Ba Guo Grilled Fish (巴国烤鱼) @ West Coast Plaza - New Outlet In The West Offering Grilled Fish & Sichuan Cuisine

It was with great delight to know that Ba Guo Grilled Fish (巴国烤鱼) has opened a new outlet near my home at West Coast Plaza. It prides itself on offering authentic Sichuan cuisine suitable for the Singaporean palate.

Fragrant Grilled Fish 4.5/5

Eight different types of grilled fish are available on the menu. I had the chance to try three of them - Fragrant Grilled Fish ($38.80), Fei Cui Yang Sheng Fish ($38.80) and Green Pepper Grilled Fish ($32.80). In addition, diners have the option of adding extra ingredients cooked in the broth.

Fei Cui Yang Sheng Fish 4/5

My favourite among the three grilled fishes is the Fragrant Grilled Fish. It has the right balance of mala and spicy for an aromatic finish. It even comes with clams and prawns in a delicious and drinkable broth. The fish itself is crispy on the exterior while moist and soft inside. If you can't take spicy food, you can go for the Fei Cui Yang Sheng Fish, the non-spicy version of the fragrant grilled fish.

Green Pepper Grilled Fish 3.8/5

I have tried Green Pepper Grilled Fish ($32.80) from another grilled fish restaurant, and the version here lacks the piquant from the peppercorn. In addition, it is too mild for my liking.

Hot & Spicy Crab 4/5

Besides the grilled fish, the restaurant also offers several Sichuan dishes on the menu. We tried a couple beginning with the Hot & Spicy Crab ($68). Besides the crab, there are potatoes, lotus roots and green pepper. It may look spicy, but I find it more aromatic than spicy, coming from the various Chinese spices used in the cooking.

Fragrant Pot Bullfrog 4.2/5

Another lovely dish is the Fragrant Pot Bullfrog ($42.80). It's pretty similar to the hot & spicy crab, except that the crab is replaced with the bullfrog. I enjoyed this more, and it was cheaper.

Handmade Tofu 4/5

There are also non-spicy dishes on the menu, such as Homemade Tofu ($16), which is so soft and silky smooth. It is blanked in a pool of delicious sauce comprising minced pork and greens.

Brown Sugar Ice Jelly 3.8/5

The Brown Sugar Ice Jelly ($3.50) is the perfect ending to the dinner. The cold and refreshing dessert helps to wash down all the richness.

Note: This is an invited tasting session.


Ba Guo Grilled Fish (巴国烤鱼)
West Coast Plaza
154 West Coast Road
#02-25
Singapore 127371
Tel: +65 89381288
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Nearest MRT: Clementi (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

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 10 minutes. [Map]

Waffletown @ NEWest - Old School Fried Chicken Eatery At Balmoral Plaza Reopens In West Coast (Clementi)

Waffletown, which used to be at Balmoral Plaza, pulled down its shuttle more than a year ago due to rental issue, has reopened the nostalgic fried chicken eatery at NEWest on 31 May 2022. I avoided visiting the eatery until recently to avoid the long queues like any new openings in Singapore, though it is near my home. Furthermore, the new place is half the size of its previous location.

During my visit, though there was no queue line, the place was crowded with diners. So I have to stand for around 20 minutes to get a seat.

Clucky Lucky 3 PC Fried Chicken Meal 4/5

I ordered the Clucky Lucky 3 PC Fried Chicken Meal ($12.20) with sides of potato mash, coleslaw and a soft drink. The chicken pieces are deep-fried to crispy, tender and juicy. It is lightly seasoned with a nostalgic taste, unlike those from the big fried chicken fast food chains. The chicken pieces are also smaller than those served in these fried chicken fast food chains.

Fried Chicken & Waffle 3/5

On top of that, I also ordered the Fried Chicken & Waffle ($7.20) served with butter and flavoured maple syrup. I was a bit disappointed that I didn't get the whole piece of chicken but chicken pieces instead. The waffle was airy, hollow in the middle but crispy on the outside. Taste-wise, I find it bland for my liking.


Waffletown
NEWest
1 West Coast Drive
#01-106
Singapore 128020
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Nearest MRT: Clementi (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 5pm - 9pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Clementi MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Clementi MRT station (Stop ID 17171). Take bus 154 or 201. Alight 3 stop later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Fish & Chicks @ Clementi West Street 2 - Salted Egg And Chilli Crab Fish & Chips

Fish & Chicks has recently opened a new outlet in Clementi West Street 2. It has eleven outlets around the island. The western food stall is known for its array of Asian-infused western food, pairing Asian spices with classic western dishes, served in generous portions.

Salted Egg Fish & Chips 3.8/5

I had the Salted Egg Fish & Chips ($11.80). It comes in an enormous piece of moist fish fillet coated in a crispy and light batter. I was sceptical whether the salt egg yolk sauce complements the fried fish, and it turned out the sauce was legit yummy, which goes very well with the fried fish. For the sides, we have coleslaw and french fries.

Chilli Crab Fish & Chips 3.5/5

My partner has the Chilli Crab Fish & Chips ($11.80), which comes with the same coleslaw and french fries for the sides. However, the chilli crab sauce fell short of my expectation. It lacks the punchy taste profile that makes the chilli crab a national dish both locals and foreigners love.

Besides Fish and Chips, the stall sells many other western fares such as steak, pasta and even Japanese donburi. Fish & Chicks is a hawker stall; hence I can't expect restaurant quality for its fish and chips. However, it is affordable, and serving is generous. I don't mind going back to try the other items on the menu.


Fish & Chicks
Blk 713 Clementi West Street 2
#01-115
Singapore 120713
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Nearest MRT: Clementi (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 930pm

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 3 stops later. Cross the road. Walk straight across the housing blocks to Clementi West Street 2. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Clementi MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Clementi Bus Interchange (Stop ID 17009). Take bus number 282. Alight 4 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Thai Paradise @ Clementi Ave 5 - New Thai Eatery In The West To Spice Up Your Meal

Thai Paradise is a new Thai eatery located at Clementi Ave 5 near the Clementi police station. Though it has limited seats, the standalone eatery offers an extensive menu ranging from one meal dishes to cooked dishes for a family meal.

Basil Pork with Rice & Egg 4/5

As we were at Thai Paradise for lunch, we ordered the one meal dishes accompanied by several side items. First is the Basil Pork with Rice & Egg ($6.50). The pricing is very reasonable, with a decent portion for a meal dish. The flavours for the basil pork are on the spot, which goes very well with the steamed rice. I only hope that it can be spicier.

Beef Noodle 4/5

If you prefer noodles over rice, the Beef Noodle ($5.90) is a delicious consideration. The beef noodle comes in a robust and thick broth, accompanied by beef slices, beansprouts and beef balls. I usually add a bit of Thai chilli flakes to give it some extra kick, boosting the enjoyment.

Grilled Pork Cheek 3/5

Next, we have the Grilled Pork Cheek ($12), which looks like boiled pork instead of being grilled. It's tender and clean tasting. Best to have it with the accompanying Thai chilli sauce. However, I prefer it to be more grilled and charred for that smoky aroma.

Tom Yum Milk Red 4/5

You can go for either the clear or red for tom yum soup. I decided to go for the Tom Yum Milk Red ($7/$12/$18), creamy, spicy and brimming with seafood.

Pandan Chicken 4.5/5

A must-try is the Pandan Chicken ($8.90 for 4pc). The chicken is deep-fried to crispy on the outside yet tender and juicy inside. It even comes with a beautiful pandan and lemongrass aroma.

Mango Sticky Rice 4.2/5

Red Ruby 4.2/5

We had the Mango Sticky Rice ($5.90) and Red Ruby ($4), Wrapping up our lunch. These desserts are legit, using the freshest ingredients. They are not to be missed to complete a satisfying meal at Thai Paradise.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Thai Paradise
Blk 378 Clementi Ave 5
#01-338
Singapore 120378
Tel: +65 88877512
Nearest MRT: Clementi (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1030am - 3pm, 5pm - 930pm
Sat-Sun: 1030am - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Clementi MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk along the sheltered walkway to Clementi Ave 5. Cross the road and walk to block 378. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Clementi MRT Station. Take Exit A. Walk to Clementi Bus Interchange (Stop ID 17009). Take bus number 7 or 282. Alight 1 stop later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Mr Meepok @ Clementi West Street 2 - Local Bak Chor Mee With A Japanese Twist By Young Hawkers

Recently a new Bak Chor Mee stall - Mr Meepok opened in my hood at Clementi West Street 2. I noticed a couple of young men running the stall. The stall has five items on the menu - Signature Minced Meat Noodle, Daily Noodle, Mushroom Minced Meat Noodle, Handmade Fishball Noodle and Laksa

While queueing for my order, I noticed one of the staff was busy losing the noodles and weighting them into individual portions. It seems like everything is measured to perfection for the one noodle dish.

The stall is better known for its Japanese-influenced bak chor mee, such as the Signature Minced Meat Noodle and Daily Noodle. The signature minced meat noodles come with an onsen egg and other accompaniments such as meatballs, minced pork, abalone slice (mock) and braised mushroom. The daily noodle is Japanese-style maze soba using meepok, paired with onsen egg, chashu, seaweed, and minced meat..

Mushroom Minced Meat Noodle 4.2/5

Since this is my first time visiting the stall, I decided to play safe and go for the traditional Mushroom Minced Meat Noodle ($3.80). It's also a test of whether the stall gets its fundamental right. It did not disappoint. The noodles cooked to al dente have a delightful bite. The well-balanced mixture of chilli sauce and fragrant vinegar made each strand of noodles a slurping enjoyment.

As for the accompanying ingredients, they are probably from suppliers. They are decent but not fantastic. I even added $1 for 3 more fishballs. 

Overall, it is a good and above average bowl of bak chor mee. The texture of the noodles is a stand out tossed in a delicious concoction of chilli sauce and vinegar. It is worth a miss if you are in the neighbourhood. I will be back to try its Japanese influenced bak chor mee.


Mr Meepok
Blk 727 Clementi West Street 2
#01-1294
Singapore 120727
Tel: +65 87791844
Nearest MRT: Clementi (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 7am - 2pm, 5pm - 945pm
Sat-Sun: 7am - 3pm

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 10 minutes. [Map]

Ah Ma Chi Mian (阿嬤吃麵) @ Clementi - A Bowl Of Satisfying Bak Chor Mee From The Founder’s Grandmother Recipe

Starting with their first stall at Hougang, Ah Ma Chi Mian (阿嬤吃麵) has expanded aggressively with 11 stalls around the island now. I visited their stall at Clementi Ave 3, located inside a coffeeshop near Clementi MRT station. 

Ah Ma Specialty Noodle 4/5

I had the Ah Ma Specialty Noodle ($5.50) with al dente noodles, abalone slices and ikan bilis. It is served together with a bowl of soup with pork slices and pig's liver. Though I find the chilli lacking the spicy kick, I enjoyed the noodle texture. The addition of crunchy ikan bilis accentuated the enjoyment.

As for the bowl of soup, it was tasty, but the pig's liver texture is no way near the best I have eaten. My best for pig's liver is still reserved for Mui Song Minced Meat Noodles.

Signature Scallop Dry Mee Sua 4/5

My partner, on the other hand, had the Signature Scallop Dry Mee Sua ($6.80) that comes with scallop, abalone slices and meatball. It also comes in a bowl of soup with pig's liver and pork slices.

Overall, I find it a decent bowl of hearty and comforting noodles. I can't say it is the best, but it is satisfying.


Ah Ma Chi Mian (阿嬤吃麵)
Blk 450 Clementi Ave 3
#01-271
Singapore 120450
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Nearest MRT: Clementi (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 730am - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Clementi MRT station. Take Exit D. Turn right at block 450. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map].

Hoy Yong Seafood Restaurant (开洋海鲜菜馆) @ Clementi Ave 2 - Zichar Stall By Disciple Of One Of The Four Heavenly Kings

For those staying in Clementi, we are blessed to have one of the best zichar stalls in Singapore. Hoy Yong Seafood Restaurant (开洋海鲜菜馆) is located inside a coffeeshop at Clementi Ave 2. The man behind the wok is non-other than Chef Hoy Yong, the disciple of one of the Four Heavenly Kings of Singapore.

Fried Hor Fun with Egg 4.5/5

One of their popular items, which you probably get to see on every table, is their Fried Hor Fun with Egg. We have the medium portion priced at $11. For the price, the portion is very generous with prawns, vegetables, fish slices, pork slices, and squids, topped with pork lards. The sight of the runny egg, coupled with the breath of the wok, already made me drool before digging in. It is definitely one of the best hor fun I have eaten.

Pig's Stomach Soup 4.5/5

A must-try if it is your first time visiting Hoy Yong is their Three Treasures - Pig's Stomach Soup, Braised Pork Ribs and Deep Fried Duck Roll. I had two out of the three dishes, starting with the Pig's Stomach Soup ($14). You can taste the soup that has been boiled for hours from its creaminess with a piquant peppery kick. What astonished me was the amount of ingredients in the bowl of soup. You get chicken pieces, fish maw and pig's stomach. It is restaurant quality serving!

Deep Fried Duck Roll 4.5/5

The other Three Treasure item we tried is the Deep Fried Duck Roll ($14). It is a unique and tasty creation. It is like a tempura Ngoh Hiang in the crispy crumb, stuffed with roasted duck, pork and prawn. Best to have it together with the mayonnaise.

Garlic Kai Lan 4/5

When you have a master behind the wok, even the Garlick Kai Lan ($12) tasted great. The greens still retain a delectable crunchy texture, simply stir-fried with garlic, ginger, and some pork lards.

Claypot Egg Plant 4.5/5

The other vegetable dish we ordered is the Claypot Egg Plant ($18). Not shown in the picture is the fried egg hidden inside the claypot, soaking up the delicious sauce. Instead of the usual minced meat, it uses crunchy shrimp coated in batter for extra textural enjoyment.

Herbal Kampong Chicken 4.2/5

To round up our meal with a meat dish, we decided to go for the Herbal Kampong Chicken ($18 Half). It was sauna-bath in aluminium foil wrap, cooked to fork-tender in a flavoursome herbal broth.

Hoy Yong is indeed a gem in the West. Its restaurant-quality dishes make it a notch above many zichar stalls in Singapore.


Hoy Yong Seafood Restaurant
Blk 352 Clementi Ave 2
#01-153
Singapore 120352
Tel: +65 67782223
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Nearest MRT: Clementi (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 530pm - 1030pm

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]

Mariners' Corner Restaurant @ Sunset Way - The Hainanese Western Restaurant Has Moved To The West

Suppose you are fans of Mariners' Corner Restaurant, which used to be at Maritime House. In that case, you will be glad to know that the Hainanese Western restaurant has moved to Sunset Way at Clementi Street 12. Stepping into the restaurant, I felt that I had been transported to the 1980s, giving me a nostalgic feel.

After browsing through the menu, we decided to add an extra $5.80 for a complete set meal, complementing the main course with a bowl of Salad, Soup of the Day, Garlic Bread. Coffee/Tea and dessert.

We started with the Salad Bowl dressed in thousand island sauce, followed by Garlic Bread and Creamy Chicken Soup. There is nothing wow to shout about but classic old-school starters to kickstart the meal before the main course.

Calamari with Tar Tar Sauce 3/5

We decided to order a plate of Calamari with Tar Tar Sauce ($7.50) for the appetiser. Unfortunately, while we enjoyed the crispy batter, we found the squid was a bit rubbery.

New Zealand Ribeye Steak 4.2/5

For my main, I decided to go for the New Zealand Ribeye Steak ($27) served with baked potato and buttered veggies. For the sauces, there are five choices - black pepper, mushroom, garlic shallot, BBQ and sambal. I decided to go for the black pepper sauce for the steak. I find it value-for-money for the quality of beef and price. What I find weird is the topping for the baked potato. It uses deep-fried garlic instead of bacon. I am not sure this is the norm, but I am used to having it with bacon instead of deep-fried garlic.

Grilled King Snapper 2.8/5

My partner has the Grilled King Snapper ($23.50) paired with Almonds with Lemon Butter sauce for the other main. I thought it was lacklustre, lacking the sharpness in flavour to lift the fresh catch. I was expecting it to be more grilled too. Instead, it was too plain, missing the char-grilled aroma.

Finally, wrapping up our set meal is a slice of Fruit Cake with chocolate sauce. Actually, Mariners' Corner reminds me of Jack's Place with its interior decor and food, providing a nostalgic charm that is slowly disappearing in an urbanised country like Singapore.


Mariners' Corner Restaurant
Blk 106 Clementi Street 12
#01-40
Singapore 120106
Tel: +65 62249928
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Clementi (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Clementi MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Clementi MRT station (Stop ID 17179). Take bus number 184. Alight 4 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Clementi MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Clementi MRT station (Stop ID 17179). Take bus number 52 or 154. Alight 5 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Dover MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Dover MRT station (Stop ID 19031). Take bus number 74. Alight 4 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]