Imagine painstakingly setting up the restaurant of your dreams, only for 2 disasters to strike one after another, leaving you with no choice but to shut it down. Just a few years back, Angela and Aaron, the owner-couple of Momma’s Pizza & Rice Meal, faced this particular ordeal.
Firstly, a nearby volcano in Alabang, Muntinlupa erupted, scattering ash everywhere and forcing the closure of the entire area surrounding the restaurant. Then, the COVID-19 pandemic struck soon after.
Given what they faced, they didn’t give up and decided to set up a kopitiam stall at 121 Geylang East Central in late 2023.
“Angela’s passion in life is cooking.” Aaron exclaimed proudly, which was what spurred them to carry on being in F&B.
The Filipino couple have called Singapore their home for the past 2 decades. Aaron has a full time job but returns to the stall every now and then to assist Angela, who helms the kitchen.
“She calls me back to help very regularly!” Aaron shared with a laugh.
What I tried at Momma’s Pizza & Rice Meal
We began with the Pork Bicol Express (S$7.50), a newly-launched dish named after the old train that once traveled between Manila and Naga. This Filipino rice dish featured a bed of rice topped with furikake, alongside a serving of fried pork belly smothered in a creamy coconut gravy. Fresh corn kernels and tomatoes completed the presentation.
“Doesn’t it look like a train to you?” Aaron asked us— how cute!
The first thing that came to my mind when I tasted the thick gravy was tom kha kai, a Thai coconut chicken soup, except that its taste was more intense. Ultimately, I believe it comes down to each individual’s opinion— I found it enjoyable, whereas my dining partner wasn’t as keen on it.
Green and red chilli slices were delicately nestled within the sauce mix, delivering a subtle spicy kick that even kids could enjoy. Aaron shared with me that in the Philippines, the spice level of the sauce is similar to our local sambal but they have toned it down.
The fried pork belly had a great texture with a crispy exterior. When paired with the plain rice, the combination was great as it mellowed down the richness of the meat, while injecting a subtle umami flavour.
Out of the 15 pizza choices, the Bacon Potato (S$7.50 for solo, S$9.50 for 10 inch) tickled my fancy, as potato toppings on pizza are relatively uncommon in my experience.
We ordered the solo as there were only 2 of us. The Bacon Potato consisted of bacon pieces, potatoes, onions, mozzarella cheese, and an artful drizzle of Japanese mayo.
The sinfulness of the bacon, sweet onions and potatoes danced a tantalising tango on my taste buds. How about the mayo? Well, it was the icing on the cake, adding that extra layer of creamy indulgence together with the luscious cheese.
Next, we tried the Chicken Wings (S$7.50 for 3 pieces) from the Side Snacks section. We chose Sweet & Spicy, Honey Mustard and Spicy.
Price: $
Our Rating: 3.5 / 5
Momma's Pizza & Rice Meal
121 Geylang East Central, #01-90 , Singapore 380121
Momma's Pizza & Rice Meal
121 Geylang East Central, #01-90 , Singapore 380121