Papa Jones BBQ and Grill – Western Food Stall by Ex Shangri-La Chef Now in Ang Mo Kio

Steak cooked by an ex Shangri-La Hotel chef in a hawker centre? It took all but a nod from my boss to see me hopping onto the first bus out to Ang Mo Kio. After all, it’s where Papa Jones BBQ and Grill has relocated to from their previous place in Serangoon. And with such a sweet-sounding deal, how could I resist? 

My first look at the menu board had me slightly overwhelmed cause there were just so many dishes to choose from. I immediately scoured the board for their signature steak dishes and my heart sank a little at the not-so-sweet prices. They were a little steep for a hawker centre but to be fair, we’re talking about steak (and pork ribs) here. 

On the bright side, the prices of the chicken, fish and pasta dishes had me sighing in relief. 

I went ahead with the entrée that brought me here in the first place: Rib Eye Steak (200g) with Garlic Merlot Butter Sauce ($17.90). The heavenly smell was the first to reach my senses as the butter slowly melted before my eyes as I scrambled for my camera. All sauces are made in-house and the garlic merlot butter met my expectations. 

I could taste the fragrance from both the red and white wines lingering in the deliciously aromatic and robust sauce, which won a good amount of points from me. 

My go-to done-ness for steak has always been medium rare and that was what I opted for here. Did they deliver? Just look at the gorgeous shine of the cut meat glistening in all its glory. But while most of the steak remained lusciously tender and succulent, a few parts seemed to have lost its flavour and were a bit too tough for my liking. 

As for the twister fries, they were pretty good but nothing really set them apart from the ones I could probably get from Sheng Siong next door. 

I also decided to try the Laksa Prawn Spaghetti ($8.90), which came topped with three large prawns that have mostly been de-shelled (thank you, chef). 

Size-wise, they were neither too big nor small but perhaps it’s because I’ve eaten sweeter fresh prawns so these paled in comparison. But still, not too bad. 

The noodles were al dente and had a nice bite to them. As for the broth, it was quite soupy and there wasn’t really anything fusion about it apart from the choice of noodles. It would have been nice if it was adapted to include more Western influences. Maybe, a thicker sauce? 

The garlic merlot butter sauce was definitely intriguing and I’d love to have it again but in terms of cost, it’s not your typical hawker-friendly fare here. I can’t deny it’s a cheaper alternative to restaurants so it’s definitely an option if I’m in the mood for steak. The dishes under $10 had quite a few enticing options though so I wouldn’t mind coming back for those if I’m in the area.

MissTamChiak.com made an anonymous visit and paid its own meal at the stall featured here.

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