The border between Singapore and Johor Bahru remains closed, but Malaysians missing a familiar snack can find legit Johor-style goreng pisang with sambal manis at this hidden gem of a hawker stall at Bukit Batok.
Image credit: Nazira Dz
Goreng pisang, or fried banana fritters, are a well-known snack to many Singaporeans, but enjoying it with the sweet-and-spicy dip that is sambal manis is a novelty. For Malaysians, especially Johor natives, though, this nostalgic medley of flavours is a rare find, spotted by one Facebook user Nazira Dz on a halal food group.
The hawker stall in question is located in the food court at Blk 347 Bukit Batok Street 31. Known as Utara, the Muslim-owned establishment also sells other bites like fritters, laksa, rojak, and popiah.
Image credit: Nazira Dz
The treasure is truly their goreng pisang sambal manis, priced at eight for $2. Caramelised bananas are housed in a golden, deep-fried batter shell, meant to be enjoyed with a dip that is equal parts kicap manis and sambal. For the unaware, kicap manis is a sweet, dark soya sauce that is more sugary than regular dark soya sauce.
Image credit: Nazira Dz
When I brought this up to Malaysian friends, they gave it a two thumbs up. Some even vowed to travel down and try it for themselves despite living on the other end of our island. The easiest way to get to the stall is to take a five-minute walk from Bukit Gombak MRT.Â
Image credit: Nazira Dz
Until we can cross the causeway again, add this to your list of Malaysian food finds in Singapore. Others we have found include Sarawak-style kolo mee and wanton noodles, salted egg char kway teow and more.
For other local hawkers to look out for, we’ve recently tried Green Chilli Chicken Rice at Payar Lebar, or BBW Western Food, which makes chicken chop loaded with three types of cheese.
Address: Blk 374, Bukit Batok Street 31, Singapore 650374
Opening hours: Tues-Sun 3pm to 9pm