2ThumbsUp Hainanese Curry Rice – A Hidden Gem in Clementi!

When 2ThumbsUp Hainanese Curry Rice was introduced to us, I couldn’t contain my excitement. The stall, which sits in a coffeeshop near Clementi, is known for their Hainanese Curry Rice. I rushed to join the snaking queue during lunch hour and was very eager to tuck into my very own plate of curry rice. Patrons can choose their preferred ingredients to pair with white rice, or go for the curry rice sets that won’t break the bank.

During our visit, we grabbed Set A ($4.80) which comprised of curry chicken, Hainanese pork chop, chap Chye and a fried egg. The ingredients are first laid atop a mountain of white grains before the ensemble is doused with curry and braising sauce. I asked about the making of the sauce, only to be turned away as the cashier needed to tend to the long line of customers.

I had high hopes of the curry when I saw the queue. Unfortunately, this is yet another case of the food falling short of expectations. The curry carried a mild spiciness, but I felt that t was missing some oomph in terms of flavour. The braising gravy itself was watered down, and not the thick and gooey kind you find in good Hainanese curry rice.

The focus is always on the Hainanese Pork Chop. Sadly, the pork chop ($1.50 a la carte) was rather disappointing. The pork chop wasn’t crispy, and the meat was dry. It also wasn’t dressed in the tangy sauce that usually comes with Hainanese pork chops.

The curry chicken ($1.50 a la carte) was blanketed in a slightly rich sauce. The curry wasn’t very aromatic, though. We were hopeful when the meat fell off the bone easily, but the chicken was dry and stringy.

Their chap chye (80 cents onwards) added sweetness to the saucier dishes. I love how soft and simple the chap chye was. It paired excellently with the rice too! Overall, I liked how the set meal, which was quite generous in portion, filled us up.

For just $2, patrons can grab a serving of braised pork belly. When eaten on its own, the pork belly was pretty mediocre. Although the braising sauce was mild, you can add a splash of curry to enhance the flavours of the pork belly. The pork belly wasn’t as fatty as I had hoped. We are sad to report that each piece was stringy and tough.

You might want to try the Handmade Meat Balls ($1.50). The meatball boasted soft and crunchy textures, but it could have been better marinated. 

2ThumbsUp Hainanese Curry Rice serves up affordable and filling Hainanese curry rice. You can go for it if you’re looking for a fuss-free, no-frills lunch option. There are more misses than hits during our visit, so we’ll suggest that you don’t expect the most scrumptious meal here.

MissTamChiak.com made an anonymous visit and paid its own meal at the stall featured here.

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Previously, we did a compilation of some of the best Curry Rice in Singapore, you may wish to check that out!