Another brand that has been mushrooming around the island, Penang Chiak seems well on its way to building an empire in Food Republic. Its offerings at Westgate's outlet are pretty extensive, bringing you a slice of Penang with signatures such as Char Koay Teow, Curry Mee, Fried Hor Fun, Hokkien Mee, and Lor Bak.

I found Penang Chiak's Assam Laksa to be enjoyable. Although the broth here is on the lighter side (they go easy on the prawn paste), but it was by no means bland or one-dimensional. It's got that lovely tamarind tanginess, as well as a fiery heat that got me tearing up within a few sips. And they sure are generous with the ingredients—chunks of mackerel, ginger flower, fresh pineapple, julienned mango and cucumber, and mint sprigs littered the bowl. Threw in a boiled egg ($1) as well, just because :)