Curry Times Restaurant - Unveils New Chicken Cutlet Curry Pao Fan

Founded by Old Chang Kee, Curry Times restaurant is a new dine-in concept specializing in curry dishes. Set in a nostalgic setting reminiscent of the glorious days of Mama's home-cooked food, Curry Times aims to bring back flavours and dishes from the past to be enjoyed once again. With multiple outlets island-wide, we visited the Curry Times Restaurant outlet at Westgate. The restaurant provides a casual and welcoming atmosphere for patrons to enjoy a wide range of dishes, including Hainanese Chicken Rice and Nasi Lemak, alongside various curry-based options.

Chicken Cutlet Curry Pao Fan 4.2/5

Curry Times is introducing an exciting new creation: the Chicken Cutlet Curry Pao Fan. This creation combines a generous serving of pao fan, a comforting rice porridge, and a crispy chicken cutlet placed on top. The dish is further enhanced with fragrant and creamy curry sauce, creating a harmonious blend of flavours and textures. For enthusiasts of both curry and pao fan, this inventive creation promises a must-try experience, allowing you to enjoy the best of both culinary worlds in a single, satisfying bowl. This set also comes with a free Barley drink at $10.90++.

Nasi Lemak with Chicken Super Drum 4/5

Apart from their new dish, we also tried the popular Nasi Lemak with Chicken Super Drum ($10.90). The Nasi lemak is a traditional Malaysian and Singaporean dish known for its fragrant coconut rice, and it is typically accompanied by various condiments such as sambal (spicy chilli paste), peanuts, fried anchovies, cucumber, and a hard-boiled or fried egg. In this variation, the dish is elevated with a huge chicken drumstick, adding a substantial and flavourful element to the classic nasi lemak.

Curry Chap Chye 4/5

The Curry Chap Chye is a flavourful and aromatic dish that combines the essence of two classic Asian dishes: curry and chap chye. This dish typically features a rich and savoury curry sauce infused with a blend of aromatic spices. The curry is then generously loaded with a variety of fresh vegetables and ingredients, such as tofu, beancurd skin, and assorted vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and mushrooms. The result is a hearty and wholesome curry that serves as a perfect complement to your steamed white rice or Nasi Lemak rice.

Crispy Chicken Wing (3pc) 3.8/5

The Crispy Chicken Wing dish ($6.50) at Curry Times is a mouthwatering treat. We ordered them as a snack, which features a perfectly fried and crispy exterior while being tender and juicy on the inside. The wings paired well with the sweet chilli sauce provided on the side.

Photos and words by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food, and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Curry Times
Westage
3 Gateway Drive
#02-08
Singapore 608532
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Nearest MRT: Jurong East (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Jurong East MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Monki (台灣小吃部) @ The Star Vista - Homely And Comforting Taiwan Cuisine

Monki (台灣小吃部) is a Taiwanese restaurant that has moved into Star Vista, located just beside the taxi stand. I remembered visiting the cafe previously at Holland Drive, but I was only there for desserts. I will try out some of their snacks and mains this time.

Taiwan Century Egg Tofu 3.8/5

We started with the chilled Taiwan Century Egg Tofu ($8), generously topped with pork floss and bonito flakes. While it is an appetising starter, I felt the century egg lacked that pungent I was looking for.

Double Mix Mee Sua 4.2/5

There are a few combinations for the Mee Sua, and I went for the Double Mix Mee Sua ($11), picking the big intestine and oyster. The big intestine was not gamey. I recommend adding more vinegar and a dash of chilli to elevate the taste profile to enjoy the thick, smooth, and slurping goodness.

Taiwan Braised Pork Rice 4.2/5

The Taiwan Braised Pork Rice ($9) comes with fragrant and fluffy rice topped with fatty braised pork. I like that it is very saucy, allowing the rice to soak up the delicious sauce for a delightful mouthfeel. It even comes with a braised egg and tau pok.

Taiwan Fried Chicken Cutlet 4/5

We also ordered the Taiwan Fried Chicken Cutlet ($8) to complete our meal. It is incredibly huge, tender and juicy with a crispy coat.

The dishes here felt homely and comforting. Maybe I have been missing Taiwan since the closure of the border due COVIID.


Monki (台灣小吃部)
The Star Vista
1 Vista Exchange Green
#01-41
Singapore 138617
Tel: +65 62588112
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Nearest MRT: Buona Vista (CC Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 1030am - 9pm
Fri: 1030am - 930am
Sat: 9am - 930pm
Sun: 1030am - 830pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Buona Vista MRT station. Take Exit A or C. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes.[Map]

Mian Jia Noodle Bar (麺家料理) @ Holland Village - Blown Away By the Super Shiok Mala Spicy Lobster Broth

I have not visited Holland Village since the start of the circuit breaker, and during this period it seems that there are quite a few changes. One of the newest addition to the F&B scene at Holland Village is Mian Jia Noodle Bar (麺家料理) which opened during the pandemic last year. To be exact, it relocated from Alexandra Central to its current location.

Lobster Prosperous Treasure Pot 4.5/5

For the upcoming Lunar New Year, Mian Jia Noodle Bar has launched the Lobster Prosperous Treasure Pot ($288). Quote "TENOFF" to enjoy 10% discount. Call or visit the restaurant to place your order, takeaway only as there is limited quantity. Unlike other Pen Cai, the treasure pot comes in a drinkable lobster bisque broth that comes brimming with premium ingredients. Customers can look forward to a sumptuous feast of Boston lobster, 10 heads braised abalone, Australian golden sea cucumber, Japanese scallops, Shajing oyster, Spanish Duroc pork ribs, handmade shrimp balls, braised chicken mid wings, bean root, pumpkin and Chinese cabbage.

Live Boston Lobster Broth Noodle 4.5/5

Signature at Mian Jia Noodle Bar is their Live Boston Lobster Broth Noodle ($26.90). There is both the Non-Spicy and Mala version. I got to try both versions, and I was blown away by the robust broth that is full of depth. The Mala version is beyond my expectation, the addition of peppercorn elevated the flavour to a whole new level. To be frank, I cannot decide which I like. Worth mentioning is the la mian noodle that has been cooked to a delectable consistency. The restaurant has specially imported the special cooking machine for consistency in every bowl.

Special Stewed Iberico Pork with Homemade Wanton Dry Noodle 4/5

Besides noodle soups, the restaurant also offers a variety of dry noodles. One of them is the Special Stewed Iberico Pork with Homemade Wanton Dry Noodle ($15.90). The chunky pork pieces may look sort of dry, but it melted in my mouth when I sunk my tooth into it. Give the la mian a good toss, to coat the sweet, savoury dark sauce on each noodle stand for a slurping enjoyment. The sauce reminds me of Malaysian kolo mee.

Crispy Crusted Chicken Cutlet 3.8/5

There are several side dishes on top of the dry and noodle soup on the menu to complete the meal. I tried the Crispy Crusted Chicken Cutlet ($6.90) though the skin was not as crispy as I would have like, the chicken was surprisingly very tender and juicy.

Spicy Chilli Oil Homemade Wanton 3.5/5

I also had the Spicy Chilli Oil Homemade Wanton ($5.90) which looks more like a dumpling than wanton. It is plump and juicy, dressed in spicy and fragrant chilli oil.

If not for my friend's introduction to this place, I probably would not have known of the restaurant as it  is hidden away at the end of the road from sight. I am glad that I have discovered a new noodle place that serves a delicious and a quality bowl of noodle. 

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Mian Jia Noodle Bar (麺家料理) 
19 Lorong Liput
Singapore 277732
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Nearest MRT: Holland Village (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit B or C. Walk to Lorong Liput. Walk towards the junction of Lorong Liput and Lorong Mambong. Turn left onto Lorong Liput. Walk to the end of the road. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Taiwan Railway Bento (台湾铁路便当) @ CT Hub (Kallang)

Railway bento was brought into Taiwan by the Japanese in the first half of 20th century when it is under Japan colony. Since then it has remains popular until present day, commonly sold in railway stations and inside train cabins. I have always been fascinated by all these bento with all the different ingredients that they have packed into the box. Having travelled on the railways in Taiwan and eaten a couple of them which all turned out to be very delicious, I was quite excited when I heard that Taiwan Railway Bento (台湾铁路便当) at Kallang has brought in these type of Taiwanese railway bento into Singapore.

Currently they have 2 outlets, the other outlet is at International Plaza. The one at International Plaza is more of a takeaway or express outlet while the one at Kallang has proper sitting area to enjoy your meal. It even comes with complimentary soup which is refillable.

Stew Pork Belly Bento 4/5

The Stewed Pork Belly Bento ($6.80) is served in a wooden bento box accompanied with a piece of tau pok, a slice of Taiwan sausage, half a braised hard boiled egg, cooked and preserved vegetables. I like the used of wooden bento box giving it the exact authentic railway bento feel. It was explained that the wooden bento box helps to absorb the moisture preventing the rice from getting soggy so fast. There is also health and environmental benefit of it over styrofoam box. The pork belly was pretty flavourful and tender. What stood out for me in this lovely rice box is the used of pearl rice and preserved vegetables imported from Taiwan.

Fried Intestine 4/5

Besides the bento, Taiwan Railway Bento also serves other side dishes such as the Fried Intestine ($3.50), Century Beancurd ($3.50) and Railway Chicken Wings ($3.50). Among the three side dishes I tried, my favourite is the fried intestine. You don't commonly get this in Singapore because of the labour intense in preparing the intestine so that they don't have a smell. Fried to a nice crisp and seasoned with salt and pepper, this is quite a delightful bite.

Century Beancurd 3/5

One of my favourite Taiwanese side dishes is the Beancurd with Century Egg. When I saw this on the menu, my first instinct was to order it. Unfortunately the version here is given a spicy twist which is not to my liking. The beancurd was not as chilled as per what I have like too.

Railway Chicken Wings 4/5

The Railway Chicken Wings is marinated with Nam Yee or red fermented beancurd. It can be an acquired taste for some but I adored it. Big and juicy, this is definitely a winner for me.

Fried Chicken Cutlet Bento 3.8/5

The sight of the huge fried chicken cutlet will bring a smile to everyone. The fried chicken cutlet is bigger than the bento box itself. While the Fried Chicken Cutlet Bento ($6.80) is value for money with its huge servicing, compared to Hot Star Large Fried Chicken and Shilin Taiwan Street Snack, I think it is still shy of its competitors. I felt that the batter is a hint too thick.

Chicken Rice Bento 4.2/5

You probably can find this only at Taiwan Railway Bento offering Hainanese Chicken Rice Bento ($4.80/$6.80). One of their popoular bento box, this shows that they have hit the right business model catering for the local palate. The cooking technique used for the poached chicken is commendable retaining the tenderness of the chicken with jelly like skin. The rice was also fragrant and fluffy.

Taiwan Railway Bento is still focus mainly on its takeaway and catering business hence seating area is quite limited especially at their express outlet at International Plaza. Even dine it, it is served in the bento box itself without the lid. If you want to dine in a more comfort environment, my advice is to visit the Kallang outlet. Taiwan Railway Bento also has a delivery service. You can find out more from the website.


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Taiwan Railway Bento (台湾铁路便当) 
CT Hub
2 Kallang Avenue
#02-16
Singapore 339407
Tel: +65 65380019
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/railwaybento
Website: http://www.railwaybento.com
Nearest MRT: Lavender (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 8pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Lavender MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Lavender MRT station (Stop ID 01311). Take bus number 133 or 145. Alight 2 stops later. Walk to traffic junction. Cross the road to Kallang Bahru. Walk along Kallang Bahru to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Lavender MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to V Hotel Lavender. Turn left onto Horne Road. Continue down Horne Road. Turn right onto Hamilton Road. Walk to the end of Hamilton Road. Cross the road onto Kallang Bahru. Walk along Kallang Bahru to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]