To-try HAWKER/CHEAP EATS

I'm so happy that the stalls are returning back to this dingy, run-down but homely food centre on the top of Beauty World Centre.
Take this Hong Kong soya sauce chicken, solid, and very tender chicken, on a plate of chicken rice. The skin is so succulent and flavourful, with that I wished I had more. The sauce, thick and well-balanced goes well with their spicy Chili sauce that many seemed to take a lot.
I asked for one dumpling to be added to the soup, and I did not regret that $1.10/pc dumpling. Filled to the brim with crunchy prawn pieces (I counted to at least 4 big chunky pieces), black fungus and minced meat. Every bite send joy to the bones, and I can see why many add another bowl of dumpling soup when they order.

Good braised duck with a sweet and savoury dark sauce. Duck was well cooked and wasn't too tough nor chewy. Don't forget to get the herbal soup too! There seems to be a perpetual line here though.

Look at that amazing amount of chye poh! That coupled with the fact that this carrot cake was fried to a nice crisp won us over. The portion given was also quite generous given that we chose the version with prawns added. Highly recommended to anyone who happens to be in the area!

Served by a humble, pleasant uncle. $3. Will be back again. #burpple

It consists of a big chicken drumstick and a piece of potato fritter. While queueing, the person in front of me just randomly told me that this is the best Mee Soto in Singapore; and guess what? Look like he's right afterall.

This Gerai Nenek Obek signature is perfect for the uninitiated as it comes with a pre-selected set of sides: well-cooked paru (lungs), super tender cuttlefish in a fiery sambal sauce, tempeh and a ball of bergedil. You can opt to pick your own sides too!

The rice comes drenched in a most flavourful sauce made by simmering kikil (beef tendon), buah keluak and beef fat(!!). If you need more, just ask and they'll be happy to ladle some more!

Quite possibly the best beef noodles I've ever had. The broth is so robust, the beef so generous. A basket of bean sprouts and basil come overflowing, allowing you to add as you please. Dump in a good teaspoon of dried chili flakes you'll find in the condiment tray, and this might be the bowl of noodles you never knew you needed in your life. Also order their pork slices salad, so spicy your scalp will sweat instantly, but so good! Get their Thai milk tea (with less sugar), totally hits the spot.

A seemingly new stall that serves a variety of Peranakan fare in BGAIN130 coffeeshop at Blk 130 Jurong Gateway Road. Served with a chicken drumstick, there is a slight nuttiness to the meat which also carries a little zestiness to life the flavours just a bit. Chili (which was right under the chicken drumstick) was moderately spicy, giving a manageable kick of flavours as you grab a little of everything to fit into one spoonful. Thought that the achar mix was pretty decent — crunchy, fresh being tastefully sour to refresh the tastebuds. At a price of $5.50, this is definitely an affordable alternative to the shopping centre options when it comes to dining within the area near Jurong East MRT Station.

If you're on a budget but craving some finger-licking good crabs, head over to this unassuming coffeeshop stall in Hougang. Apart from regular zi char fare, they also serve Sri Lankan crabs ($25 for three smaller crabs, $30 for two medium, $40 for two large), cooked in a variety of styles including salted egg yolk (additional $3), black pepper and chilli. The pricing system can get confusing but fret not — in our opinion, two medium crabs is just enough for two hungry tummies. Be sure to order the Mantou ($2 for six) to mop up the juices and gravy!

We order Thai Basil Pork ($4.40) and Pad Thai ($4) together with Thai-style BBQ fish ($5) and iced milk tea ($2 each). Satisfying meal that filled our tummy. Check out our SnapChat to see how their BBQ the fish on spot. #cuisineparadiseeatout #thaifood #burrple

Nothing says family dining like eating off the same platter, and what a feast it would be at this unpretentious East-side eatery! The signature Nasi Ambeng Sahan Sets (from $24 for two) are the star here, and a no-brainer way to decide what to eat — perfect for large families who can never agree on what to order. Expect a large portion of rice, combined with at least eight classic Malay sides like chicken in spiced coconut gravy (chicken kalio), fried potato patties (begedil) and killer sambal belachan. Portions are very generous so it is best you order modestly — the Ambeng Classic Trio ($48) can easily feed four people instead of their suggested three. There are also single portion sets (from $7) available.
Avg price: $12 per person

Waited so long for the chance to give this a try, and glad to say I have had done it. Waiting time for the food is a tad long because they seemed to prepare everything on the spot, but that's when you realise how everything is so comforting served piping hot. Deep-fried pork pieces were crispy and juicy without being too greasy, yet carried the pungent garlicky flavours that made it so good! Even comes with a fried egg with an oozy egg yolk. Looking forward to try their other items, and definitely will be back to have this again for it's pretty good quality Thai food especially if I am nearby!