Food Republic brings food lovers delightful tidings with their hawker food atriums. Each Food Republic outlet is furnished and decorated with a particular theme, and the Food Republic Beer Garden, for instance, exudes a 60’s vibe that brings nostalgic memories to those who’s experienced the lifestyle in the olden days, and for the younger generation to gain a deeper insight. However, what you won’t experience from the olden days is the chaotic scene. It is so clean, hygienic and organised.
The 400-seater open-air food atrium sits in the carpark area in front of St James Power Station, and comes to live at night where talented local performers will mesmerise the crowd with music from the 60s and 70s, right up to current hits. St James’ stable of 140 artists, musicians and dancers will entertain all year round while customers dine under the stars.
Vendors peddle legally in forms of rustic-style pushcarts, truck stalls and kiosks –diners can look forward to almost 100 hawker dishes.
Drinks
Longan Drink $2
The nourishing Longan drink is available hot and cold. I ordered a cold one to beat the persistent heat; it is refreshing and not too sweet. The longan drink is said to have calming effects and helps you sleep better at night!
Boon Tat Street BBQ Seafood
Sambal Stingray $12
BBQ seafood is a widely popular local fare, and I usually satisfy my craving at Chomp Chomp (Serangoon Garden). My favourite dish is the Sambal Stingray, and this stall at Food Republic does a nice job! The price is similar to Chomp Chomp’s, and it certainly isn’t marked up just because it’s within close proximity to the tourist spots.
What do you Prata
Murtabak $5.50
I’ve never eaten Murtabak in my entire life, thus I have no basis for comparison. This marks my first Murtabak and I like it, especially when doused in the flavoursome curry. I couldn’t stop eating it!
Satay Power
Mutton, chicken and beef satays $0.60 each
I like the chicken satays, and the mutton isn’t bad. The satay sauce is scrumptious. The beef satay was too tough and dry for my liking, but that’s probably because I like beef tartare, or done at most medium rare. On a positive note, the satay sauce managed to salvage the beef satay from being inedible to me. Those who like to chew on the beefy texture will enjoy it.
Zhong Zhong Fine Spice
BBQ Chicken Wings $1.50 each
Balestier Bah Ku Teh
Pork Ribs Soup (Bah Ku Teh) $6.50
I find that Bah Ku Teh nowadays have lost their authenticity; the one here is peppery and tasty, but lacks the rich herby flavours. That being said, the soup is clear and light, and I had no qualms finishing it.
Braised Trotter $6.50
The same stall sells braised trotter as well, and it is so tender, with fat that dissolves in your mouth. The amount of fat served to you also means the amount of collagen you’re consuming, which is good for the complexion, and the amount of cholesterol, which is bad for your heart; but since it’s yummy, just enjoy it and eat everything in moderation.
Wok n Roll
Java Mee $5.50
This Javanese noodle dish is not commonly found in Singapore; it is well executed and I love the flavours! Each strand of noodle is well coated with the seasoning.
Char Kway Teow $5.50
Wok n Roll also sells Char Kway Teow and its taste is comparable to famous char kway teow stalls.
Old Days Minced Pork Noodles
Minced Meat Bah Chor Mee $4.50
We had a ‘Mee Kia’ (thin noodles) for the Minced Meat Bah Chor Mee, and the texture is similar to the wanton mee. I’m a mee pok person so this dish didn’t do for me. The lack of sauce made the noodles seem dry and lack flavour, I would request for more sauce the next time I order a mee pok.
Thye Chua Fried Hokkien Mee
Fried Hokkien Mee $7 (large)
I’m a fan of Food Republic’s hokkien mee; every outlet seems to be doing a good job. I patronise Food Republic’s Hokkien Mee stall at Nex pretty often! The stall at Food Republic Beer Garden didn’t disappoint. If you like the ‘wet’ version of hokkien mee, you’ll like this. The noodles are well infused with flavourful stock, served with a generous amount of prawns. My only gripe is that the prawns came intact, and nobody wanted to dirty their fingers removing the shells.
Lorong 9 Geylang Frog Leg Porridge
Dried Chilli Frog Porridge $8 (small)
My favourite dish would be the Frog Leg Porridge. Their flagship stall is at Geylang where it is a food paradise in Singapore. I heard the crowd is overwhelming there! My parents perceive Geylang as a sleazy area and discourage me from dining there; for that reason I haven’t been able to feast on Frog Leg Porridge. Thanks to Food Republic Beer Garden, I can enjoy the same dish without having to travel to Geylang.
The porridge is served in a claypot to keep warm; it is thick and so comforting to dig into, especially on a rainy day.
The Dried Chilli Frog Leg is slightly spicy. I like!
Chinatown Tan’s Tutu Kueh
Kueh Tutu, peanut and coconut, $0.60 each
Aunty Jessie Rojak
After all the food, there was a debate going on about whether one would start the meal with Rojak or end the meal with it. Majority voted having it at the end of the meal but I voted otherwise. I’d usually order it while waiting for the main dishes to arrive, as it requires less preparation and cooking time –you can munch on them to stave off the hunger pangs, and it is so appetising!
Fruit Rojak (white) $7
Auntie Jessie offers two versions of Rojak: a white and a dark version. The white version comes with fruit and is dressed with a sour plum sauce. It’s refreshing and tangy; my sweet tooth said no to it.
Fruit Rojak (Dark) $7
The dark one is dressed with a traditional dark shrimp paste that’s sweeter and suits my sweet tooth better.
Group shot with a bunch of happy diners!
The verdict:
Food didn’t disappoint.
Food Republic is an ideal spot to indulge in authentic hawker fare with your families and friends, and to introduce our local cuisine to your foreign friends. Both locals and tourists can partake in the vibrant nightlife, and it is a great supper spot for partygoers.
Food Republic Beer Garden
Opening hours
Sundays to Thursdays: 6pm-5am
Fridays and Saturdays and eve of Public Holidays: 6pm-6am