What to cook in hall
Living in hall is all about that social life – which in Singapore’s context, easily translates to food. Having stayed in hall for close to 3 years, I had plenty of wonderful moments bonding over lunchtime Hot Hideout sessions and Crespion Thai food — but sometimes we can get sick of eating the same dish everyday. First world problems, right?
Well, here’s 8 simple recipes you can easily make in hall or college dorm to change things up, and even do with friends as a new, wholesome social activity:
1. Pulled Mushroom Tacos
Perhaps you guys are thinking about how to celebrate the end of finals – to have finally gotten it over and done with. What better than to kick in a feast that’s a little more atas and novel? We’re talking taco night in hall!
This mushroom taco recipe is easy to manage, and you can even cook up a big batch for your entire group of friends! It’s zesty with flavour without having to compromise on nutrition. If you stay in NTU, all the ingredients can be easily bought from Giant at Jurong East, or Prime Supermarket from North Spine.
PS. Feel free to spice it up with bacon bits or minced beef if you guys are looking for something more meaty!
Recipe:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Y-1WN–exkPreparation Time: 45 minutes Serves: 4-6
2. Nasi Goreng Indonesian Fried Rice
For a quick and savoury meal, perhaps one for when you’re rushing to meal prep for the upcoming busy week, this staple is a must. Even if you’re a self-proclaimed hopeless chef, this recipe may just be your foray into the cooking scene!
With this 15-minute Nasi Goreng dish, all you need really is rice, garlic and kecap manis. For extra flavour and bite, you can consider throwing in sambal belacan, eggs, as well as a meat of your choice!
Pro tip from other Meatmen fans who’ve tried this recipe before? Break an extra egg into the wok for a more eggy flavour!
Recipe:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes Serves: 1
3. Creamy Tomato Egg and Rice
If there’s one popular stall at Canteen 11 that everyone flocks to, it’s got to be the Sichuan cuisine. Helmed by authentic Chinese chefs, they serve up dishes such as grilled fish, Cumin beef, and of course, the hearty tomato egg rice.
If you’re looking to replicate a similar taste but with more control over sodium and oil, this easy recipe is one worthy of experimenting! Again, all you need are basic ingredients – eggs, rice, garlic, ketchup, tomatoes, and you’re pretty much good to go.
Recipe:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes. Serves: 1
4. Easy Salad Ideas – Smoked Duck, Roast Chicken, Air Fried Veggies
There comes a point in our hall residency days where we start getting sick and feeling gelak about unhealthy food. At the same time, we know that Mixed Greens stall at NTU South Spine and Salad Stop at North Spine can get quite expensive.
Well, to make the best of your veggie cravings, this recipe video is here to save the day. With these easy salad recipes, you can be sure to be piling up on good nutrition with all that greens without breaking bank.
Depending on your favourite type of meat and flavour, you can choose between chicken, smoked duck, or simply just have your vegetables air fried. Better yet – you can meal prep for the week and prepare different salads in all variations!
Recipe:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes. Serves: 1
5. Jjapaguri with Steak
Indomee supper party with friends? There’s nothing more shiok about binging on instant noodles as a reward after mugging through midnight. To take the chill supper night to the next levelm you can try experimenting with this recipe which stars the famous Jjaparaguri with steak dish.
We trust that most of us NTU hall residents are already experts in preparing the most al-dente maggi mee. Perhaps the only challenge here, really, is ensuring your steak is cooked and charred well. Once that’s done, give it a good sir, and enjoy slurping on your noodles!
Recipe:
Preparation Time: 30 minutes. Serves: 1
6. Rice Cooker Chicken Rice
When nestled away in Pulau NTU, sometimes we crave the most staple Singaporean foods. Yes, we get it – it’s almost like we’re away from proper civilisation.
If you’re missing the taste of our national dish, this recipe will teach you how to whip up a treat easily. We’re not talking about the sub-par chicken rice you’ll find in canteens! Think fragrant chicken rice infused with lemongrass, ginger and pandan leaves, tender juicy chicken, all to be topped off with a nice serving of spring onions.
Recipe: https://www.tiktok.com/@themeatmensg/video/7069655214718078234
Preparation Time: 40 minutes. Serves: 2-3
7. Shrimp Toast
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If all you have is 20 minutes tops, this Shrimp Toast is the perfect recipe for you. Plus – it’s also very affordable! All you’ll need to nail this dish is bread, shrimp paste (that you can use if you’ve some leftovers from a steamboat), as well as mayo and fish sauce.
This might just be the best motivation for you as you get through your mid-day lectures or tons of revisions to do!
Recipe:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes. Serves: 2-3
8. One Pot Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta
Having too much Pasta Express pasta is just not it when you’re craving something hearty, or a little more authentic. Maybe you’re looking to impress your new bae in hall – this one pot pasta may just be your dish to leave them truly impressed.
Creamy pasta, juicy mushrooms, and char-grill flavoured chicken. This homemade dish is much better than any Western food you’ll find at NTU – and possibly much more cost-efficient too.
All you’ll need is butter, spaghetti, chicken steak, and mushrooms to make the heartiest welfare pack.
Recipe: https://www.tiktok.com/@themeatmensg/video/7165401136000748801
Preparation Time: 20 minutes. Serves: 1
Easy Recipes for Hall
While eating out in hall can be the most convenient and mindless choice to opt for, it might also be good to consider fully utilising the pantries. Not only will you have more control over what goes in your food, it can be a therapeutic social activity with your hall mates too!
If you’re trying out any of our recipes, do share with us some fun moments on the Meatmen FB Cooking Community and spread the joy!
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More of what you might like:
P.S. We’ve got recipes for all your Singaporean and Asian favourites on our Youtube channel. Subscribe and share with your friends!
P.P.S. Can’t find a recipe you like? Drop us a comment or ping us on our socials.
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