Ivan’s Carbina – Affordable Rosti (<$10) in a Coffeeshop

Rosti in a coffeeshop? What a rarity! Originally a breakfast dish commonly eaten by farmers in the canton of Bern (which is Switzerland’s capital), the popularity of rosti has soared and rosti is now eaten all over the world.

For those who do not live in Woodlands, you will need lots of help finding this place. The coffeeshop is situated in the middle of a block of flats (Block 354/355). For those who alight at Woodlands MRT station, make your way to the Woodlands Temp Bus interchange, and board any bus that goes to a stop called “Rosewood”. Upon alighting at Rosewood Condominium, cross the road to get to Block 354/355. You are very welcome, just doing my part for fellow foodies!

After getting lost for 1.5 hours because Google Maps failed us, we trudged with hunger to Ivan’s Carbina and ordered 2 dishes. Tons of choices are available, and we eventually settled with the Rosti with Cheese sausage ($7.20) and Fried Chicken Cutlet ($6.50). The mains come with 2 sides — choose from garden salad, french fries, butter rice etc. We chose the butter rice and fries as accompaniments to the chicken cutlet.

The Rosti with Cheese Sausage ($7.20) came with a rosti that was crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside. However, the seasoning was a little inconsistent —  some parts were well-seasoned, but other areas were a tad bland. On the other hand, the cheese sausage was pretty tasty, but I wished that the sausage skin had a better “snap”. The sausage was slightly cheesy, but I would not describe it as “exploding with cheese”. 

The sour cream on the side was a cold and creamy contrast to the rosti, and the hints of lemon helping perked up the heavy dish. The touch of mushroom cream sauce was toothsome too. However, the egg atop the rosti was slightly overcooked. The lack of a runny yolk was slightly disappointing. I would recommend eating all the elements together in one bite, as it is a pretty flavourful experience. Considering the price, Ivan Carbina’s rosti with cheese sausage is a rather viable and affordable substitute for rosti from higher-end establishments.

The Fried Chicken Cutlet ($6.50) had a crispy breaded exterior, and tender chicken meat encased within. I was glad to discover that the chicken skin did not turn soggy, even after awhile. In essence, this dish tasted like good ol’ comfort western food. I felt that the stall owners could be a little more heavy-handed with the seasoning, as the chicken cutlet was underseasoned. The accompanying butter rice was quite unique. Both my friend and I concurred that it actually tasted exactly like chicken rice, would you believe that? Our other side dish, the fries, were crispy and great.

In conclusion, Ivan’s Carbina does serve affordable and unique Western food in a coffeeshop setting. I mean, how often do you see rosti in coffeeshops? Nonetheless, while the food is pretty decent, it is not mindblowingly-good, and I probably will only visit again if I happen to be in Woodlands.

MissTamChiak.com made anonymous visit and paid its own meal at the stall featured here.