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Galangal: Floral-themed Thai Restaurant in Bishan With One Exceptional Host

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floral themed restaurant singapore

We popped by Galangal in Bishan yesterday, after 2.30pm. We supposed the usual lunch crowd must have left so we could quickly satisfy our hunger. We thought wrong. At the entrance, there’s a sign pasted on the door to tell you to press the buzzer and staff will come attend to you. I pressed the darn thing and we waited so long we could have memorised the menu left outside. Through the glass door, I could see one female member of their staff helping a group of diners take their group photos. And she was so engrossed/professional about it that multiple shots were taken. It was evident the Malay family enjoyed her exceptional service very much.

Rolling our eyes, we stepped inside anyway… and near the front counter was a male member of staff mid-way through his meal. He decided to help seat us instead. And directed us to one of those tables for two. My darling took a look at the cramped space with floral arches and all and asked if we could be seated at one of the bigger tables with the booth seats instead, sans floral arches.

AND… dum dum dum… the guy says that sure we can BUT if a group comes in later and this table is required, we’re supposed to vacate it. Minus 1000 points for lousy customer service. Woohoo. (1) There were SO many similar tables unoccupied as it was post-lunch hour and (2) We’re just a group of two, how long do you expect us to take to eat our meal ah?

But I guess a hungry man is always a grouchy man. So my darling and I looked at each other, and I think we both thought the same thing: We’ll just dine here ONCE and NEVER RETURN AGAIN.

Then… interestingly, the lady who was busy taking photos for the group of diners came over to APOLOGISE and she took the time to ask if we were visiting for the first time, and went through the menu with us, highlighting the items that we should definitely try. I later observed that she was moving about the restaurant as if she’s the boss. (Though I have met the boss before as we’ve dined multiple times at Good Bites, Citrus by the Pool, etc) She joked with customers, chatted with their kids, asked if the food’s ok, recommended her favourite items, and in general, made everyone feel so at home. I definitely cannot believe that she’s not the lady boss or at least a partner in this business. She confirmed she’s only an employee there and her name’s Belle.

What blew my mind was when she said she feels so “honored” to be working here as it’s such a beautiful place filled with (admittedly fake) flowers, and every day working here brightens her mood so much. WOW. I’ll just go ahead and admit that if I’m starting an F&B business, I’ll come back and poach this employee. XD Either you make her a partner in the business here, Boss, or you’re gonna lose her to any other boss who dines here and notices this exceptional employee.

For starters, I picked the Honey Garlic Fried Chicken that Belle recommended. It’s glistening more from the honey than the oil so do not be alarmed. The chicken’s crispy on the outside and tender within, and the best part of this dish is the surprise element: it’s just sweet at first and then the spiciness hits you later. And you’re like… oh man… where did that come from? Definitely not a boring dish and one I’d reorder. But maybe next time I’ll schedule a 3km run after to work off the guilt.

galangal bishan review

My darling had the Pineapple Fried Rice (again recommended by Belle) and I went for the Red Tom Yum Noodle Soup. According to him, his main dish was delicious when eaten hot, but once it had cooled down… it became so-so (I agree). Mine was amazeballs either way. The broth was so tangy and extremely spicy that my nose was running and I was crying involuntarily too. XD But it’s all SO SHIOK! Secret Recipe has an award-winning tom yum goong dish that we order pretty often in JB. And I tell you… Galangal’s version can easily match up to (if not beat) that award-winning dish. Delish!

galangal bishan

There’s only one prawn in my main but Galangal’s generous with the squid. 😉

Their cold lemongrass drink is also worth ordering. Super refreshing, especially when the tom yum soup was making me cry. XD

bishan thai restaurant

He wants to try the pad thai so I believe we’ll be back. I’m definitely looking (out) for Belle when we next visit.

galangal menu
Lunchtime promo from Mon to Thurs only.

I spent over $50 on this meal and received one token for their gachapon machine -> got a 10% discount voucher for their sister outlet nearby (ala carte items only). XD

Galangal is located at 3 Bishan Street 14… and their (current) opening hours are 11.30am to 11.30pm daily. Follow their socials for more.


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