5 Star Corner is an old-school Western food stall located in a Hougang coffee shop that has built its reputation on serving enormous portions of classic Western dishes at wallet-friendly prices. While it may not be a destination dining spot, this neighborhood gem offers solid value for money and has become a local favorite for those seeking hearty, no-frills Western food.
Location: 805 Hougang Central, #01-116, Food Park, Singapore 530805
Operating Hours: Daily 11am to 9pm
Price Range: $6 – $9.50
Halal Status: Not halal
The Food: What to Order and What to Skip
⭐ Chicken Cutlet ($6) – MUST TRY
This is undoubtedly the star of the menu and the dish that makes 5 Star Corner worth visiting. The chicken cutlet is impressively large, exceeding the size of an average adult’s hand, making it one of the most generous servings you’ll find at a kopitiam Western stall.
What makes it special:
- Perfectly crispy exterior that shatters with each bite
- Juicy, tender meat that’s well-seasoned throughout
- Bursting with flavor in every mouthful
- Comparable in size to the famous Hot Star chicken cutlet from Taiwan
Accompaniments:
- Chunky, crispy fries (unseasoned but satisfying)
- Toasted garlic bread (unfortunately lacking in garlic flavor and somewhat hard)
- Baked beans
- Mountain of coleslaw
- Generous serving of mayonnaise
Verdict: This dish alone justifies a visit. At $6, it’s exceptional value for the quality and quantity you receive.
❌ Black Pepper Steak ($9.50) – SKIP
While this is the most expensive item on the menu and arrives with theatrical flair on a sizzling hot plate with rising smoke, it unfortunately fails to deliver on taste and texture.
The presentation:
- Served on a hot plate with dramatic sizzling sounds
- Beef sits on a bed of raw onions
- Comes with a baked potato topped with butter
- Includes toasted garlic bread and baked beans
The problems:
- The beef is tough and difficult to cut through
- Chewing becomes laborious after just a few bites
- The meat quality doesn’t justify the $9.50 price point
- Overall disappointing experience despite appealing presentation
The saving grace: The baked potato is well-executed, with butter melting evenly into the fluffy interior. It pairs nicely with the onions and baked beans, but this isn’t enough to redeem the dish.
Verdict: Save your money and stomach space for other menu items.
✅ Fish & Chips ($6) – PLEASANT SURPRISE
This dish may look ordinary at first glance, but it exceeds expectations with its execution and flavor.
What you get:
- Three pieces of deep-fried fish
- Same generous sides as the Chicken Cutlet (fries, garlic bread, coleslaw, baked beans, mayo)
Why it works:
- Fish is surprisingly well-marinated with good flavor penetration
- The fish meat is smooth and pleasantly moist
- Batter is crispy yet light, not heavy or greasy
- Good value at $6 for three substantial pieces
Verdict: A reliable choice that won’t disappoint. Perfect for those who prefer fish over chicken.
Portion Sizes: Bang for Your Buck
One of 5 Star Corner’s defining characteristics is its incredibly generous portions. This isn’t a place that skimps on quantity. Each dish comes loaded with:
- A substantial protein serving
- A hefty portion of fries
- Garlic bread
- Baked beans
- A mountain of coleslaw
- Liberal amounts of mayonnaise
These aren’t Instagram-worthy, carefully plated dishes. They’re hearty, filling meals designed to satisfy hungry diners without breaking the bank. You’ll definitely leave feeling full.
Ambience and Dining Experience
The Setting: 5 Star Corner operates out of a typical neighborhood coffee shop at Hougang Central. The environment is unpretentious and functional rather than atmospheric.
Things to note:
- The coffee shop can get stuffy, especially during peak hours
- For better ventilation, opt for outdoor seating if available
- The stall is consistently busy with a steady stream of customers
- Staff members are constantly occupied and rarely have downtime
- It’s a casual, no-frills setting typical of hawker-style Western stalls
Atmosphere: Don’t expect air conditioning, trendy decor, or Instagram-worthy interiors. This is straightforward kopitiam dining where the focus is on the food, not the setting.
Value for Money
5 Star Corner delivers excellent value, particularly for the Chicken Cutlet and Fish & Chips. In today’s dining landscape where a basic meal can easily cost $10-15, getting a massive chicken cutlet with all the trimmings for $6 is remarkable.
Price breakdown:
- Chicken Cutlet: $6 (excellent value)
- Fish & Chips: $6 (good value)
- Black Pepper Steak: $9.50 (poor value given quality issues)
For budget-conscious diners, students, or anyone seeking substantial portions without spending much, this stall hits the sweet spot.
Who Should Visit?
Perfect for:
- Local residents in the Hougang area
- Those seeking generous portions on a budget
- Fans of old-school kopitiam Western food
- Casual meals with friends or family
- Quick, filling dinners without fuss
Not ideal for:
- Fine dining seekers or food adventurers
- Those looking for innovative or elevated Western cuisine
- Diners traveling from far away (unless combining with other activities in the area)
- Anyone expecting restaurant-quality ambience
The Bottom Line
5 Star Corner is a solid neighborhood Western food stall that excels at what it does: serving large portions of affordable, satisfying comfort food. While it won’t revolutionize your understanding of Western cuisine or provide a memorable culinary experience, it fulfills its purpose admirably.
The Chicken Cutlet is genuinely impressive and worth ordering. The Fish & Chips are reliable. The Black Pepper Steak should be avoided. Overall, it’s a convenient option for Hougang residents and a decent choice if you’re in the area, but probably not worth a special trip from across Singapore.
Final Rating: 7/10
Recommended Dishes:
- Chicken Cutlet ($6) – Must order
- Fish & Chips ($6) – Good alternative
Skip: Black Pepper Steak ($9.50)
Practical Tips
- Best time to visit: Slightly off-peak hours to avoid crowds and ensure faster service
- What to order: Stick with the Chicken Cutlet or Fish & Chips
- Seating: Grab outdoor seats for better airflow
- Parking: Check for nearby HDB parking options
- Expectations: Come hungry and ready for generous portions, not gourmet experiences
This comprehensive review is based on a dining experience from 2018. Prices, menu items, and quality may have changed since then.
- Limited Information: Most establishments appear to be dine-in focused
- Takeaway Available: Several hawker stalls and coffee shops
- No Delivery Mentioned: For most locations
Tourist Accessibility:
- Highest Value: Maxwell Food Centre, Tong Ah Eating House, Original Katong Laksa, Atlas Bar
- Moderate Accessibility: Most hawker centres and established restaurants
- Advance Planning Required: The Ampang Kitchen, Burnt Ends reservations
Cultural Significance:
- Historical: Tong Ah (1939), Singapore Zam Zam (1908), Song Fa (1969)
- Heritage Preservation : Kim Choo Kueh Chang, Tan’s Tu Tu Coconut Cake
- Modern Innovation: Burnt Ends, Cloudstreet, % Arabica
Cooking Techniques Highlighted:
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