Is A Kitchen (友间厨坊) at Vision Exchange worth a visit? If hearty plates of grilled skewers, dumplings, and bold, Northeastern Chinese flavors sound like a good time, the answer is yes. Located in Jurong East, this no-frills eatery consistently draws crowds with its vast menu, robust portions, and the kind of casual, open-air bustle that turns a meal into an experience.
Where It Is and How to Get There
- Address: 2 Venture Drive, #01-37/38 Vision Exchange, Singapore 608526
- Nearest MRT: About a 10-minute walk from Jurong East station
- Hours: Daily, 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Phone: +65 8716 2018
Expect a modest storefront with both indoor and outdoor seating. It’s not the place for linen tablecloths, but for comfort food and full tables, it doesn’t need to be.
What Is Dongbei Cuisine?
Dongbei (Northeastern Chinese) cuisine is built on big flavors and generous servings. Influenced by the cold northern climate and the region’s proximity to Russia, Korea, and Mongolia, it leans heavily into stews, preserved vegetables like sauerkraut (suan cai), and grilled meats. Every bite carries warmth, both in temperature and in taste.
Signature characteristics:
- Savory-sour notes from pickled napa cabbage
- Deep-fried dishes with contrasting textures
- Cold mung bean noodle salads with sharp garlic and vinegar-based sauces
- Skewered meats seasoned with cumin, chili, and garlic powder
This is not food that plays quietly. It demands attention.
The Menu: Over 160 Items and Still Growing
Yes, the menu is sprawling. But don’t be overwhelmed. Many items are variations—think different skewer meats, cold appetizers, soups, or stir-fries. Here’s where to start.
1. Skewers (串儿 – Chuàn’er)
A central feature of the menu. Served smoky and fragrant.
- Lamb skewers – a Dongbei staple, rich with cumin
- Chicken wings – smoky and juicy
- Beef, pork, seafood, vegetables – grilled to order
- Lamb kidney – a bolder choice, though reviews vary on flavor impact
2. Dumplings (饺子 – Jiǎozi)
- Pork and chive dumplings – juicy, well-balanced, and often praised
- Served boiled, not pan-fried—expect authenticity over adaptation
3. Must-Try Dongbei Dishes
- Guo Bao Rou (锅包肉): Crispy fried pork in sweet and sour sauce. This one gets frequent praise as the best in Singapore.
- Dongbei Da La Pi (东北大拉皮): Cold mung bean sheet noodles with shredded veggies and a tangy garlic dressing.
- Suan Cai Yang Rou Guo (酸菜羊肉锅): A hotpot with lamb and pickled napa cabbage. Comfort food in broth form.
- Jing Jiang Rou Si (京酱肉丝): Shredded pork stir-fried in a rich sweet bean sauce, served with tofu skins.
- Yang Xiezi (羊蝎子): Lamb spine hotpot, for those who like marrow-rich cuts.
Popular Dishes Mentioned by Diners
- Garlic Powder Crawfish (蒜蓉小龙虾) – bold seasoning and addictive
- Stir-Fried Tomato and Egg (番茄炒蛋) – deceptively simple, very satisfying
- Fried Pork in Scoop (锅包肉) – crisp and sticky perfection
- Sheet Jelly Salad (东北大拉皮) – cool, chewy, refreshing
- Dry-Braised Assorted Mushrooms (干锅杂香菌) – earthy, savory, great for vegetarians
- Stone Pot Garlic Fish – aromatic and sizzling, served bubbling in a hot pot
Dining Atmosphere
Indoor Seating: Limited. Expect close quarters and fast turnover.
Outdoor Seating: Abundant but can be warm and unshaded. Some diners report mosquito bites. Bring repellent or opt for indoor space during peak mosquito hours.
Vibe: Lively, loud, and full of movement. Think of an upgraded street-side food stall. You’re not here for calm; you’re here for flavor and energy.
Crowds: Weekends mean long waits. Go early or prepare to queue.
Price and Value
- Average Spend: S$15–S$20 per person
- Menu Range: S$1 to S$38.80
- Value Tip: S$30 can feed two if you order wisely. Portions are substantial.
There’s no service charge, which is rare and appreciated. The staff are brisk but efficient, keeping the operation smooth despite the crowd.
Who This Place Is For
- Groups: Big tables, big portions, and share-friendly dishes make it a solid group option.
- Families: Familiar dishes like tomato-egg and dumplings make it child-friendly.
- Late Diners: Open until 12 AM—ideal for post-work or weekend feasts.
- Adventurous Eaters: Want to try lamb spine or garlic crawfish? This is the spot.
What to Expect Beyond the Food
- Noise: A full house equals plenty of chatter and sizzling grill sounds.
- Heat: The outdoor seating can be sweltering. Indoor seats go fast.
- Bugs: The mosquito issue is real. Sit indoors if that’s a dealbreaker.
- Wait Times: Regularly full during dinner hours. Patience required.
The Bigger Picture: A Kitchen Across Singapore
The Vision Exchange branch isn’t the only one. Other locations include Punggol, Yishun, and Novena, though the Jurong East spot stands out for its “Da Pai Dang” energy—something the Novena outlet, for instance, lacks.
They’ve nailed the casual, street-stall-meets-restaurant format. It doesn’t pretend to be sleek. It knows what it is: fast, filling, flavor-forward.
Verdict
A Kitchen (友间厨坊) at Vision Exchange pulls no punches. It serves what it promises—hearty Dongbei dishes, charred skewers, and a menu that spans far more than you’ll finish in a sitting. Expect a rowdy meal, good food, and enough leftovers for a second round. If you want variety, authenticity, and don’t mind a little sweat, this one delivers.
