Back to those dabao days since Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) is a thing yet again — that also means checking out some of those rarely-visited places around the office when a trip back was needed

First week of the dine-in ban and thought I would drop by Pratunam Market Place & Bar — one of the newer additions that had opened their doors at Sunshine Plaza slightly after Circuit Breaker. Not sure if there was a change in ownership, but it seems that the folks behind Pratunam Famous Chicken & Pork Leg Rice previously at Lorong 27A Geylang is serving up chicken rice, char siew rice and roast pork rice here now — the meats being displayed in a mobile pushcart that sits at the entrance of the eatery.

$4.50 is a very affordable price for roasted delights where duo combination is opted — the meats are pretty decent though nothing much to shout about; still a fairly good option considering there isn’t much roasted delights to opt around this area (depending on the locality) — the closest ones possibly being located at Parklane Shopping Centre, Tekka Centre, Selegie House and Sim Lim Square. Served wrapped in waxed paper, the presentation is undoubtedly old-school here; be it intended or not. The roast pork does come with a pretty savoury spice rub — considerably crisp skin on the outside; the meat is somewhat on the leaner side, while the char siew is also on the leaner side and does better than the “cardboard” char siew that some establishments serve. What really caught me is the rice and the char siew sauce here — the rice is pretty fragrant and flavourful; akin to that of the local chicken rice done right, while the rice is distinguishable to the grain. The char siew sauce adds a light honey-esquire sweetness that goes well with the rice; not to mention how the coriander adds to the contrast all flavours (yes, I have grown old).

Not sure if this would be something that they will be continuing after Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) is lifted, but it’s undeniable how this is a value-for-money deal that fits the office crowds here – especially given how the eateries at Sunshine Plaza are slightly pricier than the other buildings in the area.