If there’s one thing you can trust hawker centres in Singapore for, it’s value prices. So when my hunt for the best steaks and beef in Singapore brought me and Roli to the iconic Chinatown Complex Market & Food Centre, it evoked a considerable amount of excitement within.
Known fondly as Chinatown Hawker Centre to local patrons, this melting pot of local flavours boasts an impressive collection of food stalls, many of which have histories spanning decades. Some of them have also built a base of loyal followers, who will shamelessly promote their choices as the ‘best in Singapore’. And while these claims sound like tall orders, I suggest that you try them out before passing judgement. Who knows, the list of loyal followers might have your name in it next time.
The stall we patronised recently opened in November 2017 and was rather imaginatively named Give Me More. When asked why the name, the founder shared it’s because after diners try his food, they come back for more. Well…that’s the hope anyway. Personally, I’d say it’s not entirely wishful thinking. There is much promise in this humble establishment.
Now, let’s get to the meat.
The Meat
The first dish I wanna share with you guys is the Beef Rice Bowl ($5) and coming in at a wallet-friendly five dollars, that’s mouth-watering value right there. The dish features marinated beef slices, caramelised onions, a soft-yolk egg, short grain rice and a sprinkle of chili flakes and sesame seeds.
Each of the elements tasted decent and I think the onions were very well cooked. They weren’t too crunchy and it added a welcoming contrast in texture. What I found remarkable though was how the components came together to produce an entirely different taste. When I placed each of the ingredients into one spoon and put it in my mouth, the flavours that came forth was surprisingly good. It suddenly made me feel like I was indulging in something humble, home-cooked and entirely satisfying. So I recommend mixing the dish up to get a feel of what it truly has in store for diners.
I loved the flavours, the pricing and the service. It falls just short of outstanding and so I’ll give it a 7.9/10.
Beef Rice Bowl
The next menu item was what caught my attention during my research. Braised Beef Tendon and Shank ($7.50) struck a chord with me because I’ve always loved beef / mutton tendon and lamb shanks. When braised just right, these cheaper cuts can bring so much flavour and comfort during a meal.
And Give Me More did it pretty decently. The tendons had the right consistency though the meat was just a tad tough. I think the soup could have done with a little more flavour. It lacked that wholesome beefy broth taste that I was hoping for. Definitely preferred the beef bowl in terms of flavour and satisfaction. 7/10.
Braised Beef Tendon and Shank
Everything Else
Service was very friendly, with warm smiles all around. They didn’t have the hawker-level speed when it came to prepping the food – took over 5 mins – but I’ll just chalk it up to them showering tender loving care into my order.
Should You Try It?
For penny-pinching carnivores, definitely. For those seeking high quality meats, then you might want to stick with diners and steakhouses.
Details
Give Me More
335 Smith Street
#02-116 Chinatown Complex Market & Food Centre
Singapore 050335
Opening Hours
Mon – Sun: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
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