Porridge with air-con at KFC

RECOMMENDATIONS through word of mouth may not always be accurate. But when a few different people recommend the same thing, you got to pay attention.

Recently, all I had to do was casually mention that I was headed to KFC to try out its range of breakfast and the response would be: 'The porridge is good!'

That piqued my curiosity. So when I finally got a taste of it, I must say I agree.

The a.m. Porridge is one of about six breakfast options offered by KFC.

The truth is, I had little hope for the porridge.

This is a dish best made fresh and individually. It takes time to ensure that the rice is really mashed. The stock has to have a strong but not overwhelming flavour.

And, let's face it, porridge is a comfort dish that we all have wonderful memories of, so it is hard to just accept anything.

The a.m. Porridge arrived piping hot - a good sign - in a container that contained more than it looked capable of.

The rice was broken into bits - another good sign - and in it were chunks of Original Recipe chicken fillet.

A KFC spokesman assured us that a staff member goes into the outlet early in the morning just to prepare the porridge.

The best part may be the price.

It's $2.50 (add a dollar to get coffee or tea), about the price you would have to pay at the hawker centre.

Here, you get air-con at the same price, so you may want to consider this option, especially with the heat wave we've been experiencing lately.

If porridge is too traditional for you, the a.m. Waffles & Egg meal ($4.80) is also recommended.

The waffles were golden brown and crispy, and went well with the fluffy scrambled eggs.

I'm hardly big on waffles, and even I wanted to finish up my share.

Breakfast at KFC is served from 8am to 11am, and available in nearly 50 outlets throughout the island, including Ang Mo Kio, Bugis Village, Clementi, Heartland Mall, Plaza Singapura, Suntec City, Toa Payoh and Yew Tee Point.

You can visit www.kfc.com.sg for details and locations.