Tiong Bahru Plaza indoor pasar malam from 5 to 18 Aug

Tiong Bahru residents are in for a treat as the Tiong Bahru Plaza Indoor and Outdoor Food Fair kicks off from 5 to 18 Aug 2024. Conveniently located near Tiong Bahru MRT, the pasar malam is spread across two areas: indoors at the atrium and outdoors near UOB. 

Walking through both sections, I decided to try food I’d not previously eaten at a pasar malam before. 

To begin, I started with a classic — Tutu Kueh. ChubTutu serves a few variations of this traditional snack. Apart from the traditional flavours like peanut and coconut, they also have sweet options like Nutella and honey and other interesting premium flavours.

I was intrigued by their floral premium flavours and decided to try the Sakura TuTu. I felt a bit let down by this. It had a gel-like texture and a faint sweetness — almost like sipping on a no-sugar drink. Unfortunately, it was subtle to the point of being nearly invisible in flavour.

The Chilli Crab Kueh Tutu on the other hand, pleasantly surprised me. Though it’s not as saucy as your usual chilli crab, it was packed with a decent amount of crab meat. The filling also had a nice balance, with a hint of spice and not being overly sweet.

Both of these premium flavours were priced at 5 for S$5. I must also say that this stall had one of the longest queues in the pasar malam. Personally, I found the outside to be a bit dry and powdery, which might be a dealbreaker if you’re used to softer versions.

After walking around, I decided to head to the outdoor area to find something heartier. Here’s where I spotted Spuds Shack and got myself the Mentaiko Spicy Chicken Burger (S$6.50) and their Banger and Mash (S$7.50).

Let’s talk about the burger. Sandwiched between the perfectly toasted buns were a chicken patty, cheese and some mentaiko sauce. Admittedly, the vegetables were a bit sparse. In fact, my burger only had one piece of thinly sliced tomato.

Nonetheless, I’d say this was a good pick at the pasar malam. The chicken patty is definitely the star of the dish with the spice of the tender patty taking centre stage. The mentaiko sauce, while delicious, could use a bit more presence to balance out the patty’s flavours.

The Banger and Mash is another highlight. The sausage is generously sized with a light herby flavour, though the mash seemed to sometimes overshadow the meat. The brown sauce was my favourite part of this dish. It added just the right amount of saltiness, but it’s only drizzled on top, so you might find yourself with plain mashed potatoes as you dig deeper. Still, the portion is decent, making it a comforting dish.

Finally, at the very end of the outdoor area, I was drawn to another stall with a crowd gathered in front of it. I found myself at Man Kou Xiang, a stinky tofu stall and ordered myself a Kimchi Signature Mala Sauce soft tofu for S$8.

For those who crave bold flavours, this will not disappoint. This dish is a textural delight, with crispy-on-the-outside tofu with a silky, beancurd-like interior. The mala broth is thick and slightly spicy, complementing the nuts and sour kimchi that add layers of flavour and texture.

I expected the kimchi to be the typical Korean style but it was more on the sour side. Yet, it still works well in this generous portion that delivers a burst of spicy and sour goodness in every bite.

With over 20 stalls to explore at Tiong Bahru’s pasar malam, including usual offerings like Thai pork skewers, The Original Vadai, and Taiwanese potato balls, there’s plenty to keep your taste buds entertained. There are even seating areas both inside and outside to soak in the vibes and enjoy your finds while it’s still hot.

While this pasar malam may not be worth travelling across the island for, it’s definitely worth a stop if you’re in the area.

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