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Mention ‘Scotts Picnic Food Court’ to most boomers or millenials, and they’ll be reminded of the once-popular makan spot in the basement of the now-defunct Scotts Shopping Centre (where Scotts Square Mall stands today). Who would’ve thought that, 19 years later, a Picnic Food Hall would emerge at the ground level of Far East Plaza?
Is the name purely coincidental, or was it chosen on purpose — given that it’s just 1 hotel away on the same street? I wonder.
Taking over the former My CK departmental store, this bright and cosy food court features pseudo coconut trees and rattan lights, evoking a tropical beach vibe. At such a prime location on Orchard Road, will the prices be heavy on the wallet? Let me introduce some of the stalls.
Starting off with Sky Sky Chicken Rice, which also has a branch nestled in Orchard Takashimaya Food Court. This stall offers both steamed and Roasted Chicken Rice, priced at S$6 for a small portion and S$7.80 for a large. The Chicken Drumstick Rice is slightly pricier at S$8.
The menu also features other diverse options like Ipoh Curry Chicken Noodles (S$6.90/S$8.80), Black Chicken Herbal Soup (S$6.80) and Curry Fishballs (S$6.80).
If you adore mee hoon kuay, swing by Da Tou Ban Mian (大头板面) for a piping-hot bowl of Prawn & Lala Mee Hoon Kuey (S$6.50) or Ban Mian Dry (S$5.20). You can also savour something more fiery and shiok like the Tom Yum U. Mian (S$5.90).
For those looking for something healthier to offset the weekend’s indulgence, Da Tou Ban Mian also serves Sliced Fish Soup (S$6) and Sliced Fish Porridge (S$6.50).
If you enjoy thick bee hoon, head to Cu Liang Yu Fen (粗粮渔粉) for over 40 soup and dry varieties. I’m guessing this stall has native Chinese influences when I spotted Golden Soup Fat Beef Rice Noodles (S$8.80), Mala Meat Ball Rice Noodles (S$6.80) and Sauerkraut Sliced Fish Soup w/ Rice (S$9.80) amongst the offerings.
Kam’s Kitchen offers zi char fans crowd-favourite dishes such as the Sweet & Sour Slice Fish W/ Rice + Egg (S$8.80), Sambal Diced Chicken Fried Rice (S$7.30) and Egg Gravy Hor Fun (S$6.80).
If you’re dining with family or friends, you can order larger dishes to share including the Curry Fish Head, Shredded Pork w/ Golden Sesame Bun and Oyster Omelette.
Besides the usual dry and soup yong tau foo options, which come with a minimum of 5 pieces plus noodles or rice, Seng Kee Yong Tau Fu also has Curry, Mala, and Tom Yum soup add-ons for an extra S$1.20.
If you crave the Malaysian-style of eating, I’d suggest getting the Chee Cheong Fun (S$1.30 per piece) and pairing it with the Curry gravy.
Has it been a long time since you had bak chor mee or laksa? Ding Ji Teochew Noodle House offers all of that and more! Indulge in a bowl of Fishball Noodle (S$4.50), Traditional Laksa (S$5) or Mushroom Minced Meat Noodle (S$5).
If you’re near Tangs Plaza or just finished a movie at Shaw Theatres Lido, why not swing by Far East Plaza to check out Picnic Food Hall?
King Of Ban Mian: Delicious QQ ban mian & hand-torn mee hoon kueh that reign supreme
