Affordable

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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Loaded with tender and moist sous vide chicken breast lightly seasoned with mixed spices. Especially enjoyed the savory torched cheese that gave a distinct smokiness. Together with jam, shredded carrots, and spinach, this was a nicely balanced sweet-savory combination that we would have again.

Signature prince noodle ($5)
⭐️ 3.5/5 ⭐️
🍴Chanced upon this cosy place specializing in traditional KL handmade noodles. Viewing into the kitchen, the staff can be seen rolling out fresh dough before cutting them up and boiling them for each order. This results in firm yet chewy noodles, akin to the texture of good pastas 🙌🏼.

While we loved the texture, personally found the noodles less memorable taste-wise. The sauce leaned towards the saltier side and lacked complexity, but could be enhanced by their side of chili and vinegar. Be warned that their chili is ultra fiery while the standard vinegar helped give an extra tang. The accompanying soup was nothing noteworthy.

Overall, a good find for a relatively affordable fix and comforting QQ noodles but not one we’d specially make a trip for.

📍@princenoodlesarc380, 01-10, 380 Jalan besar, Singapore

Delicious and affordable meat platter from this Muslim owned store nestled in a hawker centre. The platter included a grilled whole chicken, smoked lamb ribs, grilled angus, 4 sides (charcoal rice, fries, pita bread, salad), and 4 homemade sauces.

All the meats were well-marinated and perfumed with smokiness while remaining juicy and tender. Personally found the angus to be a tad over cooked (we tend to prefer medium-rare) but still tender enough.

We also really enjoyed the sides and sauces, especially with the smoky charcoal rice and citrusy salad. The white salai (smoky mayo) was the most unique and added a creaminess; the BBQ gave a sweet-sour tang; garlic chilli & assam salsa provided a mild spicy kick.

If nitpicking, we did find the food to be heavy and greasy; a larger portion of salad would have been helpful to cut the grease.

While meant for 2-3pax, this platter was just right for our family of 4 relatively small eaters. Salai also offers affordable ala carte mains and sides. With $10 islandwide delivery, we are already planning to order in for a smoking good house party 🔥.

📍@salaibymeatdrop, 02-71, Commonwealth Cres Market, 31 Commonwealth Cres, Singapore.
Dm them to order. $10 Islandwide

⭐️ 4/5 ⭐️
🍴A popiah set that’s great for staying home or for small gatherings. The set comes with ~15 fresh hand-made popiah skin, 15 cups of Kueh pie tee, cooked turnip with sliced carrots, green shredded lettuce, eggs, crispy bits, peanuts, and 3 addictive sauces - garlic-chilli, chili sweet sauce, and sweet flour sauce.

We are fans of their popiah skin that’s smooth and thin whilst holding its weight, albeit a tad smaller than other renditions. The cooked radish was tasty and slightly sweet, and we particularly appreciated the crispy fried bits provided an enjoyable textural contrast. Sure it’s unhealthier but who’s counting calories 😂.

They also offer a pure popiah set ($35), or ala carte popiah skin and Kueh pie tee. We preferred the popiah, as the kueh pie tee was not crisp enough.

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