Triio's Corner : Pork Burger, worth a try

We were there for lunch on a Sunday. We decided to try the Pork Burger ($6.50) and Chicken Burger ($5.50). Luke was there, manning the stall all by himself. He sent the food over when it was ready. He came over and joined us at the table later. He asked, "You are a food blogger? I saw you taking pictures." I nodded my head and said, "I have a food blog."

He told us that he is working with his friends and they are his bosses. He asked, "How was the food?" My dining companion replied, "I think a bit too much sauce. You could not really taste the flavor of the patty. The pork patty is actually quite nice though." Luke told us that mayonnaise is used and the other sauce is their homemade honey sauce. Luke said, "Some customers actually preferred to have it with more sauce so it is a little difficult on our part." 

I said, "Pork Burger is not too common in Singapore." Luke replied, "Actually not many know that we serve Pork Burger." He pointed at the standing banner outside the coffee shop and said, "Our friends suggested we should make a banner to promote the Pork Burger." I also said, "The food presentation is impressive." And, Luke replied, "We managed to get those trays online and they even provide the engraving of our stall name for free. The previous owner actually left us some plates which we did not like."

I asked, "There is no beef burger here?" He replied, "We have actually working on the beef burger but have yet to launch it." He also said, "There are another 2 Western food stalls in the food centre so business here is quite competitive. But we have been around for about 1 year and it has been sustainable so far." He also mentioned, "We have very little control of the quality of the burger buns as we get them from the supplier, it can be inconsistent at times."

I said, "Paying $4.50 for an extra patty is a little on the high side but again, the rental in the coffee shop is usually higher as compared to running a stall in the hawker centre." Luke said, "We usually recommend to go for the double patties as you could actually taste the flavor better." He also said, "We actually made everything from scratch and we could only make so many at one time, it is very much for the efforts rendered." 

He mentioned, "We are in the midst to revamp the menu. We might replace the baked beans and garlic bread with rice. We might also reduce the prices further to make it more affordable." My dining companion said, "The pricing is reasonable and the portion is quite filling too." Luke said, "Our Chicken Cutlet is quite popular and its size is actually bigger than my face."

Their burgers might not be amongst the best that I have eaten but I could taste the sincerity amidst these.

TRIIO'S CORNER

Block 19 Toa Payoh Lorong 7 #01-264 SINGAPORE 310019

Operating Hours: 12.00 pm to 10.00 pm (Daily)

Master Chicken : not bad but not quite the master yet

I visited for the first time when the stall was still at Old Airport Road Food Centre, it was known as Chuan Yit Lai Hainanese Chicken Rice at that time. It was changed to Master Chicken after moving to Kim Keat Palm Food Centre in April 2015. I visited once at that time and the third time was about a month ago. This stall was recently featured in the newest series of "Buzzing Hawker", under the mentorship of chef Robin Ho, which took place in August 2017. They have started to use the new recipe since then. 

Jason, the owner, was not there when I visited last month. I chatted with the friendly assistant and he confirmed that they have started using the recipe by chef Robin Ho. I ordered a quarter chicken with a plate of rice for $7 if I remember correctly. 

There was actually a queue at their stall when they just moved to this food centre but it somehow die-off. We took notice of the new "Dong Feng Fa Hainanese Chicken Rice" stall just a couple of stalls away and we speculated that is the likely reason. Jason used to be working for them before starting his own stall. I could imagine the similarity in the taste and the latter is a familiar name in Hainanese Chicken Rice and so, Master Chicken is somewhat losing out. 

After watching the episode of Buzzing Hawker that featured the stall, I wonder what is the possibility of them falling back on using the old recipe? That could possibly be the reason why we could not tell apart? I could not quite taste the difference and I would not have suspected it is a new recipe if it is not for their new signboard with the "Buzzing Hawker" on it. 

The ginger paste is supposed to be a new recipe but my dining companion did not actually find it to be impressive. The chicken was moist, tender and smooth. The rice was fragrant, grainy and not too greasy, slightly hard though. The level of spiciness for the chili was quite manageable with a hint of tanginess. Overall, it was not bad actually though not amongst the best yet. 

MASTER CHICKEN

Block 22 Toa Payoh Lorong 7 #01-18 Kim Keat Palm Food Centre SINGAPORE 310022

Operating Hours: 10.00 am to 8.00 pm (Mon to Sat) / 9.00 am to 3.00 pm (Sun) (Closed on Mondays)

Ah Chuan Fried Oyster Omelette at Toa Payoh

The queue was long on a Saturday during lunch with a relatively long waiting time to be expected. This stall is manned by an elderly couple, the auntie is taking the orders and collecting payments, uncle is doing the cooking. It was awarded a 6-chopsticks by Makansutra and that means this is one of "die-die-must-try" stalls. This is one of the most talked about Fried Oyster Omelette stalls and is amongst one of those popular recommendations. 

Fried Oyster Omelette is the only dish serves at $4, $5 and $8. I decided to go with $8 to share with my dining companion. Though not a huge portion, it served with a generous amount of egg and quite a few pieces of plump oysters, garnished with coriander and served along with chilli in the saucer.

I was not disappointed as it met my expectations though not exceedingly but this is a good plate of Fried Oyster Omelette nonetheless. 

AH CHUAN FRIED OYSTER OMELETTE

Block 22 Toa Payoh Lorong 7 #01-25 Kim Keat Food Centre SINGAPORE 310022

Operating Hours: 1.00 pm to 4.30 pm (Closed on Tuesdays)

Guang Zhou Wanton Mee

This humble noodle stall is amidst of other stalls in this food centre at Toa Payoh Lorong 7 and they have been around since the 50s though not at the same location. The stall is manned by an elderly lady with a younger man. That lady was rather friendly and chatty too. She asked, 'Have you ever eaten a really old school wanton mee?'. I said, 'I have eaten so many versions till i am not sure what exactly is old school wanton mee'. Auntie pointed to a poster and asked, 'Do you want to learn how to cook wanton mee or happen to know a friend that is wanting to learn? We are teaching for free.' She continued to say, 'We are doing our part to keep the hawker culture going.'

Amongst the other choices of Lor Mee, Chicken Chop Noodle, Fish Soup and Fried Rice, i decided to go with their Wanton Mee as this is their signature dish.

For just $2.50, it serves with a substantial portion of noodles, a few slices of nicely grilled char siew, some greens then a handful of fried pork lards together with a bowl of soup with 3 pieces of wanton in it.

Apparently, i could not quite tell what is so old school of their Wanton Mee as it tasted quite similar to some of those that i have eaten but it was quite tasty and i enjoyed it.

GUANG ZHOU WANTON MEE

Block 22 Toa Payoh Lorong 7 #01-41 Kim Keat Palm Food Centre SINGAPORE 310022

Master Chicken : better than average

This stall used to be at Old Airport Road Food Centre under another name before moving to this food centre. Jason, the stall owner, used to be one of the pioneer chefs of Dong Feng Fa Hainanese Chicken Rice chains before starting his own stall and that somewhat explained the certain similarities in taste. The standard is definitely on par if is not better. 

The texture of chicken has its desired tenderness and it was served lightly drizzled with sauce which enhanced the flavor. The chilli was quite good though it might not be the best that i have tasted. The rice was rather good as well, it was grainy and not greasy with a slight hint of chicken broth. Overall, it is not disappointing and it is worth a try if you happen to be in this food centre.

MASTER CHICKEN

Block 22 Toa Payoh Lorong 7 Kim Keat Palm Food Centre #01-18 SINGAPORE 310022

Operating Hours: 10.00 am to 8.00 pm (Tue to Sat) / 9.00 am to 3.00 pm (Sun)

Popular Eats in Toa Payoh

Check out some of the popular eats in Toa Payoh as listed in my article on MAKANSUTRA.

Chao Zhou Fishball Noodle : The longest queue in the Food Centre

The long queue right in front of this supposedly famous fishball noodle stall caught my attention, it was the longest queue in this food centre at about 2 pm on a weekday. They were about to close and left with only kway teow or yellow noodle for the last few bowls of the day. I went with the kway teow. This bowl of kway teow came with a good amount of chilli and sweet sauce along with a bowl of soup that consists of 5 pieces of fishball for only $3. I was amazed by the good value and i have no doubt this is likely to be something that is only available in neighbourhood food centres.

When tossed it well, it was a bowl of well-mixed dry kway teow awaiting for my first mouthful. This was my first visit and i expected it to be of certain standard given the consistent long queue. It did not disappoint after i tasted it, though the amount of sauce might seemed overwhelmed but it was just right with a good balance of spiciness and sweetiness.

I am interested to try their mee pok or mee kia if i happen to be in this food centre again.

The kway teow was perfectly cooked to avoid the mushy texture.

Those handmade fishballs tasted rather fresh with an amazingly bounciness. I have no doubt that these fishballs must be the key reason to get their customers to keep going back.

This is a bowl of above average fishball noodle nonetheless.

CHAO ZHOU FISHBALL NOODLE

Block 22 Toa Payoh Lorong 7 #01-20 Kim Keat Palm Food Centre SINGAPORE 310051

CAFE WOK INN : Fish & Chips

This stall has been featured often on TV programme but they have been moving from location to location as often too thus hunting them down can be quite a challenge. They was on the latest series of 'Makan Lost & Found' to make known of their current location. They are currently in a coffee shop next to the Food Centre at Toa Payoh Lorong 7. Some of the items on the menu including their signature Beef Stew were not available on that day. I am not sure whether it was only for that day or it has been off the menu permanently. 

I ordered their famous Fish & Chips for $5.80, i was told to wait at the table and they will serve it. A gentleman served it later, he passed me the bottle of chilli sauce only and that got me to wonder why did he left out the Malt Vinegar. I guess he read my thought, he came back in a bit with a bottle of it. 

No, there is no tartar sauce. That was my first time eating Fish & Chips with Malt Vinegar. I drizzled slightly on the fried fish fillet and tasted it, the taste was acceptable but it did not manage to make me a fan. I could not quite appreciate such a combination though it is a typical English way in enjoying their Fish & Chips. I would rather have mine with just tartar and chilli sauce. 

The set consists of a rather big piece of fired fish fillet with a portion of fries and coleslaw. It was fried well to give it the desired texture, not overly greasy but with a delightful crispiness. I did not like those fries though, it did not taste good after it turned soggy, i would rather have more coleslaw. 

The overall taste was nice but not good enough to get me to travel all the way to this part of Toa Payoh just to eat it. 

CAFE WOK INN : FISH & CHIPS

Block 21 Toa Payoh Lorong 7 SINGAPORE 310021

Opening Hours: 12 pm to 2.30 pm / 6 pm to 9.30 pm (Closed on Tuesday)

UPDATE: They have moved to Block 206 Toa Payoh North in a coffee shop about 100 meters from SPH News Centre. Their operating hours: 11.30 am to 3.00 pm / 5.30 pm to 8.30 pm (Closed on Mondays).

As of February 2016, they have moved again. This time is to 1 Selegie Road #01-20/21 Singapore 188306. Their opening hours are from 11.00 am to 10.00 pm.

Dove Desserts : Best Chendol in Singapore!

I was rather skeptical when being told that one of the possibly best Chendol in Singapore is available at this stall. I have been wanting to try and i finally managed to do so when happened to be in the vicinity on the New Year Day. Most of the stalls in this food centre were closed on that day. 

Chendol at $1.50, is amongst one of the best sellers. You could add an extra 0.50 cents for extra ingredients. The Durian Chendol is available at $2.00. Another popular choice is their Ice Jelly for $1.20. I added a scoop of Juice Pops for only 0.50 cents. 

Their chendol was a love at first taste. It reminded me of what i have eaten at Melaka, the taste was rather familiar as the stall owner insists in using only the Gula Melaka from Melaka. The texture of the shaved ice was rather fine but it melted a bit too fast. This is the something that will get me to travel all the way just for it.

DOVE DESSERT

Block 22 Toa Payoh Lorong 7 #01-21 Kim Keat Palm Food Centre Singapore 310051

Operating Hours: 11 am to 8 pm (Mon to Thu & Sat) / 11 am to 6 pm (Fri) (Closed on Sun)

Hai Nan Xing Zhou Beef Noodles

This is one of the famous stalls in this food centre, they used to be at Cuppage Hawker Centre but moved here for years now. There is always a constant queue even during the off-peak hours and many of these customers are their regular supporters. I tasted years ago, it was quite good then though not amongst the best in my list. I joined in the queue and waited for about 15 minutes this time for my regular order which is Sliced Beef with Beef Balls for $5. 

The texture of sliced beef was quite disappointing, it was overcooked thus it ended up to be quite tough.  Those beef balls tasted just decent. The thick starchy sauce was good though with a nice beefy taste. It was garnished with bits of salted vegetable and chopped spring onions to serve. 

Overall, it was good though not quite worth the time to queue as it was moving rather slowly.

HAI NAN XING ZHOU BEEF NOODLES

Block 22 Toa Payoh Lorong 7 #01-06 Kim Keat Palm Food Centre SINGAPORE 310051

Operating Hours: 8 am to 7 pm (Closed on Monday)

Lau Pa Sat Fishball Minced Meat Mee

I remember having eaten at this noodle stall in this food centre quite a long while ago and i remember it tasted rather nice then. I was eager to have it again when i happened to be there for lunch. It was a Saturday and slightly after 1 pm, i expected to queue just like the last time but there was none there as i was the only customer at that time. I wanted the smaller portion of Fishball Minced Meat Noodle at $3, there is a larger portion at $4. For mushroom lover, there is an option for Mushroom Minced Meat Noodle. 

I requested to have extra chilli added. Though the level of spiciness ended just right but slightly overwhelmed as i could hardly taste the tomato sauce in it. It came in a substantial portion of mee kia with ingredients like handful of beansprouts and minced meat together with a piece of dumpling and fishballs then topped with bits of chopped spring onion and fried pork lards.

The overall taste was nice but not particularly memorable as compared to my last visit. The texture of mee kia was cooked right to give it an al-dente texture. And, despite its not quite appealing appearance but those fishballs actually tasted nicer than expected as it has got a noticeable bounciness and rather fresh tasting.

As i seated near the stall to eat, i took notice of a constant stream of customers ordering from them. After being in this food centre for a while, they do have a good base of regular customers that actually enjoyed their noodles and that is the main factor to keep them going.

LAU PA SAT FISHBALL MINCED MEAT MEE

Block 22 Toa Payoh Lorong 7 #01-02 Kim Keat Palm Food Centre SINGAPORE 310051

Operating Hours: 8 am to 2 pm (Closed on Monday)