Among a row of unattractively small buildings facing Yio Chu Kang Road is one that sticks out like a sore thumb as it is fronted by an inviting pleasant-looking café. Opened less than 5 months ago, Q-Bistro’s neat and simple furnishing is inviting for those looking for a place to have drinks and finger food over a game of pool without fussing too much about dressing your best. As you take a step inside, you can’t help but feel at ease with the minimalist interior, befitting of a pool-café set in the heartlands of Kovan.

The idea of opening a pool-café in the heartlands was the developed by Jason Chew, an engineer by day, entrepreneur by night. Prior to Q-Bistro, Jason says he didn’t know of any similar concept pool-cafes except for one in the Bugis area. Being more of a pool parlour than a café, most of the indoor area is set aside for the 8 pool tables, leaving space for only 2 to 4 tables (depending on group size) at the indoor dining tables. An alternative would be to take your meal outdoors since there are plenty of tables in the alfresco dining area.

The food menu is limited but Jason says he is revamping the menu with the bistro’s head chef who was previously working in a hotel.

For starters, the Sliced Fish Fillet ($5.80) was finely sliced and fried to a lustrous golden-brown. Although palatable, these resembled something you can find in the frozen section of the supermarket. However, it came in a considerably generous portion for an appetizer.

Another option for finger food is the Breaded Chicken Wings ($5.80). Its light and smooth batter was refreshingly crispy and the meat was succulent on the inside. It would have been more satisfying if it had more marinate, though, as it was on the bland side.

Those hankering for food with a unique twist can try the Honey Grilled Chicken ($11.80), served with baby potatoes and pan-fried vegetables. The grilled chicken breast is seasoned with honey mustard to give it a one-of-a-kind dulcet tang that makes it such an exquisite delight. Most of the meat was tender but inconsistently cooked, leaving some parts tougher than the rest.

If peppery, piquant food is your kind of thing, try the Salsa Grilled Fillet ($12.80) also served with baby potatoes and pan-fried vegetables. The dory fish is crispy on the outside, soft on the inside and is topped with cut capsicums, onions, olives and tomatoes. Although it claims to be a salsa dish, it didn’t have sufficient tomatoes to live up to the tomato-based sauce. Nonetheless, this zesty dish is a must try.

Do request for the house sauce to go along with your food. The mayonnaise-like paste with a hint of tomato flavour complements the grub there well, especially the finger food.

The drinks were a bit disappointing though. The highly recommended Mango Tango (5.80) and Peach Frost ($5.80) failed to impress. They claim to use real fruits but perhaps too much flavoured syrup left the drink too sweet and tasting artificial.

One thing worth commending is the service. The staff was affable, helpful and prompt, making the stay pleasurable.

The 9-feet pool tables are all tournament standard tables and are maintained weekly. So expect no less than a high quality pool experience here. The several pool tables also mean that you don’t have to wait all night for your turn to play, unlike other pubs in the vicinity that only have one pool table. The pool table rates are reasonably priced at $6.80 per hour before 9pm and $8.80 per hour after 9pm.

I spotted people of sorts here. There were the young punks, the laid-back and young executives chilling out after a day’s work, but all of them seemed to share a love for the game of pool. Truly, this place is ideal for avid pool players looking for a nice affordable meal.

UrbanWire gives Q-Bistro 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Q-Bistro

93/95 Kovan Road

Operating hours:

Sun-Thur 5pm-1am

Fri & Sat 5pm-3am