Hawkerman @ Singpost Centre (Paya Lebar) - Union of 3 Hawker Brands

The recent opening of the revamped Singpost Centre at Paya Lebar sees the union of 3 local hawker brands coming together to open up a new concept called Hawkerman. The restaurant brings together Tenderfresh, Warong Kim's (Kim's Hokkien Mee) and Ah Boy Popiah (from Good Chance Popiah) to offer patrons their fried and grilled chicken, hokkien mee and popiah under one roof.

Maki Popiah

Maki Popiah 3.5/5

The menu here is rather extensive. I decided to settle for an item each from each brand. I started with the Maki Popiah ($6.90) from Ah Boy Popiah. This is a modern take of the traditional popiah. Besides the usually stuffing of turnips, the popiah is given a coat of seaweed with chicken floss topping and dressed in mayo sauce. This rendition will probably re-introduction the traditional dish to the younger generation.

Fried Chicken Wings 4/5

If you didn't know, Tenderfresh started off as 可爱鸡 selling roasted/fried spring chicken and chicken wings in neighbourhood food court and coffeeshops before expanding the brand. I love their fried chicken wings since young. Inevitable I just have to order them from the menu. The Fried Chicken Wings ($4.50 for 2pc), I think is a bit pricier compared to their coffeeshops' stall but this probably has to make up for the rental difference at the mall. Anyway, still the same recipe, still the great old taste. Crispy on the outside and juicy inside.

Spicy X.O. Hokkien Mee $12.90

From Warong Kim's, I tried their Spicy X.O. Hokkien Mee ($12.90). Using the recipe famed by Mr Yong Tan's dad, also known as the man who fried hokkien mee in his long sleeve shirt donning a Rolex watch. The hokkien mee is fried in a robust stock with the noodles soaking up the flavoursome broth. The addition of the spicy x.o. sauce provided the extra kick to the dish.

Over at Hawkerman, customers not only can savour the tradition recipes, they can also find modern take of the tradition dishes on the menu. In short, the restaurant has an extensive menu take caters for both old and young.


Hawkerman
Singpost Centre (Paya Lebar)
10 Eunos Road 8
#B1-128/129
Singapore 408600
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Paya Lebar (CC Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1100am - 1030pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Paya Lebar MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

K.COOK Korean BBQ & Steamboat Buffet @ Westgate - Quality Meats With Affordable Price Tag

Ever since its first outlet in town, K.COOK BBQ has been known for its quality meats that come with an affordable price tag. Its second outlet in Westgate has even more to offer - you can now enjoy both Korean barbeque and steamboat at the same time at K.COOK BBQ & Steamboat Buffet.

Meat & Seafood

Greens, Fruit and Salad

A fixture commonly found in authentic Korean BBQ restaurants, drop-down vacuums hovering on top of each table are installed. I have been to a few Korean BBQ and K Cook stands out in terms of its offering and presentation. There are 2 big chillers of seafood and meats, a wide range of fresh greens, mushrooms, even noodles are available for you to create your own version of army stew. Create your own Banchan with its assorted salads fruits.

The way the meats are being handled impresses me. Organised and kept in 2 big chillers instead of being displayed out openly, they do look a whole lot more appetising than some of the restaurants which I have been to. What I really appreciate is the fact that the thin slices of meats for steamboat are neatly stacked in tray, like how they will be served in a Shabu Shabu restaurant. So even if you or your friends ain't big on barbeque, this is worth the trip. There are pork belly, pork collar, pork skirt meat, beef short ribs and even ribeye! Seafood such as prawns, squids and clams are offered as well.

Steamboat

For steamboat, you can choose up to 2 soup base, in which I had Korean Soybean Paste and Spicy Seafood. Other options include Chicken, Pork and Beef soups.

Bossam

The hot food section is quite decent with a mix of Korean and international dishes such as pasta, fried rice etc. My favourite is the Bossam, a Korean style pork belly. It may look rubbery at first glance but it actually has a surprising melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Jajangmyeon

If you still have some room for Korean small dishes, you can try to DIY your own Jajangmyeon (black bean noodles).

K.COOK BBQ & Steamboat Buffet surpasses my expectations with its range of ingredients and their quality. If you have more to spare, simply top for its Premium Buffet, in which you get a free flow of premium meats such as Sirloin, Short Ribs Boneless and Tiger Prawns.

Price
Lunch: $19.90++ (Mon to Fri), $29.90++ (Sat, Sun, Eve of PH, & PH)
Dinner: $29.90++ (Mon to Thu), $31.90++ (Sat, Sun, Eve of PH, & PH)

Words and photos by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


K.COOK Korean BBQ & Steamboat Buffet
Westgate
3 Gateway Drive
#B1-02
Singapore 608532
Tel: +65 63526680
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Jurong East (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 1130am - 10pm

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