New in town: Mat Western, Bedok — Singaporean & French duo opens Muslim-owned Western stall

Enter Mat Western, a Muslim-friendly western stall in Bedok North Kopitiam selling a traditional classic fare. Previously at Jurong Industrial Pier, they moved from the West to the East to be closer to residential areas.  It may look like an ordinary stall however there’s an unlikely duo running the stall, French-born Muslim revert, Umar Fabrice, and Singaporean Malay-Muslim, Hidir Kasim. Both used to be chefs at reputable restaurants and the name is a reflection of Umar’s ethnicity and their decade-long friendship—such a wholesome duo.

Do expect to find Western classics like Chicken Cutlet (S$8), Burgers (from S$14), and 10-inch Pizzas (from S$10) along with fusion dishes like their Pepper Wagyu Pasta (S$10)—spaghetti tossed in a sauce with from chicken stock, kicap manis, and black pepper with minced Wagyu topped with crisp kailan and parsley—and Beef Rendang Calzone (S$15).

Although the French-born, Umar, is trained in French cuisine, Hidir specialises in Italian food, namely pizza. Hence, they focus on their pizzas over at Mat Western. Both chefs also have an extensive resumes and are thinking of opening a pizzeria in JB. From what I heard, they are intending to make Italian-style pizzas with a mix of local flavours like rendang and laksa. Currently, the only untouched pizza they have on their menu is the Margherita Pizza (S$10).