Tenderbest Makcik Tuckshop (Punggol Park) — 220-seater restaurant with Indomie fries, burgers, Häagen-Dazs & Indian delights lands in Hougang

For residents at Hougang who regularly jog or take a stroll along the lake at Punggol Park, you may have spotted a new restaurant which has just popped up. A new Tenderbest Makcik Tuckshop outlet now nestles snugly amidst the lush greenery and scenic lake since 16 Feb 2024.

This new dining spot boasts a seating capacity of 220, allowing patrons to choose if they enjoy dining in air-conditioned comfort or fancy a windblown hairdo from the outdoors, while gazing at the lake.

For our Muslim friends, do note that this establishment is on its way to attaining its Halal certification.

Upon stepping through the entrance, guests are welcomed with a Häagen-Dazs counter, marking the inaugural collaboration of this outlet with the renowned ice cream brand. Choose from 12 different flavours which include Raspberry Sorbet, Peanut Butter Crunch and Belgian Chocolate (S$5.90 for 1 scoop, S$10.90 for 2 scoops).

From their Signature Creations & Sweet Treats section, offering 6 delectable options, we selected the Fruit Blossom (S$15.90). You’ll be allowed to choose 7 mini scoops of ice cream before bits or strawberry, kiwi and whipped cream are added, all served atop a waffle bowl.

We also explored their range of mains which are exclusive to this outlet.

We started off with the Brioche Beef Burger with Truffle Fries (S$16.90) and Salted Egg Crispy Chicken Burger w Truffle Fries (S$13.90).

Sandwiched between 2 fluffy and buttery grilled brioche buns, the chicken burger had a piece of delicious fried chicken, topped with luscious cheddar cheese and coated with a savoury salted egg sauce.

On the other hand, the beef burger features a tender wagyu beef pattie layered with caramelised onions, sliced pickles and shredded lettuce.

Seng Huat Coffee House: Cute $3.80 piglet buns filled with pork chop & crispy chicken at Hougang kopitiam

The truffle fries by the side were fragrant and earthy, crowned with bits of truffle, shredded parmesan and spring onions.

Speaking of fries, try the Indomie Fries w Egg (S$5.50) which has made a glorious comeback from their old menu. Topped with a runny sunny side-up egg, the fries are drizzled with mayo, sambal kicap and Indomie seasoning.

Pasta lovers can indulge in the Squid Ink Pasta (S$15.90) which has squid, prawns, crabmeat, sweet clams and cherry tomatoes, then sprinkled with vibrant tobiko roe. And don’t forget to treat yourself to the Signature Crispy Spring Chicken (S$20.50).

For those craving Indian favourites like prata, murtabak and thosai, this new branch has also partnered with Kamala Express (known for authentic South Indian cuisine).

I didn’t go for my usual Masala Thosai (S$3.90) and tried the Rava Thosai (S$4.10) instead. There were a trio of dips served by the side: coconut chutney, dhal curry and red chutney.

Embedded within the thin pancake were not only bits of red onion, carrots and cumin seeds but also black peppercorns, which injected a mild spicy kick.

To complement our yummy dishes, we got the Blue Passion Nojito (S$4) and hot Caffe Latte (S$3.90) to wash it all down.

Whether you’re craving a chill-out venue for that long-overdue friend catch up, grinding away on your laptop to meet those deadlines, or just in need of a caffeine fix after your morning workout, swing by Tenderbest Makcik Tuckshop at Punggol Park!

Nadeshiko: Restaurant-quality red miso pork cutlet & hamburg stew by native Japanese at kopitiam