If you’ve been missing the hot dogs ‘with character’ of The Mustard Incident formerly at Tangs Basement, or if you’re a hot dog fan, don’t miss this Rockin’ Diner
You might remember or know of the stall known as The Mustard Incident, previously located at Tangs Basement One (near to where Krispy Kreme is located now). This small eatery had developed a cult following for its hot dogs ‘with character’.
Now, owner Kelly Koh has expanded this concept in a bona fide restaurant known as The Rockin’ Diner, at Club Street.
One can expect the same (in fact, more) unique gourmet hotdogs as well as American diner favourites and imported artisanal beer. The good range of beer alone should be a big draw.
Kelly studied in the USA and was smitten by the diners, the music and other aspects of American culture. As such, The Rockin’ Diner is a throwback to his memories of San Francisco and Honolulu.
Hot Dogs With Attitude
The Rockin’ Diner has a full restaurant menu, including savoury items such as his take on the Philadelphia Cheese Steak that includes sautéed peppers and three cheeses and Little Italy’s Killa Lasagne, which is layered with bean-less chilli and also topped generously with three cheeses.
Still, the stars of the show are the hot dogs with attitude. Singaporeans who miss the A&W fast food chain will be elated to know that The Rockin’ Diner serves a heartier version of the Coney Dog.
Meanwhile, the Duck-Can-Fit contains a custom duck thigh sausage topped with garlicky sauce, stewed peppers and bacon bits. The Frankenstein is a patchwork of half a beef Frankfurter and half a custom pork sausage, wrapped in bacon and topped with the house-made bean-less chilli, “hawt” sauce and caramelised onions. It was possibly my favourite on the day.
Foie Gras Hot Dog, Don’t Play
The one thing that bowled me over was the Veal and Foie Gras Hot Dog, with purple mustard. I must confess, it didn’t look very appetising to me with the purple mustard drizzled over it. I mean, I want to eat good, solid food, not Playdoh!
Nevertheless, when I took a bite out of it, my eyes opened wide. The flavours were rich and the sensation was luxurious. Do note that the taste may be a bit too rich for some after a few mouthfuls. Jelat, lah.
Still, I’ve been told that the ladies, especially, love it and some will go for more than one!
Other Fun & interesting Food
Apart from “Regular Fries”, The Rockin’ Diner has Chilli Cheese Fries, Spam Fries, Sweet Potato Fries and even Bacon Fries! This is certainly the crowning glory of the side dishes or finger food.
I inquired about how they managed to get the strips of bacon to stay in place, wrapped around the thick-cut fries. Kelly smiled and said others had been asking, but it was a secret. I didn’t want to press in case it was one of those “If I tell you I’d have to kill you” things. With his build, I’m not playing.
For those who love or miss Hawaii, you’ll be surprised to find Hawaiian dishes on the menu such as the Hawaiian Portuguese Sausage, Eggs & Rice or the Loco Moco, a Hawaiian comfort food staple comprising ribeye patties with eggs over rice, and drowned in brown gravy.
While the desserts are not exotic, they are fairly uncommon. The Nutella-misu is a level-up from the usual pick-me-up.
The Banana Creampie looked so sinful yet was very refreshing to the palate and satisfying. I would’ve tried more things if I wasn’t so stuffed.
By Lester J Wan
The Rockin’ Diner / The Mustard Incident, 11 Club Street, Singapore 069405
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