I happened to be there for a quick lunch and this was one of the stalls with no queue. I ordered a basic bowl of fishball meepok for $3. Laksa is available for selection too.

I gotten my order almost immediately. A bowl of soup served along too. A good portion of mee pok was served with slices of fishcake and 3 pieces of fishballs. When tossed it well with the sauce underneath, it tasted rather decent. Though an extra amount of chilli was requested but the level of spiciness was still not too distinctive. The texture of fishball has got the desired bounciness and springy to the bite. The soup has got a light peppery taste. The mee pok was cooked well to give it a rather al dente texture with just the right springiness and an enjoyable chewiness.

A good choice for a quick lunch when you do not want to queue during the busy lunch hour.

Costa Coffee is the largest coffee shop chain founded in 1971 in London, United Kingdom. Having worked in London and frequented few of their outlets there and i am expecting the same good standard and familiar taste. Costa Coffee in Singapore has reminded me so much of those good old days in London. I am definitely glad that they made their way to Singapore and have been expanding with more outlets now. I was invited with a friend to their newest outlet at the basement of ROBINSONS@ORCHARD at The Hereen for a preview. I went with the letter and presented it to their counter staff. I was allowed to choose from the different types of coffee on their menu for a Primo size beverage. I wanted a Iced Latte ($5.80) under their Iced Coffee series. My friend went for an Coffee Mocha ($6.80) under the Coffee Coolers series. There was a little commotion as the counter staff assumed that the given letter entitled me to a 1-for-1 promotion so he wanted to charge me $6.80 for the most expensive one amongst the 2 beverages. I was a little puzzled and asked them to go through the letter once more as i am rather sure i should not be charged in this case for both beverages. They apologised as it has indicated clearly in the letter that these beverages should be of no charge. There is definitely room for improvement in the service. It could be a little friendlier and more efficient. Other than hot and cold beverages served, there are a good range of cakes, pies and sandwiches available for selection. Iced Latte ($5.80). The combination of coffee, milk and ice has been blended well to give it the desired taste. Though not quite perfect but rather decent and comparable with others out there. I will expect the taste to be a little richer and full-bodied with a slightly stronger coffee taste. Coffee Mocha ($6.80). I felt this could be a bad choice. I could not taste a balance between the coffee and the chocolate. The intensity of the chocolate taste was a little overpowering and left with a rather slight coffee taste. It did not have enough of milky taste to give it a creamier texture. Ambience is pretty laid back and cosy with comfortable chairs and table for a relaxing afternoon or to catch up with work. It is a good place to grab a coffee. And, a good place to kill some time.

I went on a Saturday for lunch. It was not as crowded as expected but the queue gotten longer much later. The space is not as spacious as their other outlet. While waiting for our foods, there were quite a few people waiting for tables.I decided to try the supposedly popular Saveur's Pasta ($4.90) for the first time. It came as quite a surprise. I'd think it tasted much nicer than expected. The pasta was cooked to achieve the delightful texture. It was al dente though not as hard as compared to some served in the Italian restaurants. Though it was supposedly to be tossed with Chilli's Oil but the level of spiciness was rather mild. It tasted so mild that you might not even noticed it if you missed out the description when ordered from the menu. It served with a generous bit of finely chopped Japanese Konbu and Sakura Ebi rested on the Minced Pork Sauce. When tossed it well, the taste was amazing and it exceeded my expectation of this simple looking appetiser. I would definitely order this again when i am back. We ordered 2 portions of Duck Confit ($12.90) this time. The waiting time was unexpectedly short. When served, the presentation did not look as good as the one we had over at Purvis Street. I'd expect the skin to have a thorough brownish color but the edge seemed to be still a slightly yellowish. When cut it, it was rather soft and not crispy at all. Luckily, the midst part was done just right. The mashed potato was comparably good though. I particularly enjoyed the smoothness and softness of the texture with a slight buttery taste. It just melted away effortlessly in the mouth. It tasted especially good when eaten together with the sauteed Shiitake Mushroom. The orange infused jus did not have a distinctive orange taste but rather a pleasant savoury taste.We ordered the Chocolate and Hazelnut ($7.90) for the first time, too. It is a pile of chocolate mousse served with crushed hazelnut, broken raspberries, roasted rice pugffs, chocolate tuile and praline. As i am not quite a fan of chocolate mousse, i did not quite appreciate it but my lunch companion enjoyed it quite a bit. I guess it should be good. The Pistachio Panna Cotta ($6.90) is still my all time favourite. I simply enjoyed the delectable taste.Apparently, the standard of the Duck Confit was not as good as compared to their other outlet at Purvis Street but the rest was just fine.

When looking for something sweet to complete my dinner, my attention was caught by the queue right at this stall. I waited and ordered a ice kachang for $1.50. A big pile of colorful shaved iced in cone shape topped with red bean dripping down. It was served with generous ingredients like atap seeds, jelly cubes, grass jelly and sweet corns nicely hidden right at the bottom of the shaved ice. The texture of the shaved ice was rather fine and tasted creamy with just the right level of sweetness.

This, definitely amongst the better ice kachang that i ever tasted. Simple yet an economical way to sweeten a meal without hurting your pocket.

The queue was still rather long even at 2 pm. I joined in and waited patiently for my turn. This stall is manned by a middle-aged couple. I could hear the man asking one of the elderly customers in Hokkien whether he wants to have rice or noodle. When the man was busy cooking behind, the smiley lady was taking the orders in Chinese, English and Cantonese. She always ended with 'thank you' when she served it. I was told that the couple used to work with SIA as cabin crew. And, i guess that very much explained on such professionalism in service delivered.

When it was my turn, I answered in English when she asked in Mandarin for my order. She then immediately followed up with replies in English. I wanted the Curry Chicken Chop Noodle for $3.50. She said, 'Be careful. It's hot.' followed by 'Thank You' when she placed it on my tray. I was deeply impressed and totally amazed. A substantial portion of mee kia came with a massive piece of nicely chopped fried chicken cutlet and pieces of potato. It was served in a generous amount of curry sauce. The chicken chop was freshly fried to give it a noticeable crispiness and succulent texture without the greasiness. It tasted extremely good after soaked in the curry sauce. The mee kia was cooked well to give it the desired springiness with an enjoyable chewiness. It might be a little heavy for breakfast but definitely an ideal choice for lunch. It tasted much nicer as compared to the Dumpling Noodle that i ordered during my first visit quite a while ago.

Another popular item that ordered by many of their probably regular customers is Curry Yong Tau Foo. I have indicated this on my must-try list and hoping to try it on my next visit.

Good foods coupled with good service. What more to ask but to go back for more. Strongly recommended.