Well, let’s just say Alexandra Central may not be the most hip mall out there, but there are some food gems hidden inside.
During one random visit, I stumbled upon Food Principle 食德.
The name doesn’t sound that trendy, but it serves a fusion of Peranakan and local dishes with a modern twist.
It was interesting to find out that it used to operate as Courtyard Café & Lounge at the National Gallery Singapore.
That café was then known for its contemporary Straits Asian food and its spot in a cosy atrium space.
The current menu includes dishes like Prawn Horfun Soup ($9.90), Sliced Fish Soup with Rice or Noodles ($10.80), Sesame Poached Chicken ($10.80), Braised Prime Pork Belly with Rice ($10.80), and Hainanese Curry Chicken ($10.80).
There’s also Prawn Laksa ($11.80), Hainanese Pork Chop with Rice ($11.80), Dark Soya Braised Herb Chicken with Rice ($11.80), Dark Soya Braised Herb Chicken with Mee Sua ($11.80), and Herbal Chicken with Rice or Mee Sua ($11.80).
What I liked was that it felt comfortable for solo diners or small groups. The vibe was relaxed, not rushed.
The Braised Prime Pork Belly with Rice ($10.80) was one of their signature items, though it’s not quite like the Taiwanese version of Lu Rou Fan.
It came with dark soy-braised pork belly, peanuts, pickled mustard greens, cucumber slices, and half a soy egg.
The meat had a balanced layer of fat, so every bite felt rich without being greasy. The sauce leaned sweet and soy-forward and soaked nicely into the rice.
The Hainanese Curry Chicken with Noodles ($10.80) had a strong Indian-spiced flavour, with yellow noodles and curry leaves on top. It was creamy and comforting.
I was recommended the Herbal Prawn Soup ($12.90), which came in a clear broth. The herbal notes and touch of Chinese wine gave it a nostalgic, almost old-school taste.
The dish is based on a double-broth recipe using six herbs, designed more for nourishment than intensity.
It’s a recipe passed down from the owner’s grandmother, and you can almost taste that kind of care in every spoonful.
Overall, I liked that the food didn’t feel too commercial. It had a homely flavour to it.
Speaking of homely, the service stood out. The staff were attentive and happy to explain the menu or offer suggestions.
It almost felt like dining at a friend’s place.
The food at Food Principle 食德 got character, the setting is chill. And there’s a sense of familiarity that makes the whole experience feel less like a commercial joint and more like a hidden spot you’re glad you found.
Food Principle 食德
Alexandra Central #01-15, 321 Alexandra Road, Singapore 159981
Opening Hours: 11am – 11pm (Mon – Sun)
Google Maps – Food Principle 食德
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can you a google map link please? Makes it far faster to find the place.