Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen (The Cathay)

*There is a Groupon voucher for Popeyes now! $3.30 for 2 pieces of Bonafide Chicken. Usual price is $5.50. I just bought it. Have you? (No I am not pay to advertise, just that this is a good lobang to try the chicken)*

I first ate Popeyes in Korea in 2007. I remember that its burger and biscuit (as they were delicious!)

Now is the chance to try Popeyes in Singapore. Went to the one at The Cathay. Somehow I was so used to the menu with Korean words that I do not remember or know what to order. Even the pictures look unfamiliar. In the end, I decided to go for the Two Piece Chicken Combo which consist of  two pieces of chicken, one drink, one side and one biscuit. This would have cost $7.40. But as I changed my drink to Ice Lemon Tea, I had to top up 30cents to $7.70.

Two Piece Chicken Combo $7.70

For the chicken, you have a choice of going for the mild or spicy. I chose the mild one and regretted, should have chosen spicy!

The fried chicken at Popeyes seems to be more crispy than that of KFC. In addition, the batter was thinly. However, I felt that there was not enough fragrant and flavour which could be partly due to my order for mild chicken. Inside, the chicken meat was super tender and juicy! It was not tough, each strand of meat can be teared out easily by hand. I would definitely say Popeyes’ fried chicken seems to be so much better than KFC.

Jam for the biscuit

The biscuit? It was so-so .. average. Nothing fantastic. I remembered the one in Korea was much better, more buttery and fragrant.

Mashed Potato

I am  crazy fan of potato. But the Mashed Potato at Popeyes does not agree with my taste bud. Totally dislike it, should have ordered Cajun Fries instead. Well food is subjective and based on personal preference. Many people have claimed that Popeye’s Mash Potato is superior compared to KFC. For me I would prefer KFC’s version. So it is best to try it yourself and see which is you cup of tea.

Today, Popeyes has 10 outlets in Singapore and is Halal certified. Their outlets are at
• Ang Mo Kio Jubilee Entertainment Centre
• Bedok Point
• Century Square
• Downtown East
• Orchard Xchange
• Punggol East
• Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3
• Singapore Flyer
• Square 2
• The Cathay

Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen (The Cathay)
2 Handy Road
#B1-21, The Cathay
Tel: 6735 3586
Website: http://www.popeyes.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PopeyesSGP

Ichi Tei (Japanese Bento & Udon)

Another hidden gem found in Sunshine Plaza.

Ichi Tei is a small eatery that specialises in Japanese Cuisine; Bento and Udon. There is very limited sitting space available. If you are coming with more than 4 people, would highly advise you to eat else where. Inside, there is just 5 tables with a sitting capacity for 14 people. Outside, there are 2 tables for a maximum of 8 people. If you can find a sit outside as inside it is very warm. Outside is cooler and brighter.

Saba Shio Bento

On my first visit, I ate the Saba Shio Bento(pardon the photo as we were eatting inside). It cost about $7.00 if I remember correctly. The mackerel is grilled in a Japanese styled oven whereby the heating element comes from the top. As we were sitted closed to the kitchen, you can notice the chef inside adjusting the height of the pan as the cook the fish and chicken. The mackerel’s skin is very crispy whereas the flesh is tender and soft. It was not dry nor hard. Not easy to cook to this standard!

The potato salad was amazing too, wish that more was given.

Miso Soup

Typical miso soup.

Teriyaki Chicken Bento

If you are not a fish eater, no worries. There is Teriyaki Chicken Bento. It should cost around $6.50.

On  my second visit, this was what I ordered. The top layer of the chicken has been grilled till it is sightly charred to provide it with a crispy texture. Beneath it, the meat is juicy and tender. With every bite, you get 2 different texture and a juicy burst of favour. Very addictive, before you know it, you have finished it and wish for more. Again, the potato salad was amazing. The rice has been topped with some type of sauce.

Overall, Ichi Tei has been surprising delicious. It is certainty value for money, if you haven try it yet, what are you waiting for? The downside is that if you sit inside the eater, it is very warm. If you come with a big group, there is no space available. Do not worry, the bentos are disposable and can be take away easily. There is just 1 chef and 1 lady (taking orders, serving, cleaning and collecting money). Despite this, we still got served promptly and did not wait very long for our food. Certainty, a place to come.

Ichi Tei (Sunshine Plaza)
91 Bencoolen Street
#01-52 Sunshine Plaza
Tel: 91391746
Opening Hours: Daily 11am – 8.30pm (Closed on Sun)

Aroy Dee Thai Cafe

Aroy Dee Thai Cafe is located at the first level of Sunshine Plaza facing NAFA. Came here during a week day during lunch time. The cafe was packed, had to wait a while before getting seats.

Aroy Dee Thai Cafe (picture was taken when cafe was closed)

Thai Royal Family

Thai people are very patriotic, especially to the royal family/king. The Thai Royal family photo can be found in most eateries and shops in Thailand. Was surprised to spot this in Singapore.

Set Lunch Menu

Set Lunch Menu (Rice)

Set Lunch Menu (Noodle)

Under the set lunch menu, you can choose an item (Rice/Noodle) and a drink (Lime/Pink Guava/Mango/Freshly Brew Lemon Grass) for $5.50

Drink: Lime

Tom Yum Chicken with Steam Rice

I ordered the set lunch ‘Tom Yum Chicken With Steam Chicken’ and my choice of drink was lime. Another tom yum that was delicious. It does not look spicy, no fiery red or orangey colour. But well, it was quite spicy. Yet, it was so addictive that I found myself sipping spoonful of the tom yum. Also, the chicken meat was tender and soft! Certainty a dish to order if you are there.

Thai Style Stir-fry Kua Teow

My colleague ordered this, not sure how it taste, did not try.

Aroy Dee Thai Cafe, another hidden gem. Not very accessible as it is not near any MRT stations. However, this place was packed and during lunch time, you have got to wait a fair bit before your food arrives. Look out for the other Thai cafe next to this. Heard that it is equally delicious!

Aroy Dee Thai Cafe
91 Bencoolen Street
#01-12 Sunshine Plaza
Tel: 6336 8852Opening Hours: Mon–Sat: 12pm – 10pm (Closed on Sun)