The latest offering care of chef-owner Samia Ahad (we’re fond of sister establishment Coriander Leaf in Clarke Quay), you’ll find Mamounia Restaurant on the ground floor of the five-storey Screening Room, while Mamounia Lounge has taken over the basement where Malt Vault used to be.
After a makeover and concept change late last year, a quick glance reveals real effort’s been made to inject some color and character with patterned chairs and pretty light fixtures. Food-wise, the menu spans cuisines from places like Morocco, Turkey and Iran and is built for sharing.
Be sure to try staples such as hummus ($8), which comes with a side of fluffy naan that you can pile the good stuff on, as well as imam biyaldi ($8)—thin-sliced eggplant topped with a flavorful tomato and garlic sauce (although you might want to pass if you’re planning on doing some kissing later in the evening).
For more substantial bites, it’s hard to go wrong with the trio of lamb tajine ($36). Spoon-tender chunks of meat, with a hint of sweetness from prunes and apricots, go great when paired with the cous cous that comes with. But the real standout is the barbequed chicken skewers ($30)—moist pieces with just enough char that it almost doesn’t need the harissa (but that, too, is delish).
Service, while not outstanding, is pleasant enough and unquestionably efficient. Our one gripe? As a venue, it could do to have more of a buzz, we reckon you need some people around or a dining experience risks being flat. For the moment, and quite possibly the forseeable future, it seems the crowd favors the more atmospheric La Terraza Rooftop Bar (can’t say we blame them though). Still a good option if you’re after a proper sit-down meal, before heading upstairs for a nightcap.
