Ang Mo Kio Singaporean Hawker Cuisine at The Podium

I have always been a fan of Singaporean cuisine, but with numbers of Singaporean restaurants in Metro Manila which I have tried, there are only few that really satisfy me in terms of quality of food and the comfort of ambiance. That is why I am in constant search for something truly worth the money and time I will be spending. Recently, I was introduced to Ang Mo Kio Singaporean Restaurant that specializes in hawker cuisine located at The Podium.

Most of the Singaporean restaurants I have been to carry prices that are quite steep. While I don’t mind spending more than my usual food budget, it has to be something which of high quality. Some of these restaurants are decent enough in that respect, while the others are just plain blah.

One of the reasons why I am impressed with Ang Mo Kio is that it introduced me to reasonably priced Singaporean dishes made from the scratch out of fresh ingredients sourced both locally and from nearby countries. I do not claim to be an expert, but based on my preferences, Ang Mo Kio really stood out.

Setting foot at Ang Mo Kio for the first time, what I noticed first was how interestingly pleasant the concept of the area is. I learned that since they are specializing in Singaporean hawker cuisine, they initially conceptualized the place to be hawker style abode where diners could order through designated windows. Three sections were dedicated for Chinese, Indian, and Malay dishes, but when the restaurant opened January of this year, diners came in, sat, and asked for menu instead. With this, the concept was later on changed to the usual restaurant dining scene. Regardless, the place still echoes hawker vibes to it that I find rather charming.

Having worked for a Singaporean Hotel way back I asked my mom to accompany me for the lunch. First dish that graced our table was Ang Mo Kio’s Roti Prata (Php 95 / 2pc) with Curry Sauce for dipping. Although this subtly sweet flat bread is best enjoyed when hot, I still found myself enjoying its flaky dough even if it cooled down a bit. I love that it’s a bit heftier than the usual and its chewy texture is just perfect to the bite. The curry dipping sauce was excellent in taste but what is more impressive is that this Roti Canai is equally satisfying even if eaten on its own.

Singaporean meal for me wouldn’t be complete without a serving of Char Kwey Teow. But my first forkful of Ang Mo Kio’s Hokkien Prawn Mee (Php275 single / Php550 2-3 person) was so good that I immediately forget what I wanted in the first place. Noodles were perfectly cooked, seafood toppings were generous but what was really noteworthy about this dish was the medley of flavor that tickled my palate and teased with my senses.

When it comes to Laksa I have to admit that I am really picky. I tend to shy away from Laksa with overly pungent smell hinting of assaulting spiciness. Ang Mo Kio’s Laksa (Php308) just hit the right button for me. It’s the kind of Laksa that I find soul-satisfying up to the last drop. The taste of dried shrimp was very apparent without overbearingly so. Just the right amount that further nudges the dish to let its distinct taste comes out.

When I read the phrase “The Best Hainanese Chicken Rice” written on the glass encasing the Hainan chickens, I could say that I agree.

The chicken rice carried a perfect flavor of chicken and a beautiful texture of healthy grains. The Hainanese Chicken that we feasted on wasn’t bad either. It has just the right amount of flavor and tenderness that I want in my chicken. Priced at Php248, a meal of half Hainanaese Chicken with Chicken Rice is really a good deal considering the serving portion and the taste. I was told that they are using organic chickens for their Hainanese. And it was made obvious by the distinct freshness in flavor once I took a bite on my chicken. Now I couldn’t wait to try their Roasted version of it which I hear is also good.

Hainanese Chicken experience wouldn’t be complete without the ginger paste that normally goes with it. I appreciate that at Ang Mo Kio, you can have an unlimited supply of the ginger paste, brown sauce, and chili sauce readily available at the table for diner’s use. While I love these unlimited supplies of these condiments, another sauce that really got me raving was the peanut sauce that comes with our order of Chicken Satay. As compared to the usual peanut sauce, Ang Mo Kio’s version is a bit chunkier and tastier. Aside from the satay, I have tried dipping my Roti Canai to it and take my word for it, it was just awesome!

The Chicken Satay (Php 35 each min. 3pcs) are also flavorful and can be a really good treat for a meal, but what really sets it apart from the usual satay aside from its savory flavor is the peanut sauce served on the side. I am not really crazy about chicken satay in general but this one was so good that I could go back to Ang Mo Kio just for it.

We also had their equally impressive Cereal Prawn (Php628). What I love about this dish was that despite being fried into perfect crispiness, the prawn meat was able to retain its succulent and plump texture that I find rather exciting to the bite. The use of grain oat flakes and the apparent taste of butter also made this dish really special.

Teh Tarik (Php70) has always been a perfect combination drinks to Singaporean Cuisine as it complements the bold flavors of each dishes. I tried both the hot and cold variant and surprisingly, while I am more of a cold drink kind of person, I find the hot teh tarik fitting during our lunch at Ang Mo Kio.

Our lunch at Ang Mo Kio was very pleasant that even my mother gave it thumbs up. The dishes we have tried are all reasonably priced considering the flavors really exudes the freshness of the ingredients they used. There are some items on their menu which carry tag prices that are pretty steep at a glance but I cannot decide whether those tags are reasonable because I haven’t tried them yet. I guess I may have to reserve those on my future blog posts about Ang Mo Kio when I revisit them.

All in all the experience was really good. I am pleased with the food they served even in terms of serving portions. I am bitten by the charm that the ambiance exudes and by the warm welcome and good service we got from their food attendants.

I may have heard some lukewarm opinion about Ang Mo Kio during the first few months since it opened but based on my experience, I can see how they are picking up with their momentum now. I just wish that they would soon branch out to other location because with the kind of great food they serve, it’ll be such a waste if only people from Ortigas area frequenting The Podium Mall would get to notice them. I have high hopes for Ang Mo Kio. If they would continue to dish out really good Singaporean cuisine I can see myself going back again and again if only to taste Ang Mo Kio’s specialties.