Nestled in a cosy corner at the entrance of Galleria Mall, Miam has a quaint Mediterranean bistro-esque mood about it. Its distinct shade of blue composes the mind and whets the appetite, even though the traffic scene on the adjoining highway may be far from calm.
The menu is an extensive selection of dishes, tipping its hat to delicacies from around the globe, and you are sure to quickly find your favourites, as my colleague and I did.
We started with soup – seafood chowder and the classic French onion. I am not a great enthusiast of marine life in my soup, but the chowder actually surprised me. It was creamy, herby, fragrant without that typical ‘fishy’ odour, and packed with the deliciousness of shrimp, calamari and baby octopus. Its counterpart was a rich, brown beef broth with caramelised onions, the deep flavour intensified by the Swiss cheese on French bread floating atop.
The quinoa salad was a delightful mix of ruby-red pomegranate, bell pepper, dried nuts and berries in the nutty grain, all tied together with balsamic vinaigrette, making for a very pretty plate. Segments of clementine, tomatoes and a bright raspberry dressing went well with the protagonists in the rocket and candied walnuts salad. The addition of tender grilled chicken makes it a satisfying meal by itself.
For appetisers, we were treated to Cajun shrimp balls – crispy, golden spheres enclosing spiced rice and capsicum with the heady taste of the minced crustacean. The tangy pomegranate mayo was an apt accompaniment. We watched in anticipation as the spoon broke into the green-flecked layer of baked cheese blanketing the spinach and artichoke dip. Crostini-like toast gave the peppery, velvety mash good texture.
When the main course arrived, our almost satiated stomachs automatically made way for more. The Creole-style Shrimp Étouffée was a mound of long-grained rice in a pool of an earthy, nutty, tomato-based gravy. The flavours of shrimp and cilantro were complemented by a hint of heat, which made me eat more than I probably should have. When one says Chicken Roulade, a timid dish with a benign essence comes to mind. But not this one at Miam. The marinara sauce on the plate is a rich reduction full of robust flavour, and just enough heat to pack a powerful punch. The meat was expertly rolled, stuffed with green beans and cheese, and gilded in a distinct crunch. The Surf and Turf Burger was a moist beef patty with Cajun shrimps, with neither playing second fiddle to the other. Cheddar, mozzarella and chives, along with a side of banana fries, struck the right chord here.
Our dessert was banana fritters with ice cream and Miam’s signature Fruit Burger. The former was a plate of plantain slices made length-wise, dipped in a delicate batter and fried to blonde perfection. The warm bitter-sweet caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream gave the dish a nice edge. One bite of the Fruit Burger and I understood why patrons ask for it all through the day.
Pillowy burger buns encase two layers of fruit and berries, atop delectable, homemade cream, which I would have licked off my fingers, if not for being in public.
Fully stuffed with fare from an array of cuisines, we left Miam feeling happy and content, wondering when was the soonest we could return. I’m thinking next for breakfast, then for lunch and again for dinner.
