Signature Herbal Roast Duck at Dian Xiao Er

I’m doing a month-long series on my Singapore trip back in September. It’s my 3rd time in the Lion City (I won’t get tired visiting it!) and I’ve been coming back for both personal development (gotta invest on myself!) and vacation (gotta get some break!). Hope you’ll enjoy this series!

Last Monday, I wrote about the things you can do at Jewel Changi Airport. One of them is to dine at world-class restaurants and Singapore “firsts”. How can you not?!

With over a hundred food spots, Jewel is undoubtedly a foodie paradise. You will find local favorites such as Dian Xiao Er and Song Fa Bak Kuh Teh; Michelin-starred icons such as Din Tai Fung, Kam’s Roast, Putien, Tim Ho Wan, and Tsuta; and Singapore “firsts” such as Burger & Lobster and Shake Shack (they beat Manila into having the first Shake Shack in Southeast Asia). There are Filipino brands as well, namely the churros maker La Lola Churreria and flavored fries chain Potato Corner.

So I went to Jewel a few times to try some of its food spots and cafés. They are:

A&W

This American fastfood chain needs no further introduction!

A&W used to operate in Singapore. When it closed, solid fans would endure passing the immigration and flock to Johor Bahru (JB), Malaysia just to have their A&W fix. But now, they just need to go to Jewel. Because after 16 years of burger-and-rootbeer drought, Singapore has been blessed with a rain of A&W goodness! (When will it make a comeback to the Philippines?!)

Mozza Burger (left) and Rootbeer Float (right) (Combo with Curly Fries and Float Upgrade: SGD10.90 plus SGD0.60)

There’s nothing spectacular with their food. But nothing beats A&W rootbeer and that makes the queue worth it. Of course, mine has to be a float.

Location: #B2-209 | Operating Hours: Daily, 7AM-3AM | Facebook: A&W Singapore

Note: I went to a conference at Singapore Expo, which is one station away from Jewel. So on one lunchtime, I went to Jewel and lined up for A&W. It was a bad idea! Even though the fastfood was opened for a few months already, the lunch queue was still long. I guess that’s how much the Singaporeans missed their beloved rootbeer brand.

Burger & Lobster

Burger & Lobster is a U.K.-based chain that specializes on lobster rolls and burgers. Its Jewel branch is the first in Singapore and the third in Southeast Asia. It’s said to have cheaper prices than its Bangkok and Genting Highlands (Malaysia) counterparts.

Unfortunately, I’m allergic to crustaceans. So I ordered The Mayfair instead, which is one of their signature burgers. It’s patty is made with Nebraskan beef, assembled with lettuce, onion, pickles, tomato and a signature burger sauce, all sandwiched in two brioche buns. A meal comes with fries and salad. I was on a rush when I ate it (because my flight is in an hour!). Without going onto the details, I can say that it’s an awesome burger!

The Mayfair (with fried and salad: SGD25)

Burger & Lobster also has Singapore exclusives such as Sambal-Glazed Lobster and the Pineapple Iced Tea, which is placed in a plastic bag that you would find for take-away drinks at kopitiam (traditional coffee shop)

Location: #05-203 | Operating Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 10AM-12AM; Friday, Saturday, and eve of public holiday: 9AM-1AM | Facebook: Burger & Lobster Singapore | Website

Dian Xiao Er

I love roast duck. When I found out that Dian Xiao Er, a Singaporean food chain that’s famous for herbal roast duck, serves duck rice meals, I was happy!

I got the Signature Herbal Roast Duck, which is served in a puddle of herbal sauce. The meat is tender and the sauce has an intense herbal taste (I felt healthier just by tasting it). I also got the Baby Kai-Lan with Salted Fish & Lime as my veggies. The greens are nicely crisp and subtly salty and citrusy.

Signature Herbal Roast Duck (Drumstick Rice: SGD11.80) and Baby Kai-Lan with Salted Fish & Lime (SGD12)

Location: #B2-229 | Operating Hours: Daily, 10AM-10PM | Facebook: Dian Xiao Er | Website

Emack & Bolio’S

Time for dessert! And what better way to have it than ice cream at Emack & Bolio’s?

Another first in Singapore, Emack & Bolio’s is a Boston-based chain that is known for their Instagrammable ice cream. But don’t be fooled because this is not just gimmick. The ice cream is creamy and the cones (especially the signature marshmallow cones) add texture.

Location: #B2-234 | Operating Hours: Daily, 10AM-12AM

Starbucks Reserve

Want to have coffee after a good meal? Then head to Starbucks Reserve, which is the largest branch so far in all of Singapore. As a flagship store, this Jewel branch carries exclusive locally-inspired food items (such as Hainanese Chicken Quinoa Salad, Satay Chicken Ciabatta, and Milo Chocolate Tiramisu) and merchandise.

Location: #01-K207 | Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours

What food spots have you tried in Jewel? What should I try next? Comment them below!

Address: 78 Airport Boulevard, Singapore | Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours (most shops are open from 10AM-10PM and some even extend) | Facebook | Website

Other entries in the SG Trip ‘19 series: Bedazzled by Jewel Changi Airport

SG Trip '19: Eating at Jewel Changi Airport

A&W

Burger & Lobster

Dian Xiao Er

Emack & Bolio’S

Starbucks Reserve