TEN+ @ Sungei Tengah Rd - Singapore’s First Safari-Themed Bistro Offers Camp-like Dining Experience With Western Eastern Fare

Nestled along Sungei Tengah Road near Choa Chu Kang, Ten+ is Singapore's first safari-themed bistro that simulates what dining in nature feels like — but with a beautiful twist. Other than a menu that encompasses the best of both Western and Eastern cuisines and self-grilled barbecue, Ten+ also offers a variety of booze, such as beers on tap for diners to unwind and enjoy.

Purple Sweet Potato Latte 3.5/5, Smoked Oak Mocha 4/5

We started our brunch with the Purple Sweet Potato Latte ($6) and Smoked Oak Mocha ($6). While the former does not have much of a Sweet Potato taste, we enjoyed the latter for its smoky aroma and distinct bittersweet notes.

Creamy Egg Mayo Croissant 3/5

The Creamy Egg Mayo Croissant ($16) comes with a flaky croissant filled with creamy egg mayo fillings. However, the egg mayo felt too underseasoned and bland, while the croissant needed more fluffiness.

Torched Aburi Prawn Pasta 3.5/5

The Torched Aburi Prawn Pasta ($23) features al dente linguine in prawn bisque, topped with prawns and tobiko. The prawn bisque could be richer in flavours, as it felt a tad watered down.

Flame Grilled Angus Burger 4/5

The Flame Grilled Angus Burger ($23) comes with a tender, juicy US Angus beef patty grilled to a nice medium rare and maple bacon sandwiched between two fluffy buns and a side of crispy curly fries.

Battered Fish Bites 3.8/5

They offer Heineken towers and craft bottled beers for those seeking to chill and unwind over drinks with friends. Pair the booze with their variety of bar bites, including the Battered Fish Bites ($14), which comes in a generous portion of bite-sized crispy fried fish paired perfectly with mayo sauce.

Words and photos 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.


TEN+
65 Sungei Tengah Road
Singapore 699000
Tel: +65 86568685
Facebook
Instagram
Nearest MRT: Choa Chu Kang (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon, Wed-Sun: 11am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Choa Chu Kang MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop opposite Choa Chu Kang MRT station (Stop ID 44531). Take bus number 975. Alight 7 stops later. Cross the road and turn right towards Sungei Tengah Road. Turn left onto Sungei Tengah Road. Take the left of Sungei Tengah Road at the first fork. Take the right of sungei Tengah Road at the second fork. Walk to destination. Journey time about 30 minutes. [Map]

Nonya Bong @ Choa Chu Kang Crescent - Excellent Peranakan Private Dining At Only $55 Per Pax

I get to know about Nonya Bong Private Dining when I came across an article by KF Seetoh announcing the return of Mr Jeffrey Chia, who used to operate a stall in a kopitiam at Balestier Road selling Peranakan chap chye rice. Accordingly to his article, Mr Chia left the scene more than 12 years ago in frustration as customers felt that his chap chye rice was too expensive. I do sympathise his frustration as Peranakan food is laborious in preparation; hence, it is not fair to compare against the standard chap chye rice stalls. As of now, I am just glad that I can still savour his food at the comfort of his home. Not only that, but he also offers takeaway and delivery services.

Kueh Pie Tee 4.2/5

Our 8-course menu at $55 started with a flight of Kueh Pie Tee. Having been to several Peranakan private dining places, Nonya Bong impressed us with their homemade flour cup to hold the condiments such as turnip, bamboo shoot, prawn and chilli sauce.

Otak Otak 4.5/5

The Otak Otak here is freshly made from Spanish mackerel fish, combined with herbs, chilli and coconut milk. It is then wrapped in banana leaves and grilled to perfection. Love the chunky size of each piece, packed with fragrant fish paste with generously studded fish flakes.

Bakwan Kepiting 4/5

I always have a soft spot for meatballs, and the Bakwan Kepiting was so hearty and comforting. The meatballs are made with minced pork and crab meat, cooked in turnip soup.

Nonya Chap Chai 4.5/5

The bowl of Nonya Chap Chai consists of stewed cabbage, mushroom, black fungus, vermicelli etc. What stood out for me is the garlic and soya bean flavour, that gives the staple vegetable dish its character.

Buah Keluah 4.2/5

Usually, you either get Ayam Buah Keluah or Pork Kuah Keluah individually, but at Nonya Bong, you get both the chicken and pork in the Buah Keluah dish. This is a steal! Having the best of both worlds.

Babi Pongteh 3.8/5

I have mixed opinion concerning the Babi Pongteh. While the group enjoy the dish, I find the tender pork belly quite porky.

Sambal Prawns 4.8/5

The dish that got everyone raving is the Sambal Prawns. The concoction of onion, chilli and belacan (sambal), simply elevate the whole enjoyment of the fresh and succulent prawn, with its fragrant and spicy kick. Unfortunately, we only get a prawn each. It is so good that I wish I can have more of it.

Sago Pearl Pudding with Gula Melaka 4/5

Wrapping up our 8-course dinner is Sago Pearl Pudding with Gula Melaka. It is rather spectacular when Mr Chia brought out a huge plate of steamed sago pearls. Fresh coconut milk and premium gula melaka are then poured into the sago pearls, mixed and served. Nothing fancy, simplicity is the best when it is fresh.

Having tried so many Peranakan private dining places and restaurants, Nonya Bong definitely comes in par with many top-notch establishments. It is definitely a steal at only $55 per pax. It is much cheaper than many popular private dining places. You know what? We have already made another reservation to be back in July. I am so looking forward to try the rest of his menu.


Nonya Bong
Blk 663 Choa Chu Kang Crescent
Singapore 680663
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Yew Tee (NS Line)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Yew Tee MRT station. Take Exit A or B. Walk to bus stop at Yew Tee MRT station (Stop ID 45321). Take bus number 302 or 979. Alight 4 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Hong Kiat Seafood Restaurant @ Comfort Garden - Al Fresco Dining Like In the Early 80s

I thought I have been transported to Singapore in the early 80s or somewhere in Johor Bahru when Lawerence of Kopi More brought us to Hong Kiat Seafood Restaurant at Comfort Garden in Choa Chu Kang. Occupying the corner space along the row of shophouse, it is al fresco dining here, under the starlight outside the shopfront.

Steamed Shark's Head 4/5

Our dinner started with the Steamed Shark's Head that is cooked in a beautiful soy sauce with aroma of the deep fried garlic and sesame oil. This dish is not about meaty fish flesh but appreciating the shark cartilage and collagen of the shark's upper jaw area.

Sambal Kang Kong 4.5/5

The Sambal Kang Kong is a very common dish on the menu but I have to say this is really well executed. The greens remained crunchy and the spotlight goes to the sambal that simply perfumed it. It has a very kampong flavour to it.

Deep Fried Garlic Pork 4.2/5

What surprises me is actually is the Deep Fried Garlic Pork. I thought it will be dry but it turned out the deep fried pork is crispy on the exterior and tender inside. This is flavoured by the aromatic garlic, elevating the whole dimension of the dish.

Gan Xiang Fish Head 4.5/5

My favourite dish goes to the Gan Xiang Fish Head. It is said that all Malaysian chef has their whole secret recipe for Gan Xiang sauce. It is like the master sauce that goes so well with anything. The special sauce is spicy, savoury and packed with a robustness that is just shiok.

Crab Bee Hoon 3/5

I would probably skip the Crab Bee Hoon. The crab is not as fresh as I would have preferred. The bee hoon also failed to soak up the essence and the broth lacked depth.

I have to set the expectation for foodies who want to check out the restaurant. Hong Kiat is more of a zi char place than a restaurant. For those that is particular about hygiene, you probably may not feel comfortable dining in such environment which brings back memory of the early 80s dining scene. It is quite rare or almost not possible to find such dining experience in Singapore anymore.


Hong Kiat Seafood Restaurant
Comfort Garden
216 Choa Chu Kang Ave 1
Singapore 689477
Tel: +65 67630304
Website
Nearest MRT: Choa Chu Kang (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 4pm - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Choa Chu Kang MRT station. Take Exit A, B or C. Walk to Choa Chu Kang Bus Interchange (Stop ID 44009). Take bus number 172. Alight 5 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 18 minutes.

2) Alight at Choa Chu Kang MRT station. Take Exit A, B or C. Walk to Choa Chu Kang Bus Interchange (Stop ID 44009). Take bus number 983. Alight 6 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 20 minutes.