Swensen's - Sides Part I

Swensen's is a pretty popular brand in Singapore and quite a favourite choice sometimes.
And I know most of us go like "Oh I prefer somewhere more unique" or "Swensen's? No better place meh?" but the truth is - Swensen's is actually not that bad to be honest.

We've already covered a few of their breakfast dishes and also the soups and salads.
Luckily for us, they also have an extensive Sides menu. So extensive that we need to split it up!!
Anyways, if you're gonna eat there, maybe this might help you choose on some side dishes to go along with your main course!

Meatballs in Pepper Sauce ($9.40)

In what was probably the biggest surprise food-wise in quite awhile, these are actually the bomb!
I really was expecting just another generic dish and it was probably not going to be anything special but oh boy was I completely wrong on this one!

The mashed potatoes were an absolute dream.
I can't be sure if they're instant or if they're made scratch from actual potatoes but whatever the case, they were definitely put through the ricer again which results in an absolutely creamy texture and enriched with a nice hearty buttery taste.

The meatballs themselves were absolutely divine.
A combination of chicken and beef, these were cooked to perfection and were not overdone at all. The meat remained juicy and soft and the pepper sauce went together perfectly.

I know you think I'm probably exaggerating but I seriously enjoyed every last bite of this dish.

Mozzarella Cheese Sticks ($8.40)

Something pretty basic like this can still be easy to mess up.
(Trust me I've had some bad fried cheese sticks in the past. That's right I'm looking at YOU Pastamania!)
But at Swensen's, they pleasantly surprise.

One of the main plus points - it's not oily despite being deep fried.
I literally ate these with my fingers and had little or no oil residue on my fingers at all. And I know it was fried because I got the oil when I bit into the cheese.

The outer-coating remained crispy and managed to maintain its integrity by not falling apart or going soggy. The cheese melted a little bit but you still get a bit of the chewy texture you'd expect from some mozza. And the salty flavour of the cheese is definitely evident here. Minimal seasoning lets you enjoy the cheese!

I'm certain that all you cheese lovers out there will enjoy this!
But cheese is always heavy on the palate so maybe this one might be best to share.

Adam's Verdict:
Meatballs in Pepper Sauce 5/5 -- Mozzarella Cheese Sticks 4/5

If the sides are this good, then I might just have these without ordering any mains!
Let's see what else they have on the Sides menu... Will report back soon!

Swensen's (Bedok Mall)

Bedok Mall
311 New Upper Changi Road
#1-77

Operating Hours:
10.30am til 10.30pm Weekdays
8.00am til 10.30pm Weekends
(Last Order at 10.15pm)

Abdul Basith - Mee Kuah

Here's another one from my lunchtime adventures in Chai Chee.

So I've tried the Mutton Steak and the Mutton Chop from this stall (and officially reviewed it) so here's the next installment - Mee Kuah.

I know a lot of people are very particular about how they like their Mee Kuah to be.
Some expect it to be spicy or a certain consistency. Some expect a special kind of flavour to be present with every mouthful of noodles and that fiery gravy.

I've heard stories about some really nice ones but I've only had a few different versions and only officially reviewed one - Saffron's Mee Kuah. So here's the Abdul Basith version.

Mee Kuah ($3.50)

Now that doesn't look that bad right? Well it doesn't taste that bad either!

A nice consistency for the gravy. Not too watery and definitely full of flavour.
I understand that Mee Kuah is basically a peppery spice soup and this definitely lives up to that reputation. And in this case, I even asked for extra spicy so it definitely packed a punch.

Adam's Verdict:
Mee Kuah 3.5/5

But as always, the problem with the food at Abdul Basith is the consistency.
Had this three times at this stall to be honest and it was different every single time.
A general tip - it's gonna be good if the Mamak Mullet is the one cooking.

Who's the Mamak Mullet? Well, look for the mullet. You'll know what I mean.

Abdul Basith

FOODHUB @ Chai Chee aka T1
Blk 26A Chai Chee Road

Operating Hours:
5.30am - 10pm Daily

Saffrons Cafeteria - Mee Kuah

I know Saffron is a big favourite with the crowds.
Prata is always the bomb here. Mee Goreng is always able to satisfy. Briyani and Nasi Campur is top notch.
But one thing I've always wanted to try was the Mee Kuah.

Never really got the chance because we always end up ordering Mee Goreng or Prata when I go with my darling wife. So when I visited with my 2 bros-in-law, we ended up as 3 guys with Mee Kuah.

Mee Kuah ($4.00)

I've heard people mention the Mee Kuah at Saffron to me before and the response was always the same...
"Not bad but I've had better."

I think the main reason for this is the gravy itself.
Mee Kuah is supposed to pack a punch through its gravy which is a melting pot of spices and pepper and whatever else goodness they throw in there. You can expect the noodles to give it any kick right?

In this case, the kuah definitely has taste but seems to lack a strong flavour. I mean, it's definitely spicy but I guess that you'd expect a more tasty gravy. I've had Mee Kuah where it's not just the spice that gets you but you can really taste the different spices that make up the complex and mysterious flavour.

And if that's not enough, the gravy is actually pretty watery. Not that bad but maybe that plays a part in the lack of flavour?

And by the way, if you've got a big appetite for the noodles, the serving of noodles is pretty small you might wanna ask for extra if you're feeling really hungry.... But if you're like me and not really after the noodles then don't worry - the kuah will keep you company.

Adam's Verdict:
Mee Kuah 2.5/5

Razali's Verdict:
Mee Kuah 3/5

Azim's Verdict:
Mee Kuah 3.5/5

I guess the Mee Kuah is not that bad but when I go back to Saffron, I'm probably going to order the Mee Goreng or some good old Prata.

Saffrons Cafeteria

Blk 201D Tampines Street 21
#01-1163

Tel: 6787 6010
www.facebook.com/SaffronsCafeteria

Operating Hours: 24 hours Daily