This is one of those off‑the‑wall and off‑kilter places (next to the old fire station at Upper Bukit Timah Road) that we were so eager to check out because we had heard good things about it. However, we ended up being a bit disappointed with the food. Although it must be said that Raw’s décor and concept sure are fun: Retro knick‑knacks, artworks by new upcoming artists, random furniture and an inviting alfresco area make hanging here especially cool—it feels like you’re dining at one of your best buddies’ home. Food‑wise, it’s also as if you’re having a go at homemade food (not a good thing in their case). The menu comprises a small but interesting range of starters, pastas, pizzas and mains; with weekly specials thrown in for good measure (these are presented in a separate, hand‑written menu). We were in the mood for sharing, so we tried three starters recommended by one of the friendly and personable staff: Quick seared tuna, chili‑lime grilled pork salad and zucchini pancake with balsamic goat cheese and prosciutto. While the pork salad was superb—the pork was generous and beautifully marinated, and the refreshing and spicy chili‑lime dressing certainly whetted our appetite—the other starters were a letdown. The goat cheese overpowered the already mushy texture of the zucchini pancake; while the seared tuna was just oh‑so‑bland and average. Our main of crab rigatoni was also nothing to write home about—it was a decent dish, and the sauce was a little too sweet. However, our dessert of lava cake was good: It came nice and warm, with just the right amount of rich chocolate sauce oozing out of it. Raw is great fun for casual gatherings with friends; but the fact that it’s so far out and the food isn’t great might deter us from coming back.
