Sha Xian Snacks (沙县小吃) @ West Coast Plaza - Affordable Fujian-Style Comfort Food 24 Hours a Day

Located in the basement of West Coast Plaza, Sha Xian Snacks (沙县小吃) is a casual spot serving classic Fujian-style snacks and comforting rice and noodle dishes. With several outlets around Singapore, the brand offers a convenient option for a quick, affordable meal, and the West Coast Plaza outlet stands out for being open 24 hours, making it especially handy for late-night meals or an early breakfast. We tried a few of the rice and noodle sets, which are generally generous in portion and reasonably priced.

Pork-Bone Wonton Soup 4/5

The Classic Trio Set ($8.80) comes with Pork-Bone Wonton Soup and Fragrant Scallion Oil Noodles with Braised Egg, offering a satisfying combination of soup and noodles in one set. The Pork-Bone Wonton Soup comes with plump wontons filled with juicy minced pork. The wonton skin is thin enough without being overly delicate, while the pork filling has a pleasant savoury flavour. The accompanying pork-bone broth is light and comforting, making this an easy dish to have alongside the noodles.

Fragrant Scallion Oil Noodles, Braised Egg 3.5/5

The Fragrant Scallion Oil Noodles are tossed in aromatic scallion oil and a savoury, braising-style sauce, giving the noodles a deep, slightly sweet, savoury flavour. The noodles have a decent bite and are well coated with the sauce, while a whole braised egg adds another layer of richness to the dish. It is a simple combination, but it works well for a quick, filling meal.

Sauerkraut Fish Rice Set 3.8/5

The Sauerkraut Fish Rice Set ($12.80) comes with tender slices of fish in a tangy and spicy broth, accompanied by sauerkraut and cabbage. The broth has a noticeable sour, spicy kick, and the sauerkraut adds a characteristic tang that helps cut through the soup’s richness. The fish slices are reasonably tender, while the cabbage adds some texture and sweetness. Served with steamed rice, it makes for a hearty, satisfying meal, and the portion is fairly generous for the price.

Sichuan Boiled Beef Rice Set 3.8/5

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, the Sichuan Boiled Beef Rice Set ($11.80) offers tender-ish slices of beef in a spicy, mala-style broth. The beef may not be the most tender, but it comes in generous portions. More importantly, the broth delivers a good mala kick without completely overwhelming the dish. The steamed rice also helps balance the spiciness and makes the dish more substantial.

Braised Chicken Rice Set 3.5/5

For something milder, the Braised Chicken Rice Set ($9.80) is a straightforward option featuring braised chicken pieces served with onions and capsicum over rice. The chicken is tender and carries a savoury braised flavour, while the onions add a touch of sweetness. The capsicum, however, could have been cooked a little longer, as it retained a raw, crunchy texture. Nevertheless, this is a decent choice for those looking for something non-spicy and uncomplicated.

Overall, Sha Xian Snacks may not be the destination to visit if you are looking for refined or top-notch Chinese cuisine, but it does a decent job at what it sets out to do — serving affordable, filling and comforting food without much fuss. The portions are generous for the price point, with most of the rice and noodle sets hovering around the $10 to $13 range. The West Coast Plaza outlet’s 24-hour operation is another major plus, especially for local residents or anyone looking for a late-night meal. Whether it is a bowl of wonton soup and noodles, a spicy Sichuan beef rice set, or a comforting plate of braised chicken rice, Sha Xian Snacks offers plenty of fuss-free options for a quick, wallet-friendly meal.


Sha Xian Snacks (沙县小吃)
West Coast Plaza
154 West Coast Road
#B1-09
Singapore 127371
Tel: +65 8221 6723
Nearest MRT: Clementi (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 24 Hours

Direction:
1) Alight at Clementi MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to the bus stop at Clementi MRT station. (Stop ID 17179). Take bus number 201. Alight 2 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Yuen Kee Dumpling (袁记云饺) @ Clementi Ave 3 - Bringing Its Signature Handmade Dumplings to the West

Yuen Kee Dumpling (袁记云饺) expands its footprint to Clementi, bringing its well-loved handmade dumplings closer to Westies seeking hearty, comforting bites. Known for its generous fillings and time-honoured craftsmanship, the brand continues to deliver the same nostalgic flavours that have won over generations.

Shrimp and Vegetable Pork Dumpling 4/5

We started with the Shrimp and Vegetable Pork Dumpling ($9.80), which comes with 10 plump pieces. Each dumpling boasts a juicy filling encased in a dough that strikes a good balance — not too thick, yet with enough bite to hold everything together. The dumplings are tossed in the restaurant’s so-called viral mixed sauce with chilli oil and served over a bed of bean sprouts. Nutty, mildly spicy and aromatic, the sauce adds a lively lift without overpowering the dumplings.

Shrimp and Crab Roe Pork Wanton 4.2/5

We also tried the soup option with the Shrimp and Crab Roe Pork Wanton ($10.80). The Cantonese-style broth is light yet comforting, pairing well with the silky wantons. Compared to the dry version, this bowl leans more towards heartwarming simplicity, which some diners may prefer.

Fresh Corn Juice 3/5

An interesting item on the drinks menu caught my eye — the Fresh Corn Juice ($3.80), served hot. It’s lighter and less sweet than expected, though the distinct corn flavour comes through. While not particularly indulgent, it’s a quirky alternative for those curious to try something different.

Noodles with Fried Bean and Meat Sauce

Worried that the dumplings alone might not be filling, we added on the Noodles with Fried Bean and Meat Sauce ($5.50). The noodles have a pleasant chew and pair well with the marinated mixture of fried bean and meat. Reminiscent of Zha Jiang Mian, this bowl offers simple, savoury satisfaction.

With its new Clementi outlet, Yuen Kee Dumpling offers Westies better access to its familiar handmade dumplings and noodles. While the menu remains simple, the comforting flavours and reasonable pricing make it a dependable spot for a satisfying meal in the neighbourhood.


Yuen Kee Dumpling (袁记云饺)
Blk 446 Clementi Ave 3
#01-195
Singapore 120446
Tel: +65 89319588
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Nearest MRT: Clementi (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Clementi MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Clementi Mall. Exit the mall and walk to Block 448 Clementi Market and Food Centre. Continue walking past the food centre to block 446. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes.[Map]

Teo Kee Hainanese Chicken Rice @ Clementi West Street 2 - New Chicken Rice Stall In The Hood

Tucked away in the same coffeeshop as Earthworm Laksa, Teo Kee Hainanese Chicken Rice is a humble stall serving both poached and roasted chicken. I understand they also operate another outlet at Chinatown Complex Food Centre.

Hainanese Chicken Rice 3/5

I ordered half a poached chicken with a side of chicken liver. The chicken was nicely poached to a tender texture, with that familiar layer of jelly beneath the skin. While the texture was on point, the flavour was somewhat lacking. The meat was bland and didn’t quite deliver the savoury depth that makes a good plate of chicken rice so addictive.

Unfortunately, the rice didn’t fare much better. Though fluffy, it was missing the rich chicken oil aroma and pandan fragrance that are hallmarks of the dish. It felt lacklustre and underwhelming compared to stronger contenders in the chicken rice scene.

The saving grace came from the chilli sauce – fiery, tangy, and full of punch. It gave the bland chicken and rice some much-needed excitement, though on its own, it wasn’t enough to carry the whole meal.

With so many better chicken rice options in Singapore, Teo Kee feels rather average. Unless I am in the area and craving a quick fix, I would not make a special trip for it.


Teo Kee Hainanese Chicken Rice
Blk 721 Clementi West Street 2
#01-100
Singapore 120721
Tel: +65 9187 7097
Nearest MRT: Clementi (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
TBA

Direction:
1) Alight at Clementi MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Clementi MRT station. (Stop ID 17179). Take bus number 201. Alight 2 stops later. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

[CLOSED] Earthworm Laksa @ Clementi West Street 2 - The Old School Taste of Cooking Laksa with Earthworm

Recently, I chanced upon Earthworm Laksa near my neighbourhood and decided to give it a try. For those unfamiliar, this stall was previously located at Sim Lim and Sixth Avenue before relocating to its current home at Clementi West Street 2.

Di Long Herb

Before you raise an eyebrow, the “earthworm” here does not refer to the wriggly creature. Instead, it points to a Chinese herb known as Di Long (地龙), traditionally used in Chinese medicine to treat joint inflammation, spasms, and convulsions. According to the stall owner, Zac Choi, this is actually his mother’s recipe. She infused the herb into the laksa broth, not only for its supposed health benefits but also to help preserve the coconut milk gravy, preventing it from curdling or spoiling.

Fresh Cockles Laksa 3.8/5

The Fresh Cockles Laska ($6/ $7) is served in a nostalgic metal bowl, complete with tau pok, fish cake, hard-boiled egg, and cockles. While the broth was smooth, we found it leaning on the sweeter side, lacking the “lemak” richness and the punch of rempah that defines a memorable laksa.

Chicken Shredded Laksa 3.8/5

The Chicken Shredded Laksa ($5/ $6) swaps cockles and egg for shredded chicken. A straightforward alternative for those who prefer poultry, though the broth character remained the same.

Earthworm Laksa delivers a bowl with an interesting backstory, but in terms of taste, it didn’t quite hit the robust, savoury depths we were hoping for. That said, it’s still a decent bowl for those in the Clementi West neighbourhood looking for a comforting laksa fix with a unique twist.


[CLOSED]
Earthworm Laksa
Blk 721 Clementi West Street 2
#01-100
Singapore 120721
Tel: +65 9187 7097
Nearest MRT: Clementi (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 7am - 6pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Clementi MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Clementi MRT station. (Stop ID 17179). Take bus number 201. Alight 2 stops later. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Happy Crispy @ Clementi Ave 2 - Flaky Curry Puffs & Hearty Lontong

I recently heard about Happy Crisp, near my place, reputed for its delicious curry puffs, so on a quiet Saturday afternoon, I decided to check it out for myself.

Right at the front of the stall, there’s an inviting display of deep-fried local snacks — You Tiao, Sesame Ball, Carrot Cake Stick, Xian Jian Bing, Dou Sha Bing, Butterfly Bun, and more — each golden-brown and tempting.

Curry Puff 4/5

The star here is undoubtedly the Curry Puff ($1.80). The pastry is crisp and flaky, encasing a smooth, mashed potato filling that's more refined compared to chunkier versions elsewhere. The filling is fragrant with aromatic spices and includes a generous wedge of hard-boiled egg. A sardine version is also available, though I stuck to the classic potato for my visit.

Mee Siam 3/5

The stall also offers two dishes, starting with Mee Siam ($4). It comes with a sweet-and-sour broth, tau pok, and half a hard-boiled egg. While decent, the broth felt a little one-dimensional, missing the umami depth that dried shrimp imparts.

Lontong 4/5

The Lontong ($4.50) fared much better. The sayur lodeh curry was rich and flavourful, pairing well with the soft rice cakes. For an extra kick, I recommend mixing the sambal into the curry. It will perk up the flavour and add a satisfying heat. My only minor gripe is that the rice cakes could be cut into smaller pieces for easier eating.

Overall, this stall makes a satisfying stop for those craving local teatime snacks or light meals. The curry puff is definitely worth a try, and if you’re staying for a meal, the lontong is the better bet over the mee siam.


Happy Crisp
Blk 352 Clementi Ave 2
#01-153
Singapore 120352
Tel: +65 8388 8161
Nearest MRT: Clementi (EW Line), Dover (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Wed, Fri-Sun: 630am - 3pm
(Closed on Thu)

Direction:
1) Alight at Clementi MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Clementi MRT station (Stop ID 17179). Take bus number 52 and 154. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Dover MRT station. Take Exit A Walk to bus stop at Dover MRT station. (Stop ID 19031).  Take bus number 74. Alight 2 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Fragment Private Dining - Modern Asian Cuisine meets European Influences

Our latest home private dining adventure brought us to Fragment Private Dining, helmed by Pristina Mok and her husband. One of the newest entrants into the private dining scene, Pristina only began hosting guests in 2024. She offers an eight-course menu featuring modern Southeast Asian cuisine with European influences. Her experience working at Skirt and Magic Square shines through in the thoughtfully curated dishes, blending familiar Asian flavours with refined Western techniques.

Shima Aji, Brown Crab, Radish Cake 4.2/5

The meal started on a strong note with a trio of small bites: Shima Aji paired with Bonito and Gu Chye, Brown Crab with curry and passionfruit, and Radish Cake topped with spicy bacon and uni. Each bite packed a punch, showcasing a beautiful interplay of flavours and textures. The fusion of Asian ingredients with European techniques was impressive, setting the tone for what was to come.

Beetroot & Persimmon 4.2/5

This light yet refreshing starter featured Beetroot and Persimmon, complemented by peanut dukkah and achar sorbet. The achar sorbet was a particularly clever touch, adding a tangy brightness that elevated the dish beyond the ordinary.

Aburi Sawara 4.2/5

Next, we were served Aburi Sawara, a prized Spanish mackerel known for its delicate flavour and buttery texture. It was presented in a Tom Kha broth — a Thai-inspired coconut milk-based soup — and further enhanced by adding Amela tomato, lending a delightful balance of creaminess and acidity.

Scottish Hand Dived Scallop 4.5/5

One of the most memorable dishes of the night was the Scottish Hand-Dived Scallop. Encased in an Otah (fish paste) filling and finished with a crispy exterior, it was paired with a curry emulsion. This unexpected yet well-executed combination worked wonderfully, bringing together the best of texture and bold Southeast Asian flavours.

Braised Lamb 4.8/5

This dish was an absolute standout. The Braised Lamb was served in a piquant black pepper sauce made from a unique blend of three different types of peppers. The sauce was so good that it came with a side of fluffy naan, perfect for mopping up every last bit. The rich, aromatic flavours made this one of my favourite dishes of the night.

Quail & Claypot Rice 4/5

For the mains, we had the Quail & Claypot Rice. The quail was perfectly grilled and accompanied by sambal belachan, mixed mushrooms, and black truffle. While not pictured, the meal also came with a small serving of claypot rice, ensuring that diners looking for a heartier bite got their fill of comforting carbs.

Whiskey & Coffee Malai Gao 4.5/5

The dessert course was just as impressive as the savoury dishes. The Whiskey & Coffee Malai Gao featured malted barley cream, dark chocolate sorbet, and sesame brittle. The combination of earthy, bitter, and sweet flavours worked in perfect harmony for a delightful and indulgent finish.

Pistachio Nougat, Hawthorn Tea 4.2/5

As a final touch, our meal ended with homemade Pistachio Nougat, accompanied by a cup of Hawthorn Tea infused with black lime and Yakult foam. It was a light, refreshing way to cleanse the palate and conclude a truly memorable private dining experience.

Fragment Private Dining is an exciting new addition to Singapore's private dining scene, offering a modern Southeast Asian menu with European influences that showcases chef Pristina Mok's creativity and expertise. From the impeccable execution of dishes to the warm, intimate setting, the experience is one that both food enthusiasts and adventurous diners will appreciate. Would I return? Absolutely. The thoughtfully curated menu and innovative flavour combinations make it a standout in the home dining space, and I can't wait to see how Fragment Private Dining evolves in the future.


Fragrment Private Dining
Clementi
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Clementi (EW Line)

Hee Hee Hee Steamed Fish & Seafood (喜喜蒸鱼海鲜) @ Clementi Ave 3 - Affordable Steamed Seafood at Clementi

Hee Hee Hee Steamed Fish & Seafood (喜喜蒸鱼海鲜), known for its affordable and fresh seafood offerings, has expanded with a new outlet at Clementi Ave 3. Specialising in steamed seafood at wallet-friendly prices, this humble hawker stall delivers simple yet satisfying dishes.

Golden Promfret 3.8/5

We opted for the Golden Pomfret ($12), which was topped with minced garlic and ginger and drizzled with soy sauce before being steamed to perfection. The cooking method allowed the fish's natural sweetness to shine through. While the dish was enjoyable, a more premium, fragrant soy sauce could have elevated the flavours further. However, given the affordable price point at a hawker stall, it remains a great value-for-money choice.

Steamed Nai Bai 3/5

For our vegetable dish, we had the Steamed Nai Bai ($6). Much like the fish, it was prepared simply — topped with fried shallots and soy sauce before being steamed. While fresh and light, the dish could have benefited from a more pungent seasoning or additional garnishes for extra depth.

Thai Chilli Sotong 4/5

A standout dish was the Thai Chilli Sotong ($12). The squid was steamed to a tender, bouncy texture, retaining its natural juiciness. It was then dressed in a sweet, spicy, and tangy Thai chilli sauce, which added a delightful kick, making the dish both appetising and refreshing.

With its affordable pricing and fuss-free cooking, Hee Hee Hee Steamed Fish & Seafood is a great spot for a quick and satisfying seafood meal in the heartlands.


Hee Hee Hee Steamed Fish & Seafood (喜喜蒸鱼海鲜)
Blk 431 Clementi Ave 3
Singapore 120431
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Clementi (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 11am - 9pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Clementi MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Clementi Mall. Cut through the mall to the other end of the mall (beside Uniqlo). Exit the mall. Turn right and walk to traffic light junction. Cross the road and turn left. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]