Shakshouka, or shakshuka, translates loosely to ‘all mixed up’ in Arabic — an apt name for what is essentially a dish of eggs on top tomatoes stewed with chili peppers, onions and spices like cumin and coriander, served with crusty bread to sop every luscious bit up.
Shakshouka is a staple of Arab and Israeli cuisine, originating in Tunisia or Libya, and is usually consumed as an evening meal. But because eggs are the main ingredient, it’s become a popular breakfast and brunch dish on the menus of hipster cafes everywhere. We check out some places that serve up rich, hearty shakshouka.
Eggs With Lamb Shakshouka ($20) at Urban Bites
Their rendition of shakshouka features three poached eggs steeped in a house-made sauce of fresh tomatoes, chili peppers, cumin and onions and crowned with feta cheese, crisped kale leaves and a mound of slow-cooked lamb shoulder perfumed with aromatic Lebanese spices; served with a side of freshly-baked Lebanese bread to mop it all up. Available on Saturdays from 9.30am-4pm. 161 Telok Ayer Street.
Their rendition of shakshouka features three poached eggs steeped in a house-made sauce of fresh tomatoes, chili peppers, cumin and onions and crowned with feta cheese, crisped kale leaves and a mound of slow-cooked lamb shoulder perfumed with aromatic Lebanese spices; served with a side of freshly-baked Lebanese bread to mop it all up. Available on Saturdays from 9.30am-4pm. 161 Telok Ayer Street.
Lamb Shakshouka is a crowd favourite at Artichoke (Photo credit: Artichoke Facebook)
Lamb Shakshouka ($26) at Artichoke
Artichoke at Sculpture Square is a popular place for weekend brunches and their shakshouka is a crowd-pleaser of two eggs baked in a skillet covered in spiced tomato sauce, slow cooked lamb shoulder, green chili harissa and kewpie yoghurt. Mix it all up and stuff it into pita pockets and then stuff that into your mouth. Available during weekend brunch 11.30am-3.30pm. 161 Middle Road.
Artichoke at Sculpture Square is a popular place for weekend brunches and their shakshouka is a crowd-pleaser of two eggs baked in a skillet covered in spiced tomato sauce, slow cooked lamb shoulder, green chili harissa and kewpie yoghurt. Mix it all up and stuff it into pita pockets and then stuff that into your mouth. Available during weekend brunch 11.30am-3.30pm. 161 Middle Road.
The Tunisian at Wild Honey
Tunisian ($22) at Wild Honey
Wild Honey is one of the pioneers of Singapore brunch scene featuring breakfast dishes from all over the world. The Tunisian, of course, is a sizzling pan of spicy shakshouka studded with chorizo and topped with fried eggs. An Israeli salad on the side cuts through all the richness. Available on the all-day brunch menu. Click here for a list of all outlets.
Wild Honey is one of the pioneers of Singapore brunch scene featuring breakfast dishes from all over the world. The Tunisian, of course, is a sizzling pan of spicy shakshouka studded with chorizo and topped with fried eggs. An Israeli salad on the side cuts through all the richness. Available on the all-day brunch menu. Click here for a list of all outlets.
Everyday Shakshuka ($13.50) at Lunar Coffee Brewers
Start your workday right at Lunar Coffee Brewers in the heart of the central business district. This café serves up hearty nosh with home-cooked flavours. Their shakshouka features two onsen eggs in a lush spiced tomato sauce with chorizo and toasted sourdough bread. Available weekdays 8am-7pm and Saturdays 9am-3pm. Downtown Gallery, 6 Shenton Way.
Start your workday right at Lunar Coffee Brewers in the heart of the central business district. This café serves up hearty nosh with home-cooked flavours. Their shakshouka features two onsen eggs in a lush spiced tomato sauce with chorizo and toasted sourdough bread. Available weekdays 8am-7pm and Saturdays 9am-3pm. Downtown Gallery, 6 Shenton Way.
Spiced Shakshuka Tomato Poached Eggs (Photo credit: Platypus Kitchen Facebook)
Spiced Shakshuka Tomato Poached Eggs ($14.90) at Platypus Kitchen
The menu at Platypus Kitchen is inspired by the Mediterranean Sea, making use of loads of fresh herbs and spices to recreate the flavours of the region. Here’s simple but satisfying rendition of shakshouka: meat-free and perfect for vegetarians, it showcases poached onsen eggs and cumin spiced mushrooms in a rich chili chutney and served with cilantro, fresh mint and natural bread. Available during weekend brunch 11.30am-5pm. 200 Victoria Street, #01-90 Bugis Junction.
The menu at Platypus Kitchen is inspired by the Mediterranean Sea, making use of loads of fresh herbs and spices to recreate the flavours of the region. Here’s simple but satisfying rendition of shakshouka: meat-free and perfect for vegetarians, it showcases poached onsen eggs and cumin spiced mushrooms in a rich chili chutney and served with cilantro, fresh mint and natural bread. Available during weekend brunch 11.30am-5pm. 200 Victoria Street, #01-90 Bugis Junction.
RECOMMENDED READING: More ideas for breakfast here.
