MasterChef Finalist Opens Ayam Berempah Stall At Beauty World—Here’s Our Honest Review

Berempah Bros is a new stall at Beauty World Food Centre

I love exploring Beauty World—there’s always a new, exciting eatery to discover. Take Bronzo Pasta Bar, for instance, where you can enjoy handmade pasta and even tiramisu shaved ice starting from just $8. On my most recent visit, though, I checked out Berempah Bros at Beauty World Food Centre. This relatively new stall, helmed by MasterChef Season 2 finalist Derek Cheong, specialises in bold, flavourful berempah dishes—think fried chicken and fish marinated in spices including turmeric, cumin, and coriander. With such high anticipation surrounding the new stall, I had to see if it lived up to the hype.

Food at Berempah Bros

The menu is straightforward, with four mains and three sides to choose from. I ordered a plate of the signature Ayam Berempah ($7.50) topped with Crispy Fried Egg ($1.50), and the Unagi Berempah ($12) for a seafood alternative.

I’ll start with my favourite: the Ayam Berempah. It comes with a generous serving of fragrant coconut rice, accompanied by house-made achar, sambal belachan, and a deep-fried chicken thigh topped with a smattering of “typhoon shelter” crumb. For the uninitiated, this crumb is a crispy mix of fried garlic, breadcrumbs, and a touch of chilli.

The coconut rice was a standout for me: soft, fluffy, and aromatic. It paired exceptionally well with the crumb mix, adding a satisfying textural contrast that elevated the overall dish.

Image credit: Nivian Chiang

As for the fried chicken, it was crisp and craggy on the outside, with well-seasoned skin and tender meat within. While I’m not entirely sure what went into the spice blend, I picked up notes of cumin, garlic, and chilli, which added depth and a savoury touch to each bite.

The sambal belachan was a standout for me, striking a good balance between savoury and spicy. I also appreciated that the heat wasn’t overwhelming or immediate; instead, it lingered pleasantly and complemented the fried chicken. 

If you’re thinking of adding a side, I’d recommend the Begedil ($1.50) and Otah Berempah ($2) over the Crispy Fried Egg, as the dish already has plenty of crispy elements.

The overall dish leaned a little heavy in flavour, but the house-made achar served as a refreshing palate cleanser between bites. Altogether, it was a balanced mix of sweet, spicy, savoury, and tangy—all in a single dish.

Unfortunately, the Unagi Berempah didn’t quite hit the mark for me. While the generous slab of deep-fried eel was impressive at first glance, I found the batter a bit too thick, which ended up overshadowing the briny flavour of the seafood.

Perhaps my expectations were too high, especially since it’s the priciest item on the menu. I’d recommend ordering the unagi only if you value a crispy, indulgent batter more than the eel itself.

Aside from the chicken and unagi, you might want to try the Pork Berempah ($8.50) or Fish Berempah ($8.50), both of which seemed popular with other diners.

Ambience at Berempah Bros

The stall is conveniently tucked away in a corner at Beauty World Food Centre, which is right beside Beauty World MRT Station. When my colleagues and I visited during lunchtime, we encountered a relatively long queue. From waiting in line to ordering and receiving our food, the entire process took about 15 to 20 minutes, so be prepared for a short wait.

There’s plenty of seating, but spots fill up fast during the lunch rush, so it’s best to arrive early. While it’s not the most well-ventilated space, the large ceiling fans helped keep things bearable.

Berempah Bros – Eatbook review

Overall, the food at Berempah Bros is decent. While I wouldn’t say it’s memorable enough that I’d make a special trip to Beauty World just for the Ayam Berempah, it’s definitely worth trying if you’re in the area and looking for a hearty meal.

For another stall to check out at Beauty World Food Centre, read our Xiang Xiang Ji review. Otherwise, read our guide to the best nasi lemak in Singapore, including buffet and Michelin-approved eateries. 

Address: 144 Upper Bukit Timah Road, #04-51, Beauty World Food Centre, Singapore 588177
Opening hours: Daily 10am to 9pm
Tel: 9058 9674
Website
Berempah Bros is not a halal-certified eatery.

Photos taken by Nivian Chiang.
This was an independent visit by Eatbook.sg