We’ve uncovered 5 spots you would never have thought of when you think of food.
Let’s face it, when it comes to food, the facade is a huge deciding factor. It’s a psychological thing, you would think a restaurant’s appearance correlates to taste or its credibility – that is one thought that’ll shortchange your taste buds. If you’re one to stick to your go-to food places and admit it, the menu already wears you out then it is time to venture out of your comfort zone. We’ve uncovered 5 spots you would never have thought of when you think of food.
1. Kebabs & Curries
We all know Mustafa, yes? One of the few places you can find anything you might ever need – from electronics to groceries. You name it, they probably have it. We Singaporeans often head down for grocery runs, since their pricings are relatively cheaper as compared to Giant or Cold Storage. For those health fanatics, Silk’s almond milk retails for less than $5 as compared to the exorbitant $15 at Cold Storage!
It’s a place you would least expect to find a restaurant but then again with Mustafa, it is not impossible. Little India definitely has no lack of great Indian food but Kebabs & Curries, located on the highest level of the Mustafa building has our vote with its beautiful ambiance and rooftop setting.
Kebabs & Curries has both indoor and outdoor seatings, we recommend the latter for that extra ‘wow’ factor. Food-wise, they offer North Indian specialties from naans and butter chicken to fusion dishes such as Szechuan noodles. It’s not all fluff – their flavours are all spot on. Even their unique dishes like the Lemon Curry Fish ($14) has a flavour profile you never knew worked. Perfect for dinner after a long, hectic week.
171 Syed Alwi Rd, #07-00 Mustafa Centre, 207704
Daily 11am-12.45am
2. Fish & Chicks
Tanglin Halt is never a place one will ever think of exploring. Sure they have a few food centres that residents will swear by – but that’s about it. Tanglin Halt’s Koufu which is just directly behind Commonwealth MRT, now houses Fish & Chicks newest outlet.
If you have yet to hear of them, you’re missing out. They offer tried-and-tested classics and even a Thai-inspired dishes like the Thai Chili Fish & Chips or the Green Curry Chicken Cutlet (both $11.60).
Other than a fusion of Thai flavours, they also do local favourites, from a mean Chili Crab Fish to a Salted Egg one that’s surprisingly not cloying.
The whole place can get very crowded during lunch or dinner since it is, after all, a Kopitiam, so you might want to check them out during off-peak hours. With their food nicely presented on wooden trays, you won’t actually realise you’re dining at a Kopitiam!
88 Tanglin Halt, #01-08, Singapore 079329
Daliy 9.30am-11pm
3. Route 12
Route 12 has been making its rounds on Instagram with their gigantic sharing Nasi Lemak platters. Don’t be put off by the eatery’s nondescript exterior, the food is decently good yet affordable. The eatery roadside coffee shop concept is inspired by the owner’s bike trips around Malaysia and Thailand.
Definitely, come in groups, you’ll need to try their platters of fluffy green coconut rice in the Sotong King ($18) and Spring Chicken ($15) versions. They have the usual western offerings too, from chicken chop to fish & chips. The eatery also features another tenant selling local desserts like the usual suspects of Ice Kachang and Chendol. You can basically expect to taste a complete Singapore cuisine just under one roof.
With meals like Nasi Lemak, you are bound to get very thirsty and their extensive drinks menu is more than able to quench your thirst. Their drinks come in plastic bags and are all crowd favourites – from Bandung, Red and Green Thai Milk Teas and Milo.
45 Sam Leong Rd, Singapore 207935
Daily 2pm-11pm
4. Mr Baguette
Located at the ulu Golden Mile Food centre, this place ingeniously offers balls of filled baguette. It doesn’t sound very appealing until I tell you the filings are actually molten and it flows beautifully each time. The lava baguettes ($1.80 each) comes in Matcha, Red Velvet, Adzuki Bean and a ton of other flavours.
Keeping in the theme of being ingenious – Mr Baguette also does Pasta Baguette ($2), in baguette form. Imagine a crusty bread exterior with warm, creamy fillings of carbonara or even bolognese. The carbonara is generously filled with bacon bits and tiny pieces of mushrooms, not forgetting the pasta itself. Carbs overload, but if it’s worth the calories, then who cares.
The baguettes are all puny but beware, they were thick and substantial. They are great for a light lunch or even for office gatherings. You’ll definitely be bombarded with questions on where you got them.
It definitely is a messy affair of crusts and drips of fillings all over the table – but worth it.
505 Beach Rd #B1-51, Singapore 199583
Daily 12pm-8pm, except Tuesdays
5. Arnold’s Fried Chicken
Saving the best one for last, this fast food chain serves up the meanest fried chicken we’ve ever tried. They have a few locations all over Singapore but their original branch at City Plaza does it the best, either that or we’re biased.
Most are of the impression that City Plaza is not even around anymore, seeing as how there are newer malls like Paya Lebar Square and One Km Mall. Although it is rather vacant, the place is still there to stay. Tucked in the corner of the second floor, don’t be surprised when you see that Arnold’s is the only place buzzing with people.
The chicken at Arnold’s is unlike KFC’s chicken, in fact, they are worlds apart. Firstly, they only use fresh chicken, never frozen, which is evident in the taste. Most importantly, the chicken is only fried upon order and it’s served piping hot with that perfect spiced batter.
Arnold’s Fried Chicken is the whole package; their coleslaw are not those drenched in mayonnaise or one with a funky smell.
Skip the individual chicken pieces and head straight for the Whole Spring Chicken ($11). You’ll be amazed at how tender and juicy the chicken is – never again will you order it elsewhere.
810 Geylang Rd, City Plaza, Singapore 409286
Daily 11am-10pm
