We used to have many travelling hawkers in Singapore. Some were on foot, hawking their food carried in large containers slung from the ends of a bamboo stick which was balanced over their shoulders. Others sold chai kway teow, laksa or ice-kachang from push carts or bicycle carts. The ice cream vendor with his bicycle cart is probably the only surviving example of the travelling hawkers of old Singapore.
Today meals on wheels come in the form of food trucks. On the menu of these modern food stalls on wheels are food we may usually associate with fine dining – like sous vide pork belly and gourmet coffee. The Travelling C.O.W. (Chef on Wheels) is a food truck with an affordable gourmet menu. They offer fusion items like Wagyu Beef Burgers, Chilli Crab Pasta and Bulgogi Beef Short Ribs. The Travelling C.O.W. has a permanent space at CT Hub called The Diner.
The Diner by The Travelling C.O.W. is located on the 2nd level of CT Hub 1. The clever use of a wooded cut out of their food truck makes the small restaurant distinctive and attractive. The decor is basic, neat and functional.
The menu is simple but interesting. Ramen Wings, Truffle Mac & Cheese, Burgers, Gourmet Sandwiches, Pastas, Fish & Chips and Desserts are offered.
We tried ordered their Seafood Laksa Pasta ($12) and Tsukune Burger ($12). We also had their coffee ($3.50). No Service Charge and no GST was added to the bill.
The fusion seafood laksa spaghetti was not bad. The taste of the sauce was very much the authentic taste of Singapore laksa. Having the spaghetti dish at The Diner was almost like eating laksa except that the been hoon had been substituted by al dente spaghetti.
The Tsukune Burger was the better choice for the day. The Japanese style chicken patty, cooked with sweet soy sauce, was tender and tasty. It was served with toasted buns and topped with fried egg. The burger was enjoyable. We really liked the thin crisp fries served with the burger.
Overall, the lunch at The Diner by The Travelling C.O.W. was good. The setting of the restaurant was simple but the food served can rival those at more fancy bistros or upscale cafes. $15.50 was what we paid per person for lunch with coffee. This is a good place right in the heart of Kallang industrial estate to have a good affordable meal.
Ratings:
Food: 3
Service: 3
Value: 4
Atmosphere: 3
Overall Rating: 3 TOPs
The Diner by The Travelling C.O.W.
#02-16, CT Hub 1
2 Kallang Avenue
Singapore 339407
Tel : +65 9818 6636
Opening hours:
11.30am- 9pm (closed Mondays)
Nearby Stations : Lavender
The Ordinary Patrons
Singapore Food Blog by Ordinary People looking for Places to Eat