The name “Bistro 8” may evoke the impression of a hip restaurant serving French cuisine. It is, in fact, a coffeeshop, similar to those found in heartland HDB estates. However, Bistro 8 in Foch Road is doing roaring business because it is home to several very popular stalls, including Kok Kee Wanton Noodle, Dynasty Fried Porridge and Founder Bak Kut Teh.
Popular Coffeeshop in Foch Road
Situated at the junction of Foch Road and Beatty Lane, Bistro 8 sits directly opposite the popular Cheng Mun Chee Kee Pig’s Organ Soup restaurant. Nearby, and within sight, is the hip Moonchild Cafe at Jalan Besar. Unlike a trendy cafe, Bistro 8 offers the classic Singaporean coffeeshop experience – a non-air-conditioned setting with the iconic plastic chairs, and roving beer promoters in the evening.
Bistro 8 operates round the clock. So early risers can go there for their egg and toast breakfast and night owls can have their supper there even past midnight. The coffeeshop houses stalls that offer a diverse range of dishes, including stalls famous for their wanton mee, fried porridge and bak kut teh.
Kok Kee Wanton Noodle
Kok Kee Wonton Noodle was a popular stall in Lavender Food Square. Set up by 2 sisters in 1985, the stall was well known for its springy noodles mixed in their secret sauce and handmade wontons. The stall moved into its Foch Road location in 2019. Today, they have many outlets all over Singapore. The original stall owners and their family continue to prepare the ingredients for their simple wonton noodles.
A basic plate of wanton noodles currently costs $5.50. Those who like old school wanton noodle with a slightly sweet sauce will enjoy Kok Kee Wanton Noodle.
Kok Kee wanton Noodle Website | View Menu
Dynasty Fried Porridge
A chef from Ipoh introduced his fried porridge to Singaporeans in a small coffeshop stall in Macpherson in 2015. Today, you can still enjoy his fried porridge – literally porridge that is fried in a wok – at Dynasty Fried Porridge in Bistro 8. The distinctive dish is prepared with lots of ingredients including pork slices, taro, dried cuttlefish and shrimp, and has a smokey, charred aroma. It is a unique and enjoyable bowl of comfort food. A small bowl is now $7.50.
Although it is famous for the fried porridge, it is also a popular zhi char stall. Malaysian Black Mee, Claypot Lao Shu Fun and Tasty Fried Pork are among its signature dishes.
Dynasty Fried Porridge Facebook Page
Founder Bak Kut Teh
Founder Bak Kut Teh is another heritage hawker brand. Established in 1978, the shop in Balestier Road selling the traditional pork rib dish simmered in a rich, peppery broth became so popular that long queues at its door became a common sight. The restaurant in Balestier Road continues to serve faithful customers, which include many celebrities both locals and foreign. By franchising, Founder Bak Kut Teh has been made more accessible.
The taste and quality of the Founder Bak Kut Teh at Bistro 8 are consistent with those of the dish served in the original Balestier Road restaurant. The lack of air conditioning at Bistro 8 isn’t a bad thing, as it means the soup doesn’t cool down too quickly. At Bistro 8 on Foch Road, you also don’t have to queue for your bak kut teh.
In addition to the three stalls with famous names, Bistro 8 also houses the drinks stall and several others whose names clearly indicate what they sell. The dishes you can find there will range from fish & chips and mentaiko salmon pasta to nasi lemak and assam fish rice.
BerryGood Wu Xiang & Nasi Lemak
Le Taste Western Cuisine
Ah Jie Fish Soup Ban Mian
Jalan Besar Pig’s Organ Soup
Bistro 8 operates around the clock, although individual stalls may have varying opening hours. Limited roadside parking is available, but nearby car parks at Jalan Besar Stadium, ARC 380 and other buildings in the vicinity offer more options. Bendemeer MRT Station is within walking distance.
The next time you want a bite in the Jalan Besar-Lavender area and want to avoid the prices of hipster cafes, head to Bistro 8. It is a good spot for a local food feast, anytime of the day or night. With a diverse range of stalls offering everything from heritage dishes to classic hawker fare, there is something cheap and good to satisfy all sorts of taste buds.
Bistro 8
30, Foch Road, #01-02
Singapore 209276
The Ordinary Patrons | Real Dining Experience of Ordinary People
an independent Singapore food blog
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