Tenderbest Makcik Market

Tenderbest is a well-known halal-certified eatery in Singapore, offering a diverse range of Western and fusion dishes. With its signature crispy fried chicken, grilled meats, and creative pasta selections, Tenderbest caters to a wide audience looking for affordable and flavourful meals. This article provides an in-depth review of the menu, highlighting must-try items and comparing the experience to other casual dining options.

Menu Overview

Tenderbest’s menu features a mix of Western mains, Asian fusion dishes, premium burgers, and thin-crust pizzas. Below is a breakdown of the standout dishes across different categories.

Salads & Starters

For those looking for a lighter start, Tenderbest offers several salads, including:

• Caesar Salad (S$12.00) – Classic romaine lettuce with croutons and Caesar dressing.

• Smoked Duck Salad with Pink Mayo (S$13.00) – A flavourful option featuring smoked duck slices and a tangy pink mayo dressing.

• Cajun Chicken Salad with Cheese Sauce (S$12.00) – Perfect for those who enjoy a hint of spice with their greens.

Popular starters include:

• Trio-Cheese Sticks with Chilli Lime Dip (S$10.00) – Crispy, cheesy, and paired with a tangy dip.

• Fried Calamari with Tartare Sauce (S$9.90) – Golden-fried calamari served with a creamy tartare sauce.

• Crispy Fried Chicken Skin (S$7.50) – A sinful yet satisfying snack.

• Creamy Seafood Stew with Garlic Bread (S$11.00) – A rich seafood soup accompanied by crispy garlic bread.

Signature Fried and Roasted Chicken

Tenderbest is best known for its fried and roasted chicken options:

• Signature Crispy Spring Chicken (Whole) – S$23.90

• Crispy Half Spring Chicken – From S$13.90

• Fried Chicken Set (With Fries & Coleslaw) – From S$11.90

• Roasted Whole Spring Chicken – S$23.90

• Roasted Chicken Leg of Beauty – From S$12.90

The fried chicken is crispy and well-seasoned, while the roasted options offer a juicier alternative with smoky flavours.

Western Mains

For heartier options, the Western mains section includes:

• Grilled Ribeye Steak (From S$22.50) – A juicy steak cooked to preference.

• Grilled Salmon (From S$20.90) – A healthy, omega-rich option.

• Crispy Chicken Cutlet (From S$13.50) – A golden-fried chicken cutlet served with sides.

• Teriyaki Chicken Chop (From S$13.50) – A sweet and savoury take on grilled chicken.

• Chicken Bratwurst with Potato Salad (S$12.90) – A classic sausage dish with creamy potato salad.

Pasta Selections

Tenderbest offers a strong variety of pasta dishes, including:

• Aglio Olio Variants:

  • Seafood Aglio Olio (S$13.90)

  • Smoked Duck Aglio Olio (S$13.50)

  • Mushroom Aglio Olio (S$11.50)

• Tomato-Based Pastas:

  • Seafood Marinara (S$13.90)

  • Chicken Meatball Bolognese (S$13.90)

• Cream-Based Pastas:

  • Truffle Cream Mushroom Pasta (S$13.90)

  • Turkey Bacon Carbonara (S$13.90)

• Fusion Pastas:

  • Laksa Prawn Spaghetti (S$14.90)

  • Squid Ink with Crab Meat & Tobikko (S$17.90)

Burgers & Pizzas

For a satisfying meal, the burgers and pizzas are solid choices:

• Beef Burger with Chipotle Sauce & Truffle Fries (S$18.90) – A juicy beef patty with smoky chipotle sauce.

• Salted Egg Chicken Burger (S$15.90) – A fusion-style burger with salted egg sauce.

• Chicken Pepperoni Pizza (S$16.50) – A thin-crust pizza loaded with pepperoni slices.

• Smoked Salmon Pesto Pizza (S$19.50) – A premium option for seafood lovers.

Dining Experience and Service

Tenderbest is a casual dining restaurant offering quick service. The food arrives fresh, and the portions are generous. The fried chicken is consistently crispy, while the roasted meats remain tender. The pasta dishes strike a balance between classic and creative flavours. The overall atmosphere is relaxed, making it a good option for families, friends, and casual meetups.

Comparison to Other Casual Eateries

Compared to other Western-style casual dining options, Tenderbest stands out with its halal certification and extensive menu. The pricing is reasonable, offering value for money. The chicken dishes, in particular, compete well with brands like Arnold’s Fried Chicken and Texas Chicken in terms of flavour and texture.

Suggested Improvements

• More grilled options: Expanding the grilled selection beyond steak and salmon would appeal to health-conscious diners.

• Dessert options: Adding sweet treats would complement the savoury menu.

• Customisable meal combos: Allowing diners to mix and match sides with mains could enhance the experience.

Conclusion

Tenderbest continues to be a strong contender in Singapore’s casual dining scene, offering a variety of Western and fusion dishes at competitive prices. Whether you’re in the mood for crispy fried chicken, a comforting pasta dish, or a hearty burger, there’s something for everyone.