Yet another name that doesn’t need much of an introduction to those familiar with the local F&B scene, Joji’s Diner has recently opened a new outlet along Stanley Street — the same street is also home to other establishments such as the newly-opened Paris2Tokyo (which we visited not too long ago), Common Man Stan, Carrotsticks and Cravings and Miznon. Joji’s Diner was established by the same folks behind Breakfast Club — the very first Breakfast Club located at within Yaowarat Coffeeshop that is situated just a stone’s throw away from Kovan MRT Station. The brand had expanded its operations with the introduction of Joji’s Diner, which is their very first standalone concept located at Upper Serangoon Road, and had also opened yet another Breakfast Club in a standalone shophouse unit at Holland Village — this outlet has since ceased operations. Their latest concept at Stanley Road follows closely to the style of Joji’s Diner at Upper Serangoon Road — modelled after American diners in the 1950s to 1960s, expect a flashy and retro-themed interior featuring red and white booth seats with metallic walls around the entire shophouse. The ground level is pretty much dedicated to their usual dine-in operations; the second level is a space that is meant for their bar operations, which is yet to be ready during our visit — the space is also decked in a similar style to the ground level with the exception of the area dedicated to the bar counter. During the day of our visit, Joji’s Diner’s menu at Stanley Street featured a curated selection of items that are also available at their Upper Serangoon Road outpost — think items such as their Smash Burger, Poutine and the All Star Platter, while there are also list of side dishes listed in the Ala-Carte section. The Banana Split is the only Dessert item listed on the menu during our visit. Beverages include the signature Pink Lemonade, as well as coolers, sparkling beverages, juices, specialty coffee, tea and milkshakes — the list likely to expand as they kick into full operations with the bar open in due course.

Having tried their All Star Platter during my previous visit to their Upper Serangoon Road outlet, we decided to go for the Chicken & Waffles this time — one of the items which has attracted rave reviews since their time at Upper Serangoon Road. The menu describes the Chicken & Waffles as an item that comes with three elements; Chicken, Waffle and Sunny Side-Up — all that with some paprika powder sprinkled over the top. Those who need some maple syrup to go along with their Chicken & Waffles can help themselves to the bottle of Country Kitchen maple syrup that is being placed at every table. Digging into the waffles first, we felt that the waffles were above average — while these were made better than how some places would do them, there have been waffles that were texturally better than the ones we have had here at some ice-cream parlours that we have visited. Here, the waffles can’t really be described as crisp; that being said, they were definitely more on the denser side and felt a little more cake-y — not nasty, though we did feel that it adds on to the already-heavy dish on its own. Interestingly though, we did note that the the waffles did not only carry a buttermilk fragrance, but also carried a slight sweetness that lingers at the back of the tongue; provides some form of balance against the fried chicken on the top. The fried chicken comes boneless for the convenience of the diners — portioned in quite a huge slab, it features a crisp golden-brown batter with juicy and tender flesh within; didn’t really feel particularly greasy as well and seemed to have been seasoned in pepper for a slightly spicy note to cut through all the carbs and meat, which is pretty essential for the dish to keep thins more balanced here. The sunny side-up came in a neat circular shape; likely to be shaped with moulds considering how they are also missing of the crisp ends around the sides — the yolk being still somewhat molten which works for that eggporn shot if it is still needed. Overall, a Chicken & Waffle dish that seemed to have performed better than what we have expected for something that costs $12.90 — pretty value-for-money with decent execution, and at a portion size that would also work well as a dish to be shared with one other.

Joji’s Diner has always been a spot that is known to be one that serves American-style diner fare at rather wallet-friendly prices. No doubt there is no way one would likely make Joji’s Diner an everyday lunch option, but with prices of their mains ranging from $12.90 to $23.90 (most of the items falling below $20), it does work out well as an option to treat oneself to for something better during the work week; that is especially considering how most of the establishments located along the same stretch charges prices more steep than Joji’s Diner for brunch fare as well. We also felt that Joji’s Diner does seem to keep a rather consistent standard; the items we have had at their Upper Serangoon Road outlet might be different from what we have ordered at Stanley Street, but the quality of the food does feel expected for what we have experienced previously. What was rather impressive was their Hot Latte (Double Shot); perhaps one of the stronger lattes we have had even for specialty coffee shop standards, and was surprisingly well-pulled for an American diner that seems to place more emphasis on their milkshakes than coffee in the first place. Their locations have always been a little out of the way for those who do not reside within the neighbourhood that their outlets are situated at; we are definitely glad that they have opened an outlet in the Central Business District that makes it convenient for those whom have yet to visit them. Looking forward to what they would be up to once the bar opens though; likely something that would pique our interest to make a revisit in due course!