Queenstown Lontong @ Margaret Drive Hawker Centre - Unveiling the Hidden Gem at the Hawker Centre

On a bustling weekend afternoon, we went to Margaret Drive Hawker Centre, eager to explore the food offerings garnering rave reviews — our destination of choice – the Queenstown Lontong stall. Intrigued by the positive buzz from fellow food enthusiasts, we set our sights on a bowl of Mee Rebus.

Mee Rebus 4.5/5

The star from the stall was the Mee Rebus, a dish that left an indelible mark on our taste buds. For a modest $4, a heaping portion of yellow noodles bathed in a luscious, thick, and savoury sauce awaited us. Each slurp was a revelation, the noodles coated generously with the delectable sauce. Adding a whole egg and a substantial piece of tofu elevated this dish to a complete and satisfying meal in a bowl. For an extra burst of flavour, biting into the green chilli provided a delightful contrast that heightened the overall experience.

Begedil

What surprised me was the Begedil, a potato patty that surpassed our expectations. Infused with Chinese celery and cumin, the Begedil presented a mashy and creamy texture, offering a flavour profile that danced on the palate. The unexpected twist came in the form of crispy ikan bilis, adding a delightful crunch to the ensemble.

The unpretentious stall, marked only by a modest signboard, was a hidden gem at Margaret Drive Hawker Centre. Its unassuming exterior belied the food within, particularly the Mee Rebus that left a lasting impression. Despite the absence of the Lontong on this visit, the experience piqued our curiosity, leaving us eager to return and explore more offerings from this humble yet exceptional stall.


Queenstown Lontong
Margaret Drive Hawker Centre
#01-27
38A Margaret Drive
Singapore 142038
Nearest MRT: Queenstown (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Wed, Fri-Sat: 7am - 2pm
(Closed on Thu & Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Queenstown MRT station. Take Exit B or C. Walk down Commonwealth Avenue and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Chicco Pasta Bar @ Telok Ayer Street - Top Quality Homemade Pasta at Affordable Price Point By Chef Drew Nocente and Chef Jose Alonso

Nestled in the former space of The Market Grill, Chicco Pasta Bar emerges as a collaboration between Chef Drew Nocente from CENZO and Chef Jose Alonso from Kulto. Born from the desire to offer top-quality homemade pasta at an affordable price point. During a recent dinner escapade with a friend, we explored the palate-pleasing wonders of this new establishment.

Cauliflower 4.5/5

Our dinner commenced with the Cauliflower ($12), a dish that showcased the skilful use of the pit to give the cauliflower a perfect char. The exterior boasted a delightful crispness, harmonising with the crunch of each bite. Adding to its appeal was a tantalising garlic chilli sauce that heightened the overall enjoyment of this simple yet flavourful dish.

Stracciatella, Peppers & Onion Focaccia 4.2/5

For the Focaccia, we opted for the Stracciatella, Peppers & Onion variation ($12). It proved an excellent choice, with the creamy stracciatella spread over the focaccia, adorned with sweet peppers, onions, and a generous shaving of cheese. A harmonious medley of textures and flavours that set the stage for the pasta delights to come.

Fusilli 4.2/5

Transitioning to the heart of Chicco Pasta Bar—the pasta—we delved into the Fusilli ($20). This dish showcased pasta with a delectable bite, intertwined with the robust flavours of Mushrooms and Nduja (pork sausage). A marriage of textures and tastes that exemplified the culinary craftsmanship at play.

Mafaldine 4.5/5

Introducing a new addition to the menu, the Mafaldine ($24) replaced the lobster spaghetti. Despite initial disappointment over the absence of visible Spanner Crab, each forkful revealed a pleasant surprise. The sweet crab meat, expertly blended with a creamy bisque sauce, provided a luxurious mouthful. The dish embodied a symphony of flavours, delivering on the promise of a robust crustacean experience.

Chicco Pasta Bar unfolds as a haven for pasta enthusiasts, where the commitment to quality and affordability converges. With its artful fusion of flavours and dedication to handcrafted excellence, this pasta bar is poised to become a staple for those seeking a taste of artisanal Italian delights.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Chicco Pasta Bar
208 Telok Ayer Street
Singapore 068642
Tel: +65 8468 8146
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Turn left and walk down Telok Ayer Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Telok Ayer Street. Turn left onto Telok Ayer Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]