Food Republic at Westgate Shopping Mall features a first-of-its-kind dining concept revolving around the themes of theatre and stage drama.
Photos by Chong Yap
Food critic Chong Yap of popular food blog Make Your Calories Count was at the newly opened Food Republic at Westgate Shopping Mall, where diners can watch performances as they tuck in.
Food Republic is no stranger to most Singaporeans as it is a food haven that creatively offers hawker fare in the comfort of an air-conditioned environment that showcases different themes.
The Singapore's hawker heritage has been a topic that most Singaporeans, foodies and even foreigners love to embark on. Quite frankly, local cuisine has always been my kind of comfort food and there is no better way to enjoy it at Westgate where lush stage curtain drapes, vintage play posters, and bright spot lights take centerstage.
The capacity is up to 22 stalls and two mini-restaurants... let us check out what's on offer!
Xi De Li Fried Fritters
Did you know that the owner started selling these quintessential traditional snacks in 1966? While the biggest selling item is the glutinous bun (S$1/pc), other fried fritters include interesting items such as the 3-in-1 nian gao (S$1/pc) shown above containing layers of nian gao, yam and glutinous rice before being coated in a golden brown crispy batter.
Apa Rojak
We first tried Apa Rojak at the Singapore Favourite Food Village and it remains one of our favourite dishes for the evening. Originating from Kota Tinggi, Malaysia, it is a satisfying appetiser. It's made from a four-decade old recipe by owner Christine Apa. We particularly enjoyed the acidity from the calamansi which enhanced the perfect balance of sweetness and savouriness in the shrimp paste. Of course, how can we forget the freshly grated crunchy peanut topping which added a beautiful texture to the dish.
Little Hanoi Noodle Bar
Started by Ms Jenny Mac, Little Hanoi is a new addition to the Food Republic family and is currently only available at Westgate. Expect to enjoy contemporary and affordable Vietnamese cuisine such as crispy spring roll (S$3.90/-) or sugarcane shrimps (S$6.90/-) made with the freshest ingredients and traditional recipes.
Chinatown Tan's Tutu Kueh
With 70 years of history to this snack, it is now managed by the family's third generation, Mr Alden Tan. Choose your filling -- coconut or peanut -- with a minimum of 5 pieces at S$3/-.
Mei Shi Quan Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee
Another new face to the Food Republic but surely no stranger to hawker food lovers, owner Mr Wong serves hokkien mee, oyster omelette, char kway teow and carrot cake (S$6/-). What better way to enjoy the best of both worlds, the sweet and savoury?
Carrot cake - black (left) and white
Li Xin Teochew Fishball Noodles
A legacy since 1968, this business uses top-grade fish meat, the superior yellowtail fish, for their fish cakes and fish balls. Making them from scratch, second generation owner, Mr Eddie Lim ensures they have a soft and bouncy texture while retaining succulence.
Original Fish Village
Starting out at Lau Par Sat, Mr Wu, the owner, has close to two decades of experience and brings with him a loyal fan base. He takes pride in his springy rice noodles imported from Fu Jian, China and his homemade chilli sauce. Best of all, for me, was that flavoursome milky fish and chicken broth.
You Men HK Roast
Established in 2000, the roast meat stall has since shot to fame after being featured on several TV food programmes. Perfect for sharing, have a mixed platter of their signature char siew, roast pork and soy chicken for S$19/-.
Qiu Lian Traditional Ban Mee
Serving a three-generation recipe, owner Madam Ong first started selling homemade noodle soup in 1988. Expect a clean, nutritious yet flavoursome bowl of handmade ban mee (S$4/-)!
Woo Lee Jeeb Dae Bak Korean Cuisine
Owner Xiang Hua has more than 30 years of experience in the F&B scene, operating restaurants and eateries in Singapore, Korea and China. In order to perfect her Korean offerings, she visited Korea to learn about the various seasoning methods and intricate cooking techniques. Indulge in the hot stone mixed rice at an affordable S$7/-, complete with two side servings including kimchi.
Miso Japanese Cuisine
While I am not a huge fan of Japanese cuisine at food courts, I was pleasantly surprised by the chicken teriyaki and salmon serving (S$6.80/-). With more than a decade of experience, owner Mike tries to reinvent using healthier options such as home-made teriyaki sauce with apples as natural sweetener!
Ah Chew Yong Tau Foo
With all Yong Tau Foo freshly handmade, owner Mr Tan takes pride in creating a broth specially brewed with pork bones and various types of vegetables and secret ingredients (S$7.60/1 pax or S$11.50/2 pax). The herbal broth had a beautiful aroma with a sweet after-taste which would probably suit most consumers.
Saravanaa Bhavan Indian Vegetarian
Head over if you are craving for bold flavours from fine North Indian cuisine. Unique to the stall at Westgate are the Paper Roast Dosa and Channa Bhatura but expect a whirlwind of flavours explosion with the Saravanaa Special Meal(S$7.50/-).
Chinatown Beef Noodle
Enjoy a 4 Treasures Beef bowl for S$8/- (small) or S$12/- (large) and expect to be pampered by the old heritage recipe. With succulent beef slices, balls and tendons, it is guaranteed to fulfil diners' beefy cravings.
Hot Hot Pot
Originating from Chongqing, Jingyun Mountain, spicy hot pot is a popular dish with distinctive taste notes of dry, numbing, spicy and fragrant. With premium ingredients such as sesame chicken, seafood and braised meat, this is suitable for four to share at S$25/-.
Apart from the various stalls, one can also enjoy desserts at All Things N'Ice, another new brand under Breadtalk Group, which offers a selection of specialty Asian desserts such as traditional yam paste and Taiwanese shaved ice treats. Apparently, the menu has just gone through a round of revamp and we are looking forward to a revisit soon!
If you think food courts cannot be exciting, it is time to take a second look when you next step in to Food Republic and at Westgate, check out the staff dressed in uniforms adorned with suspenders and paperboy caps to match the theatrical and drama stage interior!
Food Republic
3 Gateway Drive, #B1-28/29
Singapore 608532
P.S: Special thanks to Shauna and Liqi for hosting the media tasting session!
