Marrybrown doesn’t need much of an introduction for those whom frequently cross the border — they are a Malaysian fast food chain that is founded in Johor Bahru, Malaysia since 1981. There has been attempts made by Marrybrown to enter the Singaporean market throughout the years; the most recent attempts being in the mid 2010s with the fast food brand opening outlets at Wisma Geylang Serai and iFLY at Sentosa; those outlets have since shuttered their doors. In their latest return back to the Singaporean F&B scene, Marrybrown had already launched their second outlet at Tradehub 21 (their first was in Yio Chu Kang Community Centre). Its location within Tradehub 21 takes over the former premises of the now-defunct TOBY’s Kopi Toast Bakery; a location that is quite prominent when one enters the compound through the vehicular entrance — this also makes the neighbours with the outlet of Killiney Kopitiam there. As one enters the premises, the interior design language is undeniably in a style that one would expect out of a fast food establishment; think bright red elements matched with wooden and metallic furniture and fittings for a bit of a vibrant look that is still pretty functional. The dining tables at Marrybrown’s outlet is configured in a format that suits those visiting the establishment in pairs and groups of four (4) pax, though there is a communal table and a few high tables that can accommodate for larger groups as well. The food menu at Marrybrown’s outlets in Singapore is split into sections dedicated to Ultimate Chicken Meals, Burger Meals, Local Delights, MB Nasi Bowls, MB Crispy Chicken, Sides and Sharing Meals.

Thought that it would be more meaningful for us to give one of the items from the Local Delights section of the menu a go since this section of the menu would be something a little bit more unique than that of other fast food establishments that serves up fried chicken as their specialty. Listed in the Local Delights section of the menu includes items like the Nasi Lemak, Nasi Kandar, Chicken Rice, Chicken Porridge and Spicy Porridge — we found ourselves going for the Nasi Kandar which was an item that undoubtedly Malaysian and rather unique for something offered by a fast food establishment. Marrybrown does not describe the elements that would come with their various dishes but the Nasi Kandar is observed to have come with one piece of fried chicken, slices of cucumber, chickpea crackers, hard-boiled egg and rice that has been drenched by a curry gravy. Patrons do have a choice of either going for the Original or the Hotouch rendition of the fried chicken; the latter being what other establishments typically call the “spicy variant” that we also opted for.

Going straight for the fried chicken, we did notice that the fried chicken here does seem to be a little bit on the drier side; not quite as juicy as what we had expected it to be, though also definitely not particularly greasy at the same time. The flesh does seem easy to chew through, while the exterior does come with an adequately crisp batter that also did not feel overly thick also did not reek of overused oil. It does come with quite a good kick of spiciness that builds up over time — definitely tickles the tastebuds even for those whom are tolerable to moderate levels of spiciness. The curry gravy that is drenched atop the rice came surprisingly rich and fragrant — this does come with an evident note of coconut milk amidst the curry spices, while it also carries quite a good hint of spiciness that can be matched against that of the Hotouch rendition of the fried chicken. Other elements like the cucumbers, chickpea crackers and the hard-boiled egg were good to have; the chickpea crackers being not overly thick and does come crisp without feeling particularly greasy as well — we would recommend adding the Sambal Sauce on the side as a dip for all of them. The Sambal Sauce at Marrybrown can be ordered as a standalone tub at $0.90, and is essentially the sambal chili that typically comes alongside a typical plate of Nasi Lemak (and also the Nasi Lemak that they have to offer here); does come sweet with an earthy undertone and carried a good kick of spiciness at a level similar to that of the curry gravy and the Hotouch rendition of the fried chicken.