It might not be Singapore, but it's something!

It's been around a few weeks now, but Singapore Restaurant is officially my FAVOURITE new eating place in Nuku'alofa. Why? Let me break it down for you. It's cheap. It's cooler inside than it is outside. It has a drinks fridge. And it's plugged in. It has a food warmer. With a heat lamp. And its plugged in. And it actually keeps food warm. It's got tables and chairs, tissues, good lighting, and its CLEAN. There's at least 10 reasons to try it out, and that I haven't even gotten to the food!

Yes, granted, Singapore Restaurant has the usual suspects on the menu:  Kentucky and Manioke, Burgers, Fish 'n' chips.  And no, they don't have the list of asian dishes I'd have loved and expected to feature in a place named as such (kway teow, mabo dofu, singapore fried noodles, laksa...), but the point is, everything this place does IS...GOOOD!
                        
And yes there is a certain familiar comfort in the fact that there are some things that never change about asian kitchens (with or without the requisite dishes) such as the neon lighting, efficient service, tissues, plastic chairs, cans of drink with foreign contents that taste better than you can imagine (yes, try the pineapple with coconut chunks - sweet and chewy all at once - only $1.70)  and a rice cooker big enough to bathe a baby in.

So, let's recall my last visit. We arrived at 630pm on a Thursday. People were already eating, and the trade was steady. A good sign.  We ordered the fish 'n' chips, and a burger.  And we did have to wait a bit, but I took this as a good sign that everything was being freshly prepared. And I was right. The fish was fresh and crispy, the burger still glistening with fry fat and goodness.  The chips were hot and crispy (maybe they should invest/recreate KFC chicken salt - that would be a perfect addition). And we were happy.  And there was the cute addition of the cucumber rounds hollowed out to hold this wonderful garlic mayo.

After my friend and neighbour from Fangaloto, Tatiana, uttered with the utmost sincereity, "It's not 'like' KFC hot wings, it IS KFC hot wings" I just had to try the kentucky. And Tats, I think you are almost right! It's hot, spicy and crispy. And you get fries! All I needed was a moist towelette and I would be seeing visions of the Colonel in the Kingdom. Well. One can only dream.





















Check it out:
*Hala Fatafehi, first intersection past NZ Immigration /Royco building if you're heading towards the lagoon