Bateel is a Dubai-famous date brand now in Singapore
I’m not the biggest fan of dates, but my recent visit to Bateel in Orchard might have just converted me. If you didn’t know, Bateel is a popular gourmet date brand from Dubai with more than 170 outlets worldwide. They specialise in organic dates in a wide range of flavours, which you can now find in the basement of Takashimaya Shopping Centre.Â
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There are seven types of dates here, all featuring different textures and flavours. For instance, medjool is chewy and moderately sweet, while kholas is soft and smooth with a strong toffee flavour. There’s also segai that’s firm and sweet, or wanan identified by its dark, wrinkled skin and mildly sweet aftertaste.
The prices of these dates differ depending on what you get, but you can mix and match to try a bit of everything. In case you were wondering, I got 140g of filled dates in different flavours for $18.20+, which amounted to eight pieces.
Starting with my favourite of the lot, I really liked the macadamia-stuffed khola dates. These dates boasted a distinct caramel flavour, which paired wonderfully with the nutty filling; they were just the right amount of chewiness without being too tough or leathery.
FYI, you can choose between salted and candied macadamia fillings here.
The pistachio-stuffed dates were equally tasty; the finely crushed pistachio bits added a fun textural variety to the chewy dates, and I liked that they were candied too.
For those who like tangy flavours, I recommend the lemon and orange-stuffed dates. These come with a dried fruit strip that fits nicely between the dates.
There are also pecan and almond-stuffed dates if you enjoy nuts! Else, get the Dipped Dates ($15+ for 100g), starring the same stone fruit covered in hardened chocolate sauce.Â
As I was nearing the payment counter, I came across the Hazelnut Kunafa Choco Bar ($9.50+). The pistachio chocolate bar was out of stock during my visit, so I got two of the hazelnut bars to share with my colleague.
I thought I was done with kunafa desserts until I had Bateel’s chocolate bar. The chocolate casing was soft and easy to bite into, and the crunchy kunafa bits, paired with the creamy hazelnut sauce, were oh so delicious.
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Bateel’s offerings make for a great gift, especially for Muslim friends fasting in March as they can enjoy these delightful dates at Suhur.
For more good eats in the area, read our Orchard Road cafe guide. Alternatively, check out where to get the best shio pan in Singapore!
Address: 391 Orchard Road, Ngee Ann City, Takashimaya Food Hall, Singapore 238873
Opening hours: Daily 10am to 9:30pm
Website
Bateel is not a hala-certified eatery.
Photos taken by Paula Formantes.
This was an independent visit by Eatbook.sg
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