regarding the ang moh in the heartlands stuff, all i can say is that most times i have been there i have seen Rodney (the aussie owner, who also comes across as a really nice and friendly bloke) around, but agree that Stiff Chilli should be judged on its food not on the ethnicity of its owner! I have also found that the local guy who looks after the place is really helpful and friendly so no complaints about the service.
plzza looks good to me
Hi
Stiff chilli has closed down.
Thanks, have updated the blog
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