Food Republic opens their 9th outlet at Causeway Point, seating up to 700 to cater to large hungry crowds.
Every Food Republic sports a different theme; Food Republic Beer Garden at St James for instance, sports a ‘60s theme, while Food Republic 112 Katong sports a present-day contemporary theme. Here at Causeway Point, the concept hovers around the idea of an airy and elegant white garden.
With 17 stalls and 3 mini-restaurants under one roof, diners are presented with a wide variety of multi-cultural food, complemented by tasteful ambience and clean environs at affordable prices.
With such a diverse tenant mix, it is quite a challenge to decide on what to order. Here are some of the highlights:
Funan Weng Ipoh Ho Fun
Funan Weng Ipoh Ho Fun has more than 50 years of culinary expertise, and is no stranger to awards. Here’s a brief history:
Originally founded by Mr Ho Weng back in Hock Lam Street, his son Mr Ho Kuen Loon took over the business in 2009 and moved it out of the hawker centre and into a more modern and comfortable location at Maxwell Chambers. Now bringing the famous Ipoh Ho Fun closer to the heartlands, Funan Weng Express sets up home at the chic, new Food Republic Causeway Point.
Signature Prawn and Chicken Ipoh Ho Fun ($4.80)
This is a personal favourite (among everything I’ve tried there). I would actually travel to woodlands just for this –it’s worth the distance.
The silky smooth strands of ho fun and the dark gravy made from scratch using 12 different herbs over 12 gruelling hours – and not forgetting to mention achieving consistency in every bowl – contribute to this dish’s success, and is evidence of their decades-long culinary expertise.
It’s also good to know that no MSG is added and that they use the freshest ingredients.
Gourmet Dumpling Soup ($5.50)
Nothing is frozen; the dumplings are made with fresh pork and fresh shrimps peeled daily, ensuring better taste and quality.
The soup is tasty with a hint of soya throughout; it is boiled for hours to extract full flavours from soya beans and other ingredients.
Li Xin Teochew Fishball Noodle
Li Xin Teochew Fishball Noodle stall has been around since 1968, and has been drawing crowds ever since. Fishballs are their major crowd-puller.
Fishball Soup ($4 for 8 nos.)
The secret to their fishballs lies in two things –top-grade yellowtail fish and freshness. Fishballs are made twice daily and are kept chilled in cold water –never frozen. This method keeps the fishballs soft, bouncy and succulent.
I visited their stall at Food Republic 112 Katong previously, and my verdict was “one of my favourite fishball stalls”. Here at Food Republic Causeway Point, their standard is consistent and it is safe to say my love never wavered.
Mee Pok Dry ($4)
Besides making fishballs from scratch, they also create their own chilli sauce and fry their own crispy lard. The chilli sauce that coats every stand of noodle possesses well-balanced tastes of sweet, savoury and spicy.
Farmosa Delights (Mian Mian Ju Dao)
There are 17 Farmosa Delights stalls in Singapore till date. I’ve tried it at Food Republic 112 Katong previously and enjoyed thoroughly.
Dao Xiao Mian – Beef Soup ($6)
This famous Taiwanese Dao Xiao Mian (Knife Shaved Noodle) is triangular shaped and handmade. The triangular shape gives each strand a ‘layered’ texture that is chewier and firm to the bite –like how we would describe ideal pastas as ‘al dente’.
The soup is flavourful with beefy essences.
The generous portion – consisting of 150g of noodles – can feed two petite ladies.
Padang Raya
Padang cuisine – the traditional food of the Minangkabau people from West Sumatra, Indonesia – is known for its robust flavours that come from the use of rich coconut milk, chilli and aromatic spices. The key to the authentic mouth-watering Padang dishes is the correct blend of spices.
Padang Raya uses natural ingredients and processes them traditionally to retain their original taste and health benefits.
Ikan Asam Pedas Set (Rice + Ikan Asam Pedas + Cabbage for $5)
Curry Ayam Set (Rice + Ayam Curry Drumstick + Long Bean Balacan for $5)
Shami Banana Leaf Delights
Founded in 1993, this South Indian mini-restaurant is home to arguably the best Nasi Briyani in Northern Singapore.
My parents used to bring me to Northpoint Shopping Centre (where their first stall is located) just to eat this when I was young. The snaking queues can vouch for its popularity.
The stall subsequently expanded to include a restaurant along Sembawang Road, followed by another branch at Food Republic Causeway Point.
Chicken Briyani Set ($7)
Boneless Mutton Briyani Set ($8)
Goryeo Korean Restaurant
Goryeo Korean Restaurant hails from Suwon, a city near Seoul. Founded in 2000, this casual concept is the first in Singapore to introduce Angdong Jjimdak or Angdong Steamed Chicken –a traditional dish introduced during the Joseon period, prepared and eaten for special occasions.
Andong Jimdak Set (Andong Steamed Chicken) ($11.90)
Bibimhap (Hot Stone Pot Rice) ($7.50)
Chicken, pork or beef options available
Bulgogi salad ($8.50)
Kimchi soup ($7.50)
Caffé Republic / Ice Shop
Caffé Republic is a chic ‘60s style mod café showcasing popular Western coffees like café latte, cappuccino, espresso and macchiato –possibly the first of its kind, serving premium Italian coffee within a local food court.
Café Latte ($2.30)
It was also to my endless delight to stumble on the colourful range of gelatos.
Gelato (Foreground: Green Tea, Background: Vanilla)
I never expected to see premium quality gelatos in a food court. I wanna try all the flavours! Love the green tea gelato.
Chendol ($2.50)
The Ice Shop sources ingredients from as far as Indonesia to make their own Gula Melaka (no white sugar is used). The owner, who is fondly known as Aunty Sally, is also extremely particular about the quality of ice and the type of beans used.
She mixes coconut juice with coconut milk to give the condiment a more refreshing touch. She also makes her own grass jelly. With over 15 cold and 5 hot local traditional desserts to choose from, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Food Republic @ Causeway Point
Tel:
Fax:
Website: http://foodrepublic.com.sg/stores/causeway-point
Opening hours:
Sun-Fri and PH: 10am to 10pm
Sat and Eve of PH: 10am to 11pm