Mention about Mas Ayu Restaurant and some (especially those whom reside in the East might find this name ringing some bells. Having been established in 1991, Mas Ayu Restaurant was once situated at 55 Upper East Coast Road before having ceased operations some time in 2019 — these folks are however back in action again, having opened at a new location at 359 Changi Road which is around the vicinity of Eunos. Now known as Mas Ayu Family Restaurant, the current iteration of the establishment is also run by the same folks whom own The Shakehouse at Bussorah Street whom intend to bring in something new to the brand apart from serving up the familiar Malay cuisine that former patrons of Mas Ayu Restaurant loved. The menu at Mas Ayu Restaurant is segmented into sections dedicated to Local — Noodle, Local — Rice, Local — Lontong Goreng, Local — Soup, Local — Vegetables, Local — Telur, Local — Side Dish, Local — Tom Yum, Local — Charcoal Steamboat, Local — Whole Fish, Western — Grill, Western — Pasta, Western — Sides and Desserts.

We went for the Lontong Goreng Pattaya during our visit to Mas Ayu Family Restaurant — this would be an item that is being listed under the Local — Lontong Goreng section of the menu, with patrons being able to opt for variants that includes Ayam (i.e. chicken) Daging (i.e. beef), Seafood or Kerang (i.e. blood cockles); we went with the Daging variant for our order. The Lontong Goreng Pattaya features rice cakes that has been all chopped up wok-fried with beef; all of which served within a a pan-fried omelette that is typical of the Pattaya variant of Nasi Goreng / Mee Goreng that can be typically found at establishments serving up mamak fare. There is a likeness between the Lontong Goreng Pattaya (Daging) and the local Chinese variant of Carrot Cake (Black) where the mini rice cakes within does come with a springy but further bite as compared to carrot cake, but carries a similar savouriness and sweetness although with a slightly meaty touch from the addition of beef. The cut of the beef included here does seem to be of the beef coin cut which was pretty easy to chew; there is also slight hint of gaminess that seems to be intended to provide a flavour contrast as well. Opting for the Pattaya variant, all of that comes wrapped within the omelette which adds a thin layer of egg that carries an eggy note — the drizzle of chili sauce over the top adding yet another contrast of flavours that gives it an element of spiciness, while the prawn crackers on the side were light and crisp.