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

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.

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.

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.

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]

The Plump Frenchman @ Tan Quee Lan Street - Rustic French Classics Meet The Bold Spirit of Zouk

Say bonjour to The Plump Frenchman, where rustic French classics meet the bold spirit of Zouk. The launch of The Plump Frenchman marks an exciting new chapter for Zouk Group, blending the heartiness of classic French cuisine with the group’s signature flair for bold, vibrant experiences. It brings a fresh yet rooted take on French food, one that celebrates generosity, warmth, and comfort.

The menu at The Plump Frenchman is a reflection of Executive Chef Lorenz Hoja's culinary journey and affection for French cuisine. As Zouk Group's Chief Culinary Officer, Chef Lorenz infuses every dish with the creativity and soul honed from years spent in some of the world's most celebrated kitchens, including those in London, Paris, and Singapore. Now, at The Plump Frenchman, he reimagines French fare with warmth and approachability, inviting diners to experience French cuisine in a feel-good way. At the media preview, Executive Chef Lorenz Hoja also shared his philosophy that "French cuisine doesn't have to be rigid or overly refined; it should be delicious, generous, and deeply comforting."

While there's an à la carte menu, a good way to experience their offerings is through the Set Menu de Canut, available Monday to Saturday from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM and 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM. Diners can choose from a two-course set (main and dessert) at $25++, a three-course set (starter, main, and dessert) at $35++, or a four-course set (two starters, one main, and dessert) at $47++. The menu is reasonably priced, and Chef Lorenz promises that diners will leave feeling satisfied and full.

(As this was a media preview event, please note that event photos may differ from actual menu items)

Saumon En Papilotte 4/5

One of their signature dishes would be the Saumon En Papilotte (available on the set menu with a $15 supplement). Salmon is wrapped in parchment paper, allowing it to steam in its own juices alongside delicate aromatics. Infused with fennel, lemon, and rosemary, the dish is light yet flavourful, fragrant yet comforting.

Complementing the main course is a selection of satisfying sides ($9 each). We sampled a few, including the pommes de terre rôti (crispy roasted potatoes), silky mashed potatoes, carottes Vichy (glazed carrots with a hint of sweetness), and green beans. All were delicious and well prepared.

Poulet Rotisserie 4/5

Ham Sandwich 3.8/5

Another wholesome and hearty choice on the menu is the Poulet Rotisserie selection, a classic done right. Guests can opt for either a half or whole chicken ($17 half/ $34 whole), slow-roasted for tender, juicy meat. Each portion is served with a fresh mesclun salad, zesty pickles, and a bold sriracha sauce.

Other featured menu items include:

Coq Au Vin

Coq Au Vin ($37) is a classic French dish that stars tender chicken slowly braised in rich red wine, infused with earthy mushrooms, smoky bacon, and sweet carrots. The slow cooking melds the flavours into a savoury, comforting stew with a luscious, velvety sauce.

Chipirons

Chipirons ($16) is composed of baby squid stuffed with chorizo and topped with parsley, lemon, garlic, and olive oil, bringing together fresh Mediterranean ingredients in a straightforward preparation that highlights flavour and texture.

Salade Nicoise

For a light, healthy dish, Salade Nicoise ($24) features a refreshing mix of hard-boiled eggs, tender tuna, crisp green beans, potatoes, olives, and tomatoes, all tossed together to create a balanced salad.

Anchois

This dish of Anchois ($13) pairs salty anchovies with fresh tomatoes for a mild sweetness. Fresh basil and olive oil tie everything together for a simple, tasty snack.

Tiramisu de Citron 4/5

Desserts are a must at any French restaurant, and the Tiramisu de Citron ($11) offers a fresh, tangy twist on the classic favourite. It has a slightly sour note, but it's quite intriguing. Other dessert options include the Clafoutis ($11), featuring seasonal fruits and Chantilly cream, and the Mousse au Chocolat ($14), which was a bit too sweet for my dining companion but still quite enjoyable for me.

The Plump Frenchman is located a short walk from Bugis MRT, within the new Guoco Midtown II building, making it a convenient new dining destination for hearty, comfort food.

Photographed and penned by Shermine. Through her pictures and stories, she shares her journey of savouring new flavours and experiences. Note: This is an invited tasting.


The Plump Frenchman
20 Tan Quee Lan Street
#01-20
Singapore 188107
Tel: +65 6817 3967
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (DT, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 11pm
Sun: 11am - 3pm

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