Meng Meng Roasted Duck : Malaysia style roasted duck

This stall in a coffee shop at Ang Mo Kio is opened by the popular roasted duck chain in Malaysia. This is their first outlet in Singapore, opened on 29 October 2021 in partnership with a Singapore-based management consultancy company. Their original outlet in Johor Jaya was started in 2003 and there are 4 outlets in Johor Bahru, Malaysia now. 

The ducks are imported from Malaysia together with the marinades and sauces from their central kitchen in Johor Bahru. The ducks are roasted right at their stall in Ang Mo Kio. Other than their signature Dang Gui Roasted Duck, there are also Char Siew and Roasted Pork. 

I ordered a whole duck for $45, the price is much higher as compared to their outlets in Johor Bahru. Their ducks are marinated in dang gui, also known as Chinese angelica root with other herbs. There was a slight taste of dang gui in the duck but the taste was slightly stronger in the accompanying sauce. The meat though not as flavorful but the tenderness and juiciness were detected. 

I tried during their opening phase and the demand was overwhelming then and their standard might be compromised at that time. It did not taste as good as compared to the Dan Xiao Er or even the popular Ya Wang Restoran in Johor Bahru. I did not get to try their outlets in Johor Bahru so not able to do a comparison. 

MENG MENG ROASTED DUCK

Block 721 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 8 #01-2823 SINGAPORE 560721

Operating Hours: 11.30 am to 8.00 pm (Closed on Wednesdays)

Xiong Kee Roast Meat : cheap and not bad

We were supposed to go for the other stall in another coffee shop on the same block but was attracted by the long queue at this stall so we decided to try it. My dining companion joined the queue and waited for about 15 minutes to order. He ordered Char Siew & Roast Meat Rice for $4.00 and the Roast Duck & Roast Meat Rice for $4.50. He said, "It is less than $10 for all these. So cheap." I first came across Xiong Kee Roast Meat when they opened in a coffee shop at Sin Ming. It did not last for too long, closed down a little while later. A couple that sharing our table also said, "This is so cheap. The portion is a lot." They ordered a plate of Char Siew Rice and a plate of Roast Meat Rice at $3.00 each.

The Roast Meat just happened to be out of the roaster so it still retained its crispiness and it did not compromise its tenderness. My dining companion said, "It is crispy but a little bland and not salty enough." He also said, "The Roast Duck is just so so." I did not like the Char Siew, it was too lean and too tough and I actually left it unfinished. 

The texture of the rice was a little mushy. The radish soup was good though.

Tian Cheng Charcoal Roasted at the other coffee shop in the same block is supposed to be as good. It is highly recommended by a FB friend.

XIONG KEE ROAST MEAT
Block 81 Whampoa Drive SINGAPORE 320081

Yaloh : Herbal Roasted Duck, must try

On 13 November 2018, there was a free delivery provided to Ang Mo Kio. I took the opportunity to order and tried the Herbal Roasted Duck for the first time. I ordered by sending a WhatsApp to the number stated. A response was received later. The order was confirmed and I paid via PayNow to reserve a duck and for it to be delivered to the drop-off point of my house.

On Tuesday, a message was received at 5.30 pm informing me that the duck has been despatched from the kitchen. It was mentioned that the estimated delivery time would be 10 minutes. I replied that I would be waiting at the drop-off point at my place. A message was received to inform that it has reached the other carpark. Jovison actually made the effort to walk over when I mentioned I was at the drop-off point of the other carpark. He handed the duck to me and reminded me to give a review after that. 

The duck was nicely packed in 2 boxes with the 2 portions of herbal sauce and chilli. It actually tasted just like the herbal roasted duck from Dian Xiao Er but at a more affordable price. They have a stall at Golden Mile Food Centre. Though the duck was roasted with various types of herbs, the flavor was rather light and the skin was slightly soggy but it still tasted good when eating it with the herbal sauce.  You could choose to pour over the roasted duck or use it as a dipping sauce. It has a distinctive taste of Dang Gui (当归) or Chinese Angelica Root, though slightly strong but not overpowering. I would prefer to eat it without the chilli as it has not much effect in enhancing the flavor.

This is an alternative for the herbal roasted duck. It is as good if not better, a must try. 

YALOH

505 Beach Road #01-109 Golden Mile Food Centre SINGAPORE 199583

Operating Hours: 11.00 am to 8.00 pm (Daily)

Duck Master : $15 per duck is just so cheap!

They first started on the ground floor of People's Park Complex in June 2017 before expanding to include this outlet at Textile Centre, along Jalan Sultan. Their mascot is a Donald Duck in a kung-fu gear and it is hard to miss. And, their tempered glass electric roasting ovens with rows of ducks spinning as they roast are definitely eye-catching. These roasted ducks are going at an unbeatable price tag of just $15 each and this caused quite a lot of stir on Social Media that led to really long queue and waiting time. Customers have to place their orders first, a token is issued to come back later for collection. They started roasting at about 10 am when they open and a few hundreds of ducks are prepared in several batches of 24 ducks in each rotisserie. It takes about 45 minutes for the ducks to be cooked in the 100-degree Celsius oven and turns up the heat for an additional 15 minutes to achieve the desired crispiness for the skin.

Paul Boh, 30, the owner, who is a former food photographer, picked up the skill from his mother about 8 months ago. He experimented with the roasting temperature and speed of the rotation of oven to ensure the even distribution of the heart prior to the opening of his stall. He also learned how to use those pre-set function to roast those ducks. The ducks might not be as flavorful as compared to those cooked in the charcoal-fired oven but the marination process that involved the using of 11 spices like cinnamon and star anise in their central kitchen has definitely made up for it. 

Fresh ducks are sourced from Malaysia and roasted within 24 hours after they are slaughtered and delivered to their stores. Each cooked duck is weighed between 1.8 to 2 kg and at $15, it is affordable and much cheaper than most of those sold in the hawker centres. Using the electric-powdered rotisseries is more cost-effective as compared to the usual charcoal-fired or gas-powdered metal ovens that are most commonly used, new technology is definitely a good way to cut down on operational costs. The duck is sold in whole as they do not provide chopping service, this is also to keep its moistness and preventing its juiciness from escaping. Another reason is to save on its manpower costs to keep the costs of ducks low. 

I went on a weekday to take away 1 duck at their outlet in Textile Centre and there was no queue. I was told that it is usually quieter here as compared to their main outlet at People's Park Centre as the parking is an issue over here. The duck was still warm when I got home, though it was smaller in size, its meat was unbelievably tender and quite tasty though a little too saltier, the marinade was rather light with a tinge of spices. The paper-thin skin was crispy and surprisingly not greasy, unlike the other roasted ducks that I had tasted, it is good to eat on its own and even without the accompanying chili sauce. Currently, there is also an online ordering system to place orders in advance and collecting at a specific timing of your choice at their outlets. 

DUCK MASTER

200 Jalan Sultan #01-05 Textile Centre SINGAPORE 199081

Operating Hours: 10.30 am to 6.30 pm

1 Park Road #01-K99 People Park Complex SINGAPORE 059108

Operating Hours: 10.30 am to 9.00 pm 

Ming Mun 名门 : the authentic Hong Kong taste

Chef Rex Lam, 42, the founder, came to Singapore from Hong Kong about 3 months ago and brought along his recipe as well as 18 years of experience in roasted meat. The recipe has been adjusted to better suit the taste buds of the locals. The stall has been around for a while but they have been really low key and so, even though it is near to where I stay but I know nothing about them until someone posted it on Facebook.

They are likely to be the only hawker stall that is known for serving Roast Goose, they imported the frozen goose from Hungary as those from China are not approved. It is only available by ordering in advance and on certain days, particularly on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. It was reported recently in the newspaper that half of their roasted goose costs $128 as there is an increase in the price of frozen goose, from the initial $80 to $150 per bird, to actually justify it. The availability of Roast Goose is quite indefinite as the source of supply is not reliable for now.

The roast goose was not available when We were there on a Sunday for lunch. We decided to go with a quarter Roast Duck ($13.00) with Char Siew ($4.00) for 2 pax together with 2 plates of rice ($0.50 cents each). I ordered the Roasted Pork too, but they did not get the order as I could not communicate well in Cantonese when I ordered through Chef Lam. As it is self-service, I waited there for it to be served. When Chef Lam handed the plate of roasted meat to me, he said, "慢慢食" in Cantonese, which means "enjoy your meal."

The skin was slightly crisp with a slight smokiness and still retained its moisture within, it was so tender and juicy. My dining companion got pretty excited over it. He exclaimed, "It tasted just like what I had eaten in Hong Kong." It has a pretty authentic taste as Chef Lam insists on using a classic blend of spices and herbs as the marinade, providing a savory flavor and not as sweet as some of the others roasted ducks in Singapore. 

The Char Siew was really good, and its standard is even close to Roast Paradise which is known for their amazingly good Char Siew. It had a perfect lean-to-fat ratio and nicely caramelized with charred edges but still tender within.

As a frequent traveler to Hong Kong, I can attest that this is one of the closest choices that you can get without flying to Hong Kong.

MING MUN 名门

Block 159 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 4 SINGAPORE 560159

Operating Hours: 10.00 am to 9.00 pm (Daily)

Seng Kee Chicken Rice 新奇鸡饭 : Roasted Duck Rice

I was there for a late lunch and most of the stalls have already sold out or closed including the popular Henry's Chicken Rice that i am looking forward to try. When i was looking an alternative, this stall caught my attention as i spotted a white-haired elderly Uncle manning the stall. There was another customer right in front of me and when the Uncle saw me, he said, 'Only left duck rice'. I decided to have that and added an egg to go along. I was given a piece of roasted duck drumstick out of the remaining half a duck that was hanging there. It was nicely chopped and served with a good portion of rice together with the braised egg by the side, it also served along with a small bowl of boiled peanut soup for $4.50.

I guess they must have run out of the plain rice as it was served with the chicken broth flavored rice instead, it did go well though. Their roasted duck might not be amongst the best that i have tasted but it was nicely done. The skin was thin though no longer crispy but the meat was rather flavorful and tender, not as greasy as well. It is good enough to eat it by itself and to omit the accompanied chilli totally.

The boiled peanut soup was lightly flavored, there were a few peanuts and a part of chicken feet in it.

Overall, it was a simple yet satisfying lunch. I would be interested to try their Chicken Rice or even the Curry Chicken Noodle if i happen to be in this food centre again.

SENG KEE CHICKEN RICE 新奇鸡饭

119 Commonwealth Crescent #02-78 Commonwealth Crescent Food Centre SINGAPORE 140119

Taman Jurong Food Centre: A Hidden Gem in the West

Taman Jurong Food Centre is the first hawker centre built by the government in 1971. Though it might have lost its former glory as it is not as crowded as before but calling it a 'ghost town' and 'forsaken place' as in a particular article that i came across is definitely exaggerating. It was mentioned in the article that 'during lunch hours owners could be seen swatting flies by empty tables' is not quite right.

Some of the stalls do close as early as 2 pm and some of them sold out pretty early as the nearby factories usually send out representatives to take away lunches as early as 11 am. Their rentals might be on the high side as mentioned in the article as there are some stalls particularly the back row at level 3 are left unoccupied. Of course, do not come at night when most of the stalls have already closed, then the food centre is really a ghost town. Otherwise, i was there for lunch quite often and to call it a forsaken place, i do not quite agree at all. 

Here are some of the popular stalls that you should check it out if you are there:

TOM'S KITCHEN (#03-130)
Operating Hours:12.00 pm to 9.00 pm (Off on Mondays & Thursdays)

They moved from Bukit Timah Food Centre to here in March 2014. This is one of the stalls with a constant queue. Their signature dishes are Chicken Chop, Pork Chop and Baked Rice since their opening in 2004. I did not hear much about this stall when i first chanced upon them but my attention was caught by that on going long queue. I decided to have Fried Chicken Cutlet ($5) during my first visit but the taste was not quite memorable. When i came back this time, i decided to go with their Grilled Chicken Chop ($5). I was expected to pay first then asked to come back in 15 minutes to collect it. 

The Auntie could actually remember you and your order. When you return to collect your order, you just need to hang around there and just watch out for her to signal you over to collect it.

The Chicken Chop consists of a piece of grilled chicken chop with a portion of fries, coleslaw, cucumber and tomato in a pool of brown sauce. It was gorgeously tender and succulent with a smoky charred flavor, it was nicely seared to give the skin a delightful crispiness as it demonstrated a good control of fire. The accompanying brown gravy was intensely flavored and very tasty. My first mouthful actually blew me away, it has not happened for the longest time. This was one of the tastiest Chicken Chop and it tasted so good that i am actually ranking it amongst the top 3 in my list for the best Chicken Chop. 

The menu also consists of Grilled Fish ($5.50), Grilled Salmon ($6.50), Grilled Pork Chop ($5.50), Grilld Sirloin Steak ($7.00), Grilled Lamb Chop ($7.00), Chicken Cutlet ($5.00), Fish Cutlet ($5.50), Pork Cutlet ($5.00) and Chicken Wing Rice ($3.00). They do also serve pasta and baked rice. 

TIEN LAI FOOD STALL (#02-66)

Operating Hours: 9.30 am to 1.00 pm (Closed on Saturdays)

It was founded a really long time ago and it is in the good hands of the second generation now. It serves Hong Kong Roasted Meats that is highly raved by many to be the one of the best in the western part of Singapore, it has one of the longest queues in this food centre. It was almost sold out during my first and second visit, i made an effort to come early this time and joined in the long queue. I waited for close to 30 minutes before i got to order. I decided to have a Roasted Duck Drumstick for $5 and a plate of Char Siew & Sio Bak for $3.

The Roasted Duck Drumstick was nicely roasted to impart a slight smoky flavor beneath the skin with a perfect tenderness. 

I was told that their Char Siew and Sio Bak are usually the first to be sold out, much earlier than their Roasted Ducks. The portion was quite substantial with an adequate amount of rice with Char Siew and Sio Bak. The carmalized Char Siew has an nostalgic old school taste, it was nicely charred around the edges and sweetened. 

They are known to use a higher grade of rice like the pearl rice which gives a better texture as compared to the other stalls. It was then drizzled with their thick and richly flavored dark sauce on the rice.

58 MINCED MEAT NOODLE (#03-150)
Operating Hours: 6.00 am to 2.30 pm (Closed on Tuesdays)

The stall owner, Mr Ang, is the second generation hawker, taken over the stall that first started by his father in 1973 at the old market in Taman Jurong. He started helping his father since young before he took over the stall about 10 years ago. There is another stall with the same stall name at the Taman Jurong Shopping Centre operated by a close relative supposedly with a comparable standard.

The mee pok was cooked well to give it the desired springiness and the right softness. It serves with a good amount of ingredients like minced pork, pork liver, mushroom with bits of crispy pork lards added to enhance its flavor. They did not braised their mushroom here but rather they sauteed it, a rather old school way of doing it. I particularly enjoyed the few big pieces of pork liver that were of the right thickness and sizes, perfectly cooked to a perfect tenderness. 

To enjoy, first is to mix the noodles well with the chilli and vinegar base sauce mix underneath that pile of noodles. The amount of vinegar added was just right to add flavor and not powering, the level of spiciness was just right for the chilli.

I would have be one of their regular customers if it not of its location, as it is way too far from my house. I would also be more than willing to pay $3.50 for such a bowl of noodles as this is one of the cheaper and better Bak Chor Mee that i have ever eaten. You could add another $1 for an extra amount of ingredients.

FENG ZHEN LOR MEE (#03-146)
Operating Hours: 5.00 am to 3.00 pm (Closed on Saturdays & Sundays)

This is another popular stall in this food centre will a constant long queue. They used to be in other part of Jurong but moved to the food centre about 7 years ago. Though there are other noodle dishes on their menu but the most popular has to be their Lor Mee. You could choose between the $2.50 or the $3.00 portion, you could also order the $4 portion for an additional amount of ingredients added. You could specifically tell them what extra ingredients you would want to be added.

The Lor Mee came with ingredients like their handmade fried meatballs, shredded fish meat, braised pork belly, fishcake and half a braised egg. Some customers even order their handmade fried meatballs as a side dish to have it with the Lor Mee or just eat it by itself. The braised gravy is not as heavily flavored and not too overly starchy as well, i usually requested for an extra amount of chilli and garlic paste to be added to bring forth a stronger flavor.

If you come during lunch, you are expected to queue for at least 15 minutes or more but the queue is fast moving though.

HAI ZHEN (#03-166)
Operating Hours: 11.00 am to 2.00 pm / 4.00 pm to 10.00 pm (Daily)

Even though they are not the only Zi Char stall selling this hearty dish but their Fish Head Curry is quite popular. Their prices are very much depend on the sizes of the fish head on that day, it could be from $19 to $22. The freshness of these fish heads is guaranteed as the owner insists in only serving the freshest, he would rather not sell it then compromised its quality. 

The fish head is usually quite big and meaty, with loads of brinji and ladies finger added with tomato and pineapple to bring forth a sourish taste. The curry sauce is not as creamy but rather aromatic with a rather mild level of spiciness. 

SOON LEE (#02-93)
Operating Hours: 5.30 am to 6.30 pm (Daily)

This is a popular drink stall that serves most of their drinks at only 0.70 cents, the popular choices are pineapple drink, lime juice, coconut water and soya milk. They do have also serve freshly squeezed sugar cane drink.

TAMAN JURONG FOOD CENTRE

3 Yung Seng Road SINGAPORE 618499

Foong Kee Coffee Shop at Keong Saik : Wanton Mee & Roasted Meats

If you happen to be in Chinatown and looking to have lunch then perhaps you might want to take a little walk towards Keong Saik Street. When you walk further in, you would come across Foong Kee Coffee Shop, a rather unassuming coffee shop with only a roasted meats stall helmed by the self-taught chef Wong Wai Chew. If you are a big fan of roasted meat particularly the char siew, sio bak and roasted duck, this is where you should be. 

You will order at the stall then help yourself to those canned drinks in the fridge, there are cups for the ice cubes and you have to self-service too. The canned drink is priced at only $1.00 per can. You will then pay with your other orders when they deliver to the table.

Their Wanton Mee is one of my favourite. This is especially so after tasted some of the famous Wanton Mee in Katong and Joo Chiat area. What actually distinguish this Wanton Mee and the others is their Char siew. It was perfectly roasted to slightly charred the surface and the tender texture beneath, it has a slight chewiness coupled with a nice hint of a well-balanced sweetness. To start, tossed the springy noodles in the sauce consists of a combination of oyster sauce, soy sauce, pork lard oil and chilli. 

 Their wantons fared equally well too, it was meaty and plump with well-marinated filling wrapped in those sheets. 

They are also well-known for their Sio Bak and Roasted Duck. And to have the best of the both worlds, the order has to be a plate of Sio Bak and Roasted Duck Rice. I did not take notice of the price, if i remember correctly it should be $5. I enjoyed my Sio Bak a little better if it was chopped in those chunky pieces for better enjoyment. It got the perfect lean-to-fat-meat ratio and even layered, the skin was rather crispy and the meat though slightly saltish but with a desired tenderness. 

The Roasted Duck was their other signature, intensely flavored and succulent, it was just so good. 

This was a highly satisfactory lunch that left me feeling happy for the rest of the day.

FOONG KEE COFFEE SHOP

6 Keong Saik Road SINGAPORE 089114

Operating Hours: 11.00 am to 8.00 pm (Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays)