Xiang Kitchen Hunan Cuisine (湘厨湖南菜) @ Ang Mo Kio Ave 10 - Affordable Hunan Flavours in the Heartlands

With the rising popularity of Hunan cuisine, Singaporeans have gradually expanded their repertoire of Chinese food beyond the familiar realms of Cantonese and Sichuan fare. Thanks to the accessibility of restaurants like Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine and Nong Geng Ji, many have come to appreciate the bold, spicy, and smoky characteristics that define Hunan cuisine.

Now, even heartland residents can enjoy authentic and affordable Hunan flavours with the recent opening of Xiang Kitchen Hunan Cuisine at Block 421 Ang Mo Kio Ave 10 kopitiam. Prices here are wallet-friendly, often up to half the cost of the more established restaurants, making it a great entry point for anyone keen to explore the cuisine.

Smashed Century Egg & Chilli 4/5

The Smashed Century Egg & Chilli ($8.90) is a punchy appetiser that perfectly captures the bold and unapologetic flavours of Hunan cuisine. A rustic yet vibrant dish, it features chunks of century egg smashed and tossed with a medley of chopped green chillies, garlic, and aromatics, creating a striking contrast of colours and textures. The creamy, custard-like yolk of the century egg melds beautifully with the fiery crunch of the green chillies. Each bite delivers a spicy, smoky, and umami-laden kick that lingers just long enough to awaken the palate. Bold, aromatic, and deeply satisfying, this fiery starter sets the tone for the robust flavours that follow.

Steamed Rice

Like Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine and Nong Geng Ji, Xiang Kitchen offers fragrant steamed rice served in a whole rice pot. The perfect companion to soak up the rich and punchy flavours of its dishes.

Special Chilli with Stir Fry Beef 4/5

The Special Chilli with Stir-Fry Beef ($15.90) is an appetising dish best enjoyed with a bowl of steamed rice. The beef slices are tender and well-coated with the fragrant mix of chillies and coriander, delivering both aroma and heat. During our visit, the chef had adjusted the spice level in response to customer feedback. If you can handle the heat, please let the staff know you'd prefer the original, fiery version.

Stir Fry Pork 4/5

The Stir-Fry Pork ($12.90) is a quintessential Hunan dish showcasing the cuisine's hallmark balance of smoky heat and savoury intensity. Thinly sliced pork belly is wok-fried over high heat to achieve a light char and enticing wok hei, before being tossed with an aromatic blend of green chillies, garlic, and fermented black beans. The pork remains tender with just the right amount of fat for richness, while the chillies impart a fiery yet fragrant bite. It's a comforting yet exhilarating dish that pairs beautifully with steamed rice, embodying the rustic and full-bodied flavours of Hunan cooking. That said, the seasoning could have been a touch bolder to elevate the dish even further.

Mao's Braised Pork 4.5/5

A standout for me was the Mao's Braised Pork ($18.90). The pork belly glistens invitingly in its luscious braised sauce, boasting a tender, juicy texture. Reminiscent of Dong Po Rou, the dish is rich and flavourful yet not overly greasy. It is a satisfying balance of fat and umami that makes it one of the highlights here.

Organic Cauliflower 4.2/5

The Organic Cauliflower ($11.90) may appear unassuming and straightforward, but it's a well-executed dish with delightful crunch. Stir-fried with pork lard, red chillies, and coriander, it's aromatic and lightly spicy, with just enough richness to make a humble vegetable shine.

Golden Soup Pickled Vegetable with Fish 4.2/5

Another must-try is the Golden Soup Pickled Vegetable with Fish ($16.90). The fish is poached to a soft, tender texture and served in a spicy, sourish golden broth that balances heat and tang beautifully. It's a comforting yet invigorating dish that rounds out the meal with finesse.

Xiang Kitchen Hunan Cuisine brings authentic Hunan flavours to the neighbourhood at affordable prices, offering dishes that are both hearty and satisfying. While a few items could benefit from a heavier hand with seasoning, the overall execution and value make it a worthy contender in Singapore's growing Hunan food scene. It is a great spot to satisfy your craving for bold, spicy, and smoky Chinese fare without breaking the bank.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Xiang Kitchen Hunan Cuisine (湘厨湖南菜)
Blk 421 Ang Mo Kio Ave 10
Singapore 560421
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Nearest MRT: Ang Mo Kio (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Ang Mo Kio MRT station. Take Exit A. Cross the road and walk down Ang Mo Kio Ave 8 under the MRT track. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Ang Mo Kio MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to Ang Mo Kio bus interchange (Stop ID 54009). Take bus number 22, 24, 135 and 262. Alight 2 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Trovato @ Seletar Hills Estate (Jalan Selaseh) – Cosy Italian Restaurant With Italian Classics And Brick-Fired Pizza

Tucked in the serene Seletar Hills neighbourhood, Trovato is a casual, cosy Italian restaurant that serves a modern twist of dishes, pasta and freshly stretched brick-fired pizza.

Octopus A La Plancha 4.2/5

We started the meal with their antipasti of the Octopus A La Plancha ($28.90). The octopus legs were tender and chewy, packed with flavours from the briny squid ink aioli and pesto.

Trovato's Special 4.5/5

The unique brick-fired pizza selections present Trovato's Special ($35.90) served with a crispy charcoal pizza base, topped with chef's choice of ingredient selection of 4 different flavours, namely: Granchio Piccante (chilli crab), Prosciutto Rucola, Salmone Affumicato (smoked salmon) and Margherita. We enjoyed all the pizza flavours, especially the chilli crab, for a local twist on an Italian favourite.

Risotto Al Gamberi 4/5

The Risotto Al Gamberi ($25.90) features al dente, tender and creamy arborio rice cooked in a flavourful Italian tomato sauce, topped with fresh tiger prawns and scallops.

Croissant French Toast 4/5

They also offer a brunch menu on the weekends, available from 9am to 2.30pm. It includes a variety of breakfast items such as the Trovato's Full Breakfast, Italian Egg Benedicts, Fried Chicken on Toast and Smoked Salmon Bruschetta. We ordered the Croissant French Toast ($18.90), sliced in half and pan-fried to a soft and custardy texture akin to French toast, instead of using the usual brioche toast. It is then topped with berries, honey drizzle and fresh whipped cream to add some sweetness to the dish.

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.


Trovato
26 Jalan Selaseh
Singapore 808445
Tel: +65 88429826
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Nearest MRT: Serangoon (CC, NE Line), Ang Mo Kio (NS Line), Yio Chu Kang (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu: 11am - 10pm
Fri-Sun: 11am - 11pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Serangoon MRT station. Take Exit B or E. Walk to bus stop at Serangoon MRT station (Stop ID 66351). Take bus number 70 Alight 12 stops later. Walk to Jalan Selaseh. Turn right onto Jalan Selaseh. Walk to destination. Journey time about 40 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Serangoon MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk to bus stop at Serangoon Bus Interchange (Stop ID 66009). Take bus number 103 Alight 14 stops later. Walk to Jalan Selaseh. Turn right onto Jalan Selaseh. Walk to destination. Journey time about 45 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Ang Mo Kio MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop after Ang Mo Kio Interchange (Stop ID 54391) near block 711. Take bus number 50. Alight 14 stops later. Walk to Jalan Selaseh. Turn right onto Jalan Selaseh. Walk to destination. Journey time about 45 minutes. [Map]

4) Alight at Yio Chu Kang MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Yio Chu Kang Bus Interchange (Stop ID 55509). Take bus number 70. Alight 13 stops later. Cross the road, walk to Jalan Selaseh. Walk to destination.Journey time about 45 minutes. [Map]

Ah Sin Family Eating House @ Sin Ming Road - Unpretentious Zichar Place With Homecooked Dishes

Together with my foodie friends, we visited this unpretentious Zichar place at Sin Ming Road for lunch on a weekday. Ah Sin Family Eating House looks like an eatery set back in the 1980s with a few tables and plastic chairs scattered around. During our visit, the place is crowded and popular with office workers in the area.

Pig Trotter Kai Lan 3.8/5

I have eaten stir-fried kai lan with garlic or even dry sole fish, but Pig Trotter Kai Lan is something new for me. Thought the stall uses canned pig trotter that we usually used to cook pig's trotter bee hoon, it does give the simple vegetable dish a new way of appreciating the greens. It would be better if the pig's trotter flavour can come across stronger.

Tofu with Prawn 4/5

Tofu with Prawn is quite a common dish served in most Zichar stalls. What binds the two ingredients together is the delicious eggy sauce. It is somewhat like those hor fun sauce.

Oyster Omelette 4.2/5

Our favourite is the Oyster Omelette fried to fragrant, and not oily. Check out the huge and plump oysters atop the fluffy egg too. 

Steam Fish Head 4.2/5

Last but not least, we have the Steamed Fish Head cooked Teochew style. The sourness from the sour plum enhanced the sweetness of the moist fish flesh. You can also find tofu and mushroom in the dish.

Though Ah Sin Family Eating House is not any fancy restaurant, their dishes are your comforting homecooked dishes that will warm your heart.


Ah Sin Family Eating House
Blk 22 Sin Ming Road
#01-256
Singapore 570022
Tel: +65 91506980
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Nearest MRT: Ang Mo Kio (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 9am - 2pm, 5pm - 9pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Ang Mo Kio MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to Ang Mo Kio Bus Interchange (Stop ID 54009). Take bus number 130. Alight 6 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 18 minutes. [Map] 

El Carbon Grill House @ Ang Mo Kio Ave 8 - Halal Western Food Stall With An Authentic Charcoal Grill Concept

Situated within a coffee shop in Ang Mo Kio, western hawker food stall El Carbon delivers quality western food at wallet-friendly prices. The storefront has a unique aesthetic appearance and gives off fancier vibes which made it different from other stalls in the coffee shop. They also have 2 other outlets opening daily at Yishun and Tampines as well.

One of the highlights is that they use a Mibrasa oven (Carbon’ is Spanish for coal, and Mibrasa Oven uses only charcoal as fuel), which employs all the great taste and rustic techniques of traditional charcoal cooking - which means a hands-on versatile process that allows the chef to push the limits of a menu. This also allows the chef to closely monitor the temperature and fire to keep different batches of food consistent in taste.

Signature Roasted Half Chicken 4.2/5

First, we had their most popular dish - the Signature Roasted Half Chicken ($9.50). It is of little wonder why as their chicken is extremely crispy and juicy inside.

Haddock Fish 'N' Chips 4/5

Haddock Fish 'N' Chips ($7.50) - Different from other stalls, they use Haddock Fish for their version of Fish 'N' Chips. Crispy, and tender yet still firm on the inside, I was pleasantly surprised that the Haddock Fish did not fall apart when cut and picked up by the fork. Dip it in to the cheese sauce or mayo for either a savoury or tangy-sweet taste which paired well with the seafood sweetness. At just $7.50, it's definitely a steal.

Angus Ribeye 3.8/5

Done medium rare, the Angus Ribeye ($13) is tender with a rich beefy flavour. Furthermore, it's only priced at $13 for such a huge portion of beef, so there is nothing to complain about.

Grilled Japanese Squid with Kicap Manis Sauce 4/5

One of the starters we had was the Grilled Japanese Squid with Kicap Manis Sauce ($9.50). An interesting dish - the kicap manis sauce used is an Indonesian sweet soy sauce which gave the tender and smoky charcoal-grilled squid a delicious spicy sweet flavour.

Cheesy Tater Totes 4.2/5

My favourite goes to the Cheesy Tater Totes ($5). The mini hash browns are crispy and fluffy inside, layered with melted cheese and mayo which gave an extra boost in flavour without being too cloying. It definitely makes for an addictive side to the meal.

Forest Mushroom Soup 4.2/5, Garlic Bread 3.8/5

Another of our favourite starter is the Forest Mushroom Soup ($3) which is thick, creamy and loaded with a rich mushroom earthiness.

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.


El Carbon
Blk 721 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 8
#01-2823, Food Loft
Singapore 560721
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Nearest MRT: Ang Mo Kio (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Ang Mo Kio MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn right and walk to traffic junction. Cross the road. Turn right and walk down Ang Mo Kio Ave 8. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Rahim Muslim Food @ Ang Mo Kio Ave 8 - Damn Shiok And Power Mee Rebus

Finally I manage to travel to Ang Mo Kio to try the legendary Power Mee Rebus from Rahim Muslim Food. It is understand that they have been around since 1960s and this is their fifth location. When I reached the stall on a Saturday afternoon, there was already a queue and it took me about half an hour to savour the bowl of noodle.

Mee Rebus 4.5/5

I did not regret queuing up for the bowl of Mee Rebus ($3). It is indeed quite special. Not only does it come with the regular ingredients such as tau pok, bean sprouts and egg, there is also chunky pieces of poached chicken. Just before serving, satay sauce was ladled on top for a nutty finishing. Give the noodle a good toss in the gooey gravy which is neither too watery or starchy for a slurping shiokness. You probably would like to add more chicken for an additional 80 cents.

Mee Soto 4.2/5

After waiting in the queue, I could not just order the mee rebus only. Hence I also got the Mee Soto ($4) which comes with begedil (deep fried potato patty) and chunky pieces of poached chicken. The turmeric based soup was light and sweet. I prefer to add a bit of the special chilli for that elevated oomph. Oh, the begedil is really good too.

I am glad that I have finally tried the food at Rahim Muslim Food. The price is cheap and the portion is huge. Not only that, they are generous with their ingredients which is unique from other stalls that sells the same item.


Rahim Muslim Food
Fu Chan Coffeeshop
Blk 721 Ang Mo Kio Ave 8
#01-04
Singapore 560721
Tel: +65 85153447
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Nearest MRT: Ang Mo Kio (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 8pm
(Closed on Alt Sun)

Direction: 
Alight at Ang Mo Kio MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn right and walk to traffic light junction. Cross the road. Turn right and walk down Ang Mo Kio Ave 8. Walk to destination. Journey time abou 5 minutes. [Map]

Chui Xiang Kitchen (醉香小厨) @ Casuarina Road - A Wonderful Dinner In The Neighbourhood

Chui Xiang Kitchen (醉香小厨) is a neighbourhood Chinese restaurant located along Casuarina Road. The restaurant is helmed by chef owner Kok Kwang Chiu who has worked in various restaurant for about 8 years before venturing out on his home. If I remembered correctly, I first visited the place when it was at Teck Chye Terrace. The restaurant then moved to Commonwealth Avenue before settling down at its current location.

Live Lobster Porridge 4/5

To celebrate my sister's birthday, we decided to go to Chui Xiang Kitchen. We were lucky to get a restaurant as the place was packed during our visit on a Saturday night. We started with the Live Lobster Porridge. The huge pot of porridge came with 4 halfed lobsters for 7 pax. The server will take out the lobsters from the pot so diners can consume the porridge at ease. It is really a good pot of porridge held together by a flavourful and robust superior stock, which was comforting and hearty. However, I could not really taste the essence of the crustacean in the porridge.

Braised Pork Belly 4.2/5

The Braised Pork Belly was perfectly executed. The piece of meat was very soft and melted in the mouth. It is like a sponge that has absorbed the beautiful flavours of the braising sauce.

Fried Pork with Marmite Sauce 4.5/5

A common cze char dish on the menu is the Fried Pork with Marmite Sauce. Don't get me wrong. The well executed dish has a refinement to it. The pork was tender and juicy with a slight exterior crisp coated evenly with the marmite sauce, giving it a balanced sweet and savory finishing.

Homemade Tofu with Enoki Mushrooms 4.2/5

Another common dish on the menu is the Homemade Tofu with Enoki Mushrooms. The homemade tofu was very smooth and silky with a nice thin layer of crispy skin. The addition of enoki mushroom gave the dish a delightful texture contrast.

Sliced Duck with Mongolian Sauce 4.8/5

The highlight for me at Chui Xiang Kitchen is their Sliced Duck with Mongolian Sauce. The smoked duck was done perfectly with a nice thin layer of fat. The cooking technique seems to bring out the flavour of the duck even more. Paired it with the mongolian sauce for an even elevated appreciation.

Vegetable with Three Eggs 4.8/5

With all the meats, don't forget your vegetable. The Vegetable with Three Eggs was superb. Definitely one of the best I have eaten. The superior stock married the flavours of the 3 different types of egg excellently, complementing the crunchy greens.

I definitely have a wonderful dinner experience at Chui Xiang Kitchen. I really envy the people staying near the restaurant. They are so lucky to have such a good restaurant in their hood.


Chui Xiang Kitchen (醉香小厨)superb. 
126 Casuarina Road
Singapore 579514
Tel: +65 64584567
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Nearest MRT: Ang Mo Kio (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1100am - 230pm, 5pm - 1030pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Ang Mo Kio MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to Ang Mo Kio Bus Interchange (Stop ID 54009). Take bus number 169. Alight 8 bus stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 25 minutes. [Map]

Yong Kee Seafood Fish Soup (永记海鲜鱼片汤) @ Ang Mo Kio Ave 3 - Famous Batam Seafood Fish Soup Opens First Stall in Singapore

For those that has been to Batam, you probably have heard of or even eaten at Yong Kee Soup Seafood Restaurant Istimewa. Known in Batam for their clear seafood fish soup, the restaurant has recently opened its first stall in Ang Mo Kio. Yes, you are not hearing me wrong. Now we need not take a ferry across the strait to taste their popular seafood fish soup.

Seafood Fish Soup 4/5

My first instinct is to take a sip of the Seafood Fish Soup ($5/$7) which is light and sweet. Then I took another bite of the sliced fish. It was so fresh. A check with the stall ascertain my taste buds, the stall owner cut the batang fish freshly every morning at the stall. The Seafood Fish Soup here is the clear version that highlights the natural sweetness of the ingredients, rather than having complicated flavours. It is really hearty and comforting. If they can add some tofu, that will be even more complete.

Seafood Fish Soup 4/5

If you prefer something that is lighter in taste, you can go for the Slice Fish Soup ($4/$6). Comes with slices of the fresh batang fish that is sweet in taste, smooth and firm in texture. For a more fulfilling meal, you can have the Sliced Fish Soup Beehoon, that comes with silky smooth rice noodles.

Sliced Fish Soup Beehoon 4/5

Compared to the earlier two bowls of fish soup, the Fish Head Yam Soup ($6/$8) is slightly more robust in taste and richer in flavour. While the yam adds in the flavour, it still needed more work to get it really infused with the soup or it will feel kind of separated.

Fish Head Yam Soup 3.5/5

Besides the various fish soup, the stall also sells the peanut chicken feet ($1) which is a delectable side dish to go with a bowl of the light and healthy fish soup.


Yong Kee Seafood Fish Soup (永记海鲜鱼片汤)
Blk 133 Ang Mo Kio Ave 3
Singapore 560133
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Nearest MRT: Ang Mo Kio (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 930am to Sold Out

Direction: 
1) Alight at Ang Mo Kio MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to Ang Mo Kio bus interchange (Stop ID 54009). Take bus 166, 169, 265 or 269. Alight 2 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to Ang Mo Kio Street 12. Walk to destination. Journey time about  12 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Ang Mo Kio MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop opposite Ang Mo Kio MRT station (Stop ID 54269). Take bus number 76, 132, 165 or 268. Alight 2 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to Ang Mo Kio Street 12. Walk to destination. Journey time about  12 minutes. [Map]

Pagi Sore Indonesian Restaurant @ Tagore Lane (Upper Thomson Road)

Pagi Sore Indonesian Restaurant is an household name servicing authentic Indonesian cuisine since 1989. Established by Ms Liyana Kwan in 1989 as an Nasi Padang concept eating house, it has expanded over the years into an la carte restaurant using a fusion of Chinese cooking techniques with authentic Indonesian flavours. Fans of Pagi Sore will rejoice to know that they have recently opened a third outlet at Tagore Lane, inside an industrial estate, located in the roof top of Entrepreneur Centre, an industrial building.

The first unique thing I noticed at Pagi Sore is the rice. Most Indonesian restaurant will go around servicing rice in a basket but at Pagi Sore it is served wrapped in banana leaf.. Not only containing the warm of the rice but also give it a nice aroma.

Stir Fried Long Beans with Belacan Chilli 4/5

To go with the rice, we order a couple of dishes from the a la carte menu starting with the Stir Fried Long Beans with Belacan Chilli ($8.80/$9.90). Cooked to a nice crunchy bite plus the heat from the belacan, this is a spicy kick start to the dinner in a good way.

Tahu Telor 3.5/5

A towering Tahu Telor ($10.20) topped with shredded carrots greeted us next. The crispy and fluffy fried beancurd and eggs when eaten with the nutty sweet sauce, whetted up the appetite.

Ayam Bali 4/5

Smokey, sweet and tender is the Ayam Bali ($5.80/$14.80). Grilled to a nice charred edge with sweetness from the kecap manis, this is quite addictive to just stop at one.

Wok Fried Butter Prawn with Spices 4/5

The aroma from the butter and spices filled the air when the Wok Fried Butter Prawn with Spices ($23.50) was brought to the table. It was so good that you can eat the whole thing together with the shells.

Ikan Otah Kukus 4.2/5

One of the must try dish at Pagi Sore has to be the Ikan Otah Kukus. This is so special and unique. A whole leather jacket fish is steamed in sweet potato leaf with a new blend of spicy paste and coconut milk. What is even more interesting is that the fish is boneless!

To be frank, never would I expect to find a restaurant in the roof top of an industrial building. It is sort of a hidden gem. The place is spacious and windy, especially at night. There is also ample parking lots. Although the address is Tagore Lane, I would recommend going via Tagore Road which is nearer.


[CLOSED]
Pagi Sore Indonesian Restaurant
Entrepreneur Centre
50 Tagore Lane
#05-07
Singapore 787494
Tel: +65 65112942
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pagisore
Website: http://www.pagi-sore.com/index.html
Nearest MRT: Ang Mo Kio (NS Line), Marymount (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Marymount MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Upper Thomson Road towards SPC Petrol Kiosk direction. Take bus number 167 or 980 across the road (Stop ID B53021). Alight 10 stops later. Cross the road to Tagore Road. Walk along the road to destination. Journey time about 25 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Ang Mo Kio MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to bus interchange (Stop ID B54009). Take bus number 138 or 169. Alight 10 stops later.Cross the road to Tagore Road. Walk along the road to destination. Journey time about 25 minutes. [Map]