Saladworks @ JEM

I remembered when I was trying to eat healthy back then, the most difficult part is actually the accessibility to eatery offering healthy food. Sad to say there are not many such healthy outlets in Singapore. However I am also seeing a growing trend of such outlets springing out at different corners of Singapore such as The Lawn, Sumo Salad and SaladStop. One such eateries is Saladworks at JEM. Saladworks is the first and largest fresh salad franchise in the US. Saladworks at JEM is the first outlet outside the States. Fresh, made to order salad and designed to be under 500 calories, this is a healthy heaven.

Autumn Harvest with Avocado Dressing 3.5/5

A healthy kick start to the meal is the Autumn Harvest Salad with Avocado Dressing ($11.50). Fresh greens of romanine and iceberg paired with a mix of turkey ham, craisins, grilled corn, carrots, sunflower seeds and apple slices. The house made avocado dressing was creamy and sweet giving the greens a good boost in flavours.

Turkey Melt Panini 4/5

If you need your carbo, then you should not miss the toasty Turkey Melt Panini ($10.50). Sandwiched with sliced turkey, bacon, cheddar cheese with rustic thousand island dressing. Patron has a choice of either sourdough or focaccia bread. A very flavourful combination.

Fire Roasted Cabo Jack Wrap 4.5/5

For a delightful bite, a must try at Saladworks is the Fire Roasted Cabo Jack Wrap ($9.90). This wrap totally won me over with its special mix of creamy sesame sauce and vinaigrette. I actually raised an eyebrow when I tasted the sauce. Isn't it a US salad franchise chain? Why is their a sesame in the sauce? A check with the owner explained that he created the sauce himself to suit the local palate.

Chicken Carvery Sandwich  3.5/5

Many people has the misconception that eating healthy means that you won't be full. Well it actually not true. For a meal that is more substantial, one can try the Chicken Carvery Sandwich ($14.70) that comes with either BBQ Chicken/Lemon Chicken, grilled red peppers, spicy mustard and mayo sandwiched between ciabatta bread. It also comes with either a choice of rice or salad on the side.

Chef Signature Salad 3.8/5

For those that needs protein in their meal, you can satisfy your need at Saladworks too. They offer a choices of chicken, salmon and beef in their menu. In my visit, I tried the Chef Signature Salad ($15.90) that is served with a beef steak on a bed of salad. While I enjoyed the beef steak, the salad was a bit soggy with the over drenched sauce. The salad also came with a lot of onions which was a bit overpowering for me as I am not a big fan of them.

Healthy eating does not mean it has to be boring and tasteless. The different offering at Saladworks will not only ensure one has a a healthy diet but also leave one feeling satisfied and content. I am glad that I have another option to go to for a good healthy meal.


Saladworks
JEM
50 Jurong Gateway Road
#02-19
Singapore 608549
Tel: +65 67346504
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Saladworks.SG
Website: http://www.saladworks.com.sg
Nearest MRT: Jurong East (NS Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1030am - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Jurong East MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Uncle Chicken @ Alexandra Village Food Centre

When Margaret Drive Hawker Centre was demolished to make way for new development in the Queenstown area, many hawkers have moved on and settled at different hawker centres around the island. One stall that I used to frequent when Margaret Drive hawker centre was still around is Sin Kee Chicken Rice. Now the 2 sons of the former stall owner runs their own individual chicken rice stalls at Mei Ling Food Centre and Alexandra Village Food Centre.

I paid a visit to Alexandra Village Food Centre and met Niven the owner of Uncle Chicken. He has decided not to use his father's brand but continued to cook and prepare his chicken rice the same way as what his dad used to do. The poached chicken is still natural dry. He also shared with us that he has specially requested for the last batch of chicken that is slaughtered from his supplier.

Chicken Rice 4.2/5

I ordered a plate of Chicken Rice ($3.50) to try. The first thing we noticed is Niven's chopping skill. The clean cutting helps to preserve the moisture of the meat. While the chicken meat is tender and moist, I felt it was slightly over. The rice is cooked using the same water to boil the chicken, plus shallot and garlic. The rice was fragrant and fluffy, one of the better one I have eaten. While I enjoyed both the rice and chicken meat, I did not like the soya sesame sauce that was drizzled over the chicken meat, it was too salty masking the sweetness of the meat. You may want to ask Niven to go easy with the sauce in your next visit.

Another worthy note is the chilli, ginger and scallion dip. Not many has done it this way anymore. Unlike those diluted versions out there, this is the real deal and packs a punch. Letting you in to another secret. Niven kept a special blend of the chilli sauce just for his regular customers and this really kick ass. You may try your luck and ask for it in your next visit.


[CLOSED]
Uncle Chicken Rice
Alexandra Village Food Centre
120 Bukit Merah Lane 1
#01-76
Singapore 150120
Nearest MRT: Queenstown (EW Line), Redhill (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 8pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Queenstown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Queenstown MRT station (Stop ID 11149). Take bus number 195. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Redhill MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop opposite Redhill MRT station (Stop ID 10201). Take bus number 33 or 120. Alight 5 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time 10 minutes. [Map]