Best Things Under S$10: 987FM’s Joakim Gomez

SINGAPORE — It has been eight years since Joakim Gomez was thrust into the spotlight. And the Singapore Idol alum has certainly been keeping busy, from acting on television to hosting events to his latest gig as a co-host of MediaCorp Radio 987FM’s The Wake Up Call — where he often finds himself “starving by 10am”, despite munching on fruit or sandwiches lovingly packed by his mother.

“Where to eat?” is a question that always pops into his mind, said the 26-year-old.

Though he works the morning shift, Gomez said he makes time for late-night supper at his regular haunts such as Serangoon Garden’s famous Chomp Chomp food centre and the stretch of eateries situated along Upper Thomson Road like Meng’s Kitchen, The Roti Prata House and Rochor Beancurd.

BREAKFAST: McDonald’s Sausage McGriddles (from S$3.80). I’ve been a huge fan of McDonald’s breakfast menu. I fell in love with the McGriddles when they were released. I like tasting the sweetness of the bun. It combines perfectly with the sausage patty’s saltiness. The hashbrown is the icing on the cake for me. It’s a comforting way to start your morning.

Lunch: Fish porridge (S$3.50) from Bishan Street 13, at the hawker centre next to the MRT station. I love a good bowl of fish porridge; there’s something very comforting about it. I’m glad this stall has very decent fish porridge and it’s available right at my doorstep. Usually, I have this after a good run.

DINNER: Ming Kee Chicken Rice (S$3.50) from Kim San Leng, Block 511,Bishan Street 13. It holds a place in my heart. I’ve been having its chicken rice for close to 20 years. I always order chicken breast meat. It’s nicely sliced and not too tough or too soft. Order an extra plate of oyster sauce vegetables if you feel like having a nice crunch (with your meal).

Dessert/Snack: Prima Deli Kaya Waffle (S$1.50). This always happens when I head home: I walk past a Prima Deli shop, smell the waffle and tell myself, “No, not today”, but then I just give in. I just can’t resist the smell, lah! It’s good to have a nice hot waffle with kaya oozing from every bite you take. Christie Yeo