Same Name, but Inferior Standards

It’s peculiar to see how the same brand name can differ so much in another location. Central at Takashimaya is always filled with crowds, but this one outside Giant Vivocity is a lot quieter.

The unique feature of this branch is the Pick Up Sticks , signature of what you see in the street stalls at Hong Kong. They probably were ‘inspired’ by the people at Old Hong Kong Tea House at Marina Square.  

Each stick costs $1.80, and 3 sticks for $5. The variety includes pig skin, octopus, fried wanton, beefball, fishball, cuttlefish, pig’s intestine, hokchew fishball, tofu fishcake and prawnball, either plain or dipped in mild curry sauce.  

It’s lamentable how the sticks cannot be ordered from the menu, but one had to unsettle himself from his seat to step outside the restaurant to order from the kiosk, competing with those who might be buying taking away.  

Three out of three of the best sellers were not available – a major spoiler. The foodsticks tasted bland and it almost felt as if we were eating the same item prepared in different textures. The available dipping sauces (peanut, chilli, mustard and sweet sauce) were also a let down. Apart from the predictably safe chilli and sweet sauces, the other two were watery and mild, completely failing to rescue the food sticks. 

The Fried Chicken In Dan Dan noodles ($8.50) had a strange peanut-sesame after taste. The chicken could have been a lot more crispy and succulent.   

Another distinctive feature here are the durian dishes – Durian Fried Rice ($8.80), Durian and Grass Jelly ($4.00), Durian and Beancurd ($4.00), and Durian with Sago Cream ($4.00). It’s fine to be creative at times, but some things just don’t go well together.

I was told off not to take pictures as I was framing the tofu. But I was just shooting the food! Apparently, many other reviewers faced the same fate. There could be a better way to approach, a sign, or a polite request. My friend suggested, “Probably there is something to hide”.

Central at Takashimaya had a more vibrant and colourful ambience, serving hearty fare. And with better competitors at Vivocity, people may just give this one a miss.