HYPEFasten your seatbelt and ready your wallets as you go on a journey to discover food vans in Singapore.
By Rachel Chan
Restaurants, food courts and hawker centres – these places are colloquial to every Singaporean but mobile eateries are definitely on the unusual side.
These traveling kitchens come in the form of trucks and all preparation happens in the vehicles.
In Singapore, there are 5 food vans currently operating. Angeline Chan, 22, a student, said: “It’s an interesting way to eat food because the feel and ambience is so unusual, and it’s something that you don’t see everyday.”
Nicknamed “Kerby”, this dark brown Toyota Hino hybrid whips up all kinds of gourmet food, some with an interesting twist, such as a hotdog stuffed with bak chor mee [minced meat noodles].
Founder Luan Ee, 51, said: “After 15 months of culinary school and stints at 2 restaurants, I decided I wanted to make a living out of cooking, and the idea of a food [van] struck.”
Kerbside Gourmet not only serves up food but also works with volunteer welfare organizations like Prison Fellowship Singapore and South Central Community Family Service Centre. For every meal sold, another would also be given to the families or individuals in need.
A must-try is their Crispy Fried Chicken Karaage Burger ($10) that bursts with juiciness in every bite. The ranch dressing adds an extra kick to it.
Locations:
Check their Facebook page for updates
As Singapore’s 1st coffee food van, Coffee Bandits lives up to its name as owners Cheryl Ong and Jessica Chow, both 37, found ways to run their truck while waiting for their license to be approved.
Ms Ong said: “I love people so I have always been particular about good service, and Jessica has always been into coffee, so we wanted to bring coffee to places which may not sell good coffee.”
Working together with Liberty Coffee, they serve aromatic brews that are nutty and chocolaty.
Their Hazelnut Ice White ($5) is perfect to combat the sweltering heat and the aroma of coffee and hazelnut hits the senses in all the right places.
Have it with a Pulled Pork Sandwich ($6.50) that has tender meat smothered in caramelized onions – the perfect to-go snack along with your coffee.
Locations:
Check their Facebook page for updates
The Travelling C.O.W (Chef On Wheels)
This cow-print van founded by Ms Karen Cheng, 40, is Singapore’s very first food van.
She says: “In 2012, food vans were everywhere except in Singapore so we felt that we could introduce something different to the market. We’ve got everything from the most authentic local hawker delights to the best Michelin quality fine dining.
Inspired by Karen’s “food hunting trips” overseas, The Travelling C.O.W also prides itself in providing international comfort food for its patrons.
The Truffle Mac & Cheese Balls (SGD$6 for 3) transports one to an all-American home spiced up with a hint of truffle oil, while the homemade bite-size beef and chicken burgers (SGD$10 for two) leaves one craving for more.
Locations:
Mondays and the first 3 Wednesdays of the month
Singapore General Hospital (outside block 7)
Last Wednesday of the month
SPH Magazines
82 Genting Lane
Thursdays
SLF Building
510 Thompson Rd
Tuesdays and Fridays
Fusionopolis 1
Or check their Facebook page for change in locations.
Opening Hours: 8am – 3pm