Otto's Deli Fresh: Wholesome bites in the heart of Holland Village


I had my qualms about this place initially. It's rather peculiar positioning in Raffles @ Holland Village reinforced by second floor placement raising concerns about low footfall and visibility even if placed in the bustling neighbourhood. The newest labour of love, Otto's Deli Fresh by one of the most respected veterans in Singapore's Food and Beverage industry, Otto Weibel sets to present a curated food selection showcasing provenance and quality in a snugly familiar way. The all-day dining menu allowing customers to enjoy even the most illustrious of breakfast dishes late at night.

Must-try's include the Pulled pork burger and the Beef Stroganoff Fettuccine. But let's not jump the gun just yet. Starting off the evening on a light note with the Button Mushroom Soup with Toasted Brioche ($8.50) which works as living proof that some of the finest things in life don't have to be complicated. Button mushrooms meat, dried porchini, caramelised onions, chives and a golden pillow of toasted brioche, congregate for a blissful combination of largely profound flavors.


If you're a meat lover, you're in safe hands here at Otto's. That being said, don't neglect the freshies such as the Burratina Roquette Salad($17) which brings together the divine combination of shredded, fresh burrata with parma ham alongside wild greens. Back to the subject of meats, we love the Pulled Pork Burger served with Fries and condiments ($19). Even though the bread isn't baked in house, it is ordained to strict guidelines by the establishment and perfect in every way too; seeing that it's the perfect vessel to transport the unctuous chunks of 5-hr braised pork cheek infused with just the right tinge of spices into your mouth.

The Press Beef Steak Ciabatta ($20) is a tad harder to sell, the toasted and pressed ciabatta toast lending the overall combination an overly crisp texture. Rather refreshing as compared to the usual foul-play contributed by imbalanced bread to fillings ratio; this is met with mixed feelings from me. The sear on the hanger steak beef clearly misinterpreted when masked behind the crisp hide.


The Beef Stroganoff Fettuccine ($17) cures all. We're talking about braised mushrooms, rich reduced beef jus and a perfectly seared piece of steak to top that off. Who can say no to this? And if you're expecting the traditional sour-cream finished version. You're not going to find it here. This is Russian gone rogue.


Not to be missed too are the grills of different cuts of beef, pork and lamb at Otto's. Owing to the superb provenance of the meats, you'll get real value here especially if you're the sort who likes their protein unfussy. The cooking emulates the creative modern cuisine of the restaurant such as the delicious Heritage US Kurobuta Pork Rack 300g ($39), Japanese pork is grilled then finished off in the oven just enough to blister the skin. The fatty slices leaving a rich oleaginous mouth feel. Also in the same classical vein is the Limestone ridge full blood Wagyu Beef Rump ($32), here, I would implore you to stave away from the accompanying BBQ sauce as the beautifully cooked steak finished with an insinuation of smoke needs no distractions.


Cap your meal off with the Valrhona Chocolate Waffles ($12.50) or a Hot Chocolate. Desserts at Otto's Deli aren't its strong suite so don't expect to be mind blown. Instead, the effects are felicitous, concluding the night of revelries with an unorthodox pairing of Valrhona waffles with black pepper ice cream for a bit of a savoury kick and yet again, a steaming hot beverage reminiscent of ferrero rocher with an astounding amount of salt. 

I concurred with my fellow tasters, meats and the rest of the minimalist menu are the highlights at Otto's Deli Fresh. The rest of the worldly menu aren't quite as polarising and should be kept in check.


Otto's Deli Fresh
118 Holland Avenue
#02-01, Raffles @ Holland Village
S(278990)

Operating Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

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