The F&B scene is getting more competitive. With Food Republic offering only the best local food, no longer satisfy the discerning palate of diners. Food Court and hawker centre have up the game and are getting innovative. With the raising of hipster hawker centre such as Timber+ at One North, Yishun Park Hawker Centre and Pasir Ris Central, now we have a re-invent local food at a food court named Makanista located at a corner of Tampines Mall.

 

Makanista is derived from “Makan”, a Malay word and fashionista, an English word. With such a name, the goal is to set themselves apart by providing trendy modern food. 

 

 

 

Within this chic space with a cafe-like ambience housed 4 stalls; Yong Tau Foo, Western, Chicken Rice and Prata & Dessert.

 

 

Yong Tau Foo

 

Entering Makanista within the mall, you will be greeted by ample classic ingredients from the Yong Tau Foo stall on your left. 

 

 

Instead of having the boring soup base of soya bean and meat base broth and Laksa, at Makanista, some unusual soups are offered. A total of 4 such as Soto, Curry, Mee Siam and Satay Yong Tau Foo ($7.50). 

 

 

 

I love the idea of having other than the conventional soup. 

 

 

One wonderful side, the Bakwan Sayor ($2.80), deep-fried of shredded cabbage and carrot. Dip the fritter into the chilli if you love spicy flavour.

 

 

Western

 

Moving into the food court, is the Western Stall. 

 

 

Wings are always a crowd-pleaser. Offering 3 flavours; Spicy Honey Mustard Wings, Pesto Cheese and Kicap Manis Wings ($7.50 for 6 pieces) inspired by the Korean Chicken Wings.

 

 

I only managed to try flavour, the Spicy Honey Mustard Wings ($7.50) and I love it. The complex flavour of spicy, sweet and sourish was well-balanced. However, for those who dislike Mustard, may want to steer clear of this flavour.

 

 

 

French Chicken Curry Pasta ($7.50) is another alluring twist. Robust curry sauce with generous portion of mushrooms and chicken. A pity the pasta wasn’t al dente and personally, I find the sauce lack of a flavour which I simply can’t pinpoint.

 

 

Beef Hamburg & Fries ($10.90) is another appalling choice. A thick beef patty which was slightly too chewy for my preference set on a bed of crispy shoestring fries, crowned with a sunny side-up. The sauce drizzled over the fries though augment the flavour, however cause the fries to turn soggy.

 

 

Chicken Rice

 

Another local favourite, the Hainanese Chicken Rice, is now transformed, offering more than just the steamed and roasted chicken.

 

 

 

Diners could choose between Thai-style chicken with the classic thai chilli sauce and the Mala Chicken. And of course the Steamed and Roasted are also available.

 

 

 

Various sizes of combo meals are available; Single ($8.50), Duo ($16.50), Trio ($23.90) and Quartet ($29.90).

 

 

 

Prata & Desserts

 

Lastly, it is a stand whipping yet another local beloved item, the Prata. The specialty are the Murtabak.

 

 

 

First unique flavour is the Okonomiyaki ($7), a Japanese fusion.

 

 

 

More option that I recommend are the Special Tandoori Chicken ($8.50) and Mutton Prata Burger ($8.50). Lastly, my favourite, the Chicken Luncheon Meat & Floss ($8.50)

 

 

Rounding up the meal with Peanut Butter and Jam ($2.80) for dessert.

 

 

NAHMJ Verdict

 

Makanista will surely provide diners with different experience especially to diners who are looking for innovative twist.

 

 

 

Makanista

4 Tampines Central 5, #01-42/43/44 Tampines Mall, Singapore 529510
Tel: Nil

FB: https://www.facebook.com/MakanistaSG/

 

Opening Hours

 

Mondays – Fridays  0900 to 2200  |  Saturdays – Sundays  0800 to 2200  

 

Getting There

 

By MRT:

• Downtown line & East-West line – Tampines station

 

By Bus:

• Tampines interchange   3, 4, 8, 10, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 28, 29, 31, 37, 38, 39, 46, 65, 67, 69, 72, 81, 291, 292, 293, 969

 

Rating: 7.5/10

 

 

*Disclaimer: This was a media invite.