COCONUTS HOT SPOT — Makansutra, the open-air food court in Singapore that’s comprised of invited-only, best-in-the-country hawker stalls, has arrived in the country.
With 12 food stations and a seating capacity of 500 diners, Metro Manila diners can now get authentic Singaporean dishes such as fish head noodles and Hainanese chicken rice.
“These are all gateway food, meaning we have a little bit of everything for everyone,” said JJ Yulo who partnered with Him Uy De Baron and Singaporean street food magnate KF Seetoh.
Seetoh, who until now writes a food review column in the Lion City, started Makansutra as a Zagat-type guidebook for Singaporean food lovers before crossing to the other side and venturing into the food court business himself.
Promising an authentic experience, the hawkers didn’t localize the flavors to adjust to the Pinoy taste buds, which sounds like a good thing.
“If you like something spicy, sure we have that. But if you want something not so spicy, we also have options,” Yulo explained to Coconuts Manila.
At least three stalls at the Makansutra Philippines were at this year’s World Street Food Congress held in BGC: Donald & Lily, Alhambra Padang Satay & Muslim Food, and Hong Kong Street Old Chun Kee.
According to Yulo, the hawkers are enthusiastic about sharing their food to the Philippines. Several stall owners even flew in from Singapore to man their kiosks on opening day.
“We need to bring our street food in Manila to let people enjoy it,” said Mei, the wife of Hong Kong Street Old Chun Kee owner Chan Chong You.
What to expect? Traditional street food from Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, China and India.
There are about 60 dishes to choose from, including halal and vegetarian options, with prices ranging from PHP100 to PHP900 and above. A reasonable meal for two persons with drinks and dessert would cost about PHP600-PHP800.
Some of the hawkers now joining the Manila dining scene are Gooba Hia (beef ribs served with rice or noodles), Bao Ji Xiang (Singapore chicken rice) and Ah Tee (oyster omelettes). There’s also a drinks, dessert and delicacies bar serving refreshing fruit shakes, shaved ice desserts and Asian sandwiches in the middle of the hub.
While Yulo thinks that all the stalls have something good to offer, here are some of his favorites:
1. Fish head noodle soup from Hongkong Old Chun Kee (PHP250). Fish head takes the spotlight in this rich white soup with vegetables. For more kick, add a bit of sweet chili sauce.
2. Mee Siam with prawns from Donald and Lily’s. Bee hoon with gravy spiked with tamarind. Yulo described it as “maanghang na maasim na savory (spicy, sour and savory).” Definitely something good for PMS.
3. Bak kut teh with sugar cane from Adam’s Ribs (PHP300). A healthy option, but also an acquired taste, Yulo said. This slow-boiled pork rib peppery soup is known to be a good cure for hangover.
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