A beloved hawker classic finds a new home in a mall setting, retaining its messy charm.
Curious stares and inquisitive glances fill the newest outlet of Beach Road Scissor-Cut Curry Rice at VivoCity on an ordinary Friday afternoon. The dazzling spotlights and professionally taken photos of the founders, along with the storied history adorning the walls, might lead some to doubt this is the real Beach Road Scissor-Cut Curry Rice. It may seem like just another mall addition selling Hainanese curry rice to unsuspecting VivoCity patrons.
“Imposter! Poser! Sell-outs!” I can almost hear the whispers.
Rest assured, this is indeed the Beach Road Scissor-Cut Curry Rice from Jalan Besar making its sparkling mall debut. As a self-respecting Singaporean with a penchant for food, I can’t help but wonder whether the taste will measure up to the original. After all, nothing riles Singaporeans more than the fear of subpar standards when it comes to their beloved cuisine.
Arriving at VivoCity’s first standalone outlet, I worry about judgment from friends convinced I have poor time management (which I do) and the possibility of encountering throngs of eager fans on its opening day.
Gleaming, Shiny, and Steaming
No mistaking this as Beach Road Scissor-Cut Curry Rice—an image of a giant pair of scissors on the signboard, accolades lining the walls, and an impressive display of dishes set the scene.
Their famous crispy pork chop is piled high next to a deep dish of deliciously craggy fried eggs, all neatly arranged behind a glass case. To the right, the braised pork and chap chye are beautifully illuminated, echoing a nostalgic vibe reminiscent of Hawkers’ Street at ION or the now-defunct Chinatown Food Street. This outlet is both inviting for Singaporeans who’ve never heard of Beach Road Scissor-Cut Curry Rice and friendly for tourists eager to try a delightfully messy plate of saucy rice.
Goodbye Stress Ordering
The messiness is a hallmark of Beach Road Scissor-Cut Curry Rice—arguably its most charming feature. A plate of curry peng is only as good as the trademark splatters decorating the edges. Here, the famous curry sauce liberally blankets the rice and proteins nestled beneath.
However, some differences exist. Unlike the Jalan Besar outlet, where orders involve a chaotic “I want that, that, and that,” the Vivo outlet offers a menu with carefully stylized images and the curry gravy notably drizzled on the side.
There’s the Traditional Set (S$8.50) with the usual suspects, an upsized Jumbo Set (S$11), and a Sharing Platter (S$16) that can serve two—or one, depending on your appetite. No more guessing the price while gesturing wildly!
One of the outlet’s many charms is the ability to browse and take your time before joining the queue. This thoughtful approach offers a less intimidating introduction to curry rice for newcomers, reducing the stress often associated with ordering.
Equally Messy, Equally Good
With the introduction of set meals, ordering becomes a breeze. A Traditional Set ($8.50) includes pork chop, braised pork, cabbage, and a fried egg. Signature scissors are still employed to cut individual portions, followed by a generous ladle of curries and sauces. It’s a delightful mess, and it’s love, pure and simple.
In terms of taste, I’m pleased to report that the differences between this plate and those served at Jalan Besar are minimal. The gravy remains rich and thick, with a pleasantly lingering spice. The pork chops retain their mouthwatering appeal, and when combined with a gooey fried egg with crispy edges, the meal becomes a comforting and familiar delight for curry rice aficionados.
The Future of Heritage Food
Skepticism is natural when a beloved institution like Beach Road Scissor-Cut Curry Rice enters a mall setting. Malls are often home to generic food chains, making it hard to envision the beloved curry rice fitting into such a polished environment.
Purists in hawker food groups may defend the irreplaceable charm of an authentic hawker center, complete with the occasional impatient car horn and the atmosphere of hustle and bustle.
However, this outlet may attract a new generation of fans, including younger Gen Z diners eager to document their culinary adventures. This could lead to a win-win scenario, introducing newcomers to the original outlet at Jalan Besar out of curiosity, much to the delight of the Singapore Tourism Board.
So, if you’re still harboring doubts about visiting Scissor-Cut Curry Rice at VivoCity, set those misgivings aside and indulge. And no, this isn’t a sponsored post—I genuinely love curry rice. It’s my thing. Let it go.
