Life as a vegetarian can often seem quite grim for myself, being a proud resident of the glorious Sengkang area. To me, Hougang is the closest place I get obtain above average vegetarian food. Hougang Mall is just a two minute walk from the MRT of the same name. This Kopitiam food court is located on level 4, and can be a little difficult to spot.
Cai Gen Xiang 菜根香 Vegetarian Cuisine
Location: Level 4, Kopitiam, Hougang MallContact: UnknownOpening Hours: DailyAs I mentioned recently on my
facebook page, this stall is probably one of the most expensive I've been to - In terms of economical rice and dishes. The word 'economical' is almost becoming a joke now. I paid $4.70 for brown rice, mushroom, bittergourd and mock meat on a separate visit. That is $1.20 more expensive than their cook to order dishes - Absolute insanity.
菜根香 has a separate poster advertising
Laksa as their signature dish. In terms of 2013, I feel privileged that I have eaten laksa at its very best at
YWQ Vegetarian, which was one of the most impressive dishes I've eaten this year. A consequence of this, however, is that every laksa I consume following this seems terribly ordinary. It is like visiting Mount Everest and then going to Bukit Timah hill the next day. To be fair, this is not a terrible laksa, and the paste used does seem to be made fresh (not from a packet like most places). However, I didn't find that the laksa gravy had enough diversity in flavour. Moreover, the bowl is riddled with noodles, but doesn't contain enough of the other ingredients.
Price: $3.50. 6/10Conclusion - This vegetarian stall at Hougang Mall probably represents the most disappointing vegetarian eatery in the Hougang area. For those visiting Hougang, I recommend visiting excellent eateries such as Divine Realm and Divine Vegetarian Family instead - You will find better quality and more affordable dishes at those eateries.Overall RatingFood - 6/10Ambiance- 6/10 Service - 6/10 Value - 4/10
