Dearest McDonald’s,
We are a bit torn at your recent launch of your special menu inspired by local favourites such as nasi lemak and chendol. Truth be told, this concept of blending Asian flavours to signature Western food has been around for the longest time. Fusion desserts and food made lovingly by small and locally run cafes and restaurants have been sprouting all over the island as early as 2013, especially with the ever popular Ondeh-Ondeh cake/cupcake/tarts/everythaaanngggg. Yes, we figured it’s nice to feature menu items like the Chendol McFlurry, Putri Salat Cake, and Nasi Lemak Burger alongside the Singapore Food Festival as well as National Day. However, it is disappointing to see that a big multi-national corporation take advantage of a trend that has been around for at least three years, and developed by local food entrepreneurs. These are the O.G., or Original Gangsters of casual fusion local-Western cuisine in Singapore.
1. Try the original chendol soft serve ice cream at Overrun
Started back in late 2015, Overrun serves their signature chendol soft serve ice cream reminiscent of the Chendol Mr Softee 7-Eleven along with real chendol worms and red beans. They have other flavours such as durian chendol, Thai milk tea and Nutella soft serve ice cream on rotation daily.
Area: Bugis
FRIENDS Discount: 10% off with minimum purchase of $10
For more information and details, click here.
Ondeh-ondeh, Chempedak, Durian and Jongkong cakes are nothing new to these seasoned bakers
2. Julie Bakes
One of the pioneers of the Ondeh-Ondeh cake, Julie Bakes has mastered the perfect ratio of cake is to frosting is to palm sugar. These cakes a available at $8 per slice, or $60 for a whole cake.
Area: Bugis
FRIENDS Discount: 10% off total bill
3. Delish Treats
Tucked away in a corner at East Village, Delish Treats offers an array of cupcakes and cakes for the sweet toothed. Try their Chempedak cupcake or cake when it’s available!
Area: Tanah Merah
FRIENDS Discount: 10% off total bill with a minimum purchase of $20.
4. Measuring Happiness
Be even more spoilt for choice with a variety of Malay kuih inspired cakes at Measuring Happiness.
Area: Bugis
FRIENDS Discount: Buy 1 cake slice, get another free!
Be treated to homely local dishes dressed up as atas food
5. Brothers in Fine Food
Brothers in Fine Food
Area: Tampines
FRIENDS Discount: 10% off total bill on weekdays before 6pm
Check out how Brothers in Fine Food has humbled the traditional Malay kueh Nagasari. From this…
To this!
6. The Lab
Area: Bugis
FRIENDS Discount: 15% off total bill
7. Afterwit – Mexican Taqueria
Try the Beef Briyani Burrito at Afterwit!
Area: Bugis
FRIENDS Discount: 15% off total bill
8. Flava Contemporary Bistro and Grill
Area: East Coast
9. Seven7h Cucina
If Italian Malay cuisine is up your alley, try this Poulet de Kicap at Seven7h Cucina!
Area: Thomson
FRIENDS Discount: 10% off total bill
Nasi Lemak burger not your thing? Try The Permaisuri Burger
10. Kaw Kaw by Makan State
Area: Bugis FRIENDS Discount: 10% off total bill on weekdays.
And of course, before there was a Nasi Lemak Burger, there was the Maki Lemak
11. Maki-Lemak at Maki-San
Area: Multiple Outlets
FRIENDS Discount: 10% off total bill all day, all week.
Who’s the real O.G. now?
