G'RAI TRX: Queen's favourite mee rebus & crispy chicken chop with XL portions at this British-Malaya eatery
This one is a little special. I've passed by this striking, golden-bronze restaurant at The Exchange, TRX more times than I can count, always intrigued but never quite stepping in. It wasn't until a thoughtful recommendation from one of our readers that I finally decided to give G'RAI a go.
Judging by the name alone, I initially assumed it was a Thai restaurant. But a closer look revealed that it actually specialises in British-Malaya cuisine. I've always had a soft spot for our local fare. British cuisine, on the other hand, hasn't exactly won me over. Still, I was more than happy to give it a shot for the sake of curiosity, and of course, for our dear reader.
Right from the start, it's clear that this place sits on the pricier end of the spectrum as the most affordable item hovers around RM19++. I don't usually mind paying a little more, as long as the food lives up to it. Let's put it to the test!
Unfamiliar with the restaurant's reputation, I took a quick look at their Instagram and was surprised to see several visits by Malaysian royalty, most notably Her Royal Highness the Permaisuri of Pahang, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah. In fact, before you even step inside, you'll see it proudly declared that G'RAI's Mee Rebus is the Queen's favourite. That alone made it a must-try.
At RM21.50, the Mee Rebus arrived in a notably generous portion. If you're not a particularly big eater, it's definitely a dish worth sharing. It featured yellow noodles drenched in a thick, sweet potato-based gravy, topped with tauhu, fritters (kueh rojak), fucuk, a heap of fried shallots, sliced red chillies, and a wedge of lime.
The noodles were pleasantly free from that distinct alkaline aftertaste often found in mee kuning, but the gravy, while rich in texture, didn't quite deliver in flavour. The dominant note came from the umami of dried shrimp paste, followed by a mild heat and a whisper of sweetness from the sweet potatoes.
The toppings added more to the texture than the taste. Unfortunately, the fritters had gone soggy in the gravy, and the tauhu remained bland, as the thick sauce struggled to seep in. To top it off, the dish was already fairly spicy, and the sambal on the side packed an extra fiery punch. Definitely not for the faint of heart.
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To explore the 'British' side of G'RAI's concept, we went for the British Chicken Chop (RM31.50). Like the Mee Rebus, the portion was impressively large. The plate arrived with a sizeable slab of crispy fried chicken chop, accompanied by a side of greens, coleslaw, brown sauce, and a generous serving of thick-cut fries.
The chicken had been flattened before frying and coated in a thin, crumbly batter. While the crust had a satisfying crunch, it bordered on abrasive — hard enough that it might just scratch the roof of your mouth.
Though thigh meat was obviously used, it turned out a little dry, and the sheer amount of chewing it required made the experience feel more tiring than enjoyable halfway through.
The mushroom-infused brown sauce didn't do much to elevate the dish, as its flavour mirrored the chicken's too closely. A sauce with a bit more contrast — maybe something peppery, tangy, or even spicy — might have helped bring a breath of fresh air to the dish.
As for the sides, the slaw leaned heavily on mayo rather than cabbage, which was fine but unremarkable, and the fries, while plentiful, lacked the crispness I had hoped for. Just soft, starchy potatoes without much bite.
It's never fun to end a review on a less-than-stellar note, but sometimes it's necessary. For both myself and my dining companion, G'RAI at TRX fell short of expectations. The Mee Rebus, despite its royal endorsement, didn't quite justify the price, while the British Chicken Chop felt more like a chore than a feast.
That said, taste is always subjective! What didn't work for us might be just right for you. If the concept intrigues you, by all means, give it a try. Who knows? It might just be your cup of tea.
Expected damage: RM21.50 – RM31.50 per pax
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The post G'RAI TRX: Queen's favourite mee rebus & crispy chicken chop with XL portions at this British-Malaya eatery appeared first on SETHLUI.com.
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11 stalls to satisfy your cravings at Marine Parade's Promenade Market @ 84
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The golden trio of Xiao Long Bao (S$4.30), Steamed Shrimps Dumpling (S$4.30) and Siew Mai (S$4.20) will be my top pick any day. When I tell you Neptune Hong Kong Dim Sum does it right, I mean it. The fillings of all their dumplings are fresh, the shrimp have a crunch and the meats are sooo juicy. To end the meal with dessert, the Crispy Durian Spring Roll (S$5.20) is perfect. The smooth mashed durian encased in brittle fried batter is where it's at. Packed with a crunch, the durian itself is not too sweet, giving a mellow yet rich aftertaste to each bite. +65 9005 4894 Thu to Tue: 7am – 7pm Closed on Wed Let me introduce a duck rice stall that's been at Marine Parade hawker centre for more than 40 years. Kun Ji has been hanging up succulent roast ducks at their store since the '80s, and they don't plan on stopping. Of course, I had to get a plate of their signature Braised Duck Rice (S$5). The duck meat is juicy and tender, pairing perfectly with the rice. With added Tau Kua (S$0.70) that's silky and drenched in braising liquid, this plate is worth the queue. If duck is not your thing, you could try their Char Siew Roasted Pork Rice (S$5). With sweet char siew and smoky roasted pork, this plate features the best of both worlds. The punch of umami from the meats is absorbed and balanced by the bed of white rice it's served on. To round up your meal, Kun Ji also provides a bowl of complimentary soup rich with rendered duck fat. Simmered with herbs and spices, this soup is refreshing yet packed with flavour. Mon: 10.30am – 5pm Wed, Fri to Sun: 9.30am – 7pm Thu: 10am – 7pm Closed on Tue Regulars at Defu Lane will know about the first-ever outlet of Soon Lee Fish Soup. Now, don't worry, you won't have to travel all the way to Kovan for their seafood soup. Featuring a clear, light soup made by simmering various cuts of seafood, garlicky chilli, Fish Maw (S$2) and a bowl of Rice (S$0.50), this meal reminds me of my childhood. Chinese-style soups will never be replaced in my heart, and this Sliced Pomfret Fish Soup (S$5.50) shows you exactly why. The sweet, meaty flesh releases its natural umami into the broth, highlighting the freshness of the pomfret. You don't get distracted by any other ingredients; it's just you and the fish. Only after you have an unadulterated taste of the fish can you dip a slice in the chilli. With a spicy kick, you get a new and refreshing bite that pairs so well with the rice. Even if you're not in the mood for rice, Soon Lee Fish Soup also offers 5 other carb options including mee sua and thick bee hoon. Daily: 9.30am – 8.30pm Now that we're talking about noodles, how could we not talk about fishball noodles? With pockets of salty soup trapped in 'QQ' fish paste, this is what OG Singaporeans think of when noodles are mentioned. At Fei Yuan Teochew Noodle, fishballs and minced meat ring a harmonious tone in sleek chilli oil and piping hot soup. 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It's a versatile ingredient, especially when it's cooked at Marine Parade hawker centre's 77 Ban Mian. This dry version of Seafood Ban Mian (S$5.50) is tossed in savoury sauce and silky chilli oil for the most indulgent slurp of your life. Topped with prawns, fried fish, anchovies and kang kong, this is a meal that makes sure you finish every bite. Don't be fooled by the name 77 Ban Mian, because mee hoon kuey is also served here. Chewy, starchy dough is pressed into thin sheets, ripped into bite-sized pieces and boiled in the same flavourful broth as the ban mian. While they do serve the classic Mee Hoon Kuey (S$4), doesn't the Tom Yum Mee Hoon Kuey (S$5.50) catch your attention too? Don't get me wrong, I still love my clear Chinese-style soups, but the idea of a sour and spicy broth soaking into squares of mee hoon kuey is too hard to resist. 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Facebook | Instagram | Website Pastries and cakes will never be left out of the dessert hall of fame! Bakersmith whips up fresh buns and cakes such as the childhood favourite Mini Chicken Hotdog Bun (S$4.50 for 4) and fluffy Pandan Chiffon Cake (S$5 for 4 slices). Apart from regular buns and pastries, Bakersmith sells velvety frosted cakes as well. From the oldie-but-goodie delights to modern fan favourites, there's a wealth of flavours to choose from. Their Classic Cakes start from S$45 for 0.5kg, and there are promotions on their website that drop the price down to S$38. Furthermore, they also deal with customisation for birthday and celebration cakes, making Marine Parade hawker centre a convenient spot for you to visit when planning events. Order Delivery: foodpanda +65 8031 1162 Daily: 8am – 6pm Facebook | Website During my visit to Promenade Market, I was given a sample of Cha Mulan's Radiant Mulan (S$4.90) and was immediately sold. 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And here's a little bonus: if you're planning to visit between 21 Jun and 31 Jul 2025, you're just in time for their much-anticipated GL Play Birthday Bash. During this festive stretch, you can enjoy a Buy 1 Free 1 ticket offer. Such a perfect excuse to bring a friend or treat the family. Keep reading for all the juicy details! At SplashMania, boredom doesn't stand a chance. To make it easier to plan your day, everything's grouped into 4 main categories: Kids Adventure, Family Adventure, Thrill Adventure, and Extreme Adventure. If you're bringing young kids along, there's always that tiny concern: will there be enough for them to do? That's not even a question here. There are dedicated attractions just for the little adventurers. The first one on the list is Treasure Tower: one of the tallest water play structures in Malaysia, packed with flumes, splash buckets, and plenty of giggles. 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