Homemade beef burger with cheese, S$12.00.
Of late, The Neanderthal’s been grumbling that our Friday/Saturday evenings have been spent at uncool venues like Bukit Merah Central FairPrice supermarket. Yes, dear, I’ve realized my folly! Food gathering is the domain of the female; the Neanderthal Man is born to hunt.
Hence, Friday’s dinner was at a most male-friendly venue, where burgers rule and booze flows freely.
Drool-worthy burger.
Located at the corner of Cherry Avenue and Elm Avenue off Bukit Timah Road (just after Sixth Avenue), Smok’inn Frogz Kitchen, and two other stalls – Thai and North Indian – make up the F&B triumvirate in this ang-moh kopitiam.
Many have raved about the signature beef burger, and indeed, it didn’t disappoint! Despite being well-done, the thick beef patty was still super juicy. Sandwiched between well-toasted soft buns with luscious caramelized onions and melted cheese, this is one of the best burgers I’ve had in a long time.
Served with a generous side of fries and small mound of chopped greens, it’s certainly bang-for-the-buck too!
Beer-battered fish and chips, S$12.00.
After such a spectacular start, the rest of the meal sort of went downhill. While the fish was fresh, the batter was slightly soggy and rather greasy. Same for the fries which went limp quickly. I suspect they were off on the oil temperature.
If executed well, this is something I’d definitely order again. At 12 bucks, you get three pieces of fish, a mountain of fries, and a small salad, which is awesome value!
Caesar salad, S$8.00.
Oh dear, there are so many things wrong here that I don’t know where to start! For starters, the lettuce wasn’t properly chilled. Some leaves were limp, and the dressing was simply not-right. The “crowning glory” is the fake bacon bits!
Lime juice, S$2.00.
For drinks, the resident watering hole Bar Bar Black Sheep’s prices are very pocket-friendly. We didn’t order beer, but S$5.00 nett for half a pint of Tiger Beer sounds reasonable.
Despite the hit and misses, we enjoyed the casual, cosy vibe here, unlike some other places *ahem* Dempsey *ahem* where you pay ridiculous prices for the contrived “laidback-ness”.
The crowd here are not out to party or to pick up dates. Mostly, they are friends/couples/families in their T-shirts and bermudas from the neighborhood. Yes, it’s like an HDB kopitiam! Except the decor, people, and language are ang-moh!
Oh, one thing’s missing, though. The beer lady!
Smok’inn Frogz Kitchen
879 Bukit Timah Road
Singapore 279892
smokinn_frogz@yahoo.com.sg
Weekdays: 4pm – 11pm
Sat: Noon – 11pm
Sun: 9am – 11pm
Hear Julia on radio every Thursday at 11:10am & 12:10pm as she shares a Foodie Lunch Pick on 938LIVE's Lunch Box with hosts Howie Lim and Desmond Wong. 
awwwww i’ve been dying to go to this place!!! never get a chance yet. the burgers look SO good, guess i must make that trip soon. i only had wild rocket’s overpriced burger b4 but its actually quite good oso.
love yr writeups! i was laughing out when i read the *ahem* dempsey *ahem* part. i can just imagine u saying that right in my face!! LOL!
good stuff, smoking frog burger. How come u all do well-done for the beef?!? haha
S$5.00 nett for half a pint of Tiger Beer?? good stuff! *jotting down the address* haha!
sounds like a good plan. first, the burger. followed by a pint at bar bar black sheep. and if possible, back for the chips (cos alcohol makes one hungry..hehe)
Evan: *grinz* yea chingu, I can imagine your hearty laugh too!
The burger was really good! It wasn’t perfect, but the quality was great for its price tag.
LIC: heh, they didn’t ask what doneness we wanted, so I guess the default is well-done! Maybe next time we should specify the doneness.
Nic: I second your plan!
You should also try the Thai stall next to it! I love the grilled pork shoulder!
Hi Sonicstarburst, yes, the Thai stall is on my visit list. Will certainly remember your recommendation!