Exploring the Culinary Delights at Punggol’s 32-Day Pasar Malam

January 17, 2024 — Punggol’s green field next to the MRT station has transformed into a bustling hub of culinary delights, hosting a 32-day pasar malam, courtesy of Lian Hup Seng Construction. This isn’t just any night market; it’s a gastronomic adventure featuring over 50 diverse food and beverage stalls, along with a variety of unique foods waiting to be discovered.

One of the standout stalls at the market is Chai O’Clock, known for its “Singapore’s TikTok Viral Pani Puri.” Despite the TikTok fame, it’s the authentic taste of this Indian street food that draws the crowd. The Pani Puri, priced at S$6 (S$7 for takeaway), offers a delightful mix of crispy shells filled with pomegranate seeds, crispy fine muruku, fried shallots, and coriander, all complemented by a side of tangy tamarind chutney sprinkled with chaat masala.

Another notable dish is the Pav Bhaji (S$7, plus S$1 for takeaway), featuring a soft, grilled bun filled with a mildly-spiced vegetable gravy made from mashed potatoes, onions, and green chillies. Topped with a crispy, chilli-esque crumb and served with a grilled green chilli, it presents a harmonious blend of flavours.

The market also features a stall selling Korean-style spicy instant noodles wrapped in Vietnamese spring roll skins, available in six flavours, including Chicken Floss and Prawn (1 for S$3, 2 for S$5). The cheese and luncheon meat flavour, in particular, offers a chewy texture and a mildly spicy taste, making for an interesting, albeit not overly flavourful, snack.

Bok Bok Cui’s Potato Pancake (S$3) is another crowd-puller, though the 10-minute wait for a grilled pancake might test one’s patience. The spicy variant, while flavorful, tends to be a bit too oily with some burnt parts, making it a hit or miss.

S&N Nasi Briani_Sg’s Beef Briani (S$7) intrigues with its spelling variation, but the dish itself is a letdown. The beef is dry and tough, overshadowing the well-cooked rice that has a slight smokey flavour from the meat. The pickled vegetables served on the side provide a much-needed respite.

For a refreshing drink, Bung! Lemon Tea’s Hand-crushed Bitter Gourd Lemon Tea (S$3.50) is a must-try. The vigorous pounding of bittergourd, ice cubes, and green lemon slices results in a drink that is aromatic, citrusy, and mildly bitter. It’s an adventurous choice that surprisingly delights the palate.

The Candy Shop, with its vast selection of over 100 varieties of candies and gummies, is a paradise for sweet lovers. Bingtanghulu offers a range of crunchy candied fruit skewers like grape (S$5) and strawberry (S$8), adding to the market’s sweet offerings.

As the Chinese New Year approaches, visitors can also indulge in a wide variety of festive snacks and cookies. For families, J’Kids Amusement Funland provides entertainment with its array of rides.

While the Punggol Pasar Malam offers many intriguing food options, visitors may find some stalls disappointing. Nonetheless, it’s an experience worth exploring for the variety of foods and drinks on offer. Visitors are encouraged to share their favourite and least favourite stalls, contributing to the communal spirit of the market.