Braised Meat Set Hainanese Curry Rice 海南咖喱剪刀飯 is probably one of those stalls at Hong Lim Food Centre that is quite often overlooked; the fact that the establishment lacks a name with its signboard bearing a rather generic title makes it somewhat less impressionable even. Located at the second level of Hong Lim Food Centre, Hainanese Curry Rice 海南咖喱剪刀飯 can be found within the same row of stalls as where the notable Ji Ji Wanton Noodle Specialist is being located; Hainanese Curry Rice 海南咖喱剪刀飯 being situated right beside a stall that serves up Mee Hoon Kueh — the bright red signages being the most distinctive detail for the stall, which accompanies yet another signage that contains illustrations of the various combo sets that the stall offers. Just like most stalls serving up Hainanese Curry Rice out there, Hainanese Curry Rice 海南咖喱剪刀飯 at Hong Lim Food Centre has a considerable variety of dishes stocked at the counter; patrons can either opt for the dishes behind the counter that they desire to have together with the Hainanese Curry Rice, or opt for the suggestion combos which is being illustrated on the illuminated signboard just above the counter for a more fuss-free experience.
Always going for the Combo Sets at stalls that serves up Hainanese Curry Rice, we found ourselves gravitating towards the Braised Meat Set whilst looking the menu of items which Hainanese Curry Rice 海南咖喱剪刀飯 has to offer — we had always found the idea of having braised pork together with Hainanese Curry Rice especially appealing since this also meant that there is usually more gravy to go around. The lady behind the counter first drenches the rice with a bit of the braised sauce, before eventually drenching the rice with a good portion of the Hainanese curry gravy. Opting for the Braised Meat Set also meant that the set is served with braised pork, braised vegetables, as well as a sunny-side up — those who are into listening the satisfying “snip-snip” sounds of the hawker cutting up the braised pork will probably be bummed that this is not part of the experience here; the braised pork has already been sliced up beforehand here. Going straight for the curry-drenched rice here, the curry gravy was satisfying — it comes thick and rich without being anywhere spicy, yet being quite flavourful on its own; quite something that one would be looking for when Hainanese Curry Rice is being mentioned. With the braising liquid from the braised pork, it further antes up the savouriness of the entire plate; there was also sufficient curry gravy to go along with the portion of rice — just the way we like our Hainanese Curry Rice to be. The braised meat in the meanwhile was a mix of both lean and fatty parts — there are some slices of which that carries more bite, while some are pretty gelatinous and melt in the mouth. That being said, the braised meat was tender and moist; all having absorbed the flavours of the braising liquid and was sufficiently savoury without being overly salty. The braised cabbage came with a light savoury touch and a soft crunch; yet again another element which is done the way it is supposed to be. Sunny side-up was a little disappointing for those who prefer to have theirs with molten egg yolks; the one here came with an egg yolk that has already been fully-cooked. At $4.50, the Braised Meat Set comes as a well-portioned meal at an affordable price point as a lunch choice for office folks during the weekdays; definitely something which we will be considering having again if at Hong Lim Food Centre!