Always on the lookout for new hawker finds, I stumbled upon Khao Bowl on the second floor of Amoy Street Food Centre (stall number 02-124).
It’s easy to miss among the buzz of familiar stalls, but the sleek signboard and bright LED menu caught my eye.
There’s no social media presence yet, not even a Google listing, which gives the feeling of something still fresh out of the wok.
Khao Bowl, not to be mistaken for the similar-sounding Khao Modern Asian Bowl, serves Thai-inspired rice and noodle bowls.
The owner previously worked in Thai and Mookata restaurants, which makes sense once you see the menu’s focus on grilled meats and rich marinades.
It’s a straightforward setup: you build your bowl in two steps.
Step one, choose your base from Thai Coconut Rice, Thai Kway Teow, or Salad Bowl.
Step two, pick your protein.
They range from Grilled Black Pepper Chicken ($5.90), Grilled Green Curry Chicken ($5.90), Grilled Tom Yum Chicken ($5.90), Grilled Garlic Chicken ($5.90), Grilled Thai Spicy Beef ($7.90), or Grilled Thai Yellow Curry Salmon ($8.90).
Add-ons like rice, meat, or lava egg are available for a small top-up.
First up, the Thai Coconut Rice with Grilled Green Curry Chicken ($5.90).
You don’t get curry per se, but you do get the marinade and lemongrass aroma infused into the grilled sliced chicken pieces.
The rice had a mild coconut fragrance that reminded me slightly of nasi lemak.
It was fluffy, not greasy, and paired well with the tender green curry chicken, though slightly on the wet side.
Next was the Thai Kway Teow with Grilled Tom Yum Chicken ($5.90).
The noodles were soft, slightly slick, though didn’t have much wok heat as they were prepared beforehand.
The grilled chicken was tender, juicy, and well marinated with a gentle smokiness.
It carried a faint tom yum tang that was more zesty than fiery.
If you need some side dishes, they include Crispy Thai Chicken Mid-Wings ($3.50), Cold Tofu with Thai Spicy Salad and Century Egg ($3.00), and Mini Spring Roll with Thai Sweet Chilli ($3.00).
The Crispy Thai Chicken Mid-Wings ($3.50) were a satisfying side. Six pieces per portion, golden brown, and served with sweet Thai chilli sauce.
The coating had that addictive crunch, and the chicken stayed moist inside. I wouldn’t mind ordering it again just to snack on with teh peng.
Khao Bowl is promising.
The bases, while decent, could benefit from a touch more character. A stronger coconut note in the rice, or a bolder sauce for the noodles, would make a big difference.
The meats are clearly the highlight. They reminded me of the Mookata grilled meats without the Mookata (if you get what I mean).
Oh, and the chilli was pretty aroy.
Khao Bowl
Amoy Street Food Centre #02-124, 7 Maxwell Rd, Singapore 069111
Opening Hours: 10am – 2:30pm (Mon – Fri), Closed Sat, Sun
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Pepper Bowl (Amoy Street Food Centre)
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