Basil King @ Jurong West - Fiery Thai Basil Rice with Up to Four Sunny Side Up Eggs

Fans of Thai basil rice will be excited to know that Basil King, a Pad Kra Pao speciality stall, has been making its presence felt with five outlets islandwide — located at Yishun, Ang Mo Kio, Jurong West, Tampines, and Punggol Central. I visited their Jurong West outlet to check out what the hype is about.

At Basil King, the concept is simple and focused. Customers get to choose from four main proteins: Pork, Chicken, Beef, and Prawn. You also get to customise your meal with up to four fried eggs and a spice level ranging from 1 to 5.

Basil Pork with Double Egg 4/5

My dining companion went for the Basil Pork with Double Egg ($7.90). The first thing that caught our eyes was the perfectly fried sunny-side-up eggs with their golden yolks, which are irresistible. The minced pork was stir-fried with fragrant Thai basil and a punchy sauce blend of soy, fish sauce, and chilli. We chose spice level 3, which turned out pretty fiery, even for someone with a decent spice tolerance. The sauce soaked into the rice beautifully, making every bite satisfying and flavour-packed.

Basil Beef with Triple Egg 4/5

I opted for the Basil Beef with Triple Egg ($10.90) because why not go all out? The beef is not minced but served in tender slices, offering a more substantial bite and texture compared to the pork. The same signature sauce is used here, delivering a bold, savoury, and spicy kick that hits the spot. The triple egg combo added that extra indulgence and helped mellow out the heat from the spice level 3.

While the food hits the mark for flavour and value, I couldn't help but notice the stall's branding and presentation. From the logo to the plateware, the entire aesthetic bears a striking resemblance to Phed Mark, the popular pad kra pao spot in Thailand, founded by Thai food YouTuber Mark Wiens. It might not be the most original concept, but as long as it delivers delicious, comforting Thai flavours at affordable prices, I'm not complaining.


Basil King
Blk 496 Jurong West Street 41
#01-84
Singapore 640496
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Nearest MRT: Lakeside (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Lakeside MRT station. Take Exit A. Cross the road and walk to bus stop opposite Lakeside MRT station. Take bus number 98 or 187. Alight 4 stops later. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Swensen’s Unlimited @ Geneo - Halal-certified Buffet Offering Peranakan, Seafood, Hand-stretched Pizzas and Desserts

Swensen's popular buffet concept, Swensen's Unlimited, has launched its third outlet at the newly opened Geneo Mall in Singapore Science Park, following earlier openings at VivoCity and Changi Airport Terminal 2.

What sets this new branch apart is its spacious 200-seat layout, designed to host special events such as weddings or corporate gatherings. The space features a customisable LED backdrop and a private suite with an attached bathroom - ideal as a bridal room or multi-purpose event space.

Pricing starts at $35++ for weekday lunch and $38++ for weekday dinner (Monday to Thursday). On Fridays, weekends, public holidays, and special occasions (such as Mother's Day), the price is $50++ for lunch and $60++ for dinner. Lunch runs from 11am to 5pm, and dinner from 5pm to 10pm, with a 90-minute dining limit. Menus vary slightly depending on the day.

Swensen’s Unlimited Buffet 3.8/5

Begin at the Seafood on Ice section with free-flow tiger prawns, mussels, clams, and flower crabs. While reasonably fresh, it was a pity that the seafood lacked flavour.

Cold Cuts & Appetisers

Next to the Seafood on Ice are several cold cuts & appetisers, including salads and cheeses.

Hot Food

The Hot Food lineup consists of Indian, Asian, Western and Peranakan dishes, as well as soups such as Cream of Mushroom.

Mala Stir-Fry Pot

Mala Firecracker Chicken

The Hot Food spotlight shines on three outlet-exclusive dishes: Ayam Masak Merah, Mala Firecracker Chicken, and Mala Stir-Fry Pot, which packs a strong kick of spice.

Live Carving Station

There are also a couple of live food stations. First, the Live Carving Station featured fresh roast meats, including Roast Striploin and Roast Chicken.

Pizza Station: Trio Cheese Hand-stretched Pizza

Pasta Station Aglio Olio Spaghetti

Second, the Pizza and Pasta Stations offered Hand-stretched Pizzas and freshly prepared pasta with various sauces and pasta options.

Baked Rice and Noodles Station: Laksa

Lastly, the Baked Rice and Noodles Station offered Swensen's classic baked rice flavours (Curry Chicken, Chicken, and Fish) and two noodle options: Beef Noodles and Laksa.

Ice Cream and Gelato

Moving to the last and most popular sweets section, diners will be welcomed with Swensen's massive range of Ice Cream and Gelato on rotation from its book of 48 flavours. They are made up of a mix of classics and newer creations. Some flavours that caught our eye include Zero Sugar Sticky Chewy Chocolate, Berry Hibiscus, Smoked Oak Tiramisu, and Chrysanthemum with Choco Fudge.

Ice Cream and Gelato

The assortment of condiments allows you to customise your sundaes - do make sure to try their outlet-exclusive Pistachio Kunafa Sauce!

Croissants and Waffles

Chocolate Fountain

Assorted Kueh

Continuing with the options for sweets, diners can also indulge in a chocolate fountain, croissants, waffles, assorted kuehs, fruits, and more.

Please ensure you make a reservation before heading down, especially for meals on weekends and special occasions.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Swensen’s Unlimited
Geneo
#01-06
1 Science Park Drive
Singapore 118221
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Nearest MRT: Kent Ridge (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Kent Ridge MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]