This Ang Mo Kio eatery should not be confused with the Ru Lai at Upper Thomson Road. Nor should it be confused with another Ru Lai vegetarian that is located in the same hawker centre. Confused? I am too, and this is the problem with Chinese vegetarian stalls all naming themselves in similar fashion. This vegetarian stall is located in the opposite hawker centre to where the infamous Silver Stream used to be, such a pity that it is no longer there. Nevertheless, perhaps this stall may give vegetarian food lovers a new reason to visit this area again, let's find out...Ru Lai Vegetarian Food
Location: Block 226D, Ang Mo Kio Street 22
Contact: Unknown
Opening Hours: Daily until 10pm
I was bereft of inspiration on which dishes I should order, so I simply went with the Economical Rice. I selected three dishes - Firstly, there was the crinkle cut fries (which were oddly quite popular amongst customers at Ru Lai). Secondly, was a huge slab of rectangular tofu. Lastly, was one of their mock meats. The fries were a little stale, and lost the crisp and crunch that I freshly cooked fry should have. The tofu texture was fine, but lacking in flavour. The mock meat was a very generic kind, that one can find in almost every Chinese vegetarian stall in Singapore. Overall the rice with dishes from Ru Lai is good as a quick fix lunch or dinner solution. But not something to savour.Price: $3.50. 5/10
I noticed other customers ordering this Buttered Frogs Legs. But upon gazing at their menu, I couldn't see anything that resembled it. After some inquiring, I discovered this dish was available, but it simply wasn't advertised on the menu (this may be the case for several other dishes too). This tactic doesn't really make sense in a business perspective. Quality wise, this is one of those dishes that I can happily enjoy one piece, I particularly enjoyed the fresh crunchy texture. But after that, it just becomes too greasy for me, and subsequently I felt quite queasy. The dish could have also benefited from more sauce, too. Price wise, it is highly priced, considering this is only a hawker centre stall.Price: $8.00. 6/10
Conclusion - Now that Silver Stream has gone, I don't foresee this is an area that I will be returning to with any amount of frequency. Block 226D does host a number of vegetarian stalls, which is pleasing to see. But whether any of them have anything outstanding to eat, is another question.
Overall Rating
Food - 6/10
Ambiance- 6/10
Service - 6/10
Value - 5/10
