Food is a topic that anyone from around the world can relate to. But here in Singapore, eating has almost become a national sport – with the insane queues for bubble tea, mad love for HaiDiLao and endless craze over Mala-flavoured items in recent years.
So if you’re a foodie and the mention of food is getting you hungry already, you’re in for a real treat. Dig in as we speak to a representative from the anonymous team behind NUSFATCLUB (@nusfatclub) – an Instagram account run by recent graduates from NUS, on all things scrumptious and food-related. Stick till the end for some recommendations and hacks for good food in and around NUS!
NUSFATCLUB Instagram Page
1. What made you start this account?
I realised that it was very difficult to find honest and unsponsored reviews. So I decided to take it upon myself to bring a more transparent and open perspective to food reviews that the common diner can relate to. We all have to eat, and the only difference is that I’m intensely passionate about it. The account acts more like my own food journal. As long as I eat, it keeps running. Also, reading template reviews that some “foodies” post really triggers me. Even if my reviews only help a few people, as long I don’t feel like I’m contributing to the hordes of non-value added reviews out there, I’d say it’s all worthwhile.
2. Why are there postings from non-Singapore locations for an account called @nusfatclub?
I didn’t think it needed to include just local food and I travel twice a year, so I post those too.
The location of the food stall is put in brackets in the caption.
Keep your eyes peeled for those MUST-TRY foods worth travelling to taste!
3. What is your posting schedule like and how do you decide what to post?
I try to post once a day, but the frequency is entirely dependent on how much I eat. I don’t come up with what to post specifically, the content is whatever I eat. I take mental notes of the food when eating, and then try to put those emotions and thoughts into words, which are the ramblings that you read on the account.
The food is classed in categories of “No Go”, “Can Go” and “Must Go”, ranging from delectable traditional desserts to savoury chef-cooked mains.
4. What are the most popular posts?
Burgers and sandwiches.
Well, who doesn’t love comfort carbs?
5. How do you decide what goes on your “Must Go” list?
I try to balance the overall experience, but most importantly – the food quality and price. Bad service irks me but if the food is great, I don’t really care. The “Must Go” places for me are those that I feel are worth going out of your way for, where the food warrants a return. It’s still only my opinion, and obviously some will disagree—that’s why I always tell people that they should try everything themselves. If you agree with the recommendation, wonderful. But if you hated it, good on you, it means you formed your own opinion about food. I just want to encourage people to be more discerning eaters.
6. What did you eat when you were a NUS student?
I dined at McDonald’s at Engine most before they moved out. Sometimes, I’ll order the chicken rice or yong tau foo at FASS. But most of the time, I avoid eating in school.
7. What food is good around the NUS area?
For some must-try foods that you can grab around the NUS vicinity, I would recommend these three places:
Formosa Delights (located at the Almaan’s Supper Stretch located behind Kent Ridge bus terminal) for cheap and tasty Chinese cuisine, Atlas Coffeehouse for a nice brunch and coffee (near Botanic Gardens), and Ramen Hitoyoshi for a thick tonkotsu ramen (nearest branch at Harbourfront).
8. We noticed that you’re into cooking too. How did you get into cooking, for starters?
I grew up playing in the kitchen so I was always interested in food. I spent a lot of my free time watching cooking shows, reading books, and trying to recreate food that I loved to eat.
Check out some of their fuss-free recipes on their Instagram Story Highlights labelled, “I cook”.
9. Can you recommend some of your favourite recipes for our readers?
If you’re at Pasta Express in NUS, order a cream sauce spaghetti and add-on two sous vide eggs and a portion of bacon. Sprinkle plenty of the free parmesan cheese they provide, mix it all together thoroughly and congratulate yourself for making a delicious pseudo carbonara.
Here are the locations for Pasta Express in NUS
For more unfiltered reviews, hacks and food posts that are oh so yummy, follow @nusfatclub on Instagram and stay tuned. If you have any other recommendations to share as well, do message us at our Instagram page, @nusresidentiallife. But in the meantime, happy eating!
