Houson Herbal Braised Duck at Jurong East

It is difficult to miss this stall as you could see the queue from afar. It is located in one of the coffee shops in Jurong East central just a stone's throw away from Jurong East MRT station. They are popular for their Herbal Braised Duck and Kway Chap though there are also other items like Pig's Organ Soup, Pig's Trotter and even the Braised Meat with Preserved Vegetable.

I ordered Kway Chap set for 2, added Braised Duck together with 3 bowls of kway (flat rice noodle sheets) for $13.50. The set also consists of braised egg, large intestine, braised meat, tau kwa and tau pok. 

It did not taste as nice as I remember but the large intestine and braised meat were still good. The braised duck did not have much of the herbal flavor and it was quite salty. I would prefer that it was chopped into bigger pieces as its texture was quite mushy. My dining companion that did not eat the large intestine, said, "I could not quite tell the duck meat from the intestine."

Those pieces of kway were thin and smooth served in a slight herbal-ish broth, it was quite nice.

HOUSON HERBAL BRAISED DUCK

132 Jurong Gateway Road #01-271 Happy Hawker Coffee Shop SINGAPORE 600132

Operating Hours: 11.00 am to 9.00 pm (Closed on alternate Mondays)

Sing's : the former Sing HK Cafe

This hawker stall used to be known as Sing HK Cafe when they first started at Everton Park. They were there for about a year or so before closing down. They have made a comeback in this coffee shop at Jurong East for slightly more than a month. Alfred Mo, the owner, was there when I visited on a Sunday for lunch. He said, "Our signature is the Hong Kong style Salt Baked Chicken." The dishes are prepared and cooked by him daily. I could not quite tell that Alfred is originated from Hong Kong as he did not speak with a Hong Kong accent when I talked with him in Mandarin. He has been living in Singapore for more than 15 years. He used to be working in the private banking sector after obtained his Master's degree. He always has the passion for cooking and that prompted him to open Sing HK Cafe about 2 years ago as he has wanted to serve Hong Kong style comfort food in Singapore.

I decided to go with the Signature Salt Baked Chicken Noodle ($6.50) and Classic Braised Pork Belly Rice ($5.80). There are also Signature Salt Baked Chicken Rice ($5.80), Dry Mixed Noodle with Soft Boiled Egg ($3.80), Dry Mixed Noodle with Braised Pork Belly ($4.50), Dry Mixed Noodle with Shredded Chicken ($4.50) on their menu. It is served along with the free flow of soup.

He asked, "You got to know about us from our Facebook page?" I nodded. He said, "We are going to have new items on our menu and we will announce it on there." As I was the only customer at that time, I did not have to wait too long to receive my orders. Alfred said, "Whether you like it or not, do leave us a feedback."

As a frequent traveler to Hong Kong, I have yet to try Salt Baked Chicken, also known as Yim Guk Gai in Cantonese, right there. It is a classic dish that is done using parchment paper to wrap up the chicken then bury in a pot of coarse salt and simmer. The modern way of cooking this is to boil or steam the chicken. This dish is not as common as I thought, I could not get much information on where to eat it in Hong Kong when googled.

The Salt Baked Chicken did not taste like what we have here. It did not have much saltiness. My dining companion said, "It tasted more like a braised chicken and there is a slight sweetness."  The noodles were tossed in the sauce then topped with some minced meat and a handful of ikan belis as well as sliced cucumber. Those slices of preserved cucumber were a bit too sourish with a strong taste of vinegar which I did not like.

Classic Braised Pork Belly Rice was served with chunks of braised meat, sous vide egg together with steamed sweet corn and sliced cucumber on the rice. The rice was slightly drizzled with braised sauce. The braised pork belly is done using the slow-cooked method to absorb the full flavor. The texture was meltingly soft but was not as flavorful as expected. 

SING'S

Block 134 Jurong Gateway Road Fu Chan Coffee Shop SINGAPORE 600134

Operating Hours: 11.00 am to 8.00 pm (Mon to Sat) / 9.00 am to 8.00 pm (Sun)

Baba Melaka : Peranakan Fare in a Coffee Shop at Jurong East

I gotta know about this stall from some reviews that i came across on the net. I came as i was really curious about how does those recommended dishes fared in reality. It was lunch time but there there was no other customer at that time. There was a friendly lady, stood in front of the stall, awaiting for customers. She was smiling when we were approaching the stall. This stall is in the same coffee shop where the branch of Soi 19 Thai Wanton Mee is located, it is within a short walking distance from the Jurong East MRT. 

We ordered Ma Cik Nasi Lemak Beef Rendang ($5.90), Famous Ayam Buah Keluak with Steamed Rice ($5.50) and Claypot Ikan Assam Pedas with Steamed Rice ($6.50). Their menu also includes Pak Cik Nasi Lemak Ayam Goreng ($4.90), Pak Cik Nasi Lemak Ayam Rendang ($4.90), Mee Rebus ($3.50) and Nyonya Mee Siam ($3.00).  

We were asked to come back in 5 minutes as they need to prepare it. The lady suggested that they could deliver it to our table even though there is a sign stating 'Self-Service'. I was telling her that, "It is alright, we would come back later to collect it." It was delivered by the older man that was seen preparing at the back of the stall earlier, he even brought us the forks and spoons that we forgot to collect. When saying thank you to him, he said, 'Don't mention.' That kind of service standard is definitely going to leave an impression. 

Ma Cik Nasi Lemak Beef Rendang ($5.90), it consists of a portion of beef rendang serving with achar and ikan belis with peanuts, together with sembal chilli by the side and coconut infused rice. The texture of beef rendang was done lovingly with just the right softness and nicely flavored. The achar that made up of cucumber, carrot and cabbage tasted quite fresh with a nice crunch. The ikan belis and peanuts were crunchy and tasty. The sambal chilli tasted slightly sweet with a mild spiciness. 

Famous Ayam Buah Keluak with Steamed Rice ($5.50). The Ayam Buah Keluak tasted slightly saltish with a mild flavored but cooked to the perfect tenderness. It is served with sambal belachan and not the sambal chilli, which is spicier but complemented the dish nicely. 

Though it might not be the tastier that i ever tasted but it is a comfort dish that warms the heart with its homeliness. 

Claypot Ikan Assam Pedas with Steamed Rice ($6.50), the most expensive amongst the rice sets. A thick slice of fish was served with brinja and ladyfinger in a claypot, its spiciness was quite mild. It tasted homely and it is quite value for money. 

They do serve desserts like Sago Gula Melaka ($1.80), Bubur Cha Cha ($1.80), Melaka Pulot Hitam($1.80),  Baba Chendol ($2.00), Baba Durian Chendol ($2.50) and different type of Nyonya Kueh from 0.80 cents to $1.20. We decided to go with Baba Chendol and it was disappointing. It did not have enough gula melaka and the chendol strips were not as smooth, it has big kidney beans in it. You might want to try other desserts but this one is not worth trying. 

I would be interested to try their Mee Siam and Mee Rebus if i happen to be in the vicinity next time.

BABA MELAKA

Block 130 Jurong Gateway Road #01-211 SINGAPORE 600130

Operating Hours: 8.00 am to 4.00 pm (Closed on Mondays)

The Carving Board : Good Quality Western Food

It was listed in my article that published on MAKANSUTRA as one of the noteworthy western hawker stalls in Singapore. 

We came early this time, we were there slightly before 5 pm and did not quite expect them to be already ready then. I ended up waited for close to 1 hour to order during my last visit when i came around 6.30 pm. We were their first batch of customers of the day this time. We were presented with the menu to go through, most of the items on there are about the same but they are no longer serving Chicken Chop, which has been my usual favorite. 

I decided to order Mix Grill to share. I was asked whether i want the Premium Mix Grill for $22.00 which included a piece of lamb or the Mix Grill at $19.00 which includes the sausage instead, both are served with a choice of side dish. I have also ordered their signature Curry Pork Burger which serves with a portion of fries as well as Grilled Chicken Leg that is served along with fries and garden salad. 

Mix Grill ($22.00) consists of garlic bread and garden salad with perfectly grilled beef, chicken and lamb and potato salad as side with rosemary sauce.

Curry Pork Burger ($9.50) which consists of a piece of pork patty with a pineapple ring, bacon, tomato and lettuce on toasted buns then garnished with curry mayo sauce.

Grilled Chicken Leg ($8.50) was nicely char-grilled to a ideal tenderness serving with a good portion of fries and garden salad.

Please take note that they are currently undergoing renovation and will only be back on 21 June 2015 (Tuesday).

THE CARVING BOARD

Block 252 Jurong East Street 24 #01-107 SINGAPORE 600252

Operating Hours: 5.00 pm to 10.30 pm (Closed on Mondays)

Feng Zeng Lor Mee : My Kind of Comfort Food

This stall was featured on TV programme once and their special meatballs were mentioned in it. There is usually a queue during lunch time but it was none when i got there slightly after 2 pm. Their price range is in between $2.50 to $3.00 and it would be $4.00 if you want extra ingredients to be added. Their ingredients include shredded fish, braised meat, braised egg, meatballs and slices of fishcake.

This was my first time eating it and i do enjoyed what i have tasted. I would not list them as one of the must-try but i do like the different types of ingredients added particularly the meatballs that you would not likely get it elsewhere. The braised sauce is not as thick like most others and it was a bit diluted at the end.

Overall, it was an enjoyable bowl of Lor Mee that i would like to eat it again if i happen to be in this food centre.

FENG ZHEN LOR MEE
3 Yung Sheng Road #03-146 Taman Jurong Food Centre SINGAPORE 618499
Operating Hours: 5.00 am to 3.00 pm (Closed on Saturdays & Sundays)

58 Minced Meat Noodle : Cheap and Good

I am a big fan of Bak Chor Mee and i have been going around eating it from different stalls at different places, this is so particularly after the closure of Joo Heng Mushroom Minced Minced Pork Mee at Ang Mo Kio. I have tried many Bak Chor Mee including the famous ones but none has taken over the place of Joo Heng's as my favourite Bak Chor Mee yet. I was so crazy about them that i could eat 2 to 3 times per week. I was still a regular customer even after they raised their prices a few times. They closed down all of sudden, that stall was then converted to a drink stall managed by the Auntie. I have never see the Uncle since then. I guess something must have happened to him. That stall only lasted for a while before it closed down due to poor business. 

Currently, my regular choice whenever i am craving for Bak Chor Mee is Seng Kee Mushroom Minced Pork Noodle at Serangoon Garden Food Centre. The taste of it somewhat reminded me of Joo Heng's. 

I have heard about 58 Minced Meat Noodle. I am even curious enough to travel from Ang Mo Kio all the way to Taman Jurong just to satisfy my curiousity to know how good are they. I was there near 2 pm and there was no queue. I was told the queue is usually long during lunch time. Their Bak Chor Mee is available at $2.50, $3.00 and $3.50. Needless to say, i went for the larger bowl. As i was the only customer then, i gotten my order in just a couple of minutes. I requested to have extra chilli to go with my mee pok.

The first impression was the generous amount of ingredients like minced pork, pork liver and braised mushroom, bits of crispy pork lards were also added to enhance its flavor. To enjoy this bowl of noodles, you have to thoroughly mixed the chilli which is underneath that pile of noodles well. The level of spiciness was just right.

I reckon this is one of the better Bak Chor Mee after i had my first mouthful. The mee pok was nicely cooked to retain its springiness. I particularly enjoyed the few big pieces of pork liver, it was of the right thickness and perfectly cooked to a desired tenderness. 

I would have be one of their regular customers if it is not of its location. I would also be more than willing to pay $3.50 for such a bowl of noodles, this is one of the cheaper and better Bak Chor Mee that i have ever eaten.

58 MINCED MEAT NOODLE

3 Yung Seng Road #03-150 Taman Jurong Food Centre SINGAPORE 618499

Operating Hours: 6.00 am to 2.30 pm (Daily)

Rumah Sayang : A Pleasant Surprise

It was a dinner on the eve of Mother's Day, there were queues at most eateries at that time, this was one of those that without a queue but almost all the tables were taken up in the cafe. This cafe is serving Nasi Padang, Lontong, Mee Siam, Laksa and some snacks. There was a promotion for a Curry Fish head with Tahu Goreng and 2 plates of rice for $19.90 which i ordered together with a plate of Mee Siam at $4.50 and a canned drink at $2.00. Though the prices are not particularly cheap but rather reasonable given its location. 

Order is expected to be done at the Cashier's counter with payment collected there. I was asked to collect the Mee Siam and the canned drink, the rest will be served to the table later as they assigned a number tag for that purpose.

It was served in a short while to the table. The Curry Fish Head tasted much better than expected. It did not taste particularly spicy with just the right balance of sourish taste. It consists of half a fish head with vegetables like brinja, long beans and cabbage added. The fish head tasted rather fresh and nicely infused with curry flavor though it was steamed first then added in later. 

The Tahu Goreng was quite decent, the sauce was a bit sweet but still acceptable. It would be nicer if more shredded cucumber and carrot, onion, bean sprouts with grounded peanuts were added. 

The Mee Siam was quite a good choice. It has got a good balance of sweetness and sourness taste and in a good portion together with a hard boiled egg with bean sprouts and bits of crunchy peanuts in it.

The service was alright though not particularly attentive.

RUMAH SAYANG

50 Jurong Gateway #B1-41 JEM SINGAPORE 608549

Operating Hours: 10.00 am to 10.00 pm

OMGrill by Wok Star

The Western Food Stall by the winner of Wok Stars. His signature dishes are Grilled Half Chicken and Indonesian Chicken Chop. And, both tasted just average.

Read my review on Makansutra.

OMGrill

Block 132 Jurong East Street 13 #01-271 Singapore 600132

Lunch at Southwest Tavern.

Southwest Tavern is an American Theme restaurant a stone's throw from International Business Park (IBP). Though it is near Jurong East MRT station but it is not within the walking distance. You may talk bus 52 or 105 from the Jurong East Bus Interchange to bring you right there. The restaurant is hidden from the main road but you would not missed it if you follow the direction sign. I called to make an appointment for a table for 2 for a late lunch as i thought it might be crowded. 

There was only another table when we were there at 2.30 pm. We were ushered to a table for 2 quickly and presented with the menu right after.

This is a non-aircon cafe but with quite a few fans around to cool the place down. The heat might be unbearable during those humid days. The ambience is rather cosy with a hint of american cowboy theme decoration to give it a rustic country feel. 

There are a good selection of main courses range from Chicken, Fish, Beef, Lamb, Pasta to Burger. Each of the main course is served with 2 sides. The selection of sides range from mashed potato, coleslaw, baked beans, sweet corn, butter rice, potato wedges, roasted potato and salad. They serve a wide range of selection for drinks from Beer to Cocktail to Hot Drinks to Soft Drinks. 

I took a bit of time to go through the menu and decided to go with a set of Fried Chicken Steak and a set of Char Grilled Chicken Steak. I was a bit hesitant to order their signature Blooming Onion as it might be too much for 2 person to finish. I asked that friendly auntie for advice. She said the Blooming Onion is just finger food so no issue at all. I trusted her and ordered it to share. I ordered a glass of coke too. 

Every table has got a condiment basket consisting of Tobacco, Mustard, Chilli Sauce, Tomato Sauce, Pepper and Salt. This is made available just in case you might need the something extra to excite the taste of the food a bit.

They served the drink first then followed by the Bloomin' Onion and the 2 mains at the same time. 

A Glass of Coke ($2). Reasonably priced and served it in a nice looking glass with just enough of ice cubes to keep it chilled. A pretty good selection if you did not want to have alcoholic drinks during lunch. 

Bloomin' Onion ($12). I was amazed by the size of the onion when it served. It was a pretty big onion and for 2 person to finish it might be quite a challenge. It would be finger food if to be shared amongst 3 to 4 people but not quite so for only 2 people.

 The onion was lightly battered and fried to perfection to give it the desired crispiness. It is an exciting choice. I remember eating it the first time a few years ago in a steak house. This particular one was tasty though not quite as good as the one i eaten before. A small container of Ranch Sauce was placed in the centre of that bloomin' onion. The sauce complemented the sweetness of the onion and the slight saltiness of the seasoning quite well. It still tasted crispy even after left it for a bit. It did not taste too oily, too. It actually tasted just like Onion Rings. 

It would be perfect if to go with beer. 

Fried Chicken Steak with Bull's Horn Wedges and Cow Pie Mashed Potato ($16). It was quite a big and thick piece of chicken most likely from the leg part served with generous serving of mashed potato and potato wedges. 

The fried chicken steak came in 2 parts, a really big piece and a smaller piece hidden below. It was well-marinated to give it the desired flavor then coated with bread crumbs to fry till golden brown to give it the distinctive crispiness then served it with Ranch Sauce.

The presentation is the typical American style. It is messy and in large portion.  The pile of mashed potato has got the likable smoothness and evenness in texture. It was served with a certain sauce which tasted like the Ranch Sauce for the Fried Chicken Steak. The potato wedges came in equally generous serving. It tasted rather average though delightfully crispy. 

Grilled chicken steak with Sloppy Slaw and Badlands Grilled Potato ($16). It came in large portion too. The chicken steak was perfectly grilled to leave its surface a beautiful color and flavor. It was slightly charred on its edges. The texture of the chicken steak was awesomely succulent. I would think the taste of barbecue sauce was a little overwhelming.

The coleslaw consisting of cabbage and carrot tasted rather refreshing but the roasted potato is a bad choice. Though it has been seasoned then grilled but it still tasted kind of bland and too filling. 

As expected, we did not manage to finish the Bloomin' Onion. 

The portion of the main is served in big portion so it might be better to share for small eaters to avoid wastage of food like we just did.

There is currently a Death Wing Challenge to take up 6 pieces of extra spicy suicidal wings with 1 pint of beer in 15 minutes. Those that completed the challenge could have the 6 pieces of wings for free with beer for free and have their pictures put up on the Hall of Frame. Are you dare enough to take up the challenge?

The total bill is $50.20 inclusive of GST. 

The service was pretty attentive. And, the massive amount of foods served is definitely value for money.

SOUTHWEST TAVERN

8 Boon Lay Way

#01-33 Tradehub 21

SINGAPORE 609964.