Showing posts with label Local Food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Local Food. Show all posts

Tuesday, September 16, 2025

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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]

Friday, September 12, 2025

Nat's Chick @ The Venue Shoppes (Potong Pasir) - The Daughter of Five Star Chicken Rice Founder Relocated Her Stall to Potong Pasir

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I have been following Nat’s journey since her early days at Ah Five Hainanese Chicken Rice in Ang Mo Kio, through to Nat’s Chick Cuisine Better Days Chicken Rice at People’s Park Centre. Now, she has relocated once again, this time settling into a new space at The Venue Shoppes in Potong Pasir. What continues to impress me is her dedication — a true one-woman show, handling everything from cooking to taking orders and serving, all these years.

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Consistency has always been central to Natalie’s craft. She stays true to her philosophy of using premium grade A kampong chicken, just as she did from the beginning. The result is a poached chicken that is tender, juicy, and distinctly sweeter than the usual broiler chicken often used elsewhere.

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Whole Kampong Chicken 4.2/5

On this visit, we ordered the Whole Kampong Chicken ($44). It was well-prepared, succulent, and full of natural flavour. However, the rice fell slightly short this time, lacking the signature chicken oil fragrance that makes or breaks a good chicken rice. Perhaps with more time to adapt to her new kitchen, she will fine-tune the consistency and restore the standard she is known for. That said, her housemade chilli sauce still delivers a fiery kick that pairs perfectly with the chicken.

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Baby Kai Lan 3/5

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Onion Omelette 3.5/5

The menu also includes other homely dishes to complete the meal. We tried the Baby Kai Lan ($6) and Onion Omelette ($7), both simple yet satisfying additions that complement the chicken nicely and offer diners more variety.

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Nat’s dedication and passion remain unwavering, and while there’s room for refinement in certain aspects, it’s heartening to see her continue to uphold her one-lady legacy of serving quality kampong chicken rice.


Nat's Chick
The Venue Shoppes
2 Tai Thong Cresent
#01-07
Singapore 347836
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Nearest MRT: Potong Pasir (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 9pm (or earlier till sold out)

Direction:
1) Alight at Potong Pasir MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk down Upper Serangoon Road. Turn left onto Tai Thong Cresent. At Tai Thong Cresent, cross the road and walk straigh to destination. [Map]


Wednesday, September 10, 2025

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.


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]

Tuesday, July 1, 2025

San Xiang Bak Chor Mee (叁香肉脞面) @ ABC Brickwoods Food Centre - A Bold Bowl of Vinegar-forward Bak Chor Mee

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It has been a while since I last revisited ABC Brickworks Food Centre, and during my recent visit, I was delighted to stumble upon San Xiang Bak Chor Mee, a new addition that has popped up since my previous trip. Naturally, I had to give it a try.

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Bak Chor Mee (Meepok) 4.2/5

I went for the classic Bak Chor Mee ($4/$5/$6), choosing mee pok as my noodle base. The bowl was comforting and familiar, served with a hearty mix of minced pork, pork liver, meatball, and fishball. Each ingredient held its own, especially the liver, which was cooked just right, tender and not overdone. The real highlight, though, was the sauce. The punchy sambal base carried a bold, vinegary tang. It tied everything together beautifully, coating the springy noodles for a mouthful of umami and spice with every bite.

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Bak Chor Mee (Mee Sua) 4/5

My dining companion opted for the mee sua version. The rice vermicelli was soft and comforting, absorbing the sauce well without becoming mushy. There was a distinct rice aroma that added a touch of depth. While the mee sua made for a gentler, more delicate bowl, the mee pok offered better textural contrast and held up stronger against the assertive flavours of the sambal.

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San Xiang Bak Chor Mee is a solid addition to the lineup at ABC Brickworks. The flavours are bold, the ingredients are fresh, and the portions are satisfying. If you’re a fan of a vinegar-forward Bak Chor Mee, this stall is definitely worth a try.


San Xiang Bak Chor Mee
叁香肉脞面
ABC Brickwoods Food Centre
6 Jalan Bukit Merah
#01-132
Singapore 150006
Tel: +65 9698 9907
Nearest MRT: Commonwealth (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thur, Sat-Sun: 730am - 8pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Commonwealth MRT station. Take Exit B and C. Walk to bus stop at Commonwealth MRT station (Stop ID 11169). Take bus number 147, 196 or 198. Alight 6 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Tuesday, June 10, 2025

Mr Grumpy by Fiie's Cafe @ Holland Drive - Famous Crispy Fried Chicken Rice From Lucky Plaza

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Mr Grumpy by Fiie's Cafe, located at Holland Drive, is the latest outpost from the team behind the famed Nasi Ayam Goreng at Lucky Plaza. It's hard to miss the stall with its bright yellow signage boldly proclaiming itself as the "No.1 Nasi Ayam Goreng in Town." That cheeky confidence feels like a direct challenge, daring you to try the dish and judge for yourself. The name Mr Grumpy is just as memorable, and for good reason. The owner is known in local food circles as Singapore's 'rudest' nasi ayam goreng seller, a reputation earned from his no-nonsense, straight-talking style at the original Far East outlet. But if there's one thing you can expect, it's that the food does the talking.

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Nasi Ayam Goreng 4.5/5

At $6.50, each plate of Nasi Ayam Goreng comes with your choice of thigh or breast meat, deep-fried to a perfect golden brown. The skin is crisp with a generous sprinkle of crunchy batter bits on top, giving every bite a satisfying crackle. Despite being deep-fried, the chicken retains its moisture beautifully. It's tender, juicy, and full of flavour.

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The real surprise, though, lies beneath the chicken. The rice, cooked in chicken fat, is fragrant and flavourful, reminiscent of Hainanese chicken rice but with a bolder undertone. It's rich without being greasy and forms a perfect base for the fried chicken. Then there's the sambal, a sweet and spicy concoction that brings the whole dish together. It has just the right amount of heat, laced with a sweetness that doesn't overpower but complements the chicken and rice seamlessly.

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Want to elevate your meal? You can add on side items like Sambal Quail, Sambal Hotdog, or Begedil for just $1 each. These small extras round off the meal nicely, adding more variety and indulgence.

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Mr Grumpy may be gruff, but he's not messing around when it comes to his food. This plate of Nasi Ayam Goreng hits all the right notes: crispy, juicy chicken, flavourful rice, and a punchy sambal that keeps you coming back for more. The bold signage outside may come off as a gimmick, but once you've tried it, you might agree that this unassuming stall deserves its claim to fame.


My Grumpy by Fiie's Cafe
Blk 43 Holland Drive
#01-75
Singapore 270043
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Nearest MRT: Bouna Vista (CC, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 8pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Buona Vista MRT station. Take Exit A. Follow the underpass to the other side of the road. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Wednesday, December 25, 2024

Macpherson Minced Meat Noodles @ Tai Thong Crescent - Stall Opened by Famous Bak Chor Mee Stall's Apprentice

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The legendary Macpherson Minced Meat Noodles, helmed by Uncle Yap and renowned for its iconic flavours, has traversed several locations over the years. Today, its legacy lives on at Tai Seng, while his apprentice, Ho Qiu Yong, carries the torch at a stall in Tai Thong Crescent. Fondly reminiscing about my last visit to Uncle Yap's stall in 2020 at Marsiling Mall Food Centre, I was eager to stop by this latest outlet to see how the tradition thrives under his apprentice's stewardship.

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Despite the weekend lunchtime rush, the queue was surprisingly manageable. I waited around 10–15 minutes before placing my order. Opting for two dishes, the Bak Chor Mee Dry and the Kway Teow Soup, I was eager to see how the apprentice had carried on Uncle Yap's renowned flavours.

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Bak Chor Mee Dry 4.2/5

The Bak Chor Mee Dry came with all the quintessential components: minced pork, pork slices, pig's liver, fish cakes, and braised mushrooms. Tossed in a vinegary, savoury sauce, the noodles were cooked to a perfect bite, providing a delightful slurp with every bite. The braised mushrooms were rich and tender, soaking up the sauce's umami flavours, while the pig's liver was cooked just right — silky with a slight chew. Overall, it's a nostalgic rendition of Bak Chor Mee that satisfies without overwhelming, proving that the apprentice has done justice to Uncle Yap's recipe.

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Kway Teow Soup 4.5/5

The standout of my visit, however, was the Kway Teow Soup. I initially ordered it impulsively after seeing another customer's bowl — it looked too tempting to resist — and it turned out to be the meal's highlight. The broth was a revelation, boasting a sweetness with a robust depth of flavour. A piece of pig's trotter was included in the dish, lending a rich, gelatinous texture to the soup that likely contributed to its full-bodied taste. The silky-smooth kway teow paired perfectly with the comforting, flavourful broth, making it an underrated gem on the menu.

The Tai Chong Crescent outlet of Macpherson Minced Meat Noodles offers a worthy continuation of Uncle Yap's iconic legacy. While the Bak Chor Mee Dry hits all the right nostalgic notes, the Kway Teow Soup steals the show with its flavourful, hearty broth. For fans of traditional hawker delights, this is a stall worth queuing for. Whether you're craving a bowl of vinegary noodles or looking to try something different, like the Kway Teow Soup, you'll leave with a satisfied stomach and a taste of authentic craftsmanship.


Macpherson Minced Meat Noodles
Yong Xin Coffee Shop
47 Tai Thong Crescent
Singapore 347867
Tel: +65 9152 4414
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Nearest MRT: Potong Pasir (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon, Thu-Sun: 630am - 130pm
(Closed on Tue)

Direction:
Alight at Potong Pasir MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk straight down Upper Serangoon Road to Tai Thong Crescent. Turn left onto Tai Thong Crescent. Walk down Tai Thong Crescent. Walk to the end of Tai Thong Crescent. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Tuesday, August 6, 2024

Town Restaurant @ The Fullerton Hotel Singapore - "Heritage Hawker Stories: Reunion Feast" in Collaboration with Six Local Hawkers

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In celebration of National Day, Town Restaurant at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore presents the "Heritage Hawker Stories: Reunion Feast", a collaboration with six esteemed local hawkers: Ah Hui Prawn Noodle, Good Chance Popiah, Ministry of Rojak, To-Ricos Kway Chap, Warong Serembat Satay, and 146 Famous Bukit Merah Ang Ku Kueh. This special event, running throughout August, offers diners a chance to savour iconic Singaporean hawker dishes in a luxurious setting.

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Ah Hui Prawn Noodle

I made a beeline for Ah Hui Prawn Noodle, one of my all-time favourite stalls. This nostalgic dish is a rare treat since the owner has retired, coming out of retirement specifically for this event. The umami-packed broth, rich with the flavours of prawn and pork, brought back fond memories and nearly brought tears to my eyes.

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To-Rico Kway Chap

Next, I indulged in the famous To-Ricos Kway Chap from Old Airport Road Food Centre. As soon as I entered Town Restaurant, the herbal aroma from the boiling broth filled the air. The generous portion included braised pork trotter, pig skin, braised pork belly, tau pok, braised egg, and big and small intestines. The rich, savoury broth and tender meats were a true delight.

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Warong Serembat Satay

Warong Serembat Satay from Upper Boon Keng Food Centre was another highlight. The beef and chicken satay, grilled over a charcoal fire, filled the air with a beautiful aroma. The satay was plump and juicy, perfectly complemented by a deliciously nutty satay sauce.

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Good Chance Popiah

Good Chance Popiah, established in 1977, is another heritage guest hawker at the buffet. The popiah was freshly wrapped on the spot, packed with turnips, prawns, sliced omelette, lettuce, beansprouts, sweet sauce, chilli, garlic, peanuts, and coriander. Each bite was a burst of flavours and textures.

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Ministry of Rojak

Ministry of Rojak, by the popular Adhus Salam Rojak from Ayer Rajah Food Centre, was also featured. The wide variety of deep-fried ingredients were placed in a big basket, allowing diners to pick their favourites — the assortment of flavours and textures made for a satisfying and delicious experience.

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146 Famous Bukit Merah Ang Ku Kueh

Lastly, I tried 146 Famous Bukit Merah Ang Ku Kueh for the first time. Available in five flavours — Peanut, Bean, Corn, Coconut, and Durian — I found the skin a bit thick and the filling too sparse, resulting in a less-than-ideal bite.

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Laksa

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Rojak

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Durian Chendol

In addition to these featured hawkers, the buffet also included local favourites such as Laksa, Rojak, and Durian Chendol. Stepping into Town Restaurant in August felt like entering a hawker centre, where you can indulge in a variety of iconic Singaporean dishes in one sitting.

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Beyond the hawker cuisine, diners can also look forward to an eclectic spread of Chinese and Indian cuisine, as well as the ever-popular Sushi and Sashimi station and the Seafood on Ice station.

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Sashimi

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Seafood on Ice

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Heritage Hawker Stories: Reunion Feast
1 to 31 August 2024
Tuesday to Saturday, 6.30 p.m. to 10.00 p.m.
S$88* per adult, S$44* per child (six to 11 years old) from Tuesday to Thursday
S$98* per adult, S$49* per child (six to 11 years old) from Friday and Saturday To-Ricos Kway Chap will be available from Wednesday to Saturday exclusively.

For dining reservations, visit www.fullertonhotels.com/dining or email dining-rsvp@fullertonhotels.com.
*Prices are subject to service charge and prevailing government taxes.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Town Restaurant
The Fullerton Hotel Singapore
1 Fullerton Square
Singapore 049178
Tel: +65 68778188
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Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 630pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT Station. Take Exit H. Turn right and walk towards the river. At the river, turn right again and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]