You don’t have to be crazy about garlic to step into this nice restaurant called Mad for Garlic. All you need is an open mind and a good appetite! I’m not particularly fond of garlic. All I can say is that I can take it or leave it. Really? Really! Usually, I would choose to skip the garlic because of my immense fear of garlic breath. Hahaha. However, the funky name strongly appeals to me. Another motivating factor is its much raved about pizza!

Described as an Italian Wine Bistro, you would be surprised that Mad for Garlic originated in Korea in 2001. There are currently eleven outlets in Korea and one in Singapore. Staying true to its name, tons of garlic adorn the walls of the restaurant located at Suntec City. With more than 40 kinds of garlic-specialized Italian dishes, surely, there is something for everyone.

Mad for Garlic exudes a sophisticated and classy atmosphere. The only thing I didn’t like was that the dining tables were placed quite close to one another. Spacious is the last word I would use to describe this place. There is a private dining room, as well as alfresco dining area.

We had two glasses of Mad for Garlic’s Signature Ade. Besides fruit flavors like lemon, apple and orange, we went for something unusual. Yujaade was refreshingly sweet and would probably appeal to people who like mandarin oranges. We do! For a fizzier alternative, the Wineade is highly recommended but it does not have much alcoholic content. I loved both, can’t decide which one I like better 😛

This is definitely the thinnest pizza I have ever seen, for it was almost paper thin. Hey, it rhymes! Haha. Anyway, we were expecting a dry and crispy pizza base but the Garlic Snowing Pizza ($18.90) took us completely by surprise. Apparently, the pizzas at Mad for Garlic are not wood-fired, i.e., not authentically Italian I suppose. Holding a slice of the pizza was like handling a piece of popiah. You have to use both hands to prevent the toppings from falling off. And speaking of toppings, the pizza is a mouthwatering blend of shrimps, diced pineapple and cloves of fried garlic. The white flakes that look like snow is optional. If you like your pizza with cheese, the people at Mad for Garlic will shave a block of fresh grana padano parmesan cheese at your table when your pizza is served. Unlike most pizzas that are savory, this was mildly honey sweet Very different from the usual pizza. We really liked this a lot and I’m already planning a revisit with Chewy Charles just for this! Hehe.

The waitress who took our order had asked if we would like a less spicy version of the Garlicpeno Pasta ($14.90). We say, the spicer the better. Bring it on la! Generous with garlic and Mexican pepper, this fiery pasta dish tossed in garlic oil is not for the faint-hearted. My dear friend was frantically reaching out for the glass of Yujaade. I got a temporary high from the spicy pasta afterburn!

Mad for Garlic’s ‘special’ fried rice was slightly on the oily side. The Garlicholic Rice ($15.90) fell short of our expectations of what a ‘special’ fried rice should be like. With garlic pickles, shrimp and asparagus, the rice was fragrant but I think it’s a little overcooked.

Full house on a Friday evening, business sure looks good at Mad for Garlic. This place is actually quite a romantic setting. The only hurdle that you would need to overcome is the fear of garlic breath. Haha but fear not because amazingly, we didnt step out with any!

Mad For Garlic
3 Temasek Boulevard
#01-039 Suntec City Mall
Tel: 6333 1507

Opening Hours:
Sun to Thur
11.30am – 10pm
Fri to Sat
11.30am – 11pm