I was eager to visit Veggie Hub, after getting word of their double-boiled herbal soup. Fortune Centre has been well-known for many years as one of the most heavenly spots for vegetarian food in Singapore. Even though the landscape changes, what always remains the same is tons of vegetarian eateries. This newly opened eatery is located on the ground level.
Veggie Hub
Location: #01-05, 190 Middle Road, Fortune Centre
Contact: Unknown
Opening Hours: Unknown
Unfortunately, something extremely unique happened as soon as I
visited. When I was taking pictures of the outside (without stepping
foot in the eatery), a sour-faced staff auntie started
shouting at me to stop taking pictures. Amazingly, having reviewed almost 300 stalls/restaurants in Singapore, this is the first time anyone has mentioned anything in opposition to me taking photos, especially considering I hadn't even gone inside the eatery. So unfortunately, this 'review' is void of any photos of dishes, considering I was banned from taking any. In fact, after hearing this aggressive lady hooting and hollering at me, I decided not to even step foot inside. Instead, I took my business elsewhere. I did manage to snap a picture of the daily specials (pictured left), before being chased away.
Conclusion - Every time I review restaurants or stalls, I always make sure that I never tell any of the staff about my blog or that I am a food reviewer. The reason being, I don't want them to make a special effort in the treatment that they give me - I want the treatment and food quality to be identical to what any typical customer will get. It is times like this when I'm glad I take this stand, as being an anonymous customer allowed me to see what the Veggie Hub staff are really like. I don't know what to say about the food, as I didn't have the chance to eat it, but in terms of staff treatment - I can't emphasise enough how much I recommend staying away from this establishment.
Overall Rating
Food - N.A
Ambiance- 0/10
Service - 0/10
Value - N.A
Perhaps try the food next time before snapping pics?
ReplyDeleteHi Laremy, sorry but I don't agree. The aunty really has no reason to yell at Luke. I won't even want to patronize even if the food is good.
DeleteHey Laremy,
DeleteI (like most food bloggers) prefer to take pictures before, then my readers know what the dish looked like in its unaltered state. Opposed to it being half eaten.
Luke
What a loss for this stall! Guess it won't survive long with that aunty's attitude whether she is the boss or not. Even if the food is good.
ReplyDeleteHey Laura,
DeleteThe place looked pretty empty, so I'm guessing her aggressive attitude has scared away others too, haha. I have no idea if she is the boss or not. There were two other aunties in the back in the kitchen, who were pleading with the aggressive auntie to stop yelling - So perhaps it is a joint partnership between these three aunties.
Thanks for your comment and support Laura! :)
Luke
I went there in March and overheard the boss aunty talking to her friends about the chef was changed over yelling at a food reviewer and other incidences. I'm guessing that was you :D
DeleteThe Lei Cha Dish and lotus soup left a yearning in me to go back for more. Still looking for a way to describe it so that I can convince my friends to go together.
But what a shame, heard she is the only one who knows her family's recipe of Lei Cha - 11th or 18th. Sounds like she doesn't want to run the stall anymore & retire because the bad rep of the stubborn chef still lingers.
Hey Wei Ying,
DeleteIt is nice to know that this unfriendly auntie has possibly been removed. I'll take a look next time I am at the Fortune Centre.
I'd definitely be open to giving Veggie Hub another chance, assuming this auntie has been banished from the establishment.
Thanks for the comment! :)
Luke