DINNER CHOICES

FOOD: Astons provides really cheap meals! It started out as a western stall in normal coffee shops and slowly expanded to individual restaurant. There are quite a number of outlets around Singapore. My friend and I visited the Changi Airport Terminal 1 outlet (Just opened on 15 June 2015). There are three main types of restaurants - Specialties, Express and Steak & Salad.

PRICE: The prices on their menus are NETT. Yes, there's no need to worry about the 17%. Check out the food prices on the online menus: http://www.astons.com.sg/menu_delight.htm

Their main dishes come with 2 side dishes which you can choose at your delight from the given choices. My friends have placed Mac & Cheese at their top chart. Water is FOC.

AMBIENCE: (Depends on which outlet you're going) Changi's outlet was lit up with warm spotlights which gives a pretty romantic ambience. There are quite a number of seats but do expect long queues during meal time. Enjoy your meal with classical music.

SERVICE: After knowing your table number, you'll have to order your food at the counter on your own. Next, you'll be directed to your table. Food will be served shortly like approximately 10 minutes. There are quite a number of waiters/waitresses on the ground which you can approach for help if you need any.

CONCLUSION: As a west-sider who seldom take an hour trip to the East for food only, I'd try out their other outlets! If I'm going Changi Airport again to send others off or to be sent off by others, I'd definitely come back to T1 ASTONS:)

Friends gathering at 49 Seats (There're really 49 seats in the restaurant). RESERVE early, at least one day earlier, to feel the vintage decorations on the inside of the restaurant, or enjoy the sheltered outdoor area.

FOOD: I've ordered Chicken Chop (Black Pepper Sauce) which was tender and juicy. It came with fries and salad. Tom Yam Chicken Cutlet which was greatly recommended by one of our friends was good. Pastas' portion was satisfying as can be seen from the photo but I guess ceramic plate instead of steel plate would add points to the appearance.

PRICE: No service charge; no GST. Generally dishes are below $15. Drinks priced at about $3.

AMBIENCE: Reserved too late, had to sit outside. Not too bad, we could laugh out loud.

SERVICE: Cash register ran out of coins and I was given a discount of 90cents as they did not want to keep me waiting. Right after the above we-fie was taken, the waiter volunteered to help us take group photos and also joked around with us. Really wanted to stay around longer but it seemed that the number of customers is always greater than 49 seats.

CONCLUSION: Affordable and delicious. Search for '49 Seats' on Facebook for reservation contact number and directions to the restaurant. There is another outlet at Orchard. Though the restaurant is not yet certified halal, it claims that no pork/lark is being used in the process of cooking (Information retrieved from 49 Seats Instagram).