Different Tastes (Downtown East)

Met up with my gf and her family one lazy day for a meal at a restaurant in Pasir Ris Downtown East. Having passed by this place many times but have never gotten the urge or the reason to actually pop in to try it. Apparently, there are 4 branches for this brand already but it seems a rather muted popularity which has to date not gathered much attention.

The interior is the usual with round tables, a narrow walkway and a barely functioning air con. The good thing is that there weren't many people there when we were there which was a great plus for me. Service was those rendered by nice chinese nationals which more or less sets the tone for the meal.

6 Chicken Wings ($9) - The food was served shortly after ordering and the first to appear is this half a dozen of chicken wings and they were pretty good. It was well marinated for a slightly sweet taste throughout while the skin was thoroughly crispy and well done. It wasn't overfried as well which meant it stayed juicy and tender for a quick bite.

Pork Sparerib ($12) - The sweet and sour pork ribs were equally well done with the pork rib being crispy and fragrant while maintaining a wonderfully sweet taste with its outer covering.

Sambal Kang Kong ($10) - The sambal kangkong had an interesting sweet taste which i can't differentiate if it came from the msg or due to their prowess in cooking the greens. It wasn't too spicy which made it easy for me to stomach as well.

Seafood Hot Pot With Mixed Vegetables ($13) - The Seafood hot pot turned out rather well also being nicely starchy with a generous amount of seafood thrown in and some beacurd to go along. Its standard chinese fare though.

Steamed Fish ($16) - The steamed fish would be the item to bring the day down it seems. It was oily, less then fresh and simply tasted muddy. Not something anyone in their right mind would order again it seems.

Total bill for this meal came up to $76.80 for 6 people. The most unworthy item of the bill is the charge of $10.80 for ice lemon tea which is simply ridiculous.

Finally, i'd say it really wasn't as bad as i thought. The place was decent, service fast and the food is served piping hot. Some were actually rather pleasing although most that were good was fried. Still, its quite a decent place for a zhi ca meal. Not that i'll be returning however.