Nascent Nono Chen: From Laughter to Fried Chicken
Why the Singapore crowd is buzzing about Monga
While Nono Chen has been cracking jokes on stage for decades, his latest venture has taken a different flavor—literally. The Taiwanese comedian, known for his quick wit and side‑kick role with Jacky Wu, is now cooking up a real treat for food lovers in Singapore.
In an evening preview at Monga, the store that already boasts over 45 outlets in Taiwan, Nono swapped his crisp blazer for an embroidered apron and got hands‑deep in the kitchen. “If you’re wondering if I’m serious about this chicken, watch me do it myself,” he chuckled.
Menu Highlights—What You’ll Find Inside
- Extra‑thick chicken cutlets with a crispy, Taiwanese twist
- Signature seasoning blend that left Jack Neo & Mark Lee singing praises
- The iconic “$69” price tag—yes, the same amount that once served as Nono’s own playful joke set
Opening Day & Where to Catch It
The first Monga outlet landed in Singapore’s western hub on Sept 28, right in the famed Jem precinct. From there, the actor‑turned‑chef promises to roll out more branches so that every family can swing by the next block.
Future Plans—The Road Ahead
At the grand opening, Nono joked, “We’ll open everywhere in Singapore. Every family will be able to go downstairs and buy it.” While his first store may be modest, his culinary dream is massive: “We’ll drop Monga into every corner, where pizza isn’t the only obsession.”
So next time you’re wandering through West, keep an eye out for the sizzling aroma of Monga’s Taiwanese‑style chicken. It’s comedy, culture, and a mid‑night snack all rolled into one place!
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Monga’s Chicken Cutlets: A Tale of Precision and Flavor
Ever wondered how a chicken cutlet can taste the same in every corner of Taipei? Meet Nono, the kitchen wizard behind the Monga brand. He’s the mastermind who fine‑tunes temperature, time, and even season so that each bite is a guaranteed delight.
The Science of Sweet Crisps
Across all Monga locations, frying protocols are laser‑focused:
- • Temperature Precision: Every outlet’s stove is calibrated to hit the exact sweet spot—too low and it’s soggy, too high and you’re left with a burnt souvenir.
- • Time‑Tuned Duration: Whether you’re in the chill of winter or the heat of summer, the fryer times change accordingly. Think of it as a season‑appropriate culinary playlist.
Nono’s “Fast‑Track” Story
When asked how quickly he mastered the art, Nono bragged, “I learned to fry in five minutes. It’s all about genius and natural talent.”
Realistically, the standard on‑the‑job training lasts around a week, but who can resist that playful claim?
And because we’re honest, the writer sampled one of Nono’s famed cutlets—no hype, just pure, juicy perfection.
The Menu: Thick, Tender, and Tasty
Monga has a unique proposition compared to other Taiwanese chicken spots:
- • Extra‑Thick Slices: Each cutlet comes from breast meat and measures at least 2 cm (0.8 in) thick. That thickness guarantees juicy interior even after deep frying.
- • Flavor Trio: Three distinct tastes—classic, spicy, and a secret sauce that keeps taste buds guessing.
Let the Monga experience be a quick journey through a city that blends history with a modern take on a chicken classic.
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The King
Price: $6.90
Don’t just chow down – rule the table. This golden-beautiful chicken is seasoned with the classic salt and pepper combo, giving it a flavor that’s as bold as a monarch’s decree.
Why this bird is the king of the kitchen:
- Crunchy, perfectly‑browned skin that practically bows to your fork.
- Robust seasoning that invites a chorus of compliments from every plate.
- Made for the true fried‑chicken purists who believe a chicken deserves a throne.
Indulge in this savory crown and say cheers to a bite that’s truly a kingly affair!
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Hot Chick – The $6.90 Snack That Turns You Into a Trendsetter
Flavors That Pack a Punch
Every bite is dusted with a dash of chilli paprika powder, giving this snack a fiery kick that keeps you guessing.
Chef Nono’s Playful Charm
“Just one bite and you’ll be a hot chick,” Nono giggles, but admits: No money‑back guarantees, so keep the humor in mind!
What’s on the Menu?
- Price: $6.90
- Spice Level: Warm, with a hint of heat
- Claim: “Eat it & become a hot chick.”
- Refund Policy: None – the adventure stays on your plate.
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Welcome to Monga: Where Chicken Is a Superstar and Confidence Is Guaranteed!
Who’s Actually Here?
Picture this: a co‑chef named Nono, a handful of “Taiker” chicken pieces, and actor Chase Tan dropping by for a quick bite. Nono’s secret? A sweet glaze and seaweed flakes that supposedly make you look as dashing as the actor himself. If you’re lucky, you might even crack a smile from the glint of that glossy glaze.
Price? Not Your Mom’s Daily Takeout
At Monga, the chips might be a touch steeper than the neighborhood Shihlin Taiwanese street stalls. But do the math: each chicken cutlet is the size of a dinner plate, if that plate had a superhero cape. So you’re not just ordering a snack—you’re grabbing a full‑blown meal that will have you saying, “I’m stuffed!” and still have room for dessert… or another chicken.
Extra Crispy Zest: The Side Menu
- Monga Nuggets ($5.90) – Six bite‑size pieces that taste like winter crunch in the middle of summer
- Fried Chicken Skin ($3.90) – For those who love a guilt‑free, yet indulgent, crunch
- Fried Broccoli ($3.50) – A veggie twist that’s not afraid to be orange‑conveyed
- Fried King Oyster Mushrooms ($3.90) – The mushroom that thinks it’s royalty
Turn It Up With a Sip
Salt, sweat, and the inevitable cravings? Pair the crunch with one of Monga’s breezy beverages.
- Orange Green Tea ($4.50) – Because a citrusy punch makes everything sparkle
- Grapefruit Green Tea ($4.50) – Fresh and zesty, ready to compete with you for the toastier pair
- Osmanthus Oolong Tea ($3.30) – Aromatic, floral, and whispers “taste of a thousand summers”
Backed by the Hollywood Lens
Local celebs are raving, and they’re not just tangibly sassy. Their glowing reviews serve as a reminder that while your hands might barely be able to pick up a full plate, you’re in safe company. So go ahead—get your feast, sip your tea, and see if, by some flip of fate, you look like a star themselves. Good luck—No money‑back guarantees, but the fun factor is 100% insured!
<img alt="" data-caption="Mark Lee (left), Nono (centre) and Henry Thia doing a taste test at Monga's preview on Sept 27.
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Monga Swoops In With a New Chicken Cutlet Craze
Just landed on our shores, Monga is already making waves—literally—with a roster of famous bread-and-butter fans. The preview bash saw pop‑stars Jack Neo, Mark Lee, Henry Thia, Marcus Chin and Chase Tan swapping banter, cracking jokes, and keeping the crowd laughing until their sides hurt.
Idea‑Backed – Chicken Cutlet No Enough
Nono, the mastermind behind the new franchise, pitched a genius mash‑up to director Jack Neo:
- “How about a sequel to Money No Enough—Chicken Cutlet No Enough?”
- “I’ll foot the breakfast, lunch, and dinner for the crew.”
- “I’ve been waiting six years for the perfect joke, and now it’s finally a thing.”
We’re still not sure if Jack bites, but both he and Mark couldn’t resist dropping hints about their upcoming concert Yesterday Once More. They flashed a friendly sign that fans should snag tickets for the Oct 27 gig on SISTIC, and they even invited us to grab a chicken cutlet while we’re at it.
Mark’s Love for Chicken Rice
Mark, who’s got his own popular chicken rice chain, 13 Stages, declared himself a The King aficionado: “You can really taste the aroma of the fried chicken… it stays true to its original essence.”
Chase Tan – All Flavours Are A Winner
National basketball star turned actor Chase Tan chimes in as a fan of all the menu options:
- “I literally love all three of them.”
- “They’re all made from chicken breast—no greasy overload.”
- “Perfect for the gym‑goer in all of us.”
More Outlets in the Works
Feeling the urge to bite into Monga’s chicken cutlets but living west of Singapore? Don’t sweat it.
“Some of our friends in the east have been itching for an opening. We’re based in the west, but that’s no excuse. We’re definitely building an outlet in the east—it’s already on the cards,” Nono reassures.
Nono also spills the beans that the brand is cooking up a delivery service soon. In the meantime, swing by Jem for the ultimate taste experience.
Opening Promotion – Grab Your Limited‑Edition Gear!
- When: Sept 28 – Oct 4, Monday‑Saturday, 11 am‑9:30 pm
- Where: #B1‑K10, Jem, 50 Jurong Gateway Road
- First 40 customers each day score exclusive merchandise.
Got questions? [email protected] is ready to help!