Affordable

𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐟 𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐧 ($12.50) - Slurp-worthy beehoon soaked in creamy tonkotsu broth with depth of sweet-savory flavour from the clams. The clams were also fresh and firm yet chewy. Highly value-for-money considering the 2pax portion.

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫 𝐬𝐢𝐞𝐰 ($9.80) - Good ratio of fatty:lean meat with enjoyable caramelization, giving it a bak-kwa like flavour.

𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐤 ($9.50) - Ultra crunchy crackling top with enjoyable meaty centre. Nicely paired with honey mustard.

Hidden gem serving highly affordable quality dishes and desserts. As part of their culinary or hospitality training, students form the main service team but this did not compromise on our dining experience.

We went with a 2 course meal of appetizer and entree. Chef’s salad was a refreshing and clean option with well-balanced mix in of balsamic. For entree, we enjoyed both our choices of mushroom aglio olio and nasi lemak. The former featured aldente penne and juicy mushrooms but can feel a tad rich. The latter had fragrant coconut rice and sambal with crispy chicken cutlet. Only minor let down was the onsen egg being a tad overdone.

Enjoyed the battered fried chicken with a distinct savory prawn marinade. Crispy outside while still tender inside.
📍Hong Kong Style Kitchen 港式小炒, 01-44, 93 Lor Toa Payoh, Singapore

Straightforward steamed whole grouper. Could tell that the fish was fresh but found it just slightly overcooked such that the meat was on the firmer side. The sauce was quite standard soya-based with topping of coriander; would have appreciated something more.

📍港式小炒

𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐨𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐨𝐭 𝐩𝐢𝐞 (4.5⭐️; $12.50) - Hearty chicken soup served with crispy puff pastry top that soaked up the broth for a buttery, savory, and aromatic bite. Favourite and most memorable dish that we would definitely return for!

Soya cake was soft and fluffy, with middle layers of aromatic cream. Our chosen sesame flavour was distinct without being too rich, and enjoyed the bites and flavour from the black and white sesame seeds within.

The burger left us impressed with its simple yet bold flavours. The thick beef patty was perfectly medium-rare and juicy pink, and the charring of the potato bun added a distinct but not overpowering smokiness.

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Putien Lor Mee ($6.90) ⭐️ 4/5 ⭐️
Heng hwa bee hoon ($6.90) ⭐️ 3.5/5 ⭐️
🍴Checked out the newly revamped Food Junction’s cheaper alternative for Putian cuisine.

The lor mee broth was enjoyably clean and creamy without being too thick, and with underlying seafood flavour. The thin bee hoon was lighter on the palette, and adequately soaked up the meat/seafood broth. Both had a decent serving of seafood (prawn, clams), vegetables, mushrooms, and peanuts.

While it can’t hold a candle to the one-Michelin restaurant (and it’s chili), it’s a decent, budget-friendly, and satisfying alternative.

📍Putien Heng Hwa, Level 4, @foodjunctionsg, @lotonesg, 21 Choa Chu Kang Ave 4, Singapore

The 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐧 (4.5 ⭐️; $23.50/ half kg) was perfectly roasted to have succulent, juicy, melt-in-the-mouth fatty meat with crispy crackling golden skin. So indulgent but good 🥹😋, especially when paired with the sauce and refreshing pickled cucumber.

Decent option for authentic Sri Lankan street food. Tried the chicken cheese kothu ($9) which was chopped Putu mayam (aka string hoppers, thin rice noodle) stir fried with vegetables, egg, spices, and curries. Hearty dish with the unique twist of soft noodles instead of rice. Their Mutton roll ($3.50) was flavourful with a good level of spice kick.

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Cosy kiosk in Clementi offering generously-packed sandos at a wallet-friendly price. Healthier-tasting and protein-rich sandwiches that don’t compromise on taste, right up our alley! The white bread was fluffy and light but if nitpicking, wished it was more fragrant and toasted slightly longer for extra crisp.

Juicy and tender house-cured beef with torched cheese and pickles. Did feel that it can get a tad one-note and rich (thus enjoying the chicken sando more), but suitable for beef lovers. Also value-for-money given the generous portion of slow-cooked beef brisket.

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