Long suffering Singapore northlanders have been at the receiving end of cruel jibes from eastsiders that "Woodlands got nothing nice to eat.... ". (But, we got JB 😜, that's another story though.... .)
When I looked for food around here, I have to admit that though eastsiders exaggerate, it is not by much. So, today when I couldn't stomach another bowl of generic fish ball noodles, watery zero wok hei hor fun etc, I defaulted to the option of last resort, chap chye png or "economic rice".
Singapore chap chye png always have an impressive colourful spread. But, I've learnt from experience that they are generally prepared with lots of MSG, salt, and trans fat but not much heart. Most taste rather unappetising in the mouth. They are also relatively expensive.
I was hungry but as I wanted to waste neither too much calories nor money, I just picked a wedge of otak otak and three random leafy greens. This plate costs SG$4.90.
One bite into that floppy skinny wedge of otak otak.. woohooo.... don't play, play... this is good. Better in fact than some I had in Muar, the otak otak capital of Malaysia.
I sat up and paid attention 😄
The otak otak is very tender as it is wet with stock inside. It's taste is mildly sweet and spicy with natural fresh fish sweetness. There were even small bits of real fish meat embedded in the otak otak.
The three vegetables were better than most that I have tasted at Singapore chap chye png stalls. They were done just right (i.e. not overcooked).
After finishing my meal, I went back to the stall and chatted with the auntie. She told me that they make the otak otak at the stall.
I told her how much I liked it and that I will be back 😄
My second visit.
This plate with three greens and a piece of Jenahak (Black Snapper) costs SG$6.++ - I forgot the exact amount.
The greens were nicely done. They don't have that slight bitterness and trans fat slick on the leaves that many chap chye png stall vegetables have.
I especially like the fried long beans. They were crunchy and have a nice crustacean savouriness from dried shrimps.
Quite disappointed with the slice of Jenahak. It was overdone, so it was mushy and not that fresh. Not much fish taste, if any, and all I tasted was the savoury flavours from the sauce.
Won't be ordering this fish again.
On my third visit, I zeroed in on these Leather Jacket fish as they just came out from the kitchen.
This plate costs SG$7.++ (again I forgot the ++ 😂 ). Auntie kept stressing to me that the fish alone is SG$5 but I assured her that it is OK as I like this kind of fish.
I had two greens and tau geh (bean sprouts). They were nicely done though I wished the tau geh was more plump and cooked a little less.
But, that Leather Jacket tail was good!
The fresh Leather Jacket was deep fried till brown and then braised in stock with savoury fermented bean paste and a bit of spicy spice. It has a soft crisp outside and inside it is still tender juicy sweet (as the fish was fresh). I ate everything except for the spine bone - worth the SG$5 😋
My fourth visit.
I asked the uncle to recommend a meat dish. He suggested pork belly.
When he scooped the dark pork belly onto my plate of white rice, I was a little disappointed that it was already cut into strips. Anyway, what's done is done. So, I piled on my usual three greens.
Uncle charged me SG$4.60. Am I getting regular customer price already? wink wink 😉
The greens were nicely done as usual. Crunchy with natural juices intact. Flavoursome seasoning yet, mild enough for me to taste the vegetables' natural flavours.
Uncle is right. These unappetising looking strips of pork belly were delicious. The skin, fat and meat were tender but still have a nice bite left. The sauce was mildly savoury sweet with a hint of spice (from dried peppercorn). The pork's natural sweetness was pronounced and I love it. So yummey!
Another satisfying meal 😋
I will be back, and these were some other interesting looking dishes at the stall that I would like to try next time. There will be many next times here 😄
Crispy fried chicken.
Auntie suggested that I try their asam fish. It's Ikan Cencaru smothered in thick asam pedas. Looks serious 😄
These braised pork belly slices look so good.... right?
👉 Happy to stumble upon a chap chye png stall in Woodlands North Plaza 883 where I can have a tasty and affordable lunch or dinner. Pacific Mixed Vegetable Rice have a good range of dishes and they are cooked with care. Their otak otak is a Must Try! That alone is worth the trip to Singapore's far north 😄
Restaurant name: Pacific Mixed Vegetable Rice. Porridge
Address: 883 Woodlands North Plaza Street 82, Singapore 730883. Food court at level 2 (non air con section)
GPS: 1°26'33.8"N 103°47'26.9"E | 1.442721, 103.790792
Hours: 9:00am to 9:00pm (best times with most dishes available are between 11:00am and 7:00pm)
Non Halal
Date: 29 May 2017
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do they have lemon chicken? everything looks good!
ReplyDeletehaha i din look out for that but i would expect so. At least it could be on the menu some days. can check with them when you are there. thank you.
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