The name Charisma might resonate to some as a bridal and catering service in Joo Chiat, specializing in but not limited to Malay weddings. Lesser known to most however, is their three-year-old restaurant Charisma D’Venue, which recently turned its steak-dishing fine dining concept around to its current casual bistro self. It not only serves great briyani, but also trendier dishes like tom yum pasta, over-the-top milkshakes and even Korean-style wings. As we often nitpick at increasingly overpriced café dishes, the pricing at Charisma D’Venue felt refreshingly reasonable, especially in such magnified serving sizes. What’s more, everything here is NETT price. And while Joo Chiat Place isn’t the most convenient location to get to, there are several bus stops in the area – one directly opposite the restaurant, and just in front of the public carpark too.

Dishes We Loved

It’s instinctive for most of us to order a pile of fries to share at the table. Skip that – but only because there are two other starters we think are pretty awesome. The Flaming Wings ($7.90) might be a messy affair but these Korean-style chicken wings will have you licking your fingers in no time. Think sweet, salty and spicy notes all at once. An easier-to-eat alternative are their juicy Portobello Mushrooms ($7.90), coated in a crisp batter. The best thing in this dish is the accompanying spicy soya sauce that you will want to generously dip in.

Their signature Tom Yum Pasta ($10.90, pictured) – sautéed linguine covered in a creamy seafood sauce accented with that fiery and tangy tom yum flavour – instantly won us over with its smooth texture, taste and right amount of cream. Other highlights include Bandung Pasta ($9.90), which is similar to spaghetti Bolognese, but with a spicy tomato sauce twist and a poached egg on top. You’ll soon notice that a bulk of their dishes lean towards the spicy front, which is great for those who appreciate the extra heat. But for those who don’t, your options range from grilled chicken or battered tempura fish with garlic rice, to Sweet and Sour Fish ($7.90) served with white rice and a sunny side up.

Before you think about the possible gamey taste of lamb, and then avoid their Briyani Lamb Shank ($19.90, pictured) like the plague – don’t. This mountainous main is probably the most value-for-money find on their menu and one of our favourite dishes too. Next to a bed of flavoured Basmati rice, is a whole lamb shank that is braised well before coated in Briyani sauce. Have it together with a spoonful of rice and a dollop of the accompanying bowl of curry and you’re set.

While we wouldn’t call them a waffle specialist, a $9.90 Belgian Waffle in this amount is hard to come by. Generous lashings of chocolate and caramel sauce aside, it comes topped with sliced bananas, strawberries and your choice of ice cream. Over-the-top milkshakes are also available here, and in three variations: Oreo Craze, Chocolate Overload and Vanilla Caramelised ($6.50 each). But if there’s one dessert we’d return to try, it’s got to be their fried mars bars, Asteroids ($7.90). Note: Though Charisma D’Venue is not yet halal-certified, it is 100% muslim-owned and uses halal-certified products.

Giveaway

Charisma D’Venue is giving away FREE Aglio Olio Prawn to 50 lucky readers! To stand a chance, simply: 1) Like Charisma D’Venue's Facebook Page 2) Share this article and tag a friend on Facebook 3) Submit your entry here: bit.ly/CharismaDVenueGiveaway Giveaway ends on 25 March 2016. Winners will be contacted via email. Charisma D’Venue 37 Joo Chiat Place, Singapore 427761 Opening hours Wednesdays to Sundays, 12 pm – 10 pm Acoustic Sunday Nights every week from 8 pm – 10.30 pm

Written by Peh Yi Wen Images: Peh Yi Wen Download our new and improved OpenRice app — On the Apple App Store Get it on Google Play