As part of the Healthy Food Hunt, jointly organised by South-West Community Development Council (SWCDC) and premier dining guide, Openrice, food-lovers united at Clementi Market and Food Centre on a beautiful Sunday afternoon for a casual food tasting. (This is part two of a two-parts blog post, please click here for part one.)
Prior to this tasting experience, I have never tried Tanglin Halt Western Food before - not even once in their decades of business at Clementi Food Centre. No, it is not that their dishes are not to standard. Rather, it is the snaking long queue whenever their stall opens for business. (Now, if you're an avid reader of mine, you should know that queues are a huge turn-off to me. Yes, despite being a true blue Singaporean.) Every. Single. Time.
Read on what's drawing the crowd here.
What then, is drawing people to their food? We found out that it is none other than the exceptional, un-compromised quality despite the low prices, of average S$4.50 per plate (excluding steaks). The factor that stood out from the rest is their home-made sauces, which exists in the flavours of black pepper, a special rendition of tomato-based BBQ sauce, and especially, peanut gravy.
"Wah biang, peanut sauce on my chicken chop, not weird meh?"
Well surprisingly, the robust, savoury flavour of the peanut sauce really complements the chicken. Some might say it's over-powering, but for myself who loves savoury bites, peanut gravy is the way to go. Do try and tell me what you think. :)
Oh, I tell you what's more glorious than their chicken chops. It's their Fish & Chips (S$4.50)! Boasting a texture of a soft, tender interior encased in a crispy golden-brown exterior, fish and chips lovers wouldn't hesitate to ask for seconds.
All dishes are completed by servings of potato fries, coleslaw and baked beans.
The owner, Mr Ng who has been diligently running the stall till now reveals that his son is not interested to take over the business, and has yet to find someone who will. With the passing years and the reluctance of the younger generations to take up their family business, I wonder if all the authentic hawker fare would still exist in the future.
Once again, I would like to express my gratitude to SW CDC, as well as Openrice, for this great dining opportunity.
Tanglin Halt Western Food
Block 448, Clementi Food Centre,
Clementi Ave 3,
Stall No # 01 -11