Straits Cafe

3300 Geary Street, San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 668-1783

Chris Yeo surely knows how to cook the greatest Singapore-style food in these parts. His Satay and Indian Bread with Curry Sauce is terrific. Three of us who ate there after an AIWF meeting can attest to that as can four others the very next evening. The Chilean Sea Bass which comes in parchment paper with ginger, shiitake mushrooms, sweet longans and rice wine is not to be missed. Enjoy them under the faux-shuttered balconies and windows near pseudo-palm trees and dream of great food here and in Singapore.

Food at this Cafe is pure Nonya, named after the Straits Chinese settlements which were among the first communities in what is now known as Singapore. Cognoscenti know Nonya as a mix of Malay, Chinese and Indian food and a unique cuisine little known outside of Singapore. Become one, get to know that the cultures it comes from have wonderful blends of flavor, color, texture, and taste and a large variety of aromatic, sometimes piquant dishes.

Settle into the this Cafe with their Sample Platter of Satay of chicken served with peanut sauce, Senosa (a vegetarian curry mixture with a tangy chili garlic sauce), Grilled Oysters with Ginger Marmalade, and a pastry filled with prawns and vegetables called Kway Pai Ti. Wet these down with a Singapore beer or with tea in a small knobby traditional iron pot. Both go well with Nonya food and a must with the Cafe foods.

Taste the Roti Prata. This grill-made batter-type bread is served with a long-handled wooden dipper filled with a sauce redolent of curry, chili, and peanut flavors. And, try those Wok-Roasted Mussels seasoned with cracked pepper and garlic glazed with butter.

Load up on Roti Prate, Satay Lamb, and some Rojah, a salad made with cucumber, jicama, pineapple, bean sprouts, and pulled fried dough in a prawn paste dressing of Sambal Blechan. The Rojah, some say, is an acquired taste, others say, get hooked on it.

Share Duck Kapitan, a mix of grilled duck breast with a duck leg, the latter made confit style. Don't know how Nonya that dish is but never mind, it is "Kapital!" If you are willing to take risks, savor a Chili Octopus that is soft and rather spicy. It goes well with the mild Potong Kari Ayam, better known as Singapore-style coconut curried chicken. Also order their crispy whole fish in a black-bean and basil sauce, a heavenly decision!

No matter what you eat at the Strait Cafe, its bound to please. The food is great, the prices reasonable, and the service caring and accommodating. Just don't come unannounced unless you have a hell-bent for chatting on the street awaiting a table. Your reservations are honored and they honor you with fantastic food.