First Stop Café & Bistro 壹站星厨 – Hidden, Authentic JB Style Zi Char Restaurant At Ubi, No GST Or Service Charge

Singapore foodies love their zi char and can travel anywhere to try these tasty dishes.

Here’s one unassuming gem tucked away amidst the automobile garages of the Kampong Ubi Industrial Estate.

First Stop Café & Bistro 壹站星厨 is still quite a well-kept ‘secret’ for now, a treasure trove of Johor Bahru-style zi char that is considered value-for-its-money.

This unexpected dining spot delivers a contrast to its surroundings, offering a tranquil and intimate space, a refuge from the relentless bustle of city life.

To find the restaurant, it is a short 5 to 10 minutes’ walk away from Ubi MRT station; and for those who drive, there is ample parking available nearby at night.

The restaurant’s policy of no GST or service charge is a pleasant surprise, particularly given the spacious, air-conditioned interior.

It also serves a mix of house-made beverages and a variety of alcoholic drinks, making it an ideal venue for a laid-back lunch or a casual evening catch-up with friends.

Now onto the main event: the food. First Stop’s standout dishes bear testament to the rich, robust flavours typically associated with Johor Bahru’s culinary scene.

Fish Head Curry Claypot ($30 for small, $45 for large)
No visit to First Stop Café & Bistro would be complete without trying the Signature Fish Head Curry Claypot.

The fish head, tender and succulent, is subsumed in a rich, spicy curry broth that has been slow-cooked in a claypot.

At the core of this dish is a fresh fish head, with delicate, moist flesh which would absorb the rich curry sauce.

This centerpiece is nestled in a vibrant bed of cooked vegetables, adding contrasting textures and so you don’t feel so jelak.

The Massala-style curry, a harmonious blend of aromatic spices, has robustness further enhanced by the luxurious creaminess of coconut milk.

Moreover, the addition of crispy tau kee and tau pok with its distinct crunch and sponge-like ability to soak up the curry respectively, add layers of complexity.

Fills your stomach but also warms your heart – I am already thinking of going back to try this again.

Masala Curry Crab ($90 for 700g – 800g, $120 for 900g – 1kg, order 2 days in advance)
The Masala Curry Crab featuring a hefty Sri Lankan crab, was actually inspired by their famous Fish Head Curry Claypot fish.

The crab which was fresh and meaty, had robust flavours complemented by a deeply aromatic and tangy masala curry, which provides a nice counterpoint to the sweetness of the crab meat.

What’s different from the fish curry dish is that the crab roe would add this additional rich-creaminess and distinct seafood flavour to the gravy.

Also, there is free pieces of crispy roti prata for dipping – with fluffy bread soaking up the curry sauce and making for a satisfying, indulgent mouthful.

Other Crab choices include Chilli Crab, Black Pepper Crab, and Braised Crab in Ginger & Onion – and they all come with complimentary 6 pieces of mantou.

Hakka Wine Chicken ($30)
The Hakka Wine Chicken was bathed in a velvety wine sauce and savoury sauce and with just the right hint of bitterness (the wine is specially imported from Malaysia).

The aroma of the wine, combined with the succulence of the chicken, is certain to invoke a sense of nostalgia in those familiar with Hakka cuisine. Very comforting.

I hear the Claypot Sesame Chicken and Claypot Braised Pig’s Trotter Vinegar are worth a try too.

Prawn Paste Chicken Wings ($15 for small, $25 for large)
The crispy exterior, redolent with the unique umami flavour of the prawn paste, yields to tender, juicy chicken beneath.

Well executed too and flavourful.

Crab Meat Fish Maw Soup ($20)
One of the ultimate comfort foods. The soup base was thick and packed full of flavour, with an abundance of real crab meat providing a subtle sweetness that complements the umami-rich fish maw perfectly.

The texture of the fish maw was delightful – tender, yet retaining a satisfying bite.

Golden Seafood Fried Rice ($25, $35)
A star in its own right. Each grain of rice was distinct, aromatic and suffused with wok-hei.

The rice was generously topped with an assortment of seafood, including prawns and scallops.

My friend also noted that the fried rice was more eggy than usual, yet not too moist.

BBQ Dried Sotong ($30)
This is no ordinary grilled squid; thick and succulent, the sotong was grilled just right, retaining its natural sweetness while carrying a smoky char that adds depth to its flavour.

What sets this dish apart was the house-made Sambal Belacan Chilli – tangy, spicy, and packed with intense flavour, making a perfect accompaniment to the tender squid.

Stewed Yee Mee with Crayfish ($25, $35)
The Hong Kong style yee mee stewed until it has absorbed the rich essence of the crayfish, was quite a flavour bomb in every bite.

The crayfish added a touch of luxe to this zi char fare – plump, fresh, and bringing an indulgent touch to the hearty noodles.

First Stop Café & Bistro 壹站星厨 is quite a find among Singapore’s bustling food scene.

It offers a haven of zi char delicacies, each dish prepared by skilled chefs with experience. One of those occasions when we thought every dish was on point.

Plus with no GST or service charge, this is a place to gather friends and family without breaking the bank.

Now, it is about making your reservations and finding your way there.

First Stop Café & Bistro 壹站星厨
Kampong Ubi Industrial Estate, 3024A Ubi Rd 1, #01-01, Singapore 408718
Tel: +65 9888 1075
Opening Hours: 10am – 11pm (Tues – Fri), 11am – 11pm (Sat, Sun, PH), Closed Mon

* This entry is brought to you in partnership with First Stop Café & Bistro 壹站星厨.

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