Under each silky skin was a juicy pork filling that soaked up the sauce beautifully. The chilli oil leaned more aromatic than fiery, with savoury depth and a gentle tang that kept the flavours lively. The balance of smooth wrapper, tender meat and fragrant sauce made each bite satisfying. The portion felt generous and affordable, a dish that draws me back for both taste and value whenever Iβm at this hawker γ$6
The XLB came steaming with thin and delicate skin that held the broth beautifully without breaking. The soup inside was rich and flavourful while the pork filling stayed tender and well marinated. The meatβtoβskin ratio felt generous, giving each bite a satisfying balance of filling and broth. Affordable at a dollar each, they delivered both taste and craft without feeling heavy on the wallet γ$6
The chicken thigh was juicy inside but the crust came out heavier, almost overβfried which made the bite less easygoing. The honey mustard sauce added a tangy note but stayed mild, not strong enough to cut through the fry. Bacon and lettuce gave some crunch yet the burger leaned more on texture than flavour γ$8.50 ALC
Each main came with two sides and I went for mac & cheese and onion rings. The grilled chicken thigh was juicy under a tangy lemon lime sauce. The sides added that familiar comfort and crunch. The sides gave that mix of creaminess and crunch, familiar in a way that reminded me of my student days when this was the kind of hearty, simple and still affordable meal γ$13.90
Curry chicken noodle with a broth that was fragrant, rich and light enough to sip. Steamed chicken was tender, tau pok soaked up the curry and the potatoes were
soft but still holding their shape without turning mushy. Noodles carried the flavour well. Itβs the kind of comfort food that feels especially right on a cold day γ$5.50
πDong Ji Hainan Curry Chicken | #02-K25
The mochi waffle came crisp at the edges but overly chewy inside, almost too much mochi. I sampled a few gelato flavours and none left much impression. Sticky date pudding sounded promising, yet on the waffle it turned cloying. Already sweet on its own and further weighed down by maple syrup drizzle. Texture was interesting at first but the flavour balance tipped into heavy and overly sweet γ$6.90 Mochi Waffle + $5.20 Premium Flavour
One of my favourite chicken wing rice, always comforting and satisfying. The wings are fried crisp and golden, skin light and crunchy while the meat inside stays juicy and tender with savoury depth from the marinade. Paired with fragrant chicken rice, it makes for a hearty meal that I keep coming back to. The chilli dip adds a sharp kick that ties everything together and it has become one of my late night choices for a sinful supper, affordable and consistently good γ$4
The sambal stingray arrives on a sizzling hot plate with a smoky and spicy aroma. The flesh is tender and juicy, thick enough to feel substantial yet soft enough to pull apart with ease. Sambal brings bold fragrance and a fiery kick, a little salty but especially satisfying when paired with rice γ$15 / Medium
Freshly made as I arrived, the strawberry matcha latte came layered with homemade strawberry puree at the base and creamy matcha poured over. The matcha tasted smooth and balanced, while the strawberry brought gentle sweetness and tang. Real strawberry bits added texture and a natural bite, making the drink feel fresh throughout. More on the subtle side than bold, it comes together as a refreshing mix of fruit and matcha γ$6.90
π https://take.app/matchamura
π579 Hougang Ave 4, S530579
Revisited Hup Kee after years and the queue is still as long as before. Managed to get my bowls but by just past 11am only fishballs were left. Their mee kia was thinner and curly, springy without the strong alkaline taste, tossed in dark sauce with shallot oil, fried shallot and plenty of lard for that shiok and sinful flavour. The handmade fishballs were firm yet bouncy, clean in texture and paired best with the belacan chilli which gave a spicy lift. The flavours remain familiar and satisfying, something I would go for if I am already around the hood though I would reconsider making a special trip just for the queue γ$5 (Regular) / $6.50 (Large)
The sea salt blue pea was not bad with a gentle savoury touch. The chrysanthemum honeyscukle although pleasant, didnβt feel like their best. What struck me more was how heavily coloured the gelato seemed, leaning toward artificial tones. On the other hand, the ube mochi and pistachio rose both came with mochi folded in, adding a chewy texture that made the scoops more interesting.
Double Scoop γ$7.70 + $2 Premium Flavours
Went down to Bedok to satisfy my Thai food cravings. Prices are very affordable and these are my usual picks that never go wrong. The vermicelli seafood salad came tangy and refreshing, chicken creamy tom yum soup rich and comforting with fragrant basil minced pork that pairs perfectly with rice. Not forgetting Thai milk tea, smooth and sweet, rounding off a spread thatβs simple and satisfying.
Thai Vermicelli Salad with Seafood γ$8
Tom Yum Soup γ$6
Basil Pork γ$6
