Unlimited curry top-ups?
Tucked away in a little corner of Sengkang lies what seems to be an unassuming heartland mall, yet stationed within it is just what the belly – and the heart – needs.
CHOMP! at Rivervale Plaza serves up classic, simple Hainanese curry rice with protein variations to choose from, among other local dishes with great value.
Our honest review of CHOMP!
Free-flow curry top-ups at CHOMP!
For those who love dousing their carbs in gravy (like me), and if you identify as a curry fan (also like me), this place was made for you — CHOMP! offers free flow curry top-ups on their rice dishes so you can fulfil your wildest curry dreams.
We tried their Supreme Chicken Cutlet Curry Rice ($6.9) that came with well-cooked rice, a sunny side-up, Peranakan-style braised veggies, and crispy chicken cutlet coated with light spices. While the curry was mild, it made for a hearty meal and married all the ingredients together well, proving to be their signature for a reason.
Under the same curry rice menu is the Beef Rendang Rice ($7.9), which eventually secured a spot in my favourites here at CHOMP!.
The beef was more tender than I expected given the price point, and soaked up the flavours of the rendang sauce — which I felt was a pleasantly sweet addition when paired with the curry. Once again, both sauces were quite mild, so this is also a good option if you’re not looking for a trip to the toilet bowl.
We had this alongside their Curry Fishballs ($3.5), served in five pieces. They were lightly chewy — just the right amount — and served as a good accompaniment.
Among their other curry rice offerings are:
- Chicken Cutlet Curry Rice ($5.9)
- Fried Fish Curry Rice ($5.9)
- Batang Fish Curry Rice ($7.9)
- Chicken Curry Rice ($7.9)
- Chicken Rendang Rice ($7.9)
Other food items at CHOMP!
If you’re not feeling rice at the moment, CHOMP has other noodle mains like their Laksa Fafa ($5.7).
While this was the spiciest thing we tried thus far, the soup was lacking in the fragrance department and could have done with more coconut milk. Fortunately, the sambal chilli provided a nice umami kick to the broth, which we appreciated.
This comes with a hard-boiled egg, slices of tau pok (tofu puffs) and bean sprouts. For those with shellfish allergies like me, you may rejoice!
In this dish we are also introduced to Fafa, which is like if you made a pack of Dahfa dried fish fillet into one big, crisp, delicious sheet of goodness — a word of advice, try not to leave it out on the bowl too long or you’ll lose the crunch like we did.
Luckily we got a second try with the Fafa in the Curry Toast Benedict with Crispy Dahfa Codfish ($4.8). This was such an interesting dish, akin to a local take on eggs benedict, with soft boiled eggs on toast (replacing muffins) immersed in curry (instead of hollandaise sauce).
Admittedly, this was quite a mess. Yolk and curry dripped down our hands as we attempted not to destroy the delicate balance of egg on toast. Give it a try if that’s a challenge you’re up for.
Meanwhile, the Kopi Soft Bun ($2.7), was a textural dream. The lightly toasted crust and the fluffy and fragrant coffee-flavoured insides surprised us, and the addition of kaya and a generous slab of butter only made it better.
Get this as a set with soft boiled eggs and a drink for $3.9, or opt for the Yuan Yang Soft Bun Set for $3.7.
Slurp at CHOMP!: Drink menu
A little sweet treat always pairs well with spice, and CHOMP’s Iced Boom series was what we needed to reset the palette.
Like many locals would compliment, the Iced Boom Teh ($3.8) was genuinely not too sweet and enjoyable. If you’re worried about the mess, a plate below catches all the aerated tea foam.
Alternatively, try it in its Kopi form ($3.8) or opt for their other takes on classic drinks with Yuan Yang ($4) or YYLo! ($4.5) — Yuan Yang with Milo!
If you’re more the traditional type, their beverage menu also includes your typical hot Kopi and Teh varieties, which you can now get a free upsize on!
CHOMP! on some snacks
On your way out, peruse the unmanned Ice Pop stand for flavours like Milo, Lime and Lemonade, as well as a variety of packaged bakes made by inmates, in support of the Yellow Ribbon Project. Just remember to bring some physical notes to enjoy your post-meal snacks.
Location: Blk 118 Rivervale Dr, Rivervale Plaza, #01-38, Singapore 540118
Opening hours: 7:30 am–9 pm
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