Wendy’s Singapore - should have just stayed away

As a kid growing up in Singapore, I have vague memories of eating at Wendy’s (along with something called Denny’s. Were they ‘siblings’ or something?) and when I was in New York a couple of years back I had a quick burger there. Remembering it fondly, I headed down to the newly opened outlet at Lao Pa Sat, the first franchise stall on local shores in over ten years.

Alas, like Dunkin’ Donuts (which was another return of a huge franchise), I was thoroughly disappointed.

I had the grilled chicken burger, which looked tasty on the menu, but turned out to be overcooked, bland and the pattie was so hard I’m pretty sure I could break someone’s head with it. The overall effect was so lacklustre (reminiscent of those school canteen attempts at burgers) that I could barely force myself to finish it. And it wasn’t like it was large or anything.

The fries were equally disappointing. While they looked promising (with the crispy, golden texture of Long John Silver fries), they were utterly unsalted and devoid of any taste. Plus, they got soggy really fast.

In an attempt to add some semblance of healthy eating to my meal, I ordered their Caesar’s salad. While it was decent and provided some much-needed fibre, it wasn’t anything out of the ordinary and tasted like something you could get from any supermarket (for about half the price).

Perhaps the only saving grace of the meal was their cheesy cheese baked potato, which was the only tasty thing on my tray. The texture of the potato was just right and the cheese, which wasn’t overwhelming, complimented it perfected. I wouldn’t head all the way to Lao Pa Sat just for it, though.

The price range of the items at Wendy’s are around the same as, say, Macdonalds or KFC (my meal cost me approximately $13 as I shared my potato and salad) but the food nowhere even near as good.

Until more outlets open in Singapore (and I heard there are plans for many) and the standard gets better, I’d advise everyone to stay away, at all cost. You’d find more pleasure (at probably cheaper costs) at any other more established fastfood outlet across the island.

Rating: 1 out of 5 stars (for the potato)

Wendy’s Singapore
18 Raffles Quay
Lau Pa Sat Festival Market

Opening Hours: 7:30am-10pm daily