For today’s lunch, I dropped by Geylang Bahru Hawker Food Centre with one mission: find something satisfying enough to match my cravings (and my mood). I was strolling past the usual suspects when a newly opened stall caught my eye, “Standard H.K. Roast.” The name alone already feels like a challenge, right? If you brand yourself as standard, I’m immediately going to test you against my personal benchmark: Wong Chiew Hong Kong Restaurant at Springleaf, the one that consistently makes me happy with every roasted meat bite.
And honestly… I still felt like I was in “holiday mode.” Plus, I got a little extra Ang Bao from my boss, so it became my official excuse to treat myself again. LOL.
What pulled me in first wasn’t even the meat (yet), it was the signage. The stall looks modern and bold: a black background, super lit-up display, and menu photos that are trying very hard to hypnotize you while you’re queueing. It worked on me. Behind the glass, you can see the glossy roasted meats hanging, looking shiny and dramatic under the lights, like they know they’re the main character of someone’s lunch story.
The menu item that immediately grabbed my attention was the Roasted Duck Trio Combination Rice. I mean… a trio in one plate? That’s actually smart marketing. Instead of choosing one meat and regretting it later, you get to try everything at once. For SGD 6.50, I’d say it’s pretty reasonable, especially since this kind of “mixed tasting” usually means paying extra elsewhere.
I requested them to add the savory duck sauce (must-have), and I also scooped some chili sauce on the side. You already know I’m not really into spicy food, but I still like a little heat, just enough to wake the taste buds up without ruining my day.
Now, let’s talk about the meats.
The roasted pork was my favorite on the plate. The skin had that satisfying crunch, and underneath it, the meat stayed tender and juicy. That texture contrast, crispy top, soft inside, always gets me. It’s the kind of bite that makes you pause for a second like, “Okay… this is the good stuff.”
The char siew, though, was a bit on the dry side. It felt quite lean, and maybe slightly overcooked, so it didn’t have that classic juicy sweetness I usually look for. The flavor was still there, but the texture didn’t hit as nicely. That said, I’m also the kind of person who prefers char siew with a little more fat balance, so this might be a preference thing.
The roasted duck was pleasant, especially when paired with the duck sauce. The sauce helped bring everything together and gave that deeper, savory richness that makes duck feel extra comforting. If you’re the type who loves sauce-soaked rice (same), you’ll enjoy mixing it into the grains.
And of course, to cut through all that roasted meat heaviness, I had to get my usual partner-in-crime: Iced Lemon Tea. The citrusy acidity is such a perfect reset button between bites, refreshing, simple, and it keeps the meal from feeling too “gelat” halfway through.
Overall, this meal was okay, with a few strong moments (hello crispy pork) and a couple of areas that can improve (char siew, I’m looking at you). But since this stall is newly opened, I genuinely believe they’ll get better as they settle into their rhythm. And yes, I will come back in the near future to order the trio mix again, because the concept is fun, the price is fair, and I like supporting stalls that are still building their journey.
