I deliberately dine at this place during off-peak hours because it’s often crowded. There’s always a long queue during peak hours, and to be honest, I don’t have the patience to wait in line just for food. However, around mid-afternoon, there’s usually no queue. Despite that, I’m surprised to find only a few tables left. This goes to show how popular this place has become—people are willing to queue or dine during off-peak hours just to enjoy a meal here. Judging by the number of regular patrons, I can tell they serve good-quality food.
The place is called Andes by Astons!
I’m not very familiar with this branch of Astons, but I remember dining at one of their main restaurants before and having a great experience. Although the main branch is considered one of the best Western food restaurants in the city, I wonder if this specific branch has managed to maintain the same level of quality.
The restaurant’s interior exudes a modern rustic vibe. It feels homey and relaxing, which is exactly the kind of atmosphere I appreciate.
It doesn’t need to be overly decorated to achieve a comfortable, home-like feel. Sometimes, simplicity creates the most relaxing ambiance.
I particularly like the pendant lighting they’ve chosen for the interior. It’s a great choice compared to heavy, bulky chandeliers. These are the kinds of thoughtful design decisions that matter, especially when the space isn’t large enough to accommodate oversized furniture or fixtures.
Overall, the color scheme is clean and inviting, creating a conducive environment for a pleasant dining experience.
The restaurant is Halal, so the menu consists of chicken, fish, and beef dishes.
From the variety of appealing items on their menu, I decided on the Chargrilled Chicken. It comes with two side dishes, which can be chosen from a wide selection.
To be honest, I’m not very good at choosing sides in this kind of format, so I ended up picking mac and cheese along with a garden salad. For my drink, I ordered a Coke float.
The service was quick! My Coke float arrived within 10 minutes, and my food was served in 15 minutes. I thought I’d have to wait longer since there were quite a few diners at the restaurant during my visit.
As for the sides, the garden salad and mac and cheese were nothing extraordinary, as I expected. These are the types of items that complement the meal to make it feel complete but don’t particularly stand out.
The grilled chicken, however, was excellent! It had a nice smoky flavor, and the mushroom sauce was a perfect complement. The chicken was tender, as it was the thigh part. They got the basics of grilling right—the skin side of the meat was grilled to perfection.
After the heavy, savory food, the Coke float was a refreshing way to end the meal. I chose it because it doubles as a dessert, thanks to the ice cream on top. I really enjoy ice cream after a meal, so I’d say it was a complete and satisfying experience for me.
I’m quite happy with the dining experience and the food. Although the side dishes I chose could use some improvement, I believe I made the wrong selections. I think potato wedges would have been a better choice in this case. That’s something I’ll try on my next visit. I’m also eager to sample their grilled steak—it’s clearly one of their specialties.
Summary:
Name of Restaurant: Andes by Astons
Location: Woodlands Square Mall, Singapore
Dish Ordered: Chargrilled Chicken + Coke Float
Price Range: S$10.00 to S$20.00
Ambiance: Modern Western Style
Overall, Andes by Astons offers a delightful dining experience with its cozy ambiance, quick service, and flavorful grilled dishes. While there’s room for improvement in some side dishes, the main courses more than make up for it. I’m already looking forward to my next visit to explore more of their menu, especially their signature grilled steak!
I went for a walk after the meal. It was so satisfying and heavy that I felt the need for some light exercise afterward. It has become a habit of mine to engage in some form of physical activity after eating, rather than just sitting idle. The surroundings were quite pleasant for a walk, so I thought it would make for a nice experience too.