Pocha! Korean Street Dining (JEM)

 After passing by Pocha! Korean Street Dining at JEM countless times, we finally decided it was time to step in and see what the buzz was about. The vibrant storefront, neon lights and lively Korean street vibes had always caught our attention, and curiosity eventually got the better of us. It was time to find out if the experience matched the hype.

Pocha! Korean Street Dining 

The vibe inside felt distinctly different from a typical restaurant setting. Beyond the neon lights and bold colours, the space carried a casual, street-style energy. Instead of regular chairs, we were seated on oil drum containers fitted with seat cushions, adding to the quirky and industrial Korean street dining experience.

Dining Environment

We decided to go for the Golden Abundance Feast, which came with a complimentary Orange Slushy. The set included Fish Tangsuyuk, Samgyetang served with two bowls of steamed rice, and Rose Noodle Tteok paired with Tteokgalbi, a hearty spread that seemed perfect for sharing.

Golden Abundance Feast

Golden Abundance Feast

We were also served a selection of pickles, including kimchi, which added a refreshing and tangy contrast to the richer dishes in the feast.

Pickles

The complimentary Orange Slushy was served beautifully in a glass jug, topped with a slice of orange for that extra visual appeal. It looked refreshing and vibrant, making it a perfect start to the meal.

Orange Slushy

The Fish Tangsuyuk arrived coated in a glossy sweet and tangy sauce, topped with sesame seeds and paired with colourful vegetables like onions, capsicum and cucumber. The battered fish pieces were lightly crisp on the outside while remaining tender within. 

Fish Tangsuyuk

The sauce leaned towards a balanced sweetness with a gentle tang, making it approachable and easy to enjoy without being overly heavy.

Pick a Slice & Enjoy!

The Rose Noodle Tteok paired with Tteokgalbi was something I was initially unsure about, as I’m generally not a big fan of tteok. However, this turned out to be a pleasant surprise. The creamy rose sauce was rich, slightly tangy and comforting, oddly reminding me of Haiwannian Pizza’s style of sauce. The thick noodles absorbed the flavours well, while the tteokgalbi added a savoury, meaty bite that balanced the dish nicely.

Rose Noodle Tteok paired with Tteokgalbi

Samgyetang has always been one of my favourite dishes in Korean cuisine, so I was naturally looking forward to this. It arrived bubbling hot in a stone pot, filled with tender chicken, enoki mushrooms and ginseng, and finished with a sprinkle of fresh spring onions. The comforting aroma rising from the pot made it especially inviting, perfect for those who enjoy a nourishing and hearty soup.

Samgyetang 

We also tried the Noodle Tteokbokki Series, Truffle Jjajang Tteok with Fried Ebi. Once again, I’m generally not a big fan of tteokbokki, but the way this was prepared really won me over. The rich, fragrant jjajang sauce paired surprisingly well with the chewy tteok, while the hint of truffle added an extra layer of aroma. Topped with crispy fried ebi for texture, the dish felt both indulgent yet refreshing at the same time.

Truffle Jjajang Tteok with Fried Ebi

Overall, Pocha! Korean Street Dining offers a lively atmosphere paired with a generous variety of dishes that cater well to sharing. While not every dish was something I would usually gravitate towards, there were pleasant surprises along the way that made the experience enjoyable. The Golden Abundance Feast, in particular, is a convenient option for those who want to sample a mix of flavours without over-ordering. With its vibrant setting and hearty portions, it makes for a casual spot to gather with friends, especially if you’re in the JEM area craving Korean comfort food.

Pocha! Korean Street Dining
Location: 50 Jurong Gateway Rd, #03-05/06 Jem, Singapore 608549

Long Kee Wanton Noodle

I had heard quite a fair bit about Long Kee Wanton Noodle, often recommended as one of the must-try stalls at 505 Jurong West Market & Food Centre. With a day off on hand, we decided to head over to Jurong West for a comforting bowl of Wanton Mee for breakfast.

As expected on a weekday morning, the hawker centre was mostly filled with retirees. Long Kee, however, stood out immediately with its snaking queue, which I assumed was the norm whenever they are in operation. Despite the long line, the lady taking orders was friendly, and to my surprise, the queue moved along at a decent pace.

Long Kee Wanton Noodle

I ordered the Wanton Mee with chilli, and lo and behold, this plate checked every box on my personal Wanton Mee checklist. It was a bowl full of nostalgia, the kind of noodles I would yearn for from my childhood. The slices of char siew were lean, not the glossy, oil-laden kind, but more of a steamed-style preparation. While the dish may look simple at first glance, the noodles were well tossed in seasoning and paired beautifully with their fiery chilli sauce, making each bite deeply satisfying.

Wanton Mee - $4.50

The wantons were pleasant too, with two pieces served per bowl, simple, comforting, and well done.

Wantons

Given the long queue, I figured it would be a waste not to try more, so I went ahead and ordered an additional bowl of dumpling soup. 

Dumplings Soup - $5.50

The dumplings were plump and generously filled with well-seasoned minced meat. What stood out were the chunks of chestnut, which added a refreshing texture and an appetising bite, rounding off the experience nicely.

Dumpling

If I ever return to Long Kee Wanton Noodle, I would definitely order their chicken feet and mushroom noodles as well, alongside their classic wanton noodles, this time without chilli, to better savour the flavours.

Long Kee Wanton Noodle
Location: 505 Jurong West Street 52, #01-185, Singapore 640505

Toto Fish 多多魚

A glance at the coffeeshop from the roadside before we arrived completely took us by surprise, there was a snaky queue winding its way out. I wondered to myself, ‘Could it be Toto Fish that we will be having tonight?’”

Lo and behold, it really was Toto Fish that had drawn such a huge crowd.

Queuing for Toto Fish

We wasted no time and joined the queue, we didn’t want to miss out again. Just a day before, they had sold out by the afternoon, so we couldn’t have it for dinner.

Stall of Toto Fish ~ Chef Wai's Fish Bar

The menu featured set meals that came with steamed egg and rice, along with your choice of fish. Basically, there were two types of fish to choose from, Steamed Seafood Fish or Steamed Mangrove Jack, Fish Head or Tail and you could have them prepared in three styles: Cantonese Style, Soy Bean Sauce, or Chopped Chili.

Menu

Look! Here’s what we ordered. It made for a pretty complete meal with egg, fish, and rice.

Our Orders

The Steamed Mangrove Jack with Soy Bean Sauce was my favourite of the three options. I think not many places serve this style, and I found the taste really addictive. If you’re wondering whether it’s salty, it wasn’t, at least not for me. As for the fish itself, it was succulent with a satisfying bite.

Steamed Mangrove Jack with Soy Bean Sauce Set Meal 豆酱赤枣鱼套餐 - $9.80

We also had the Steamed Seabass in Cantonese Style. The sauce was cooked on the spot and poured over the freshly steamed fish right in front of my eyes. 

Steamed Seabass with Cantonese Style Set Meal 港蒸金目鲈套餐 - $6.50

The aroma of fried garlic and soy sauce was irresistible. The sauce paired perfectly with our bowls of white rice, and the Steamed Seabass was definitely satisfying.

Steamed Seabass Tail

Even though I’m not usually a fan of chili, the gravy was so inviting and paired beautifully with our white rice. We scraped off the chili bits, and it turned out not to be spicy at all.

Steam Seabass with Chopped Chili Set Meal 剁椒金目鲈套餐 - $7.50

All in all, I can see why Toto Fish is so popular. It’s a great option for a healthy meal at a pocket-friendly price under $10 for a fish set is quite a deal. They do offer sides like lala and prawns too, but those were sold out during our visit. So, do go early to avoid disappointment!

Toto Fish 多多魚
Location: 491 Jurong West Ave 1, #01-173, Singapore 640491

Fu Man Ji Hainanese Chicken Rice

 What brought me to Taman Jurong Hawker Centre? It was the glowing recommendations from parents about a particular chicken rice stall here, especially after discovering that the chicken porridge at 505 Jurong West Market & Hawker Centre had sold out.

As I made my way to the stall via the escalator, I noticed something interesting, there is another stall with the same name at the lower level, but that one specialises in noodles instead.

Fu Man Ji Hainanese Chicken Rice Stall

The saying ‘When one door closes, another opens’ truly resonated with my recent experience. Though I missed out on the chicken porridge at Jurong West, it led me to discover an incredible poached chicken in Taman Jurong. It turned out to be a rewarding trip that I thoroughly enjoyed!

Chicken Rice Meal

The chicken rice exceeded my expectations. The chicken was incredibly moist and tender, leaving me at a loss for words. It was beautifully coated in a fragrant soy sauce dressing that elevated its flavor. The smooth texture and the glistening, translucent fat beneath the skin were clear indicators of a masterfully prepared poached chicken.

Poached Chicken

Discovering another great spot in the West for poached chicken means I now have more options to look forward to whenever I visit Taman Jurong Market & Hawker Centre.

Rating: 4 / 5

Fu Man Ji Hainanese Chicken Rice

Location: 3 Yung Sheng Rd, #02-87, Singapore 618499

Takagi Ramen

It’s that time of the year again—the festive feast season! Takagi Ramen is celebrating with a special Festive Feast Menu for Christmas. We’re here to try their Christmas Smoked Ham and Duck Ramen, along with their festive drinks and more.

A Festive Feast For Christmas from Takagi Ramen

After visiting several Takagi Ramen outlets across Singapore, I noticed their consistent modern Japanese-themed furnishings, paired with comfortable lighting. Individual diners can enjoy their meals at the bar counter, while groups are accommodated at tables. 

Interior 

Embracing technology, they’ve implemented self-service kiosks for added convenience. 

Furnishings

At the Jurong West outlet, where we visited this time, they’ve impressively been operating 24/7 for a long time, making it a reliable spot for ramen cravings any time of the day or night.

From A Corner

Nothing captures the holiday spirit quite like a glass of Jolly Ol’ Eggnog! Rich, creamy, and perfectly spiced, this festive classic delivers all the cosy vibes of the season with every sip. Whether you’re enjoying it solo by the window on a chilly evening or sharing it with loved ones, it’s the ultimate drink for spreading holiday cheer. Here’s to good times, warm memories, and a touch of holiday magic in every glass

This Cranberry Spritzer is a delightful mix of tangy cranberries, fizzy bubbles, and a hint of holiday sweetness, it is refreshing, vibrant, and irresistibly festive. Whether you’re raising a glass to good health, cherished company, or the magic of the season, this drink brings the perfect sparkle to every celebration. Here’s to a season brimming with flavour, joy, and a touch of festive fizz. Cheers!

Festive Cranberry Spritzer & Jolly Ol' Eggnog 

Savoring a bowl of their signature Butashoga Ramen, topped with sweet ginger-braised pulled pork, spring onions, and braised bamboo shoots! A perfect harmony of flavors in every bite

Butashoga Ramen

The smoky richness of the ham pairs beautifully with the tender duck, crafting a festive bowl that’s warm, savory, and utterly satisfying. Each bite brings together the best of Christmas flavors in a delightful and comforting way.

Christmas Smoked Ham & Duck Ramen

Perfect for cozy nights at home or sharing with loved ones, this ramen is sure to become a cherished holiday tradition. 

Smoked Ham and Duck

Craving a bowl of Takagi Ramen without leaving the comfort of your home? Give their Ready-To-Eat Ramen Kit a try! Available in both Spicy and Non-Spicy versions, it's a convenient way to enjoy their delicious flavors anytime.

Ready-To-Eat Ramen Kit - $7.90

Rating: 3.25 / 5

Takagi Ramen (Jurong West)
Location: Blk 492 Jurong West Street 41, #01-74 Singapore 640492
Website

Legacy Seafood 横行八道海鲜 [Moved]

With many friends having already visited this place, now it's my turn. While we were looking for some quiet place in the West Area for a decent dinner, one of us decided on Legacy Seafood. Legacy Seafood is known to offer Cze Char Dishes in their air-conditioned restaurant conveniently located along Science Center Road.

Legacy Seafood

We visited during of the weekday evenings and were rather happy that we had the whole place to our own before the sky turns darker.

Environment

With so many sauce selections for the Crab Dish, we opted for The Golden Sand for we thought it was quite special. The sauce was creamy and addictive with pumpkin and salted egg yolk which complemented the plump and juicy big crab.

Golden Sand Crab Delight 黄金沙螃蟹 - $105 per Kg

We enjoyed the Crustacean Gravy too with these little airy buns.

Buns

One of Legacy Seafood's recommended dishes is Fermented Vegetable with Minced Meat Beancurd. 

The circular beancurn was crispy on the outside and wobby in the inside. It was topped with minced meat, preserved vegetables and spring onions.

Fermented Veg With Minced Meat Beancurd 味香豆腐 - $20

The execution of this Hor Fun Dish was pretty similar to the usual Hor Fun we have. A good highlight was that the seafood ingredients like prawn, squid and fish were generous. The scrumptious gravy was a tad spicy though.

Signature Hor Fun 招牌河粉 - $15

A familiar dish from Malaysia that I would never thought to see in Singapore. The leaves of kale were deep-fried till crisp and topped with fried anchovies alongside crunchy Kai Lan Stalks.

Crispy & Stir Fried Kale Combo 双味芥兰 - $18

Fans of Ribs and also enjoying a hearty infusion flavours? This Guinness Pork Rib might float your kind of dish. Enjoy these fall-off-the-bone, tender succulent pork ribs with a rich and complex taste achieved from the slow-cooking in Guinness Stout Beer as marinade 

Guinness Pork Rib 黑啤酒排骨 - $20

Replacing the Bowls of Rice, we had the longevity noodles too. We ordered this as we thought this was special on the menu. The ingredients on the noodles were generous too with mushroom, prawns, vegetables, beansprouts, minced meat, shredded carrot etc. 

Longevity Noodles 寿面 - $20

Noodle has a smooth texture and was not oily. Simple and taste good.

Long Noodles

Rating: 3.5 / 5

Legacy Seafood 横行八道海鲜
Location: Bestway Centre, 10 Science Centre Rd, #01-23, Singapore 609079
Website

Lao San Prawn Noodles 老三虾面

With the newly renovated coffee shop, it is now vibrantly lit and a lot of new stalls to explore. With so many new temptations, I had to "ditch" the stall that I frequent visited to Lao San Prawn Noodles. 

Stall of Lao San Prawn Noodles

Like many prawn noodle stalls, they offer a variety of prawn noodle dishes. We had prawn noodles with pork ribs. We opted for the dry version with Yellow Noodle. The soup was sweet and tasty while the bowl of noodles was packed full of fragrance with pork lard as well as fried shallots.

Pork Rib Prawn Noodles (Dry) - $6.80

They are average and comparable to most Prawn Noodles Stalls in the Hawker Stalls we had. Ingredients were pretty common with fishcake & beansprouts beside the prawns and tender pork ribs. 

Prawn Noodles

If you are looking for a decent meal with Prawn Noodles Craving, this can be a good choice too.

Rating: 3 / 5

Lao San Prawn Noodles 老三虾面
Location: 132 Jurong Gateway Rd, #01-271, Singapore 600132

Xin Sheng Ngoh Hiong Prawn Cracker (新生五香虾饼)

We agreed to fix our Ngoh Hiong Prawn cravings and decided to head towards Taman Jurong Hawker Center for this popular stall. Xin Sheng Ngoh Hiong Prawn Cracker is now taken over by their 3rd Generation.

Xin Sheng Gor Hiong Prawn Cracker 

We grabbed the pair of tongs and started to pile up our plates with Ngoh Hiong as well as prawn crackers. They have transparent pricing with items labelled on the board. 

Our Meal

Most of the staples we ordered were great but something missing from the meal that left me a bit disappointed that I could not find the Homemade Sausage aka “guan chang", the one that usually comes in bright red pork links in an intestine casing. 

The Bee Hoon is great and comforting, feels like having a plate of home-style fried bee hoon.

Comforting Plate of Bee Hoon

We were glad that though these are fried items, they were not too greasy. The search of Ngoh Hiong will continue as cravings have not been fully fixed.

Rating: 3.25 / 5

Xin Sheng Gor Hiong Prawn Cracker (新生五香虾饼)
Location:  Taman Jurong Food Centre, 3 Yung Sheng Rd, #03-163, Singapore 618499