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Goreng Pisang are one the best fried snacks around. As fritter stalls are becoming increasingly uncommon, Boon Pisang Goreng at Balestier Market stands out for offering not just that but Vietnamese spring rolls and banh mi – all vegan. It was hence to much sorrow that Rose, the owner, announced that they would be closing on 31 Jan.
Initially opened in 1998 at the now closed Longhouse Food Centre in Thompson, Mrs Rose Boon has been at the helm since her husband (and founder, Mr Boon Fong Juan) passed. Rose herself is Vietnamese, which explains the spring rolls and banh mi on the menu at their current stall in Balestier Market.
We first caught wind of the stall’s closure via a Facebook post she made on the Hawkers United – Dabao 2020 community.
Speaking with us, Rose shared that the driving reason behind the closure was an increase in rent. Health is also a concern as her leg has been bothering her as of late. All this compounded with slower traffic led to the decision to shutter the stall.
Depending on her condition, she may reopen the stall at level 1 of Lucky Plaza in 3 to 4 months.
Before Boon Goreng Pisang closes, you might want to drop by at least once. The Potato Curry Puff (S$1.40) is an item you don’t see everyday at these fritter stalls.
If you’re not so keen on their fritters for whatever reason, Vegan Joy (S$5.50) is stuffed with vegan meat, cucumber, carrot, radish, spring onion and coriander as a meat-free variation of banh mi. Vietnamese spring rolls are offered as Golden Roll (S$1.50) containing yam, mushrooms, tau pok and coriander.
The Goreng Pisang (S$1++) prices vary by size and cost up to S$1.70. Other popular fritters include Nian gao + Yam (S$1.50), with a layer of chewy mochi-like nian gao and the other of yam, as well as Tapioca (S$1.20), which is simply battered tapioca cake.
Let’s hope loyal fritter fans get to see Boon Pisang Goreng’s return whenever Rose’s condition improves. Wishing her all the best!
