Basil Queen 07

We also spotted a new stall selling Thai food in the coffee shop and decided to give it a try. We ordered the 5-pax set meal priced at $50, which seemed quite value for money considering the variety of dishes included.

The set came with:

• Seabass (Steamed / Fried)
• Omelette Pork
• Stir-Fried Kailan with Mushrooms
• Tom Yam Seafood (Creamy)
• Stir-Fried Pork with Garlic
• Basil Chicken (Ala Carte)
• 5 Bowls of Rice

Basil Queen 07

For the seabass, there were several cooking styles to choose from, including Thai Lime Chilli Sauce, Tom Yam Cream, Thai Kaeng Som and their Special Thai Style sauce. We decided to go with the Special Thai Style sauce, which came generously poured over the fish. The sauce was savoury with a slight tang and mild spice, while the seabass itself was tender and flaky, soaking up all the flavours beautifully.

Sea Bass with Special Thai Sauce

The Omelette Pork was well cooked with a nicely crisp exterior and fluffy texture inside. Packed with bits of minced pork and herbs, it was simple yet satisfying, and definitely a great dish to go along with the bowls of white rice we had.

Omlette Pork 

The Stir-Fried Kailan with Mushrooms was simple and homely. The kailan retained a nice crunch while the mushrooms added a light earthy flavour. Lightly seasoned and not overly oily, it was a comforting vegetable dish that balanced the richer items on the table.

Stir Fried Kailan with Mushrooms

The Tom Yam Seafood Cream was tangy and addictive. The broth carried a pleasant balance of sourness, spice and creamy richness, making it very appetising. Filled with seafood and aromatic herbs, it was the kind of dish that kept us going back for more spoonfuls.

Tom Yam Seafood Cream 

The Stir Fried Pork Garlic was deep-fried to a dark golden brown and topped with fragrant fried garlic. The pork pieces were crispy on the outside while remaining tender inside, with the garlic adding an extra layer of aroma and flavour. It was a simple yet satisfying dish that paired well with rice.

Stir Fried Pork Garlic 

The Basil Chicken was yummy and comforting. The minced chicken was stir-fried with basil leaves, garlic and chilli, giving it a fragrant aroma and savoury flavour. The rich sauce made it especially enjoyable when paired with a bowl of white rice.

Basil Chicken 

Apart from the set meal, on another visit I also ordered their Basil Queen with 2 eggs. I opted for the basil pork version and the portion was quite generous. The basil pork was savoury and aromatic, while the two sunny-side-up eggs were beautifully done with runny yolks that paired perfectly with the rice. It was a simple yet very satisfying plate.

Basil Queen with 2 Eggs - $8.90

The Pineapple Fried Rice was also generous in portion. Served with meat floss, cashew nuts, cucumber and a fried egg, the dish had a nice mix of textures and flavours. We opted for the seafood version, which added a savoury touch to the fragrant fried rice, making it a hearty and satisfying plate.

Pineapple Fried Rice (Seafood) - $7.90

The Phad Thai (Chicken) was another comforting dish. The rice noodles were stir-fried with chicken, bean sprouts and egg, giving it a nice balance of savoury and slightly sweet flavours. Served with crushed peanuts, chilli flakes and a wedge of lime on the side, it allowed us to adjust the taste to our liking for an extra punch of flavour.

Phad Thai (Chicken) - $6.90

Overall, the Thai food was pretty decent. It was an average fare that satisfied our cravings, though nothing particularly outstanding to shout about. Still, the dishes were hearty, portions were generous, and it made for a satisfying meal at the coffee shop.

Basil Queen 07
Location: Blk 54 Teban Gardens Rd, Singapore 600054

Original Botak Jones (JTC Summit)

 I finally made my way to JTC Summit to visit the original Botak Jones outlet. Despite it being a weekend night and the office building itself feeling relatively quiet, I was surprised to see the food court bustling with people. Many were gathered in groups, enjoying their meals and conversations, giving the place a lively and welcoming atmosphere.

At the time of my visit, only Botak Jones and Lai Huat Signatures were open for dinner service. Even with the limited options, the crowd clearly showed that these stalls were enough to draw people in, especially for those craving their familiar and comforting dishes.

Sprouts Food Place

As planned, we joined the queue for Botak Jones to settle our Western food cravings for dinner. Orders were placed via the self-service kiosk, which made the process straightforward and efficient. Despite the crowd, the queue moved at a steady pace, and it was clear that many were here specifically for this original outlet.

Botak Jones

I went for the Botak’s Beef Burger, which came with their handmade beef patty, layered with sliced cheese, tomato, and lettuce, all tucked between a lightly toasted sesame bun. The patty was thick and juicy, with a satisfying meaty bite that reflected its handmade quality. The melted cheese added a creamy richness, while the fresh vegetables provided a nice balance.

For the two sides, I chose the coleslaw and baked beans. The coleslaw was creamy and refreshing, helping to cut through the richness of the burger, while the baked beans added a warm, comforting sweetness. Altogether, it made for a hearty and satisfying meal that lived up to Botak Jones’ reputation.

Botak's Burger with 2 Sides - $17.50

With such a pleasant and spacious environment that suited my liking, it made the overall dining experience even more enjoyable. I would definitely love to be back again, not just for their hearty Western food, but also as a great spot for casual gatherings with friends.

Original Botak Jones (JTC Summit)
Location: 8 Jurong Town Hall Rd, #02-01, Singapore 609434
Website

Casa Vostra (JEM)

Casa Vostra, the newly opened spot in JEM, has clearly captured everyone’s attention. I had assumed the crowds would ease after a few months, but reality proved otherwise. Even on a weekday before 6pm, the wait time was close to an hour. Thankfully, we managed to secure counter seats, which had a much shorter queue and saved us from the long wait.

Queue of Casa Vostra

Sitting at the counter turned out to be perfect for a curious diner like me. I had a front-row view of their open kitchen, watching the chefs stretch the dough, assemble each pizza, and slide it straight into the massive electric oven right before my eyes. It added a whole new layer of appreciation to the meal.

My View 

The dining area exudes the charm of a classic Italian restaurant, elegant, simple, and effortlessly inviting.

Dining Area 

Not every place serves Pappardelle, and even fewer get it right, it’s always a 50/50 chance. Thankfully, this Beef Cheek Pappardelle hit all the right notes. The wide, silky ribbons of pasta clung beautifully to the rich San Marzano DOP tomato sauce, while the slow-braised beef cheek ragu added an indulgent depth and tenderness in every bite. 

Beef Cheek Pappardelle - $25

Smoked pancetta and sofritto brought layers of savoury aroma, and the finishing touch of Parmigiano Reggiano elevated the dish with a nutty, salty fragrance. A hearty, well-executed pasta that truly comforts the soul.

Yummy

The 5 Formaggi e Pear pizza was a true standout. The crust had that perfect leopard-spotted char, lightly crisp on the outside, airy and chewy within, showing the skill of the kitchen and the power of that massive oven. Each bite was a luxurious blend of rich, molten cheeses: the creaminess of mascarpone, the mellow tang of Taleggio, the sharpness of Parmigiano, the stretchy fiordilatte, and the unmistakable boldness of gorgonzola.

5 Formaggi e Pear - $26

What elevated it further was the pear compote. Its gentle sweetness cut through the richness, creating a beautiful balance that kept the flavours from becoming overwhelming. The drizzle of olive oil and crack of black pepper added fragrance and depth, making this pizza both indulgent and incredibly harmonious. A comforting yet sophisticated choice that lingers deliciously on the palate.

Yummy

They say the length of the queue reflects the food quality and it definitely does! This round, we only managed to order two items, and they already kept us full. We will be back for more when the queue isn’t so long, hopefully.

Rating: 4 / 5

Casa Vostra (JEM)
Location: JEM, 50 Jurong Gateway Rd, #01-03, Singapore 608549
Nearest Station: Jurong East (EW24 / NS1)
Website

Giraffa

 Giraffa, hailed as “Japan’s most popular cheese curry bread,” has clinched the Japanese Golden Award three years running. Their signature curry bread is packed with spiced meat curry and gooey cheese, all wrapped in a light, sweet milk-flavored batter and deep-fried to golden, irresistible crispiness.

Giraffa

Good news for curry lovers! Famous Japanese snack chain Giraffa, known for its popular Kamakura-style curry buns, is making its Singapore debut this year at Westgate Mall. 

About Giraffa

Crispy on the outside, savory on the inside, it’s set to be a must-try for fans of warm, comforting bites.

Menu

Giraffa’s curry buns are no ordinary snack, the curry filling is crafted with 30 different spices, delivering a savory, rich, and aromatic flavor in every bite. With reasonable prices, it’s a tasty treat that won’t break the bank.

Freshly Deep Fried

The Japanese Curry Bun comes in a presentable box that fits 4 buns, making it perfect for gifting.

A box of 4 

Just look at that cheese pull, it’s absolutely enticing! The filling of ground beef, pork, and seasoned vegetables draws out deep flavours. 

Cheese Pull

Balanced with honey, apples, tomatoes, and wine, the mix of freshness, sweetness, sourness, and richness makes every bite so enjoyable.

Freshly Prepared Curry Bun

Giraffa
Location: Westgate, 3 Gateway Drive, #02-05A , Singapore 608532
Nearest Station: Jurong East (EW24 / NS1)

Next Shikaku

 Located at the basement of Westgate Mall, Next Shikaku is taking Singapore’s ramen scene to the next level.

Hailing from Osaka, their unique concept revolves around oysters, the soul of their broth. The clear soup is made from 100% pure oyster broth, carrying a natural richness with a subtle, pleasant bitterness.

To complete the experience, the noodles are hand-kneaded with a 45% hydration ratio, giving each strand a perfect, satisfying bite.

Menu

The eatery greets diners with a futuristic illuminated screen right at the entrance, a bold contrast from the usual Japanese ramen shop vibe. The restaurant itself is long and narrow, with limited seating, making the experience feel a little more exclusive.

Dining

Their broiled meat sushi strikes a perfect balance, searing just enough to unlock the umami of raw meat, making it comparable to speciality sushi houses.

Meat Sushi - $4.90

Plump, large oysters are freshly fried to golden perfection and served simply with lemon and salt for a clean, briny indulgence.

Fried Oysters - $11.90

The Oyster Tsukemen “Asobu” is another standout on the menu, crafted in collaboration with the renowned Kyoto noodle maker Teigaku. Instead of the usual slender strands, this version features wider, rectangular flat noodles that deliver a more satisfying, chewy bite, almost reminiscent of mee hoon kueh.

Oyster Tsukemen (Asobu) - $22.90

These noodles are designed to soak up the full-bodied dipping broth, which is made from a blend of shrimp kombu water and oysters. The result is a rich, ocean-sweet umami that clings to every strand, making each dip an indulgent, slurp-worthy experience.

Hand Kneaded Flat Noodles

The Oyster Broth “Koeru”, a creation that redefines the ramen experience. Unlike conventional bases, Koeru is built on the pure essence of oysters, blended seamlessly with pork and chicken to achieve a broth that is both bold and refined.

Slow-cooked Oyster Broth (Koeru) - $20.90

The result is a soup with natural oceanic richness, layered with savory depth and a gentle, lingering umami. Paired with hand-kneaded, low-hydration noodles, every mouthful balances silky broth and perfect bite.

The chashu comes as a generous thick-cut slice, thoughtfully balanced with both lean and fatty sections. The lean part is juicy and firm, while the fatty portion ranges from a delicate, jelly-like texture to fully melt-in-your-mouth richness. Lightly seasoned, it allows the natural pork flavor to shine, making each bite deeply satisfying without overpowering the ramen.

Chashu

Next Shikaku
Location: Westgate, 3 Gateway Dr, #B1-28 Singapore 608532

Da Cheng Lok Lok

Dacheng Lok Lok lovers rejoice！ No need to head to JB anymore!

Da Cheng Lok Lok

Dacheng Lok Lok (大成渌渌), a beloved Malaysian lok lok joint, has expanded to Singapore with branches at Tai Seng and Jurong East. They offer a wide selection of skewers, seafood, meats, and veggies, all at just $1.10 per stick.

My Lok Lok Selections

A perfect spot for late-night bites and satisfying your lok lok cravings without crossing the border!

Count the Sticks

Don’t miss their dipping sauces, from fiery mala chilli to tangy Thai-style chilli. Plus, at the Tai Seng branch, you can try their famed 30-year-old JB wanton mee in both black and white sauce, sadly, it’s not available at Jurong East.

Dipping into Satay Sauce

While enjoying my dinner, I couldn’t help but notice how popular the Lok Lok was among the coffeeshop patrons. It seems to be quite a hit! I’ll definitely be back again for more.

Print on Sticks

Da Cheng Lok Lok
Location: Blk 267A Toh Guan Rd, #01-01 Singapore 601267

Jing Jing Hokkien Mee & Oyster Omelette

While the hawker center offered a wide variety of meal choices, I found myself drawn to Jing Jing, a stall that specializes exclusively in Fried Carrot Cake. It’s a rare find where a stall focuses on perfecting just one dish, and in this case, it’s a comforting plate of fried black carrot cake that immediately caught my attention. There’s something about a plate of well-made fried carrot cake that never fails to hit the spot, especially when it satisfies a deep craving for something hearty and flavorful.

Jing Jing Hokkien Mee

The texture of the carrot cake was just right—tender yet firm enough to hold its shape, and wonderfully moist, not at all dry or overly greasy. One of the standout features was the generous amount of Chye Poh (preserved vegetables) mixed throughout, adding a salty, savory depth to each bite. What truly set this fried carrot cake apart, though, was its distinct charred flavor, which gave it a slightly smoky edge that complemented the natural sweetness of the sauce used. The balance of flavors—salty, sweet, and a little bit of that smoky char—came together in a way that was both satisfying and comforting.

I could see why this stall has its loyal following: it’s simple, but expertly executed. If you’re in the area and craving a delicious, no-frills plate of fried black carrot cake, I highly recommend stopping by Jing Jing. It’s the perfect dish to fix any craving for something nostalgic and satisfying.

Black Carrot Cake - $3.50

Rating: 3.25 / 5

Jing Jing Hokkien Mee & Oyster Omelette

Location: 347 Jurong East Ave 1, Singapore 600347

Paofan Paradise

A little bit of history, Tong Kian Coffeeshop (TK) has been in the business since 1993. However, due to manpower and staff issues, the whole Coffeeshop was rented to another operator, with them taking back only the seafood stall. Paofan Paradise has been around since 2016 and they had been doing Lala hotpot since 2022.

Stall of Paofan Paradise

Hotpot meal has been in the trend lately with charcoal operated. However, if you are still missing the conventional method where we gather around over the portable gas stove for hotpot, come here. We had 2 kinds of hotpot base with chosen ingredients picked up by ourselves in the refrigerator.

Hotpot

White Pepper Pig Stomach Chicken Hotpot Paofan is a comforting and hearty dish that combines the warmth of hotpot with the satisfying elements of paofan. It combines the bold flavours of white pepper with the comforting aspects of chicken soup and rice. It's perfect for a cool day or when you need something warming and nourishing. 

White Pepper Pig Stomach Chicken Hotpot Paofan 猪肚鸡汤泡饭火锅 - $38

The interplay of textures—from the tender chicken to the chewy pig stomach and the soft rice—makes each bite interesting and satisfying. 

Tender Chicken

The combination of lala clams with ginger, cooking wine, chilli, and garlic created a strong aromatic base, especially with the addition of cooking wine causing flames, enhancing the flavours.

Lala

First, they stir-fried these ingredients in the claypot with cooking wine, causing a brief flare-up when the cooking wine was added due to the alcohol content. This not only adds depth to the flavour but also creates a dramatic effect before adding the broth to simmer the ingredients and fully infuse the flavours into the hotpot.

Ingredients for Stir-Frying Lala

After the broth was added, we started putting in ingredients like tofu and vegetables, as well as those ingredients that we had selected from their fridge. 

Vegetables and Tofu

The broth's sweetness was later on enhanced by the fresh prawns and gradually the base became flavourful.

Lala Hotpot  Paofan 啦啦泡饭火锅 - $28

We like our prawns to be cooked to the correct texture, therefore we took them out of the pot once we felt that they had been already cooked.

Prawns

We were served with the rice grains in the metal container. It will keep the grains warm and maintain their texture. It also adds to the overall presentation, giving a more authentic and rustic feel to the dining experience.

Rice in Metal Container

We poured the broth into these containers and let it immerse for a while before consuming it. 

We dipped the hotpot ingredients into their sambal chilli and its fiery kick had added a bold, spicy flavor that perfectly complements the savoury broth and fresh ingredients of the hotpot.

Fish dipping in Sambal Sauce

Besides Paofan and claypot dishes, they are also selling the usual Cze Char Dishes that may be worth some notice whether if you are dining in or taking away.

Paofan Paradise 泡饭天-T.K Kitchen
Location: 37 Teban Gardens Rd, Singapore 600037