Wang Yuqing Serves ‘Xiao Fei Yu’s Mee Hoon Kueh’ & Curry Chicken For $8.90 At Cafe In Punggol

The opportunity arose when an owner of the Mandai golf course – impressed by Golf Spot’s ability to draw non-golfers to the eatery – suggested that he open a second outlet in Punggol. Both facilities are managed by the family-owned company, Poh Bros Golf.

Speaking to 8days.sg over the phone, Yuqing explains the differences between his two golf-related concepts. “Golf Spot has a more casual, open-air ‘kampong’ vibe, and the menu mainly features Western food like burgers and pizzas. Eat Here, Drink Here offers a more comfortable environment and the menu is more diverse, with both Western and local dishes like nasi lemak, mee hoon kueh and curry chicken,” he says in mandarin. Both outlets share some Western menu staples like burgers and pizzas, and Yuqing says the pricing for these items are similar, with a slight difference of $1 to $2.

More than just golfers

While he declined to share specifics, Yuqing says business at the three-year-old cafe Golf Spot has been good, with “about 30 percent of customers being non-golfers” who are drawn in by the casual ambience and food. 

Meanwhile, he has already noticed an even larger number of non-golfers dining at Eat Here, Drink Here, which has been quietly operating for around three months (its official opening was in February). “It’s about 50-50 now, but I foresee the number of non-golfers increasing. Unlike golfers, who tend to eat light before a game, non-golfers – many of whom are residents from nearby HDB estates – come for full meals,” he says. 

“The good thing about opening at a golf course is you have a built-in customer base of golfers. But to succeed, you need to appeal to the general public too,” he explains. “The golf course owners are happy when we bring in non-golfers, as it helps introduce more people to the sport.”

Golf Spot is the only eatery located at the Mandai golf course, while Eat Here, Drink Here is one out of three F&B outlets in the same Punggol building – along with a Tenderbest fried chicken joint, and Tend Bistro, a casual Japanese diner. 

Despite his busy filming schedule – he will appear in Channel 8’s fantasy-romance series Perfectly Imperfect debuting later this year – Yuqing remains hands-on in developing the menu with their chef. Some of the dishes are based on his own recipes, like braised trotter bee hoon, curry chicken and mee hoon kueh. “My ‘wife’ says my mee hoon kueh is the best. I make the dough from scratch,” he proudly shares.

Norah, who owns a marketing company, naturally handles all the cafe’s marketing efforts. She also came up with its no-frills name.

“With the sleek furniture and curtains, the space could easily be mistaken for a more upscale dining destination. She didn’t want people to think that it was too fancy, so she came up with Eat Here, Drink Here to make it clear that we’re a casual eatery,” Yuqing explains. 

Picking up his clubs again

Despite running two eateries at golf venues, Yuqing doesn’t consider himself a serious golfer. “I used to play but had to stop when work got busy. Golf can be quite addictive, and I didn’t have time to practise every week,” he admits. Lately, the actor’s been dipping his toes back into the sport. “After opening shop at Punggol, I brought my clubs to the cafe so I can just head to the range when I have free time.”

Asked if he’s any good, the actor demurs: “I just treat it as a form of exercise!” 

Will he open more golf cafes in the future? “I’m open to the idea, but only if the circumstances are right. We’re not some big F&B company with ambitious expansion plans. It all depends on factors like rent and manpower,” he says. 

The menu

From local favourites like kaya toast and nasi lemak to Western comfort food like burgers, pasta and pizza, Eat Here, Drink Here offers an all-day dining menu for every palate. Drinks range from freshly brewed coffee and house-made lemon tea to a curated selection of beer, wine, and cocktails.

Here are some of their must-try dishes, according to Yuqing.

Ah Ma’s Curry Chicken, $8.90

Served with chicken, potatoes and rice, this is a “spicier than average” homestyle curry based on the actor’s family recipe.

Xiao Fei Yu’s Mee Hoon Kueh, $8.90

Named after Yuqing’s iconic role in the ’80s (The Flying Fish, or Xiao Fei Yu in mandarin), this dish features handmade noodles with minced pork and a choice of prawn or abalone topping, served in a comforting soup. Nope, no flying fish here.

Fountain Cheese Wagyu Juicy Beef Burger with Crunchy Fries, $24.90 

The burger stars a charcoal bun, house-made Australian wagyu beef patty and an indulgent drizzle of melted cheddar. 

Celebrity Mid Wings, $8.90 for 10pcs

For sharing, consider these crispy, well-seasoned mid-joint wings.

Grilled Whole Squid with Homemade Chilli Sauce, $18.90

This comes with a tangy chilli dip that’s so addictive, customers have been requesting for the cafe to sell it separately.

Smoked Salmon Avocado Tartare with Tortilla Chips, $16.90

Yuqing calls this a “refreshing, healthy snack”.

Eat Here, Drink Here Cafe & Bistro is at #02-04, 60 Punggol East, S828825. Open Mon to Thur noon - 11pm; Fri to Sun 9am - 11pm. More info via Facebook, Instagram & TikTok. Tel: 89171741.

Photos: Wang Yuqing & Eat Here, Drink Here Cafe & Bistro 

No part of this story or photos can be reproduced without permission from 8days.sg.