Don’t expect servers to take your orders at Junbi, the latest brainchild by celeb couple Daniel Ong (former 987FM DJ) and Jaime Teo (Miss Singapore Universe 2001), who also own Twelve Cupcakes.

The 2.5 month-old eatery specializes in ready-to-eat Western and Japanese grub, where food is pre-prepped before being displayed in open fridges for customers to choose and go. “Just come, pick what you want, pay and enjoy,” says Daniel.

The name’s an apt play on the Japanese word for “ready”, and the eatery has 2 outlets at United Square and The Star Vista, the former which opened in October and the latter in November. A third is due to open next March in Orchard Gateway.

Visiting the Star Vista outlet is a fuss-free affair. Grabbing a bite is as straightforward as its simple exterior, painted entirely in black with minimal decorations. Simply pick from a range of 5 different conveniently packed offerings, from sushi to sandwiches, placed in the neat row of open fridges lining its storefront before paying at the counter.

Unlike other grab-and-go alternatives like convenient store 7-Eleven, what distinguishes this “fast food” eatery from its counterparts is its emphasis on providing a notch in quality. That’s why there’s no fixed menu, as chefs at each routlet’s on-site kitchen prepare meals depending on the daily availability of fresh ingredients.

However, fans needn’t worry about going in blind. “We update our customers on our menus via our social media sites like Twitter and Facebook,” adds Junbi’s marketing manager, Sabrina Wong.

Sure enough, you’re guaranteed freshness as you sink your teeth into one of UrbanWire’s favorites – What The Beef! ($5.50). Here, penne pasta is cooked al dente alongside crisp, bite-sized pieces of celery, succulent half-cut cherry tomatoes and mouthfuls of tender minced beef. These are then tossed in a fragrant marriage of olive oil, garlic and dried dill that permeates every bite. The portion is generous (the size of one medium rectangle transparent plastic box like the ones commonly used when taking away hawker fare), given the price you’re paying for.

Junbi also aims to offer healthier fare to customers with its guilt-free options from salads to fresh fruits. “After all, fast food need not be junk food,” emphasizes Sabrina.

Skeptical as we were about salads at first, the Smoked Salmon Salad ($5.90) made UrbanWire an instant convert. Piled on a bed of crisp romaine lettuce, was a lovely mix of unbelievably fresh greens such as mesclun vegetables, sliced white onions, zesty cherry tomatoes and crunchy diced Japanese cucumbers that complement the star of the show – rather liberal slices of smoked salmon with just the right tinge of saltiness to end each bite with a kick. We recommend topping your greens off with a drizzle of red wine vinaigrette, just to give it that extra tangy-sweet zing.

Junbi’s menu also includes wraps ($4.50 for regular, and $6.50 for premium) and sandwiches (also known as ‘s.decks’, $2.90 for regular and $4.90 for premium), where premium fillings usually consist of more expensive ingredients like beef or fish.The eatery also serves sushi ($2.80 for regular, and $4.80 for premium), which is delivered from popular Japanese restaurant, Standing Sushi Bar, on a daily basis. Meanwhile, patrons who aren’t in a hurry can also opt to enjoy their fare at dine-in sections available at both existing outlets (United Square holds 4; Star Vista accommodates up to 15).

“I like how quickly I can get my food. It’s a great alternative since Singaporeans are always on the rush for stuff like meetings or school,” says Jheong Qilin, a 19 year-old student at Nanyang Technical University, who shared her view on Junbi’s grab-and-go concept when UrbanWire approached customers for feedback at the Star Vista outlet.

Do give this 2 month-old joint a try for a quiet lunch or tea break, even if you’re not looking for a quick fix. With prompt service and patient staff who won’t hesitate to explain the menu or various daily ongoing promotions such as student discounts, Junbi brings quick service food to a new level as it provides value without compromising on quality.

Additional Information
Price Rating: $2 to $8
Rating: ★★★★✩
Address:
United Square Mall #B1-60A
Star Vista #01-47
Orchard Gateway #B1-02 (coming soon in March 2014)
Opening Hours: 11am – 9pm daily
Contact Info:
Star Vista: 6334 3629
United Square Mall: 62592132

Photos courtesy of Junbi and Alicia Kho