Shocking would be an understatement to describe my first impression of Lau Phua Chay Roasted Delicacies at Alexandra Village Food Centre.
I was actually queuing for the avocado juice next door during my previous visit to the food centre when I saw the darkest char siew I had ever seen hanging behind the glass window.
That certainly got my attention and I made a mental note to try this out during my next visit here.
So, I was back at the food centre the following week and I decided to order the char siew and roasted pork rice. It is self-service here whereby you queue to place your order, wait to collect your food and make payment.
When I received my order, I was appalled by the ghastly sight! Never before have I seen such a revolting plate of rice!
When I received my order, I was appalled by the ghastly sight! Never before have I seen such a revolting plate of rice!
I could not discern the char siew from the roasted pork under that blanket of molasses-looking gravy which I later found out to be caramelized bean paste and malt sugar.
My plate of char siew and roasted pork rice comes with an hard-boiled egg and bowl of cabbage soup. Portion wise, it is rather filling for me and I wasn't expecting an egg to be included so I would say $4 for this meal is quite worth it. Furthermore, the soup comes in quite a big bowl and there is even chicken meat in it
Looking past its unappealing appearance, the gravy actually had a unique flavor that goes very well with the rice.
When I had a piece of the char siew, I finally understood why the stall command such a long queue despite the 'ugly' presentation of food. Unlike other roast stall that gives you thinly sliced and anorexic char siew, their coarsely chopped char siew has great char with fats that melt in your mouth.
The roasted pork, on the other hand, did not fare as good. There was no crackling to speak of as the skin has turned soft probably from the gravy.
Next time, I will ask for the gravy to be served separately on the side.
The roasted pork, on the other hand, did not fare as good. There was no crackling to speak of as the skin has turned soft probably from the gravy.
Next time, I will ask for the gravy to be served separately on the side.
Alexandra Village Food Centre is located in the vicinity of Queensway Shopping Centre, IKEA Alexandra and Park Hotel Alexandra so it is not difficult to find. I got here by taking bus service 120 from the bus stop (bus stop code 10201) opposite Redhill MRT Station and alighted at the bus stop (bus stop code 11519) opposite Queensway Shopping Centre.
LAU PHUA CHAY AUTHENTIC ROASTED DELICACIES 老半齋燒臘
Alexandra Village Food Centre
120 Bukit Merah Lane 1
#01-20
Singapore 151120
Business Hours
Sun - Fri : 11am -7pm
Business Hours
Sun - Fri : 11am -7pm
Closed: Sat
Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/6baVupjcAgu
GPS Coordinates: 1.286343,103.8023374
Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/6baVupjcAgu
GPS Coordinates: 1.286343,103.8023374
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