Big Ben's Place: Wagyu inside!
I went down to Big Ben's Pies last month with my son only to find that there were a whole lot of contractors at the shop who told me that the shop had changed owners! My son was devastated because Big Ben's pies were his favourite. So, I updated on the blog that the shop had closed.
However, a few weeks later, someone wrote in to say that Big Ben's was still alive and well! So, I quickly brought my son down to investigate and lo and behold, not only was Big Ben's alive and well, it had undergone a makeover and was now a cosy little place that looked very much like a pie shop you would find in Britain!
The owners told me that not only was the place renovated, but they have added improvements to their pies. Instead of the normal beef, they have started using Wagyu beef shank. However, they are still charging $4 a pie and unless you ask them, there was nothing on their menu that even mention that this was a Wagyu beef pie.
Now, most places would use the word "Wagyu" as an excuse to increase their prices, so I was amazed that these guys were using Wagyu but not calling their pies Wagyu beef pies.
I can tell you that the pies now taste better than what they were before. The crust is now more buttery and the steak filling is flavourful and cooked till it is meltingly tender. But you know, Wagyu is best enjoyed in shabu shabu or as a steak, but when you stew it, it is not easy to appreciate that the cut of meat comes from a cow that has been given the good life. Oh, it is tasty, but I don't think you would pay $8 for a Wagyu pie because the difference isn't that stark unless you had the Wagyu and the normal beef pie side by side to compare. 4.5/5
Conclusion
I like Big Ben's because they are the closest I can get to a good old Aussie Pie which was a staple for me when I lived in Australia. Using Wagyu is great as the flavour is very good. But they really should just learn from Intel and label their pies "Wagyu inside" but just stick to the $4 price tag. Then it would be compelling enough for people to want to drive to an Ulu part of Siglap to partake of the pie.
Big Ben's
Place 15 Swan Lake Avenue (Opera Estate)
68760737
Mon-Sat 12pm-10pm
www.bigbensplace.com.sg
Posts
21 comments:
hmmm the link doesn't seem to work.
Thanks for letting me know. It should work now.
Hi,
i think the website is down. FYI.
BTW, since this place is rather ulu, I will be popping over to buy a few. But I will not be able to finish it at 1 go. R we able to keep the pie in the fridge and for how long ?
Thanks.
hmm, so whats the new address now? i cant seem to find the add on ur blog!
They are at the same place.
I have just added in the address again.
ahhh! thanks so much for this! lately i've been craving for a good pie that could be comparable to the ones down under.
hmmmmmmmmm. The pie looks weird.
I've yet to try this place. Once I went to look for it without knowing the add or even the name of the shop, just that it was a nice pie place in Opera Estate. In the end, I didn't manage to locate it. Now with the add, I'll get to it. : )
Hi Doc, is the owners still the 2 young men ? Previous owner is John
Yes, same guys but they have new partners.
This is my favourite pie shop too! Yummy!
Haven't had a pie from them in yonks and now that I know they've got wagyu pies, more reason for me to make a trip down.
Hi
We usually freeze any uneaten pies and they've lasted quite well for a month or so.
tkw
(a fan of big ben even since before they move to that ulu place)
Quite amazing that they use wagyu and kept silent about it (until they met you of course, Leslie).
I went last Mon evening around 8pm+ and found the shop closed for business. Perhaps they close early too when the pies are sold out? May be a good idea to call first (and have their number handy if you can't find the place!)
For cyclists and joggers, just follow the Siglap Linear Park pathway all the way in the direction towards Bedok.
It's indeed fantastic if they're using good grade Wagyu, and priced so reasonably.
Thanks for the wondergful pictures of shephards pie. I have only had it a few times but it was definately good to eat.
Had their Guinness Steak Pie, Black Pepper Chicken Pie, Chicken Mushroom Pie & mushroom soup.
The last was a surprise complement to all the excellent pies my bro (Big Ben) and I shared.
I love Big Ben's pies! I absolutely adore the black pepper chicken pie. But the place is indeeed a little difficult to get to if you dont drive. The best pies ever! and at a reasonable price too!
Cherie, for your info, if you take the bus, alight at bus stop after Chai Chee Road (after you past Tampines Sec) travelling towards Eunos. The bus stop is right next to a kindergarten, I think it is called Honey Tree. There is a footpath next to it. Follow that and presto you will reach Terang Bulan/Swan Lake Ave.
chaozhouzi
did they change their owners?
went back after the place revamped, and the pies seem a little different.
Think they are closed on Mondays as well. I just popped by at about 2.30pm and found them closed. I asked the folks at Katong Catering (their neighbours) and they said that its their rest day. Pity. Their website seems to be down too.
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