Bistro Bytes: Locker-style takeaway concept with over 100 food choices at i12 Katong
If you’ve ever struggled to decide what to have for lunch, Bistro Bytes might just be your next favourite thing.
Located in i12 Katong, this automated F&B store allows you to mix and match from nine different F&B brands in a single order. This incredibly convenient concept not only gives you more food and beverage choices to pick from, but it also helps you save valuable time by removing the need to hop from store to store during your precious lunch break.
Did I mention that these nine F&B brands range from bubble tea to stacked sandwiches, and there’s even pizza, Japanese tonkatsu and meat-free options too?
Bistro Bytes is located on the second floor of i12 Katong, which had undergone a two-year renovation and recently officially reopened on 23 June 2022.
Once you enter the mall, simply take the escalator on the right to head straight up to Bistro Bytes on Level 2. You’ll recognise it from its gorgeous pastel pink, gold and dark green colours, as well as the eye-catching lockers lining the front of the store.
Bistro Bytes is automated, so head to any one of the three kiosks to place your order. In fact, if you download the KLIK app, you can place your orders remotely or even have it delivered to your doorstep!
I’ve got to say, this locker-style concept is truly intriguing. Food that is ready for collection will be placed in a random locker, and you’ll know that it’s your turn when your order number is flashed on the TV screens.
How do you collect your food? Simply scan your receipt at the Scan & Collect terminals, and your assigned food locker will be unlocked. If you placed your order via the KLIK app, you can unlock your assigned lockers directly from the app!
While Bistro Bytes is a primarily takeaway concept, there is a small seating area right outside its store that you can utilise if you’re intending to dine on the spot. Do note that this is a public seating area that belongs to i12 Katong, so be sure to clear your trash once you’re done eating.
Okay, enough talking. Time to eat!
What I tried at Bistro Bytes
I started the feast with the one thing I was most interested in trying— Pizza Express’ Carbonara (S$31.03).
This 13” pizza comes packed with ingredients, such as farmer-style smoked bacon, mozzarella, parmesan, garlic oil, an egg, and is served on top of a creamy bechamel base.
Other pizza options include 11” pizzas, vegan and even half-and-half pizzas!
If you had told me that this had come from Bistro Bytes’ automated kiosk and had been collected in a locker-like setting, I wouldn’t have believed you.
This tasted legit, with a medium-thin crust that was satisfying to bite into, and thankfully it wasn’t flimsy enough that it tore apart easily. The flavours reminded me of an American-style breakfast, with a savoury saltiness from the crispy bacon and different cheeses. The bechamel and garlic oil added a well-needed fragrance that helped the pizza from being overly salty.
The next time I’m hosting a house party, I’ll definitely consider ordering this addictive pizza for delivery via the KLIK app.
I moved onto Stacked’s Cheeky Katsu (S$12.84), a whopping sandwich that was stuffed with a Katsu-style fried chicken thigh, tomatoes, baby Romaine lettuce and pork floss. The sandwich was also spread with Japanese and curry mayo, and was topped off with melted Emmental cheese and egg mayo.
I can’t even begin to describe what a delight this humongous sandwich was, but before that, let me warn you that it does get a little messy. Not only was it so large that I couldn’t fit it into my mouth, loose ingredients such as the egg mayo, crumbs from the katsu, and shreds of tomatoes and lettuce kept falling out, so be sure to have tissues on hand!
This was a substantial and incredibly satisfying sandwich. You’ve got that crispy katsu and a nice freshness from the tomatoes and lettuce, but the biggest surprise came from the Japanese curry, which added a savoury element that threw my taste buds off. This is a sandwich that I’d definitely come back to Bistro Bytes for!
Pasta fiends will enjoy The Pasta Project’s wide range of pastas, such as the classic Spaghetti Bolognese (S$14.98) and Penne Arrabbiata (S$11.77).
We decided to try the highly recommended Linguine Crabmeat Aglio Olio (S$17.12), which is essentially linguine tossed in olive oil, garlic and chilli flakes, and topped with steamed crabmeat, fresh parsley and a lemon wedge.
I loved the combination of flavours and textures in this dish. The linguine was seasoned really well, and each strand of pasta was coated lusciously in olive oil, garlic and chilli flakes. What I enjoyed the most were the tender and juicy bits of crabmeat, which went well with the al dente pasta.
Those looking for meat-free or vegan options at Bistro Bytes can check out Green Signature, a meatless and healthier choice concept by A-One Group to cater to the growing vegetarian market.
I tried Green Signature’s Olive Fried Rice (S$13.90), which came with fried tofu skin and mock crab meat. Do note that this contains eggs, so those looking for an entirely vegan option can try dishes such as Gong Bao Chicken Rice Bowl (S$9.90).
The savoury flavours in Green Signature’s Olive Fried Rice were pretty subtle, and came in the form of the addictive little pieces of olive that you’d occasionally bite into, which provided a burst of umami flavour. The crispy tofu skin and mock crab meat were nice touches that added a well-needed crunch and sweetness to each spoonful of Olive Fried Rice.
Having been in Singapore for more than 15 years, My Tampopo has established itself as one of the best Japanese restaurants to head to for an authentic Japanese experience. In fact, they were the first ones to bring kurobuta (aka black pork) into Singapore!
I got its USA Premium Pork Loin Bento (S$27.60), which came with white rice and salad. The star of the meal was the breaded pork loin, which was perfectly cooked— juicy, soft and tender on the inside, while the outside was delightfully flaky and crispy. The icing on top of the cake was the tangy and plum-like sauce, which had been served in a separate packet.
Seems like there’s no more need to travel all the way down to town for high-quality tonkatsu, because Bistro Bytes now offers it for takeaway and delivery via the KLIK app!
Perfect for a rainy day or when you need comfort food is A-One’s Scallop Porridge (S$12.90), which comes with dried scallops, minced meat, chunks of century egg, salted egg and an egg.
I’m not exaggerating when I say that this was so comforting that my colleagues and I had difficulty putting our wooden spoons down. This was silky, classic porridge at its best, with a delicious full-bodied flavour from the dried scallops. Peppered with plenty of ingredients, this sizable bowl of porridge quickly became one of our favourites at Bistro Bytes.
Those looking for classic fried rice and noodle dishes can choose from Ding Wei Fried Master’s wide variety of dishes, such as the classic Egg Fried Rice with Deep Fried Pork Chop Set Meal (S$9.50) or Fried Kway Teow with Fish Fillet Set Meal (S$9.50).
We decided to try the Fried Ramen with Deep Fried Pork Chop (S$8.50).
The stir-fried ramen reminded me of yakisoba and it was savoury and tangy, with a hint of umami notes. Topping it off were springy slices of pork chop, which had been seasoned with five spice for that delightfully aromatic touch.
The minute I thought I was done tasting all of Bistro Bytes’ dishes, Sandwich Saigon’s Vegan Pho Special (S$10.90) was served fresh and hot. Since Bistro Bytes was primarily a takeaway concept, I was worried about how noodle or soup dishes would turn out, but I absolutely loved that the noodles had been served on the side so that it wouldn’t get soggy— a definite plus point, especially if I’m getting this via delivery on the KLIK app.
Although this was vegan pho, it still tasted legit.
The broth was on the sweeter side, but it still had a fantastic stock base with hints of fish sauce and soy sauce. The noodles came packed with ingredients such as plant-based meatballs, plant-based crab sticks and tofu, bean sprouts, spring onions, white onions, basil and lime.
They were so generous with the amount of ingredients that I’d go so far as to say that I wish I had been given a larger bowl!
To accompany our feast at Bistro Bytes was one of my favourite bubble tea brands: Milksha.
My go-to order is the Earl Grey Milk Tea with Honey Pearls (S$4.80 for medium), and my best tip would be to get it with less sugar so you can still taste the fragrant notes from the brewed tea.
For more thirst quenching options, you can try the Refreshing Orange Green Tea (S$4.20 for medium) or Lemon Frostea (S$4.20 for medium).
Final thoughts
Whether or not I’m craving a bowl of comforting porridge from A-One, looking to order a 13” pizza from Pizza Express to share with my loved ones, or a humongous sandwich from Stacked, I absolutely love it that I can get all my favourite dishes at a single location now, be it for takeaway or for delivery via the KLIK app.
Bistro Bytes doesn’t just allow me the luxury to pick from a myriad of options from nine vastly different F&B brands, but the ability to order my food remotely using the KLIK app changes the game entirely. No longer will I need to queue and wait for my food to be ready, and I’ll even be able to use the KLIK app to get all these yummy dishes delivered straight to my doorstep!
As a thank you to all SETHLUI.com readers, use the promo code SETHLUIBB in the KLIK app to enjoy free delivery of up to S$12 (with a min. spend of S$30).
Be sure to check out Bistro Bytes’ October deals, which include plenty of 1-for-1 promotions. Click here for more info!
Expected damage: S$4 – S$15 per pax
* This article was brought to you in partnership with Bistro Bytes.
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