7-Eleven Day

A good throwback to something that you can still enjoy today!

On 7 November 2017 (7/11/2017) a.k.a. 7-Eleven Day, the ubiquitous convenience store chain in Singapore, we were invited for a tasting of their ever-expanding range of ready-to-eat (RTE) meals. With already over 40 (FORTY) RTE products you can get in stores, 7-Eleven delivered their promise of delivering a wider range of hawker fare, western choices, grab-and-go snacks and post-meal desserts.

“We are constantly garnering customer feedback for potential dishes to add to our repertoire of RTE meals and snacks and are on target to introduce new delectable picks every month to the stores. With so many choices, 7-Eleven aims to be the destination for hungry Singaporeans at any hour of the day.”

Mr Kenneth Victor, Assistant Director of Food Services Development

Ready To Eat (RTE) Meals

This time, there were 8 wallet-friendly additions to the RTE menu (deep breath):

Chicken Floss Onigiri ($2.50)

Unagi Onigiri ($2.50 too)

Black Pepper Chicken Wings ($2.90)

Black Pepper Chicken Leg ($3.60) – damn worth it

Honey Chicken Wings ($2.90)

Honey Chicken Leg ($3.60) – I preferred the black pepper ones

Nyonya Dry Mee Siam ($3.60)

Red Velvet Lava Cake (2.80)

My favourites were actually the Nyonya Dry Mee Siam and Black Pepper Chicken Leg; the Mee Siam has enough spice and tanginess from the lime provided in the packet, and does not feel like you’re eating hay despite it being a microwaved meal. Likewise for the chicken leg and wings, the juiciness of the meat is retained together with the strong flavour of pepper/honey.

We also got to try favourites (at least to me) like their marinated Hanjuku Eggs, among others. I urge you to give their chicken rice and Katsu Curry Rice a go, no ragrets!

In fact, it was so good that here are some pictures for you rn!

Also do check out their new 7-Select Range, a exclusive selection of high quality, yet affordable snacks from various prefectures in Japan, with each being famous for cultivating the respective produce.

Iza – Your Local Izakaya Bar

In collaboration with the guys from The Skewer Bar (TSB), Iza is a new Izakaya located in the rustic neighbourhood of Siglap in December 2017. Nestled along a cosy row of shophouses, the restaurant provides a relaxed and laid-back industrial setting against a backdrop of concrete floors and walls, exposed light bulbs and wood finishes.

If you’re already familiar with TSB’s no nonsense, delicious grilled skewers at their first outlet in Geylang, you’ll be pleased to find that Iza similarly serves a good mix of traditional kushiyaki skewers grilled to perfection, alongside creations that marry Japanese-inspired classics with local flavours.

Grill? Grill!

We were first introduced to the first of many local-infused classical Japanese dishes; the Four Ton Chawanmushi. Instead of boring mock crab fishcakes and mushrooms, this spinoff includes a bled of four different eggs: the usual chicken egg, together with century, salted and quail eggs. Despite being an appetiser, the loaded savouriness will already make you go u-mamamia! Other equally intriguing Singaporean-styled dishes include the Otah Tamago, the Stuffed Taupok Special (a TSB special; please try this) and their two Hae Bee Hiam (Shrimp paste) specials: the Onigiri and Spaghetti.

Not to forget in true izakaya fashion, Iza presents a wide array of well-marinated skewers grilled-to-order. From yakitori to yakiton, fresh seafood and grilled vegetables, you can be sure you’re not sacrificing quality for them being decently-priced. My recommendation is that you go in parties of 4 and above to ensure that you have enough stomach space to share as many items as you can!

Of course what’s an izakaya without good Japanese booze? From Japanese craft beers to Dassai, Tengumai and Fudoh sakes, and Japanese whiskies, you can unleash your inner salaryman with a vengeance!

Verdict

hole-in-the-wall-ness: [star rating=”5″]
It’s pretty easy to miss if you’re just passing by, and you may not even pass by this quiet part of the neighbourhood despite being along a ‘main’ road. Not that it deters many savvy foodies from patronising the row of restaurants and bars.

Price: [star rating=”4″]
With skewers starting from just $1.90, you can be affirmed of their value for money.

Quality: [star rating=”4.5″]
No-nonsense, on point grilled skewers made in full view through the glass window of the kitchen.

Overall: [star rating=”4.5″]
Existing TSB fans would definitely recognise the quality of Iza’s food, with a more comfortable ambience. If you have never been one, no worries; you’ll have a grilling good time.

More Information

Iza – Your Local Izakaya Bar
695 East Coast Road
Singapore 459059
Phone: 6385 2883
Operating Hours: 4:00PM to 1:00AM Daily (Last Order 12:30AM)
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