[Review] Orh Gao Peh Gao: Bridging Coffeeshop Culture and Craft Beer in New Bahru

Tucked within the trendy new wing of New Bahru is a dining concept that seeks to bridge the gap between a traditional local coffeeshop and a modern craft beer taproom. Orh Gao Peh Gao has established its newest outpost at the Factory Block Food Hall, bringing its unique day and night charm to the River Valley neighbourhood.

The name itself playfully translates to black and white dogs, symbolising the transition from day to night. Unintentionally by design, the kitchen menu is not immediately apparent to the casual passerby. The space operates somewhat like a hidden culinary experience within a food court setting, where most visitors initially approach the counter solely for beverages before discovering the extensive food offerings.

As the only kiosk in the food hall currently serving breakfast from as early as nine in the morning, the establishment pays homage to familiar local comforts.

The Kaya Butter Toast (S$2.80) with Soft Boiled Eggs (S$2.20) is a hit at the outlet. Toasted fresh on the spot, the bread serves as a warm, crispy vessel for a very generous spread of housemade kaya. It is incredibly popular with early diners and as a side snack.

Moving into the heartier all day selections, the menu presents an elevated take on beloved hawker fare infused with subtle international influences.

The Hokkien Mee Tai Mak (S$18) is a standout dish that reworks a local favourite.

Built around the soft and chewy texture of mee tai mak, the dish features a savoury housemade prawn stock combined with tiger prawns, fish cake, pork lard, and sambal belachan. Topped with spring onion and a squeeze of calamansi, it delivers all the richness of traditional Hokkien Mee in a distinctly playful format.

Similarly delightful is the Tobiko Prawn Fried Rice (S$12).

The wok-fired egg fried rice serves as a brilliant base for succulent tiger prawns, while the addition of tobiko provides a satisfying pop of texture and brine with every spoonful.

For those seeking dishes to share or lighter protein options, the Chicken Skewer Salad (S$13) offers a refreshing Vietnamese style spin.

The flavourful marinated chicken chunks are tossed with fresh greens and peanuts, all tied together by a chilli garlic dressing that balances heat and zest.

Another excellent meat option is the Chimichurri Pork Chop (S$15).

This dish features a charred five spice pork chop finished with an Asian chimichurri and calamansi. The savoury dressing and citrus notes cut through the richness of the meat, making it highly enjoyable.

To complement the meal, the beverage programme is equally thoughtful. The establishment boasts a lineup of fourteen rotating taps dedicated entirely to Singapore craft breweries.

A pint of Yuzu Lager was the perfect alcoholic pairing for the savoury mains for us, offering a crisp and citrusy refreshment that cleansed the palate.

On the non-alcoholic side, a classic Teh O Kosong Iced from their regular coffeeshop selection provided a robust, unsweetened tea flavour that paired well with the richer dishes.

The pricing here remains flat with no added GST or service charge, making it pricier than standard hawker food but significantly more reasonable than typical restaurant dining. This makes it suited for large group casual, rowdy, fun dining, day or night.

Orh Gao Peh Gao @ New Bahru

Address:
New Bahru Factory Block #02-02
46 Kim Yam Road, Singapore 239359

Opening Hours:
Sunday to Thursday: 9am to 11pm
Friday to Saturday: 9am till late (Kitchen is closed on Tuesdays)

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