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an american diner in northeast serangoon
KHELL LEE braves the rain and the queue to check out the latest retro hit: Joji’s Diner
Back to the 1950s era located at the residential side of Serangoon.
PHOTO: JOJI’S DINER
Ever wanted to visit a retro diner like the one you watched in Riverdale?
You’re just in luck. Located five minutes away from Serangoon MRT is Joji’s Diner. This retro-themed American-style diner serves an affordable all-day breakfast priced between $5.90 to $12.90.
Joji’s Diner opened when dining-in restrictions were lifted, and in just two weeks, the diner has become one of the most talked-about eateries across various social media platforms.
Giving you the best of both worlds, sweet and savoury – Chicken & Waffle, $12.90.
PHOTO: KHELL LEE
The most expensive item on the menu, Chicken & Waffle ($12.90) comes topped with a sunny side up. The dish looks mouth-watering and the aroma of the chicken was extremely strong.
“The combination of salty and sweet complimented each other wonderfully and made the dish delightful to eat,” says Tan Jing Ling, 21, a Business Management student from Nanyang Polytechnic.
For the price of $12.90, the portion of the chicken was big and crispy. When I first got a bite of the seasoned chicken, it immediately reminded me of Taimei’s popcorn chicken.
“It was better than average and the chicken itself [tasted] like those old school Western stores,” says Mr Yong Wei Kai, a Food Blogger for 10 years who goes by @sgcafehopping on Instagram.
The diner has excelled in the prices for good quality food, especially the Chicken & Waffle. It was probably one of the best I’ve tasted. I would recommend you share this with a friend as it is filling, and you might want to try other dishes.
A classic favourite with your choice of carbs – All Star Plate, $12.90.
PHOTO: KHELL LEE
Costing at the same price as the Chicken & Waffle, All Star Plate ($12.90) serves classic breakfast favourites, such as scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, tater tots, garlic bread, and baked beans.
Their scrambled eggs were buttery and smooth, perhaps the freshest scrambled eggs I've ever tasted, and the German sausage was juicy, crispy, and aromatic, with salty cheese within to balance out the taste of the sausage.
The baked beans have spam within, which enhances the flavour of the sides. The garlic bread, on the other hand, is too salty, and the tater tots are so crunchy that I can barely taste the potato.
Salted Caramel Milkshake – Goldilocks, $9.90.
PHOTO: KHELL LEE
I can’t miss the full American diner experience without getting their milkshake. The Goldilocks ($9.90) was so sumptuous that it could be a meal by itself. Whipped cream, raspberries, and a mini doughnut were piled high on top of the thick malty drink.
The milkshake was too sweet for my liking and I would recommend it for the sweet tooth lovers to share with their friends as the sweetness overload is quite Jelak (sick of eating).
Retro-chic design, complete with vintage American furniture and interior.
PHOTO: JOJI’S DINER
While you’re enjoying the food, pop funks from the 2000s will be playing in the background, vinyl hanging on the wall with overhanging lamps on top of every booth. Nothing beats the retro-chic of the 1950s, complete with vinyl booths, checkered floors, neon lighting, and even an iconic Jukebox.
“The ambience of the cafe was reminiscent of the show Riverdale,” says Ms Tan. “[It] makes you feel like you’ve been transported into a 1950s American diner.”
“They are hyped up for their ambience,” says Ms Yap Xinyi, 20, another Food Blogger, @sinfulyap_ on Instagram. “I think it’s worth it, given the price and the quality of the food.”
​​Due to the overwhelming interest in Joji’s Diner, the estimated dining time is capped at 45 minutes. I was fortunate since it was raining earlier that day so I waited 30 minutes, as opposed to the 1-2 hour wait on weekdays. The popularity, however, seems to have taken a toll on the staff who are unapproachable.
“Whenever there are new openings, the hype will eventually die down,” says Mr Yong.
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“They should come up with locally inspired dishes to make it more exclusive as it is something Singaporeans are attracted to,” he says, sharing what he hopes to see from Joji’s Diner.
Joji Diner Details:
Address: 534 Upper Serangoon Road, Singapore 534549
Opening hours: 10 am to 10 pm, closed on Wednesdays.
NOTE: Joji’s Diner is not a halal-certified eatery.