Sanook Kitchen - West Coast Plaza

Lunch over at Sanook Kitchen in West Coast Plaza came about thanks to a generous colleague who decided to treat us to a Thai meal. It was quite amusing because this place had been on our “to-try” list for the longest time. We have talked about it untempted times, yet never actually made our way down. This visit finally changed that, turning all those conversations into a long-awaited first experience.

Sanook Kitchen (West Coast Plaza)

While waiting for our food, we helped ourselves to the free-flow caramelised popcorn from the self-service machine, a small but fun touch that made the wait a little more enjoyable.

Popcorn

Despite dining in a group of six, we decided to go with the 4-pax set meal priced at $88.80, a rather value-for-money feast that turned out to be sufficient for sharing. The set included:

• Assorted Platter
• Choice of 1 Fish
• Stir-Fried Kai Lan with Mushrooms
• Red Tom Yum Soup with Chicken
• Deep-Fried Prawns with Salt & Pepper
• 4 Thai Fragrant Steamed Rice

We felt that the four bowls of rice were just nice to share among us, so instead of adding more carbs, we decided to top up with additional dishes to make the meal more complete.

The Assorted Platter came as a great starter to the meal, featuring a mix of Thai fish cakes, crispy spring rolls, and herbed chicken. It was a well-balanced combination of textures from the crunchy exterior of the spring rolls to the slightly chewy and flavourful fish cakes, alongside the aromatic herbed chicken. Served with a sweet chilli dipping sauce, it made for an appetising start. Fret not, we’re pretty good at dividing the food among ourselves, so everyone got a fair share of each bite 

Assorted Platter

The Stir-Fried Kai Lan with Mushrooms was a simple yet comforting addition to the spread. The greens retained a nice crunch, while the mushrooms added a subtle earthy flavour to the dish. Lightly seasoned and topped with bits of fragrant garlic, it offered a clean and balanced taste, a refreshing contrast to the richer and more indulgent items on the table.

Stir Fried Kai Lan with Mushroom 

The Deep-Fried Prawns with Salt & Pepper were easily one of the more indulgent highlights of the meal. Each prawn was coated in a light, crispy batter, giving it a satisfying crunch with every bite. Tossed with fragrant garlic, chilli, and herbs, the seasoning was punchy yet well-balanced, enhancing the natural sweetness of the prawns without overpowering it. It’s the kind of dish that keeps you reaching for more, especially when paired with a bowl of rice.

Deep-Fried Prawn with Salt & Pepper

The Red Tom Yum Soup with Chicken delivered a bold and appetising punch to the meal. The broth struck a satisfying balance of sourness and spicy heat, with a subtle hint of sweetness that made it incredibly moreish. Each spoonful was rich and invigorating, instantly whetting the appetite so much so that it had me going back for spoon after spoon without hesitation.

Red Tom Yum Soup with Chicken

For the fish selection, we had a choice between the Steamed Sea Bass with Chilli, Lime & Garlic and the Deep-Fried Sea Bass with Thai Chilli Sauce. Considering that we already had a few fried items on the table, we opted for the steamed version. It turned out to be a great decision, the fish was delicately steamed to a tender texture, while the tangy lime broth, infused with chilli and garlic, was incredibly appetising. The flavours were so well-balanced that I found myself going back for spoon after spoon of the broth.

Steamed Sea Bass with Chilli, Lime & Garlic

The Onion Omelette was an additional order on top of the 4-pax set, added to round out the meal. Fluffy on the inside with slightly crisp edges, it was generously topped with sliced onions that lent a mild sweetness and crunch. Served with a light chilli dipping sauce on the side, it brought a simple yet comforting touch, the kind of dish that complemented the rest of the spread effortlessly.

Onion Omelette 洋葱煎蛋 

The Deep-Fried Chicken with Thai Herbs left quite an impression from the assorted platter, so much so that we decided to order an additional serving. Crispy on the outside and juicy within, the chicken was generously tossed with fragrant Thai herbs, including curry leaves that added an aromatic punch. Each bite was flavourful and addictive, making it a worthy top-up to the meal and a clear crowd favourite at the table.

Deep Fried Chicken with Thai Herb 泰国香料炸鸡 - $8.90

While lunch hours are usually quite limited for us, I was pleasantly surprised by how promptly the dishes were served, arriving in a steady flow shortly after we placed our order. It certainly made the dining experience more enjoyable and efficient. Overall, while the food may not be exceptionally mind-blowing, it was satisfying enough that we wouldn’t mind coming back again for a casual meal.

Sanook Kitchen (West Coast Plaza)
Location: West Coast Plaza, 154 W Coast Rd, #B1-04 Singapore 127371
Website

Chao Yuan Noodles - Clementi West

My colleague had been craving Bak Chor Mee, and we made our way to Chao Yuan Noodle at Clementi West to satisfy that craving. The stall offers both Fishball Noodles and Bak Chor Mee, with a variety of noodle options such as Mee Sua, Mee Pok and more, allowing diners to choose their preferred combination.

Chao Yuan Noodle 

She strongly advocated for the Yuan Yang Noodle, which is a specialty of the stall and something she highly recommended trying.

Yuan Yang Noodle - $6

The noodles carried a nostalgic chilli flavour that was both familiar and comforting, further enhanced by the generous addition of fragrant pork lard. Interestingly, the noodle itself appeared to be somewhere in between Mee Pok and You Mee, offering a slightly flatter yet springy texture that made it quite enjoyable.

Yuan Yang Noodle

My colleague also ordered the Signature Liver, and it turned out to be a pleasant surprise. The liver was cooked beautifully to a perfect texture, tender enough for the teeth to sink into, yet retaining a slight bounce that made it incredibly satisfying. Tossed with their savoury sauce and topped with fragrant pork lard, it was rich, flavourful and thoroughly enjoyable.

Signature Liver - $4

Overall, Chao Yuan Noodle at Clementi West delivered a satisfying bowl of Bak Chor Mee, especially with their unique Yuan Yang Noodle and well-executed Signature Liver. The nostalgic chilli flavour, springy noodles and generous pork lard made it an enjoyable meal, while the liver was a standout on its own. It is easy to see why the stall has its regular followers, and while it may require a special trip for some, it is certainly worth considering if you are in the Clementi area and craving a comforting bowl of BCM.

Our Orders

Chao Yuan Noodles - Clementi West
Location: 727 Clementi West Street 2, #01-232, Singapore 120727

$5 Western

$5 Western? That certainly sounds like a deal, especially nowadays when a decent plate of Western food at a hawker centre easily costs $7 to $8 or more. Curious about the value, we decided to check out this Halal-certified Western food stall in Clementi, where orders can conveniently be placed via a self-service kiosk. It definitely caught our attention as an affordable option in today’s rising food price scene.

Stall of $5 Western

The execution of the Chicken Chop was definitely to my liking. It came as a complete plate with coleslaw, fries, and a buttered bun, alongside the main slab of chicken chop. Despite its very attractive $5 price tag, both the taste and portion were not compromised. The chicken chop itself was well cooked, with nicely charred edges that added a slight smokiness. Topped with herbs and a savoury sauce, it elevated the overall fragrance and made the dish feel far more value-for-money than expected.

Chicken Chop - $5

Overall, this $5 Western stall in Clementi turned out to be a pleasant and value-for-money find. In today’s rising price climate, it is rare to find a plate that delivers both satisfying portion and taste without cutting corners. The chicken chop was well executed, and it certainly proved that affordable Western food can still be enjoyable. With several other items on their menu at equally attractive prices, I will definitely be back again to try more of their offerings.

$5 Western
Location: Chang Cheng Mee Wah. WuFu Coffee Shop, 354 Clementi Ave 2, #01-157  Singapore 120354

Basil King (Clementi)

I have heard quite a bit about Basil King, and after a strong recommendation from a colleague, I decided to give it a try.

Basil King (Clementi)

Basil King essentially serves rice topped with a sunny side up egg and your choice of meat, chicken, beef, pork, prawns, or pork belly. You can also select your preferred spice level, ranging from Level 1 (non-spicy) to Level 5. On top of that, diners can choose anywhere from a single egg to a rather eye-catching quadruple egg option, which definitely stands out.

Menu

I went with the double egg meal with basil pork at Level 1, playing it safe on the spice level. The eggs were skillfully done and aesthetically pleasing, with runny yolks that paired well with the white rice.

However, the disappointment came from the basil pork. It lacked the distinct fragrance and taste of basil, tasting more like stir-fried minced pork served with rice and egg rather than a basil dish.

Basil Pork - Double Eggs - $7.90

My friend also ordered the basil pork with a single egg, but the yolk had already slipped out of the egg white. This made the overall presentation look inconsistent, suggesting that the standard and consistency might not be well maintained.

Basil Pork - Single Egg - $6.90

All in all, the flavours did not quite meet my expectations, though it still makes for a filling meal. If you prefer a lighter basil fragrance, this might suit your taste.

Basil King (Clementi)
Location: 352 Clementi Ave 2, Singapore 120352

Fried Carrot Cake

Finally back for Fried Carrot Cake after months of craving! Hit the queue as early as 7am on a weekend, but this time, a petite lady was single-handedly manning both woks, no familiar faces, yet the same delicious anticipation.

Fried Carrot Cake

Old habits never die. I went straight for the small Black Fried Carrot Cake. Aweeeesome! The sweet preserved veggies, egg, and black sauce, all kissed with wok hei, truly hit the spot and crushed my long-time craving.

Fried Carrot Cake (Black) - $4

If you are a fan of the classic white-style Fried Carrot Cake, skip the black sauce and go for this eggy, and full of wok hei goodness!

Fried Carrot Cake (White) - $5

Whether you like it black or white, fried carrot cake remains a timeless local favourite, comforting, flavourful, and always worth the queue.

Fried Carrot Cake
Location: Blk 448 Clementi Ave 3, #01-45, Singapore 120448

Botanict

It's been a while since I had a vegetarian meal, but at my vegetarian friend's request, we visited Botanict, which offers an interesting array of vegetarian Nyonya dishes.

Botanict

The spicy Otah's presentation was impressive. As a non-vegetarian, I found the taste and texture surprisingly close to the usual version. Made with tau gua, it was a well-executed reinvention.

Spicy Otah - $13.30

As a petai lover, I immediately went for the Sambal Vegetable & Petai dish. It wasn’t overly spicy and had a mix of tempeh, French beans, tomatoes, and more.

Sambal Vegetable & Petai - $12

The Truffle Oyster Omelette was intriguing. Instead of oysters, they used mushrooms, and the portion was generous. The truffle aroma lingered as it was served. 

Truffle Oyster Omelette - $14.30

With egg included, I’m still amazed at how soy can work wonders in vegetarian dishes.

Mocked Oyster

The menu was quite extensive, but we only managed three dishes this time. I wouldn’t mind returning for more. The owner also mentioned they offer BBQ Chuang Chuang in the evenings!

Botanict
Location:  Blk 352 Clementi Ave 2, #01-123, Singapore 120352
Website

Kinobe by Hive Brothers & Co

Each time I pass by the same coffeeshop, I remind myself to make it a point to try Kinobe. Their menu is simply too enticing to resist. With options like beef, wagyu beef, chicken, duck, pork, and salmon, diners are truly spoilt for choice. To top it off, each protein comes in three different variations, making it even harder to decide!

Stall Front of Kinobe

I finally decided on the Yakiniku Don. It came with fragrant white rice topped with a generous handful of thinly sliced beef, a perfectly runny onsen egg, and buttery, pan-fried mushrooms. A light sprinkle of chili powder added a pop of color and an extra layer of vibrancy to the bowl, making it as visually appealing as it was delicious.

Yakiniku Don - $8

Overall, their set was both tempting and delicious. I’m already looking forward to a return visit to try another item from their enticing menu.

Kinobe 

Location: 727 Clementi West Street 2, #01-294, Singapore 120727

Hometaste Sarawak Kolomee 砂捞越哥罗面

The lunch mates gathered at a newly renovated coffeeshop and recommended the Sarawak Kolo Mee stall. Since this delicacy is not commonly found in our usual spots, I decided to give it a try.

Stall of Home Taste Sarawak Kolo Mee

Just moments after I joined the queue, more people lined up, and the queue quickly grew longer. It seems the stall has quite a reputation, drawing in curious and hungry diners. Good thing I got there early enough to avoid an even longer wait!

Menu

Staying true to the traditional rendition of Sarawak Kolo Mee, they offer this iconic dish in three variations: white, red, and black sauce. I opted for the red sauce, which looked just as authentic as versions served at other stalls. The dish featured springy kolo noodles topped with minced pork, char siew, and vegetables, all finished with a sprinkle of chopped spring onions for that classic touch.

Kilo Mee - $5.50 (Red)

Not to mention, it also came with a crispy piece of fried wonton skin on the side. Overall, the noodles were expertly tossed in a fragrant blend of condiments, including scallion oil, enhancing the dish's flavor and aroma.

Delicious Looking

Hometaste Sarawak Kolomee 砂捞越哥罗面

Location: 710 Clementi West Street 2, #01-269, Singapore 120710

Xin Mei Xiang Lor Mee

There was a time when we would make the journey all the way to Old Airport Road, braving the famously long queues, just for a bowl of Xin Mei Xiang’s comforting traditional Lor Mee. With their recent expansions, I’m thrilled to see this nostalgic taste becoming more accessible. Just last weekend, I had the chance to visit their Clementi branch. Today, they have grown to six outlets, located in Balestier, Clementi West, Holland Drive, Bishan, Tampines, and, of course, their iconic stall at Old Airport Road.

Xin Mei Xiang Lor Mee’s Clementi Outlet

In addition to the classic Lor Mee we know and love, Xin Mei Xiang has introduced a range of creative variations. These braised noodles are now paired with an array of toppings such as chicken cutlet, fish flakes, pork belly, and even scallops. Beyond their popularity with locals, they’ve gained significant recognition, having been featured in the Michelin Guide and highlighted by various media outlets like Makansutra, Shin Min Daily News, CTrip, and Gourmet List.

Menu

A quick glance at the menu was all it took to spot our favorites, and we made our decision swiftly as the queue was growing. Here's what we ordered: four different variations of Lor Mee.

My Orders

I’m quite accustomed to their signature bowl of traditional Lor Mee, which comes loaded with shredded fish, tender braised pork belly, crunchy bean sprouts, and a flavorful braised egg. All of this goodness is served over yellow noodles, perfectly soaking up the rich, gooey braised gravy.

Signature Lor Mee 招牌卤面 - $6 

Savor the best of both worlds with a combination of fried and shredded fish paired with braised noodles. This is a great option for those who prefer a fishy twist to the traditional bowl of Lor Mee.

Double Fish Lor Mee 双鱼卤面 - $6

The  Lor Mee dish beautifully showcases two distinct types of fish: crispy fried and tender shredded fish, offering a delightful mix of textures and flavours. The rich, savoury braised gravy ties everything together, making it a satisfying meal for fish lovers.

Double Fish 

If you’re craving something fried, go for the Chicken Cutlet Lor Mee. The cutlet is deep-fried to golden perfection, making it a delicious complement to the bowl of savoury noodles.

Chicken Cutlet Lor Mee 炸鸡扒卤面 - $5 

The Chicken Cutlet Lor Mee offers a satisfying crunch with its perfectly golden, crispy cutlet. Drizzled with savoury gravy, it's an indulgent pairing that elevates the traditional Lor Mee experience.

Chicken Cutlet

Xin Mei Xiang Scallop Lor Mee 新美香扇贝卤面 - $8.50

The Scallop Lor Mee is a premium addition to the menu, standing out as the priciest option. It's a delightful twist on the traditional Lor Mee, featuring succulent scallops that elevate the dish to a more indulgent experience.

Scallop

Eager to sample a bit of everything, we added extras like Ngoh Hiong, chicken cutlet, and shredded fish to enhance each of our individual servings.

Toppings

Overall, the taste was quite satisfying, bringing back nostalgic memories of our breakfast trips to Old Airport Road Food Centre.

Xin Mei Xiang Lor Mee

Location: 727 Clementi West St 2, #01-232, Singapore 120727

Yosakoi Japanese Food Alley

I noticed a familiar name "Japanese Food Alley" as I walked pass the shophouses in Clementi Avenue 2. Out of curiosity and wanting a Japanese Meal to fix my cravings, we settled down for a meal here. Environment was good because it was not too crowded and we had to "snatch" seats during the rush hours.

Japanese Food Alley

Upon exchanging some words with the boss of the shop, it was confirmed that I had actually patronized them during the time when they were in Holland area. 

Japanese Food Alley

They are keeping their authentic Japanese meal and price the same as the place they relocated from. 

Menu

While waiting for our mains, we had these local canned drinks sipping down our throat.

Canned Drink - $2.20 Each

The Pork Fillet Katsu was good for sharing. A delightful contrast between the crispy breaded outer layer and the juicy, tender pork inside. The combination of the rich meat, tangy sauce, and fresh cabbage creates a harmonious flavour profile. Each bite is a mix of textures and tastes, from the crunch of the panko to the softness of the pork and the sauce's tanginess.

Tonkatsu On Hotplate - $10.90

Simply love the variety of fresh diced raw fish and other ingredients like egg, mushrooms, fish roes and cucumber with ginger served over the bed of sushi rice. Combining fresh fish, seasoned rice, and colourful toppings creates a harmonious and satisfying meal. 

Bara Charashi Don - $17.50

They pride themselves for their food has no MSG included. The salted Egg Yolk Tonkotsu Ramen is kind of fusion and was pretty well executed without overpowering taste. It has added some creaminess on top of the broth. Simply combine the best of both worlds: the comforting, umami-packed tonkatsu broth and the luxurious, creamy salted egg yolk. 

Salted Egg Yolk Tonkotsu Ramen - $11.50

The harmony of textures and the depth of flavours make it a memorable and satisfying dining experience.

Sliced Chashu

Rating: 3.5 / 5

Yosakoi Japanese Food Alley
Location: Blk 352 Clementi Ave 2, #01-129 Singapore 120352
Website