I am… Cafe (Our Tampines Hub) Review – #newbeastfromtheeast

I am (hehe) pretty sure most of the cafe-hopping crowd in Singapore would be familiar with I am… Cafe (yes, the name includes the ellipsis) and their signature red letter blocks at the corner of Haji Lane:

A post shared by I am… (@iamathajilane) on Oct 11, 2016 at 8:39pm PDT

Living on the better side of the island and don’t want to join the throngs of poor west-siders in queuing for ages? Now you can just stay in paradise!

I am… Cafe (Our Tampines Hub)

Just opened on 28 February 2017, I am… Cafe now brings all that burger and fries (with some pizza) goodness right to our doorstep in the East. Situated on the third floor of Our Tampines Hub right next to the HomeTeamNS clubhouse, where there are already plenty of fun things to do, it takes a little bit of eyeballing but you won’t miss their trademark signage even from level 1.

Interior wise, it does remind you of Haji Lane, and I very much prefer an air-conditioned experience, although it does contain the noise of the hustle and bustle going on (it is a family casual restaurant after all so don’t expect classical music and hush-hush conversations).

Likewise, the menu still consists of old favourites such as their side of truffle fries, which is topped off with thick and creamy truffle mayo. Burgers, pizzas, and their fish & chips are also available, along with their signature mocktails (they’re halal certified). Don’t forget their desserts like the RAINBOW CAKE! Call me nitpicky, but while my ‘the boss’ burger is definitely scrumptious, I’d wish for the patty to be at least the same diameter as the buns so that I can pick it up to chomp down on it (hehe) without risking it popping out of the buns mid-bite.

A post shared by I am… (@iamathajilane) on Jan 22, 2017 at 10:05pm PST

A post shared by I am… (@iamathajilane) on Mar 1, 2017 at 9:57pm PST

Waitrr Pls

One new addition since I last ate at I am… Cafe is the use of a mobile app called “Waitrr“. From browsing the menu, all the way to ordering and paying for your meal, it’s a seamless process that’s quite frankly a well-designed user experience. No more hems and haws when your service staff probes whether you are ready to order, or yelling through to them during busy weekend dinners and hoping he/she read your order right. Just scan the QR code, pass the phone down the table and pick your food and drinks! What’s also good I realised, is that you don’t have to make one person pick up the tab or get service to split your tabs (a horrible experience for large groups, please don’t do this to wait staff…). Just use your own phone(s) to order separately and pay immediately after! EZPZ!

Verdict

hole-in-the-wall-ness: [star rating=”2″]
This is in (what’s becoming) a very popular hangout in Tampines, so it’s not something too out of the way. Also the brand is already a staple in halal Cafes.

Price: [star rating=”3.5″]
Prices are still pretty fair, nothing out of the ordinary for cafes (I spent about 20 per pax).

Quality: [star rating=”4″]
You probably need to order dessert if you’re really hungry, but portions are not scrimped on here.

Overall: [star rating=”3.5″]I
Joining the fray with other cafes showing up in Tampines, like one I previously visited, I am… Cafe banks on its already solid reputation in dishing out relatively affordable premium western cuisine that’s halal-certified, right in the heartlands! Surely, a #newbeastfromtheeast!

More Information

I am… Cafe (Our Tampines Hub)
51 Tampines Ave 4
#03-04
Our Tampines Hub
Singapore 529684
Tel: 6295 5509
Email: enquiry@iam.com.sg
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2 March 2017 Drinks

[CLOSED]VXX Cooperative with Stephanie Phua (Duo Studio)

“I am a coffee fanatic. Once you go to proper coffee, you can’t go back. You cannot go back.”
– Hugh Laurie

UPDATE: VXX has closed.

As recent as 2010, Singapore was hit by a wave of artisan coffee houses, stemming from the Melbourne café scene that has pretty much took over the whole world. It’s no doubt that Singaporeans will always crave for better quality, and will jump on the first available choice AND be more than willing to shell out a premium. However it still remains a cut-throat arena; out of the 391 cafes that opened in 2014, at least a quarter of them didn’t make the cut since. That’s a lot of coffee going both ways!

Also, I personally observe that a lot of these cafés popping up like rabbits aren’t really that serious about the literal meaning of a café; well, the coffee.

Stephanie Phua (Duo Studio)

Stephanie of Duo Studio sought out to disprove that by bringing me to a relatively new coffeehouse in the vicinity of her agency, in Jalan Besar. Speaking of the area, it’s a really under-the-radar and eclectic enclave of coffeehouses and small restaurants!

Creative & advertising agencies similarly have a tough life over here, and she’s glad that she can find such a place just round the corner that not only is a good place to tune out/do work in peace, but also has a satisfying dining experience.

VXX Cooperative

Started by coffee connoisseurs and professionals Joy and Aslam, VXX Cooperative takes pride in their coffee-centric nature, which is evident in the curation of available roasted brews. With a mix of local favourites Nylon Coffee Roasters, Cloud Catcher Roastery (Malaysia), Koppi (Sweden) and Tim Wendelboe (Norway), it’s a special kind of heaven for serious coffee enthusiasts. Coupled with the strong experience of both former baristas themselves, Joy and Aslam are able to bring out the best of what are already among the best roasts in town.

If you wanted to know, “VXX” is something of sentimental value to Aslam, as it is the area code (520) of the district.

I’m a relatively technical person myself, and I love it when being explained to the facts and technical aspects of just about anything, especially food. This was exactly the experience I got; Joy was really patient and enthusiastic to introduce the profiles of the special brews on sale that day and I made an informed choice to get the Nacimiento by Tim Wendelboe. Served in a metal flask, it’s meant to be enjoyed slowly to allow the aromatics time to vaporise and give you an olfactory treat.

A post shared by VXX Co-operative (@vxxcooperative) on Jan 27, 2017 at 6:52pm PST

If any, their logo is a good representation of their culture: sharp but multi-directional curation. Located at 20 Foch Road, the interior is nicely spaced, minimalistic yet comfortable. The flowery floor tiles were probably because it used to be a dispensary back in the days. It’s not somewhere you’d want to have a 50 seats birthday party at, but like Stephanie, it’s a pretty good place if you want some peace and quiet. When you enter the shop’s front hall you’ll be greeted with a really large flat wooden table, possible with some coffee drips running on it. Take your pick with the merchandise just next to it too, when I was there, I saw some really good chocolate!

In fact, she got so comfy with the place that her coffee choices are simply picked for her and she does not have to worry about not enjoying whatever is served! Joy does not disappoint.

The food menu is something that constantly evolves, but keeps to their principle of serving simple food to a T. I do agree to not over-complicating your food as a café owner as it will rob the attention from the beverages, and turn you into one of those red-velvet-cake-eggs-benedict-please hipster cafés.

Opting for something balanced and light I’ve opted for the banana-walnut french toast, topped up with mascarpone cheese, berries and coffee custard. Stephanie (aka stooffi) got basically what she always orders: a beef chorizo bowl with shaved potatos and tomatoes, topped with a perfectly wobbly *jiggle* onsen egg. According to her this is the third iteration of the same dish, and it is rather different in terms of presentation and preparation style from the predecessors.

There are also several other interesting creations from breakfast items to full lunch menus. I heard the dessert is also to die for, so get them before they change the menu (yet again)!

Chili Crab Omelette is Life #mybreakfastisbetterthanyours #comesitwithus #praytherealliveforever #vxxcooperative
A post shared by VXX Co-operative (@vxxcooperative) on Feb 25, 2017 at 2:26am PST

Dark Chocolate Pudding / Cherries / Burnt Butter Cream There’s always, always space for dessert, hands up if you agree ✋ #praytherealliveforever
A post shared by VXX Co-operative (@vxxcooperative) on Jan 16, 2017 at 7:07am PST

A post shared by VXX Co-operative (@vxxcooperative) on Jan 11, 2017 at 6:20pm PST

At the time of writing both Rudi and Joy are taking part in the Singapore National Brewers Cup 2017, happening at Cafe Asia 2017 over at MBS this weekend! All the best!

“every memorable coffee experience has been brought about by a change or exceeding of expectations” Joy is using a Lempira cultivar from Honduras, which totally exceeded and changed our expectations! This gem was produced by Alex Ponce, sourced by @projectorigin, roasted by @cloudcatcher.asia and brewed & served by VXX. go Joy! #praytherealliveforever #sgcoffee
A post shared by VXX Co-operative (@vxxcooperative) on Mar 1, 2017 at 6:59pm PST

Verdict

hole-in-the-wall-ness: [star rating=”5″]
Nondescript shopfront, minimalistic furniture, artisan food and beverages? Check!

Price: [star rating=”4″]
While you have to be prepared for some premium in prices, care is taken to prepare the food and (especially) coffee. You won’t feel shortchanged at all!

Quality: [star rating=”4.5″]
See above. Portions are just right regardless if you want a midday snack, or a hearty lunch.

Overall: [star rating=”4.5″]
Definitely a good local effort to bring quality coffee to the scene (a refreshing change in my opinion). They change up every 3-4 months to keep things fresh too, so you won’t get bored.

More Information

VXX Cooperative
20 Foch Road
Singapore 209261
Tel: 8720 0093
Opens daily 9:00am to 6:00pm
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23 February 2017 Drinks

Nickeldime Drafthouse Review – Ain’t Dime A Dozen

Milk is for babies. When you grow up you have to drink beer.
Arnold Schwarzenegger

Tired of cycling through a list of the same few restaurant-pubs serving the same selection of deep-fried snacks? Or having to travel to far flung places like Changi Village for a change of scenery?

Nickeldime Drafthouse

Nickeldime is not a new player in the growing craft beer scene in Singapore, but they have recently moved to another block,just next door. While the new premises is slightly smaller, it still feels spacious and given that it’s a corner unit, the alfresco area remains just as refreshing!

New interior aside, they still boast a wide range of craft beers on tap (at the last count it was 19!), and an even wider selection of bottles; from old favourites like Stone Brewing, Anderson Valley to newcomers like Tuatara Brewery and Mountain Goat Beers. Craft beer selections can change from season to season so you guys got to find out for yourselves!

Another feature of Nickeldime is their beer-infused cuisine. These novel and hearty eats, handcrafted by their own kitchen with various brew styles, are sure to tantalise your tastebuds!

It was (supposed to be; yeah right) a slow and simple lunch so I got myself the Stout Braised Beef Ragu, and the Stout (again!) Shepherd’s Pie at the side. Paired with a pint of saison on a warm dreary afternoon, it’s the life!

After that we had more beer-infused goodness from their bar snacks and (more!) beer, like their popular stout (see a trend here?) meatballs, the mini Jalapeño IPA burgers (i.e. sliders) and garlic fries. Their buffalo wings, served with a generous slather of spicy marinade and dressed with blue cheese sauce, is a heavenly match with a refreshing american pale ale (also on tap)! Other dishes recommended here are their signature 510 burger, the pizzas, such as the Salami pizza, and beer-desserts (yes!) such as the beer-infused waffles. May I also mention that their pizzas have really cheesy (hehe) names, such as “I Wanna Hold Your Ham”, “The Fun Guys(mushroom pizza, geddit)” and several others?

The Verdict

hole-in-the-wall-ness: [star rating=”3″]
It’s a little bit out of the way, but this block of shops are known for being a F&B centre which lots of office workers will visit, so not that much of a hole-in-the-wall factor here.

Price: [star rating=”3.5″]
I heard their pizzas are a steal at nothing more than $20 for a 11″ pizza, but there was so much 2 guys can eat that day that we didn’t order that. They do have weekday lunch specials (1 for 1) for more value too! For best value, try out their platter sets on their menu!

Quality: [star rating=”4.5″]
Each of their dishes is well thought out and balanced in taste, even though they are largely beer-infused and meant to be washed down with copious amount of beer. Speaking which, beers on tap are fresh, which is imperative for any place selling decent beer.

Overall: [star rating=”4″]
While it may not be the most convenient place for lunch unless you work in the Novena/Thomson Road area, it is a good getaway in the evenings thereafter where you can enjoy a good pint of craft beer and some really creative food!

More Information

Nickeldime Drafthouse
273 Thomson Road
#01-01
Novena Regency
Singapore 307644

p.s. It’s just the next building from where they were previously located!

Opening Hours
Sun-Thu – 11:00am to 11:00pm
Fri-Sat – 11:00am to 1:00am the following day
Phone: 62560261

Email: enquiries@hiddendoor.com.sg

Facebook | Instagram | Website | Menu

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16 February 2017 Food

PocoLoco (Ang Mo Kio) Review – Valentine’s In The Heartlands

To be honest, the first time I heard of PocoLoco I immediately thought of a similar sounding video game I used to play:

PocoLoco

Situated in Ang Mo Kio, it wouldn’t naturally be the first on my list to go to as I live in the east (#eastsidebestside). As the SO had to work late on Valentine’s, I had to look for something in the vicinity that was still available for a comfortable meal that late (past 8PM). A quick search on Chope and there was PocoLoco, first on the list (I swear).

Being the only Italian place that I know of located in a HDB shop unit, PocoLoco puts the heart in heartlands by serving quality and affordable Italian food where “it is not necessary to dress up; your spaghetti, tagliatelle and maccheroni are served in a nice, informal environment where you feel immediately at ease” (from their website).

The restaurant itself has a industrial and rather minimalistic finish, which is also prevalent in the linear kitchen design (given that space is a luxury in these shop units). The design helps both kitchen and service staff run like clockwork, as dishes get pushed out efficiently to hungry diners on a (from what I was told is a long, busy) weeknight.

For antipasto, we started out with some burrata cheese with parma ham (they had it on their daily special menu), and was presented with a generous dollop of cheese. Although at $16 I’d like a little more generosity with the ham, it was nothing out of the ordinary, being a staple dish in Italian cuisine.

Main courses came right after, as we didn’t want any primo like soups: A porcini mushroom risotto for myself and zafferano (saffron) pasta with seafood for her. Portions were just about right (some people, including myself, sometimes tend to equate value with volume of food on the plate) and both rice and pasta were also cooked al dente (a little bit on the firmer side for those who are particular).

For my risotto, the starchiness of the rice blended well with the distinct nutty taste of the porcini mushroom. But IMO there was a tad too much truffle oil drizzled atop, and even after the meal I could still smell the truffle in my own breath.

The pasta was also rather delightful; seafood was fresh, cream was quite balanced with the saffron. All in all what you would expect in a casual Italian diner. Oh did i mention that both main courses did not cost more than $15 each?

Of course, being Valentine’s and all, we (read: the girlfriend) decided to indulge in some dessert to finish off the night. They’re pretty much known for their tiramisu (served in a cocktail glass), but we decided to get the special menu dessert instead: a matcha lava cake. Complimentary cute hearts!

The Verdict

hole-in-the-wall-ness: [star rating=”5″]
I really did not expect such a find in the depths of the heartlands!

Price: [star rating=”4″]
With nothing costing more than $15-16 off the regular menu, and $20 from the special menu that night, it is definitely good value!

Quality: [star rating=”3.5″]
The kitchen staff move tirelessly to make sure food is served quick and hot. Just a little bit rough on the edges but you can tell the food is made with good care and love! Definitely better than the PastaMania that’s set up just two units away #brightidea

Overall: [star rating=”4″]
Please come here, it’s not difficult for a Changi guy to come here to Ang Mo Kio just for this. Unless you live in Jurong, I’ll think of something else. Oh wait, I already have (read on)!

More Information

PocoLoco (Ang Mo Kio)
408 Ang Mo Kio Ave 10
#01-779
Singapore 560408
Operating Hours:
12pm – 3pm
6pm – 10pm
Last reservation for the day 5pm
Moblie: +65 8436 3363
Email: enquiry@pocoloco.com.sg
Facebook | Instagram | Website

Menu (there are daily specials that you will need to contact the restaurant about):

https://pocoloco.com.sg/pocoloco-menu/

**Jurong/Choa Chu Kang people, rejoice! You can now enjoy the same thing without crossing the border! They have opened another outlet in Snow City, which also boasts a microbrewery as well!**

PocoLoco (Jurong)
Snow City Level 2
21 Jurong Town Hall Road
Singapore 609433
Operating Hours
12pm – 3pm
6pm – 10pm
Last reservation for the day 5pm
Moblie: +65 8438 3833
Email: jurong@pocoloco.com.sg

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6 February 2017 Food

[CLOSED] Rudy’s Snack Bar Review – The Hero We All Need

Picture this: you are enjoying a pint of your favourite beer after work, and like any beer lover you get the munchies 10 minutes into it. You’d wish for some light bites, but when you’re drinking craft beer at Smith Street Taps or The Good Beer Company (stories for another time!) in Chinatown Complex, it’s not easy getting something that isn’t too filling. Especially if you’re going to get dinner with the missus later!

Rudy’s Snack Bar

Open only in the evenings when the beer monster comes out to play, Rudy’s Snack Bar sets up shop just round the corner from where a handful of craft beer stalls are, all in a quiet corner of the Chinatown Complex Food Centre. Started just in November 2016, it serves an eclectic range of (well you guessed it) snacks that are both wallet-friendly and tasty!

Apart from the more common fries and chicken wings/drumlets on the menu, they also serve some really addictive chewy fish crackers, which is actually based off the traditional malay fish cracker snack called Keropok Lekor. This variation is unlike the ones you usually find in pasar malams in Singapore and Malaysia as it is not crunchy, but instead has a fluffy texture. Served with a sweet and spicy chili dip, it’s a perfect pairing while you guzzle down pints of India Pale Ales (IPAs) on a humid evening!

One thing I didn’t get to try though, is their traditional nasi lemak. Wrapped in the ol’ school “bungkus” style goodness, it is only available on Thursdays (I passed by on a Tuesday. Check out their Instagram page for updates). I’ll be back, as there are plenty more snacks such as spring rolls, fried wanton dumplings and many others to try!

RSB’s Traditional Nasi Lemak will be available Today and Tomorrow. 🍽See you all later @rudysnackbar. We are open from 430pm till late. #soshiokk #rudysnackbar #rudysnackbarsg #rsb #rsbcrew #hawkersg #66onsmith #chinatown #smithstreethawker #foodporn #sgfoodporn #nasilemak #sambalpower
A photo posted by Rudy’s Snack bar (@rudysnackbar) on Jan 4, 2017 at 8:05pm PST

RSB Junior 👶🏼 Crew Has Checked-in Today! We are open till late tonight. #rudysnackbar #rudysnackbarsg #soshiokk #rsbcrew #rsb #chinatown #smithstreethawker #lilchef #66onsmith #classicsnacks #localsnacks #babyrsb #rsbjunior
A photo posted by Rudy’s Snack bar (@rudysnackbar) on Jan 21, 2017 at 4:05am PST

The Verdict

hole-in-the-wall-ness: [star rating=”4″]
You wouldn’t expect such a snack stall to be in a hawker food centre, and it’s pretty much tucked in a corner of the place, which gives it this score.

Price: [star rating=”3.5″]
A slight premium for a mix of difference commonness, but being situated within reach of the few craft beer stalls, it’s worth the convenience.

Quality: [star rating=”4″]
Food is served freshly cooked and piping hot, with generous dressings (for the cheese fries). The owner shared with me that their chewy fish crackers are also freshly prepared as they are quite popular amongst the regulars.

Overall: [star rating=”3.5″]
Never ever shy away from decently priced beer bites when you see it. Period.

More Information

Rudy’s Snack Bar
Blk 335 Smith Street
#02-066 Green Zone
Chinatown Complex Food Centre
Singapore 050335
Opens Tuesdays to Saturdays, 5:30pm to 10:00pm
Facebook | Instagram

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9 January 2017 Featured Person

[CLOSED] Guac & Go (Guacamole) Review with Stella Kae

UPDATE JUL 2020: Guac & Go has closed.

The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides.

Audrey Hepburn

Beauty queens certainly don’t get it easy; from advocating various good causes, to maintaining their pristine image, it takes tenacity and confidence to perform their best and gun for a top spot in their respective pageants.

Stella Kae

Stella (Instagram) is no stranger to the world of beauty pageants, with 2 (TWO!) titles (Miss Singapore International 2011, Miss Singapore Chinatown 2012) to show for. Always game for an adventure whether its strutting down the runway or food-hunting, I brought her to another old haunt of mine when I used working in town, Guac & Go. Stella’s currently on the way to a brand new career, here’s wishing her a good 2017 and may her new year resolutions all come true!

Guac & Go

Started in 2014 by 2 young people with a serious guacamole addiction who were getting bored with the limited and otherwise bland avocado scene (cue cringe-worthy Christmas avocado jingle). To which, they decided to shake things up by adding a myriad of tasty ingredients such as cilantro, lemon, honey, chilli peppers and even mango. In their words, they managed to make guacamole taste AMAZING! Not only that, they also have many dishes jam packed with other superfoods such as kale and quinoa.

It’s a little tricky to find them for first timers, as they are situated at the back side of Maxwell Chambers; you will need to traverse through a short corridor just to get to their shopfront, or go through the back if you’re coming from the newly completed Tanjong Pagar Centre. Looking in beyond the tinted glass windows without much (unnecessary) fanfare, take a seat in the spacious and sparsely furnished interior as you decide whether you want to make your own bowl, or try one of their several creations. Their menu has been updated considerably since when I first visited but I feel that it has much more variety right now. For me, I ordered the Guac & Hummus bowl while Stella chose to DIY a salad (guacamole included of course) instead.

Happy New Year!!! Get started on the right foot – health up with the Guacamonster 🎉
A photo posted by Guac & Go Cafe (@guacngo) on Jan 2, 2017 at 5:47pm PST

Guac & Go is also known for their smoothies; although we didn’t get to try them out, you should check out their interesting creations such as the Tropikale, berry, and (you guessed it!) avocado smoothies!

Never ending summer with our Tie Dye Peachberry Smoothie! We love the swirls of pink and yellow 💕
A photo posted by Guac & Go Cafe (@guacngo) on Nov 24, 2016 at 10:55pm PST

Verdict

hole-in-the-wall-ness: [star rating=”4″]
When they first opened, the on-going construction of the now-completed Tanjong Pagar Centre make their location inconspicuous. Now that the road has opened up again, hopefully more people will have an easier time finding them!

Price: [star rating=”3″]
Health food in Singapore unfortunately face a bit more premium than they’re supposed to, given that you mainly serve fresh produce in a comfortable setting which commands a higher rent by itself.

Quality: [star rating=”4″]
Food looks and taste fresh, and their guacamole is definitely worth its weight in (I would say avocado but) gold!

Overall: [star rating=”3.5″]
A decent find after all; some people may be put off by the over-saturation of ‘hipster’ health food-serving cafes, but who knows? You may deck your halls with their avocados one day.

More Information

Guac & Go
32 Maxwell Road #01-08
Maxwell Chambers
Singapore 069115
Tel: 6221 2117
Opening Hours: 7:30am to 5:00pm, Mondays to Fridays. Closed on weekends and public holidays.
Facebook | Instagram | Website

19 December 2016 Food

Ming San Casual Japanese Dining Review

Japanese food makes me feel particularly good

-David Mitchell

Despite being a cosmopolitan city, getting quality yet affordable Japanese food is not as easy as you think; either it costs you an arm and a leg, or it feels like a monkey with a spoon can do a better job.

Ming San (鳴 San) Casual Japanese Dining

Ming San, after their eponymous owner, sits just about at the edge of the Chinatown area. To get there, one way is to take a short walk through Pearl’s Hill City Park, and it’s not a uphill task at all! Geddit? <Insert corny punchline here>

(From here on, I will interchangeably refer to both the restaurant and the owner as “Ming San”)

The restaurant was the brain-child of Ming San, and was realised just in September 2015. Serving food in a casual, modern style, the interior does look proper with natural light flooding in from the full length windows and no-nonsense wooden furniture. Generally, the crowd consist of OLs and very often he also gets Japanese customers working in the area coming for dinner!

Ming San serves up a plethora of Japanese cuisine from his humble kitchen (just behind the wall of mouth-watering photos). From bento sets to sushi platters, you definitely will be spoilt for choice.

Speaking of which, when he first started the restaurant, the bento sets were initially a fixed selection of less than a dozen choices. However, this often lead to much confusion for Ming San as he has to entertain countless requests to customise the sets to suit each customer’s palate. So, to make sure everyone leaves Ming San a happy pup, he introduced the mix & match concept menu for his bento sets which are now a hit with his customers:

So instead of just under 10 sets, you can have different permutations of dishes to make up your bento with the 20 (wow!) items available. All for just $10! Ming San also told me that more selections will be added soon, and the menu will be updated from time to time to keep his customers interested.

Although Ming San says that Sushi is not his forte, he does serve up some respectable hand-kneaded goodness, like his signature salmon aburi available as a nigiri sushi or in a maki roll. The nigiri sushi, topped generously with crystal seaweed and roe, has a full-bodied flavor, where the freshness of the fish is locked in by the aburi sear.

However, I felt that the ramen broth was too complex for me, as it is heavily loaded with tastes of shrimp and tonkotsu all jumbled up together. Personally, I prefer lighter and clearer broths, but you can see if this adaptation floats your boat. As the broth is now prepared by Ming San’s eldest daughter, it’s definitely worth encouraging her as she continues to experiment and find that signature Ming San ramen taste! がんばって!

The Verdict

hole-in-the-wall-ness: [star rating=”4.5″]
Tucked in the corner unit of a office building right at the edge of chinatown, it’s definitely off the beaten track. If not for me knowing that it is near a popular dimsum restaurant nearby, I would have much more trouble locating it the first time around!

Price: [star rating=”4″]
Ming San prides himself for being able to give decent, quality food at affordable prices. You pay for what you get, but what you pay is worth the buck!

Quality: [star rating=”4″]
The sushi, salad (not pictured) and bento sets especially were freshly made and flavourful, making the food a good hearty lunch for one, or a cosy dinner with your friends after a long day of salaryman work. However, I personally feel the ramen broth could use more fine-tuning.

Overall: [star rating=”4″]
To Ming San, his restaurant is more than just a place of sustenance. To him, eating should be casual, enjoyable and most importantly, in good company of your family and closest friends!

More Information

Ming San Casual Japanese Dining
171 Chin Swee Road
#01-03
CES Centre
Singapore 169877
Opening Hours: Mondays to Saturdays, 12:00pm to 3:00pm & 6:00pm to 10:00pm
Open for lunch ONLY on Wednesdays
Tel: 6386 9311
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mingsan0103/
Note: Call in advance and check their facebook page to avoid disappointment, as they are occasionally closed for private bookings/events. Catering menu is also available on request!

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12 December 2016 Food

[Closed] Lucky Western Food Review – The O.G. of Crawford Lane

UPDATE: Lucky Western Food has closed after decades of serving generations of kids like me. Aunties decided to retire and take it easy now.

The “Western Food” that you can find in Singapore’s many neighbourhood eateries is rather unique experience.While many of the younger ones clamour for michelin-starred duck leg confits or prime cut steaks that costs 20% of your salary sometimes, western food to me growing up meant hearty and mostly sinful servings of pan-sizzled chops and steaks, or breadcrumb-coated cutlets deep fried till golden brown. Served with french fries, (usually) a bun and baked beans and/or coleslaw , the Hainanese-influenced cuisine is regarded as comfort food by many millennials like me.

Like the Rifleman’s Creed:

This is my rifle. There are many like it, but this one is mine. It is my life.

To every Singaporean there is a western food stall/store close to their heart. This is mine.

Lucky Western Food

Ah, this brings me back down memory lane. Back when I was still in primary school, my eyes always gleamed with anticipation as I had to walk past the kopitiam right behind after the day’s end. I would catch on to aroma of glorious, deep fried food, and hope that my mum would decide to have lunch (or dinner if I was in the afternoon session) there. It was also my source of sustenance when I grew older whenever I had tuition classes nearby till late.

Originally of Block 466 Crawford Lane (which now houses another modernised, more famous western food stall), the Chua sisters have been griddling steaks and dunking cutlets into deep fryers for “about 30 years”. Just over 20 years ago, they moved to their current location, round the corner at block 462, where they have since stayed. I fondly remember the kopitiam being packed with working adults and students alike during mealtimes, with the latter often eating clandestinely to avoid getting ‘caught’ by their physical education teachers eating sinfully! Nowadays, even though my alma mater moved out to bigger premises, they still get a steady stream of old-timers who can never forget the homely feel of the sisters’ culinary delights.

Different from most western food stalls, their chicken cutlets and chops are marinated with a special and generous mix, while still retaining a well-balanced flavour. For this visit, I ordered my favourite chicken cutlet. Served on a very old-school porcelain plate with side servings of fries, slice o’ garlic bread, slaw and cucumber + tomato slices, it bears the Uniquely Singapore hallmarks of western food. The chicken itself is evenly cooked and when freshly served, tender on the inside and oh.so.crunchy! with the crispy batter on the outside.

Other popular dishes include their chicken chop, fish & chips, as well as the half spring chicken set which only goes for $5 (I recall they have not raised their prices significantly for a while already), but of course to keep you in suspense, I’ll let you, the readers, try it out for yourself.

The Verdict

hole-in-the-wall-ness: [star rating=”5″]
Quietly serving their fare day in, day out, the Chua Sisters managed their long running popularity with a steady stream of old timers, even as the neighbourhood slowly faded off only to receive a recent wave of rejuvenation with some hipster cafes and even a michelin-starred stall nearby.

Price: [star rating=”5″]
While I remember prices used to be much lower back when I was still in primary school (more than 15 years ago!), the ladies I endearingly call ‘auntie’ managed to keep their prices very competitive, with a whole spring chicken set going only for $9, and a beef steak/lamb chop set for only $7!

Quality: [star rating=”3.5″]
While it’s nothing too outstanding to rave about, it represents the brand of western cuisine found nowhere else in the world, and reminds you of home even if you are still at home.

Overall: [star rating=”4″]
The Chua sisters have built up Lucky Western Food with a good brand of local fare over the decades, and the experience speaks for itself. Hail the O.G. and queens of Crawford Lane!

More Information

Lucky Western Food
Wiseng Food Place
462 Crawford Lane
#01-29
Singapore 190462
Opening Hours: 12pm-9pm Daily, closed on Sundays (may close earlier!)