Unpretentious Beginnings
WINE&DINE|September - October 2019
Collin's has come a long way from its beginnings as a Western food hawker stall to one that has just launched its first halal-certified modern European restaurant, Elfuego at Jewel Changi Airport
Unpretentious Beginnings

When you’re craving a good steak, yet can’t bear to break the bank for it, COLLIN'S® is the place to go. Since 2012, the casual restaurant has built a reputation for offering tasty, affordable Western food. Variety is another strength; its wide-ranging menu spans appetisers, charcoal grilled meats, seafood, premium wagyu, oven-baked pasta, handmade pizza and desserts.

The eponymous chef-owner behind the brand is Singaporean chef Collin Ho, who has more than two decades of culinary experience under his belt. Seven years ago, he decided to open a hawker stall in Geylang selling Western food. Since then, he has gone full steam ahead, expanding the business to 23 outlets across Singapore with outposts in Indonesia, Cambodia and China. The brand’s rise has not gone unnoticed by the industry. Last year, it received the Singapore Enterprise 50 Award for being among the top 50 local brands who have contributed to Singapore’s economic development. It also picked up the Singapore Prestige Brand Award (Established Brands), given out for brand excellence.

Despite its success, COLLIN'S® stays anchored to its key tenet of keeping prices affordable for the masses. Case in point, on average, the mains on the menu do not go beyond $25. For example, the Signature Grilled Chicken Chop that is served with generous mounds of aglio olio, corn cob and salad is $13; the Signature Roasted BBQ Pork Ribs ½ slab served with skinny Cajun fries, corn cob and salad is $17; while an Argentine Angus Ribeye Prime Steak served with seasonal mushrooms and mushroom potato au gratin is $24.

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