The Original Botak Jones represents a remarkable chapter in Singapore's culinary history, originally founded in 2003 with the ambitious mission of bringing authentic American comfort food to the average Singaporean at affordable prices. This Muslim-owned establishment emerged during a time when Western food was predominantly expensive and inaccessible, revolutionizing the local dining scene by proving that "damn good, reasonably priced food and courteous but personable service" could coexist. After expanding to over 13 outlets across Singapore and establishing itself as a beloved brand, The Original Botak Jones has returned with renewed focus, now operating from select locations including Depot Lane and Bedok Food City.
The restaurant's menu champions hearty American cuisine with signature items like The Botak Burger ($10.50), featuring a juicy beef patty layered with cheese, crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and their legendary signature sauce, all nestled between perfectly toasted buns. Additional favorites include the Chilli Dawg ($13.50), generous Fish and Chips portions ($8-15), and the aromatic Rosemary Lamb Chops ($22.50-29), alongside comfort food staples like Chicken Gumbo and affordable lunch sets starting from $6.40. The establishment maintains its founding philosophy of generous portions and exceptional value, with most items designed to satisfy Singapore's hearty appetites without breaking the bank.
Currently in the process of obtaining official MUIS halal certification, The Original Botak Jones remains committed to serving the Muslim community with all dishes prepared according to halal guidelines. The brand's resurrection speaks to the enduring appeal of its original concept and the strong emotional connection Singaporeans formed with this pioneering Western food establishment. As The Original Botak Jones rebuilds its presence, it continues to represent the entrepreneurial spirit that has made Singapore's food scene one of the world's most dynamic, proving that authentic flavors and affordable pricing remain the foundation of sustainable restaurant success.
Ordered regular Cajun chicken set and the portion is small, lots of fried given thou. Food is nice b
Ordered the regular Cajun chicken set and the portion was small, with lots of fries given. The food is nice, but the portion doesn't justify the price of $9.
Joseph Tan
Decided to try out after reading good reviews. Sadly nothing fantastic, the pricing don't justify th
Decided to try out after reading good reviews. Sadly, nothing was fantastic, and the pricing doesn't justify the quality of the food. The salad lacked taste, the fish was too dry, the burger too oily, and the ribeye undercooked. Most coffee shop Western food tastes better than this. Will not return again.
Ken Tan KW
We all know Botak’s Cajun Chicken is unbeatable however during my recent visit, the chicken tasted v
We all know Botak's Cajun Chicken is unbeatable, however, during my recent visit, the chicken tasted very dry and not as juicy as before. The fries, while tasty, weren't hot.
Quite a letdown as I've been craving it for close to a decade! There is still hope as the taste is still there—just some slight tweaks and the stall will be back to legendary status!
The portion is still huge, so that's great!
Positive Reviews
Johnny Koh
The Original Botak Jones has earned a strong reputation in Singapore for offering hearty American-st
The Original Botak Jones has earned a strong reputation in Singapore for offering hearty American-style food with a local twist. Many fans love the large portions, especially the Botak Burger, Cajun Chicken, and Fish & Chips, which are made with fresh ingredients and have generous, flavorful portions. The Cajun fries are a popular side, adding a unique spice that complements the main dishes well.
At its peak, Botak Jones operated over ten outlets across Singapore, but in 2013, financial difficulties led to the closure of many of its branches. After a brief hiatus, Botak revived his brand in 2021 with “The Original Botak Jones,” focusing on quality ingredients and customer experience to win back old fans and attract new ones.
BLACK PEPPER CHICKEN REG $9.00 LG $15
The Black Pepper Chicken is often served with sides like coleslaw and fries, offering a balanced meal with a mix of spicy, savory, and refreshing elements. This dish is a great option for anyone who enjoys robust flavors and appreciates American-style comfort food with a Singaporean twist.
Recommend 7/10
Talk about how black pepper itself has a deep history.
The Rise of Black Pepper in Southeast Asia
Black pepper, often referred to as the "King of Spices," has a rich history spanning thousands of years. Originally cultivated in India, pepper was a prized commodity in ancient times, traded widely by explorers, traders, and merchants. The spice was so valuable that it was even used as currency and called “black gold.”
When black pepper made its way to Southeast Asia through the spice trade, it quickly became a staple in local cuisines, finding its way into dishes across Singapore, Malaysia, and beyond. One of the most popular creations from this fusion of local flavors with black pepper is Singapore's iconic "Black Pepper Crab" and, later, black pepper chicken.
In Singapore, black pepper chicken became a staple dish. Restaurateurs, chefs, and street hawkers each put their unique spin on the dish, making it more flavorful, bold, and aromatic with the perfect blend of spices. The dish became a favorite among locals and tourists alike, celebrated for its fiery heat and savory, peppery flavor that pairs beautifully with chicken.
As Southeast Asian cuisines spread globally, black pepper chicken became one of the region's standout dishes. Today, it's a comfort food enjoyed by people from all walks of life and a shining example of how a single spice can inspire a culinary sensation. This story of black pepper and black pepper chicken is a testament to how a humble ingredient can bring flavor, warmth, and even a bit of history to our plates, symbolizing the rich cultural connections that make global cuisine so vibrant.
Sondra
$5.50 for a chicken chop with fries on weekdays lunch is 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 Ordered at a kiosk. Self collect whe
$5.50 for a chicken chop with fries on weekdays lunch is . Ordered at a kiosk. Self-collect when the buzzer beeps. Zero customer service. Contactless.
NomsNook
If you’re craving big portions of Western food, this is the place.
Loved the grilled salmon, nicely
If you're craving big portions of Western food, this is the place. Loved the grilled salmon, nicely charred on the outside, moist and flaky inside. The Double Botak Burger was satisfying with thick, juicy patties. Also tried the Whoopass Cheese Fries loaded with beef chili and cheese – definitely shiok and great for sharing. And the Chicken Gumbo? So comforting and full of flavour. Bonus points for easy kiosk ordering and a wide choice of sides.
Chun How Tan
Authentic American Food in the east 😀
Good food, still as good. Not so crowded in the evening. Orde
Authentic American Food in the East
Good food, still as good. Not too crowded in the evening. Ordered from the kiosk, and service was fast too.
Do check it out if you are nearby. Parking is easy as well. Nice music and you can get a beer too.
David Tan
Cajun Chicken : 4/5 right amount of spiciness and portion is okay for the price. The coleslaw is rea
Cajun Chicken: 4/5. The spiciness was just right, and the portion was decent for the price. The coleslaw was really good and tasted fresh. The Cajun fries were a bit bland though.
Botak Burger: 3.5/5. The patty lacked seasoning and was a bit bland for my liking, though it was juicy. The baked beans on the side were good.
The location is windy and clean for a food court. There weren't many people on a Sunday night.
I might come back to try other items on their menu.