Chef Hainanese Western Food (海南西餐)

With so many modern Western food options in mall eateries, the old-school Western food from hawker stalls has become a nostalgic charm. It takes us back to our younger days, when we’d excitedly ask our parents for fries and chicken chop.

Chef Hainanese Western Food

The chicken chop looked appetizing, coated in a mouth-watering sauce. It was well-marinated, and the inclusion of a bay leaf on the plate hinted at its role in the seasoning. The portion was generous, making it an excellent choice if you’re feeling very hungry.

Grilled Chicken Chop - $8

Since we already had chicken chop in our order, I decided to go for the Fish & Chips. The dish came with two generous strips of breaded fish, accompanied by baked beans, crinkled fries, a baked potato, and mixed vegetables. The portion was hearty and more than enough to satisfy my appetite. There wasn’t much to rave about the breaded fish, as it tasted quite ordinary to me.

Fish & Chips - $8

Overall, the nostalgic old-school vibe remains intact for those seeking this style of Western cuisine. The generous portions and reasonable prices make it great value for money. Just keep in mind that they are only open in the evenings.

Rating: 3.25 / 5

Chef Hainanese Western Food (海南西餐)
Location: Margaret Drive Hawker Centre, 38A Margaret Dr, #01-04, Singapore 142038

Zhi Wei Xian Zion Road Big Prawn Noodle 知味鲜

I have been wanting to try this prawn mee stall ever since I noticed the long queues during my previous visits. Today felt like the perfect opportunity to give it a go, as other stalls on my list had long lines. So, I decided to finally check out this prawn mee!

The stall caught my attention with its unique setup—live prawns in tanks and numerous media features displayed on its signage. A bowl of prawn noodles starts at $8, with other options priced at $13, $20, and even $28, which is noticeably pricier compared to other hawker centers. Still, the long queue speaks for itself, so I decided to give it a try!

Stall of Zion Road Big Prawn Noodle

The prawns were fresh, and for the $8 portion, it came with a piece of pork rib. The rib was tender, with the meat effortlessly falling off the bone. The prawns were deveined, adding to the clean and appetizing presentation of the dish.

Prawn Noodle Dry with Rib - $8

I’m not a fan of overly strong or overpowering prawn noodle broths, but theirs hit all the right notes. The broth had a pleasant umami taste, balanced without an overwhelming prawn flavor. Its natural sweetness and light prawn essence perfectly complemented my bowl of prawn noodle soup.

Prawn Noodle Soup with Rib - $8

From my personal experience, I can understand why die-hard fans join the snaking queue. While there are a few popular stalls in the food center, this one has definitely earned a spot on my list, and I’m looking forward to having it again when I’m back.

Deveined Prawn

Rating: 4 / 5

Zhi Wei Xian Zion Road Big Prawn Noodle 知味鲜

Location: 70 Zion Rd, #01-04, Singapore 247792

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

OM Cafe

It had been quite some time since I first heard people raving about this café tucked away in West Coast Park. Curious about the buzz, I finally decided to pay a visit. The entire space felt like a charming glass house, with its bright and spacious design creating a cosy and inviting atmosphere. 

Dining Interior

The full-length glass panels not only filled the café with natural light but also offered a scenic view of lush green grass patches, gardening tents, and the striking sight of tall hanging container cranes from the nearby port.

Looking out into the Field

The Chargrill Chicken Thigh at OM Café was a satisfying choice. The chicken was grilled to perfection, with a juicy and tender slab that retained its natural flavors. Paired with a generous portion of creamy mashed potato, the dish brought a comforting balance of textures. The medley of vegetables was elevated with a tangy and refreshing salsa, adding a vibrant kick that complemented the richness of the chicken. It’s a simple yet well-executed dish that highlights quality ingredients and thoughtful preparation.”

Char-Grilled Chicken Thigh - $18.90

The Half Chicken at OM Café was a substantial and satisfying dish. Coated in a savory light brown hickory sauce, the chicken boasted a glossy, appetizing appearance that matched its flavorful taste. The portion was generous, offering half a chicken cooked to tender perfection. Accompanying the star of the plate were three well-chosen sides: crispy golden fries, a juicy corn cob bursting with sweetness, and a refreshing coleslaw that added a creamy crunch. Together, the components created a well-rounded meal with a good mix of textures and flavors.

Hickory BBQ Chicken - $24.90

Overall, the food was decent, though the service leaned on the slower side. However, the peaceful and serene environment amidst the garden more than made up for it. I wouldn’t mind returning again to soak in the relaxing vibes.

Rating: 3 / 5

OM Cafe
Location: 40 West Coast Ferry Rd, Singapore 129630

Seng Huat Mushroom Minced Meat Noodles

 It had been a long time since my last visit, and I was pleasantly surprised to find the place still bustling with people. It was a full house, and to my further amazement, my friend mentioned that this eatery now operates 24 hours. 

Seng Huat Mushroom Minced Meat Noodle may be their signature dish, but we opted for something unexpected from the menu—their Hokkien Mee, which came highly recommended by my friend.

Seng Huat Mushroom Minced Meat Noodles

The plate of Hokkien Mee was a delightful surprise, offering a unique twist on the classic dish. It featured an intriguing combination of three distinct types of noodles: yellow noodles, thick bee hoon, and the usual thin bee hoon. The dish carried a subtle hint of wok hei, perfectly complemented by the rich prawn broth, creating a flavour profile that was both light and hearty. Its taste leaned towards a vegetarian-style Hokkien Mee, yet it retained the unmistakable prawn essence that defines a traditional rendition of the dish.

The chilli added an exhilarating fiery kick, elevating the entire dish. Be warned—it was truly spicy and packed quite a punch for our palates!

Hokkien Mee - $6

This dish truly hit the right spot on my taste buds, and I’m certain I’ll be coming back for more!

Rating: 3.5 / 5

Seng Huat Mushroom Minced Meat Noodles
Location: CCK 302 FoodHouse, 302 Choa Chu Kang Loop, Singapore 680307

Verandah@Rael's - The Star Vista

 I was spoiled for choice when my friends asked me to pick a dinner spot at The Star Vista. After some deliberation, I decided on Verandah@Rael's, as it offered the cuisine I was craving most at the moment.

Verandah 

I have been craving satay for quite some time now. These satay sticks are beautifully marinated, with tender and succulent chicken grilled to perfection. They're served with a rich and flavorful traditional peanut sauce with sides of chopped onions and cucumber for a refreshing balance.

Chicken Satay (7 Sticks) - $9.80

The broth may appear spicy with its orange hue, but the vibrant color actually comes from the prawns. This flavorful soup is enriched with a delightful pork and prawn broth blend, complemented by juicy meatballs that make it irresistibly appetizing!

Pong Tauhu Soup (per serving) - $6.90

A must-order staple, this dish features tang hoon (glass noodles) cooked in a rich, flavorful broth. It’s tossed with crispy beancurd strips, shiitake mushrooms, and cabbage, creating a hearty and satisfying combination.

Nonya Chap Chai - $13.90

A deliciously sweet and savoury stew of pork belly and turnips slow-cooked to perfection in a thick fermented soybean sauce with a subtle peppery kick. The rich, flavorful gravy pairs perfectly with steamed rice, making it a comforting and satisfying dish.

Babi Pongteh - $19.90

Overall, the Peranakan meals were quite decent. They also offer lunch and dinner set meals, making it a convenient option for a fuss-free dining experience.

Rating: 3.5 / 5

Verandah@Rael's - The Star Vista
Location:  The Star Vista, 1 Vista Exchange Green, #01-33/K2 Singapore 138617
Website

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