Grab free sandwiches at the new Don’t Runaway pop-up in Joo Chiat, on Friday and weekends only
We’ve found a delicious reason not to ghost on your weekend plans: Don’t Runaway, a new, cheeky sandwich pop-up, is handing out free American-style sandwiches at Joo Chiat!
Launched by The Platform Collective — the same folks behind the beloved Champion Bolo Bun and Dickson Nasi Lemak — Don’t Runaway is serving up bold stacks every Friday to Sunday, starting today, from 11.30am onwards.
And yes, they’re completely free. In this economy?! We’re so here for it.
Here’s the catch: Download the Don’t Runaway app on your phone, sign up as a member, and flash your in-app QR code at the pop-up.
And ta da! You have secured one free sandwich, though you will only be able to make a redemption per week.
As for its sandwiches, there’re four flavours in total, with a different one taking the spotlight each week. Each type will be available for that week only.
But unless you’re planning to camp at the pop-up week after week, you’ll want to check its socials for the line-up before making the trip.
That said, if you’re already in the ‘hood, why not pop by to check out what all the hype is about?
The pop-up is meant primarily for takeaways, with just a couple of high tables for those who feel like lingering a while longer.
And we’re talking about free sandwiches, after all — so be prepared for a bit of a wait, especially on Saturdays and Sundays.
The team did tease that this is just the beginning, too — there are bigger plans in the works for early next year, for a whole new, permanent look.
Meet the sandwich squad
Inspired by The Platform Collective’s lady-boss Hoh Loyi’s foodie adventures across the US, Don’t Runaway’s sandwiches are chock-full with homely, nostalgic flavours, albeit with an American twist.
First up, The Side Chick has me hooked from the very first bite. A bold spin on the Middle Eastern shawarma, this one is spice-forward in all the right ways.
Bringing together shawarma-spiced smoked chicken, sumac onions, pickled cucumbers, pumpkin seed dukkah, and a tangy white sauce, it’s smoky, earthy, and hits deep.
I really couldn’t help thinking of a second round before I’d even finished the first — that’s how mmm-inducing it is.
The Beef Me Up is a comforting, yet elevated twist on the Sichuan dan dan noodles. It layers yakiniku beef brisket, creamy peanut butter, and a housemade chilli crunch that’s rendered in beef fat for four hours.
The combination may sound a little insane — but trust me, it works. Rich, savoury, and slightly spicy, every element balances out perfectly and it hits my need for Asian comfort food just right.
There’s also the Mortadel-lah, featuring mortadella ham, stracciatella cheese, housemade salsa verde, and a hit of yuzu kosho (Japanese citrus chilli paste).
Though the brininess leaned a touch heavy for my liking, it’s still satisfying in its own way.
And thankfully, Don’t Runaway didn’t forget about the plant-based crowd.
Jack & Loaded is a meat-less take of a Sloppy Joe sandwich and chilli corn carne. It assembles slow-cooked, jackfruit-infused chilli (yes, you read that right), along with melted cheese.
Surprisingly hearty, this came in a close second after The Side Chick. The smoky chilli somewhat reminds me of a BBQ sauce, too — it’s tangy and has just a lovely amount of oomph.
That’s not all: Some may say there’s no such thing as a free lunch — but Don’t Runaway is proving otherwise.
On top of the sandwiches, the pop-up is also giving away exclusive merchandise to the first 20 in line each day, which allows you to snag a limited-edition keychain on Fridays, a Don’t Runaway tote bag on Saturdays, or an iron-on patch on Sundays.
If you’re still figuring out your weekend plans, let this be your sign to head down to Joo Chiat for a free, delicious sandwich fix!
This was a hosted tasting.
For the latest eats, check out Mondo, Amoy’s newest, sleek gelato bar, and The Weirdoughs, a charming bakery-cafe in Serangoon.
Sat 11.30am - sold out
Sun 11.30am - sold out
- Eunos
- Marine Parade
Shannon has the taste buds of a grandmother and perpetually struggles with a food coma.
Read more stories from this writer.
