Not your “Original Rasa Sayang” AMK S11 Blk 711 Western Food

Unknowingly, I tried the “Original” Rasa Sayang Western Food stall at the BLK 711 S11 Coffee Shop Western Food store in Ang Mo Kio Central. I heard alot of good things about this stall at this location in AMK central known for serving good Western food. Stories and recommendations led me to this stall, which I mistakenly believed to be the original Rasa Sayang which had moved out just a month before. The stall had received fanfare for dishes like fried chicken cutlet, pork cutlet, and generous portion sizes.

Not quite your Rasa Sayang

At first impressions, the food was really bad! It was not until this when I realised this is not the original real deal. Upon closer inspection, it became evident this was not the original Rasa Sayang stall. The current stall is run by a completely different owner but retains the original store’s signboard. This could easily mislead unsuspecting customers into thinking they’ve found the original. The thinner crowd at the stall hinted at the change, and my experience confirmed it. Despite these differences, I decided to dine in and evaluate the food offered.

The S11 Coffee Shop, located in the heart of Ang Mo Kio Central, is known for its affordable eateries and fast table turnover. Even during peak hours from 6 to 7 pm, finding a table is manageable. While the Western food stall aims to attract patrons, the nearby mookata stall seems more popular.

Menu options

Soggy fries

Tough medium rare steak

The menu at this stall offers dishes priced between $8 and $16, which on the benefit of the doubt is actually slightly cheaper (about a dollar) than the prices at the original store. Staple items, such as chicken chop, pork chop, and fish and chips ($7.50) are reasonably priced on the lower end of the hawker western price range. Premium dishes, including steaks and mixed grills, cost closer to $14.50 on the upper end for a Ribeye steak. Despite the effort to mimic the original stall’s offerings, the experience fell short.

Sub para western dishes

Safe choices at this stall include chicken dishes, which are generally hard to get wrong. The chicken chop ($7.50), pork chop ($7.80), and fish and chips come with sides like fries, coleslaw, and baked beans. This combination mimics the original stall’s style but lacks the same quality. The old-school Western vibe is still present, but the execution leaves much to be desired.

The garlic bread was particularly disappointing. It was soft instead of crunchy, with uneven portion sizes. While the garlic spread was generous, the bread edges were burnt. The pork chop, though tender, was thin and lacked substance. At $7.50, the portion size felt inadequate.

The fish and chips too were one of the better dishes, featuring a large battered fillet. However, the batter was thin and lacked crispiness, unlike offerings from competitors like Fish and Chicks at Ang Mo Kio Avenue 10. The fish fillet itself was thin, making the dish less satisfying compared to options like Apollo Western at Hougang.

The steak offerings were disappointing as well. You can choose between sirloin and ribeye, both priced at $11 to $14. The thinly sliced steaks are cooked from frozen and covered in brown sauce. Ordering them medium-done is recommended, though either way they all feel like cooked well-done and rubbery. The overall quality was underwhelming for the price.

Wrapping up

Overall, the food quality scores around 5/10. While barely making the passing park in terms of food served, the portions may seem sufficient, the flavors and execution fail to impress. For heartier meals, pairing the dishes with pasta or fried rice is a better option. Still, the experience is far from satisfying enough to call it a proper dinner.

The current stall appears to be capitalizing on the residual popularity of the original Rasa Sayang. The chicken cutlet, a signature item, was thin with little meat. This gives the impression that the stall is trying to milk the reputation of its predecessor.

After publishing this review, I learned that the original Rasa Sayang stall had moved to Block 347, Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3. The new stall at S11 seems to ride on the coattails of the original’s success, creating confusion for diners. A follow-up visit to the original stall is warranted to provide a proper comparison.

In conclusion, the S11 Western Food stall is not the original Rasa Sayang. Dining here is not recommended due to its mediocre food quality and misleading branding. If you’re seeking the authentic Rasa Sayang experience, head to its new location across the road. This review serves as a reminder to verify the authenticity of eateries, especially when seeking a renowned dining experience.

This review is not sponsored by the establishment nor did they provide any editorial input or reimbursements into the content and outcome of this review. All meals were paid for in full out of my own pocket as a regular and anonymous patron.