Rasa Sayang Western Food 啦莎沙央西餐 (Ang Mo Kio)

Rasa Sayang Western Food 啦莎沙央西餐 is a Western food stall located at the S11 at Ang Mo Kio Central (next to Jubilee). This western stall is one of the most popular stall in the hawker centre due to its  quality, generous portions and affordable prices. It has been around for a long time, since I was studying in junior college, that was at least 10 years ago!

It has been at least 2 years since I stepped into the S11 again. With this visit, I knew I had to try the western food. It was good to know that the stall still exists. There was a short queue; customers waiting to order. 

Menu

Once you have ordered, (remember to take note of your table number) you can go back to your seat and order a drink while waiting for the food to arrive. 

Chicken Chop with Black Pepper Sauce $5.80

Despite the many orders in front of me, I got my food within 15 minutes, which was fast! I thought that I would need to wait for at least half an hour.

The Chicken Chop with Black Pepper Sauce was served with Garlic Bread, Fries, Baked Beans and  Coleslaw. A big, thick, juicy chunk of chicken chop was given. I do vaguely remember the chicken chop given was much bigger last time. But well, I can't complain much as this was still bigger than those served elsewhere at other western stalls. The chicken chop was well-marinated and grilled. I thought that the black pepper sauce was just nice. Not too salty and not overly pepperish.

As for the fries and baked beans, they were normal. The coleslaw deserve a mention, it was fresh and crunchy. Moreover, there was no artificial taste to it. *thumbs up*

Not mind blowing, just an average Chicken Chop with Black Pepper Sauce. The ingredients given were fresh and generous. It used to be better (in taste and portion) last time. Nevertheless, this is still value for money!

Rasa Sayang Western Food 啦莎沙央西餐 (Ang Mo Kio)

Blk 711 Ang Mo Kio Ave 8

#01-07 S11 Food Centre

Opening Hours: Daily 1130am to 1230am

Location

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The Naked Fish Shoppe (Yio Chu Kang)

I have recently purchase a Groupon deal that allows me to buy $30 worth of food from The Naked Fish Shoppe for just $15. I have been there several years ago and recall that the food was not bad. Hence, I purchased the voucher. If you are keen to find out more about this deal, you can click here. (but do note that the deal is over)

The Naked Fish Shoppe is a western style fish casual restaurant serving many types of fish cuisines cooked in different styles. Besides that, they also serve other type of western cuisines such as Oxtail Stew, chicken and steaks combos. This place is also halal certified!

The Naked Fish Shoppe is located right smack in the heartland at level 1 of The Grassroot's Club, 5 minutes away from the Yio Chu Kang MRT station. It is fairly easy to walk over from the station to the club. In addition, its a shelter walkway. 

Brightly lit with a fish theme, the walls were bright blue in colour. A cozy environment

The table although small was nicely decorated with real orchid. What a nice gesture. However, the chair was very uncomfortable especially if one was to lean back. 

We wanted to order the Austrailan Flounder and Australian Barramundi Fillet as this was after all a place that specialises in fish. However, both these fishes were not available that day. As such we had to change our orders to Baked Crayfish Thermidor & Fish, Mediterranean Seafood Platter (For One Person) and a bowl of New England Clam Chowder Soup.

Salad

The Mediterranean Seafood Platter was served with a bowl of salad. The vegetables and tomatoes were fresh. However, they were too generous with the sauce. 

New England Clam Chowder Soup $4

The New England Clam Chowder Soup was served with a piece of Garlic Bread. The Garlic Bread was cold and hard. 

New England Clam Chowder Soup $4

New England Clam Chowder Soup $4

The New England Clam Chowder Soup was not any better. It had a sour after-taste and certainly lack any flavour/essence of clam(s). There were no clams in the soup, only small pieces of potatoes and carrots. What a let down.

Baked Crayfish Thermidor & Fish $17.50

The Baked Crayfish Thermidor & Fish was served with Tartar sauce. Crayfish Thermidor consisted of a creamy mixture of crayfish meat, carrots, mushrooms, onions egg yolk and cheese stuffed into the crayfish shell which will then be baked. The amount of crayfish meat given was pathetic. This dish was saved by the fish which was fresh and complemented well with the tartar sauce.  

Mediterranean Seafood Platter (For One Person $16.80)

After shifting the fries to another plate

The Mediterranean Seafood Platter consisted of a combination of Prawn, Mussel, Calamari, Capelin, White Bait and Fish Finger Baked with Cheese. In addition, French Fries was added on top while Garlic Butter Rice was at the bottom. It was also served with a bowl of salad (as shown earlier).

As I ordered this dish, I could not help but notice the similarity between Manhattan Fish Market's and this. Manhattan Fish Market's version was certainly better (tastier, fresher). For The Naked Fish Shoppe's version, its prawn were not fresh (meat stuck to the shells) and the fries were hard. The Capelin was fishy, Calamari was overcook and the Garlic Butter Rice was not fragrant enough (tasted like plain rice). Need I say more?

Overall, this was a very disappointing meal. I had expected much better food. Even though I had purchased the Groupon voucher, I still had to top up $14.15 on top of the $15 I had paid for the voucher. (total bill amount was $44.15) I would have been better off visiting Manhattan Fish Market. 

The Naked Fish Shoppe (Yio Chu Kang)

The Grassroots' Club

190 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 8, #01-02

Tel: 6457 8223

Website

Facebook

Location

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Yilmaz Western (Ang Mo Kio) - CLOSED

Edited: Closed. If you know where the owner has setup his shop can you pl let me know via foodiefc@gmail.com. 

Yilmaz Western is a stall specialising in western cuisine located in Coffee City Coffee Shop at Ang Mo Kio Ave 6. Normally, when I am in the area, I would order herbal soup from Xu Yang Tonic Soup. However, during my last visit, Yilmaz Western caught my attention.

Yilmaz Western serves some of its western dishes on hotplates (not every western stall in a coffee shop does that). On that specific occasion as I was enjoying my herbal soup, I heard a loud sizzling sound. Turning around, I saw a man carrying the sizzling hotplate with ingredients piled high up to a customer on the table next to me. Well, from that point in time, I knew that I had to try this the next time I am in the area. 

Yilmaz Western is essentially a 'one man show' (quoting the owner). Everything; from taking orders, marinating, preparing, defrosting, cooking, serving and collecting payment are all done by the owner himself (how does he cope? I am equally puzzled!). I ordered the Hotplate Grilled Chicken Chop and was expecting to wait for a long time as it was peak period. To my surprised I just waited less than 15 minutes. An amazing feat considering that there were a few other customers in front of me.

Hotplate Grilled Chicken Chop $6

The Hotplate Grilled Chicken Chop was served sizzling hot! I had to wait a few seconds for the sizzling and smoke to lessen before taking the photos. The grilled chicken chop was stacked on top of a whole lot of fries, with mashed potato and steamed vegetables (broccoli, cherry tomato and corn) at the side. With the exception of the steamed vegetables, the ingredients were all drenched in a special sauce. 

Hotplate Grilled Chicken Chop $6

A very generous amount of ingredients were given in addition, 3 sides were served; vegetable, mashed potato and fries. Mind you, its not bake beans, not coleslaw! Take a look at how much fries was given and how thick a cut the chicken chop was. The mashed potato was basically hidden behind these.

The sauce made a big difference. The more I dig into it, the more I love it. It seemed to be a kind of fusion of BBQ and Mushroom Sauce with herbal fragrant. Not too sweet, not too salty, the sauce was perfect; incredibly tasty and addictive.

As for the grilled chicken chop, it was well-marinated and had lots of pepper corns spread over it. With the sauce, it provided a refreshing flavour to the tender chicken chop unlike the norm; black pepper/mushroom sauce.

The fries were hard and seems to have been fried a second time (for those not covered in the sauce). But for the fries that were drenched in the sauce, there was a difference in texture. Crispy yet soft, tasty experience. (do give the fries at the bottom some 'stirring' as the hotplate might cause some of the fries to be charred) The mashed potato was normal, but again with the sauce, complemented it perfectly.

Hotplate Grilled Chicken Chop $6

I like the fact that the the vegetables were steamed and were very fresh. Moreover serving corn, cherry tomato and broccoli was unique. A nice change from what other western stall normal gives; coleslaw.

Overall, I was very impressed by this one man show! Fresh vegetables, well-marinated meat, generous serving and incredible sauce! The sauce stole the show. You will either love or hate it as the sauce is spread over all the ingredients. In addition, it is so value for money. Highly recommended. You won't know what you are missing till you give this a try!

Yilmaz Western is a hidden gem. Watch this stall, it has great potential to be the best western stall! I hope that this one man show can survive as it is no mean feat managing one stall alone. Can't wait to try it again!

*Edited: Went a second time on a Friday evening for dinner. This time waited for nearly half an hour as he had high volume of orders. Food-wise, it was still as good! 

Yilmaz Western (Ang Mo Kio)

Blk 728 Ang Mo Kio Ave 6

Coffee City Coffee Shop

Tel: 9144 8248

Opening Hours: Daily 1230pm to 1030pm
Location

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Yayoiken Japanese Restaurant (Bugis+)

Yayoiken a well-known Japanese restaurant chain specialises in serving Japanese-Western cuisine. The Japanese restaurant has come a long way with its first stall opened in Kayabacho, Tokyo more than 125 years ago! At that time, western cuisine was rare in Japan. Today, Yayoiken has 180 restaurants in Japan and 60 in Thailand. In Singapore, Yayoiken has two outlets. The first was opened Liang Court in December 2011 while it's second outlet is at Bugis+ which was opened in May 2012. 

Miso Katsu Set $13.90

Ordered the Miso Katsu Set which consisted of rice and soup along with a main dish (Miso Katsu) and two side dishes (Pickles and Beancurd). Yayoiken follows the traditional culinary concept called 'ichiju-sansai' which literally means 'one soup and three sides'. This refers to a three dishes (one main and two sides) along with rice and miso soup.

Miso Katsu Set - Pickles

Free flow of pickles, every table has a bottle full of 'tsukemono' pickles placed at the side.

Miso Katsu Set - Miso Katsu

The Miso Katsu, pork cutlet simmered with miso paste (sauce) was served with potato and an egg. The Miso Katsu was well flavoured but too tough for my liking. In addition, the miso paste made the crust of the katsu soggy. I should have have realised that before ordering. The upside was that the the miso paste complemented well with rice. 

Service wise, had a hard time getting the attention of the service staff. They seemed to be under-staff and unable to cope with the crowd.

Yayoiken Japanese Restaurant (Bugis+)
201 Victoria Street
#01-08 Bugis+ (former Iluma)
Tel: 6636 5448
Opening Hours: Daily 10am to 10pm 
Website
Location

Yayoiken Japanese Restaurant (Liang Court)
117 River Valley Road
#B1-50 Meidi-Ya Supermarket, Liang Court
Tel: 6338 7170
Opening Hours: Daily 10am to 10pm

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Charly T's (112 Katong)

Charly T's second outlet is located at 112 Katong. It's first outlet is located at Nomu Building (next to The Cathay). At Charly T's, customer first order at the counter before entering the restaurant to choose their seats. Their orders will be served to them directly when it is ready. 

It has a unique concept as cuisines from different countries are put together and served at this restaurant. Essentially, your food journey can bring you from Europe to America to Asia (without the need to board a plane)!

Part of the wall in Charly T's showcase the drawings done by different children who have been to Charly T's. The restaurant will provide the colouring pencil and paper for children. Talk about family/kids friendly restaurant. This will keep the children busy while parents savour the food (peacefully).

Charly T's also have a Peranakan theme private room for six

Furthermore, there is an al fresco lounge area outside. Perfect for drinking, watching soccer matches and/or enjoying the view.

Charly T's Odysseys - Green Flash $6.50

Kick started the meal with Charly T's Odysseys - Green Flash; mix of green apple, orange and pineapple. Refreshing fruity thirst-quencher.

Rotisserie Chicken Original Recipe ($13 for quarter chicken + 2 additions, $24 for half chicken + 3 additions, $42 for whole chicken + 4 additions)

The signature Rotisserie Chicken (original recipe) was marinated for over 13 hours before being slow-cooked rotisserie-style.  It did not disappoint. Marinated with herbs and spices, the exterior was crisp while the interior was juicy and tender. Yummlicious.

When ordering, you can request for your favourite chicken part.

Rotisserie Chicken Kansas City BBQ ($15 for quarter chicken + 2 additions, $27 for half chicken + 3 additions, $46 for whole chicken + 4 additions

Rotisserie Chicken Black Pepper ($15 for quarter chicken + 2 additions, $27 for half chicken + 3 additions, $46 for whole chicken + 4 additions

The Rotisserie Chicken Kansas City BBQ was my favourite. Executed slightly different from the original recipe and black pepper, it was well marinated. It was more flavourful and tasty. In addition, the thigh meat was so soft, tender and juicy that I had to go for second serving to satisfy my palate.

(Left to right):  Kansas City BBQ  Sauce, Creamy Roasted Sesame Sauce, Chermoula Sauce, Charly T's Original Sauce 

Four different type of sauces to complement the Rotisserie Chicken. (I did not see a need for the sauces, as I like the original flavour (marination) of the chicken)

Clockwise from top left: Macaroni & Cheese, German Potato Salad, Fresh Vegetables, Butter Garlic Rice

Four additions (sides) available when you order the Rotisserie Chicken; namely Macaroni & Cheese, German Potato Salad, Fresh Vegetables and Butter Garlic Rice. 

Macaroni & Cheese

My favourite was the Macaroni & Cheese (it was tough choosing between German Potato Salad and this). You will either hate this or love this. To me, this was superbly executed. This uses a recipe from award-winning Chef Rozanne Gold's 'Eat Fresh Food' cookbook. It contains less cheese and includes fresh cauliflower.

Kalua Pork $16

Kalua Pork $16

A popular Hawaiian (Honolulu) dish, the Kalua Pork was marinated and slow-cooked for 48 hours! The top layer of fats and skin have been removed, leaving just the lean meat behind. It was so soft and tender that the meat could be easily pulled apart. If you prefer a healthier choice compared to Chinese-style pork belly, this is a good alternative as you can indulge guilt-free.

Jumbo Schnitzel Burger $14

An Austrian German dish, the Jumbo Schnitzel Burger consists of  a big piece of deep fried chicken cutlet and slices of bacon sandwiched by 2 buns served with fries. The chicken was coated with bread crumbs and deep fried till golden brown. It was incredibly crispy on the outside yet tender and moist on the inside. The fries deserve a mention too. Lightly salted, the fries were crispy on the outside and soft,fluffy on the inside. Exactly the way I like my fries to be. (I am sure this is a kid's favourite!  fried chicken and fries!)

CT's Beef Burger $10.50

CT's Beef Burger $10.50

CT's Beef Burger served with nachos. The beef patty was thick, meaty and tasty. However, it was on the a tad too chewy and dry.

I was impressed that Charly T's fried the bottom of each of the 2 buns before serving. Despite being full, (the usual practice will be just to skip having the bun) I found myself savouring the buns as on the bottom, it was crisp yet at the top it was soft (the little things that matters).

Kaiserchmarrn $14

Kaiserchmarrn $14 - Pancake

Kaiserchmarrn $14 - Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Talk about ending the meal with a bang. The Austrian German dessert;  Kaiserschmarrn totally blew me off. Shredded warm, fluffy caramelised pancake dusted with powder sugar and raisins complemented perfectly with the Vanilla Bean Ice Cream. The hot and cold combination along with the raisin and powder sugar were such a perfect match that I found myself indulging endlessly despite being full. A must order (tip: get the piece with the most powder sugar and pair it with the raisins and ice cream). 

Thank you Janice (FoodNews) for invite and hosting.

Charly T's (112 Katong)
112 East Coast Road
#03-15 112 Katong 
Tel: 6636 4701
Opening Hours: Mon - Thur 11am to 11pm
                         Fri 11am to 1am
                         Sat 9am to 1am
                         Sun 9am to 11pm
Website
Facebook
Location

Charly T's (Nomu Building)
20 Handy Road
Level 1 Nomu Building
Tel: 6336 7789
Opening Hours: Mon - Wed 11am to 11pm
                          Thur - Fri 11am to 1am
                          Sat 9am -to1am
                          Sun 9am to 11pm

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Wild Olives (Changi Airport T2 Staff Canteen)

I did not know of this till recently when my friend brought me to this place. How many of us know that there is a staff canteen hidden in Changi Aiport Terminal 2? Kee Chiu (Raise hands). 

The staff canteen at T2 is huge! Lots of tables and chairs it is like a food court and there are many stalls, more than 10! You are spoilt for variety. In fact, the place looks better than a food court, it was bright, colourful, clean and spacious! 

After a quick walk around, decided to try the western food; Wild Olives. Wild Olives specialises in Western and Italian Cuisine. It does not use Pork and Lard in it's dishes. It's pasta starts at $3.30 (public price)! 

There was a short queue at the stall; one of the stalls with a queue. 

Menu (a)

Menu (b)

I ordered Linguine Alla Vongole. Staff price is $3.80 while public is $4.20. Wow, it is cheap for pasta compared to other hawker centres or food courts. Where else can you find such cheap pasta! In addition, you can add a small Soup / Garden Salad for $1.00 each.

Homemade Mushroom Soup $1.00

Well, I paid just $1 for this bowl of 'small soup' to complete my meal. It's definitely not small! This is their Homemade Mushroom Soup. I added pepper, hence you will notice that there are small black bits on the top of the soup. A big bowl of mushroom soup, the mushroom flavour was mild but addictive. In the end, I finish the whole bowl and found myself longing for more. But still I prefer if the mushroom flavour was stronger and there are chunks of mushrooms in it. 

Linguine Alla Vongole $4.20

Linguine Alla Vongole; linguine(pasta) with clams in white wine sauce. I am impressed by their generous portion of food. Look at the number of clams and amount of linguine given. This cost only $4.20! The clams were fresh and perfectly cooked. The pasta was a tad too dry, that was easily solved by mixing it with the sauce below. The sauce was disappointing as it was not fragrant enough although there were small pieces of garlic in the sauce. This dish would have been much better with more white wine sauce.

I wish that I live at the east side of Singapore. I did not know about this place till now. Well it is better late than never. Overall, I thought that the food (the two items I have tried) could have been better. But let's not forget that it is very cheap! I will not call it cheap and good food, but more of cheap and decent/average food. Hopefully, I will have more chance to explore the T2 Staff Canteen. If you know what's nice here, let me know. 

Wild Olives (Changi Airport T2 Staff Canteen)
Stall 5, Staff Canteen Level 3M
Airport Boulevard, Changi Airport Terminal 2 - Public Area
Staff Canteen Opening Hours: Mon to Fri 7am - 8pm
                                                 Sat, Sun & PH 7am - 9pm
Location

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