SINGAPORE —There is no second-guessing what’s the main ingredient in the food by The Ugly Duckling. This three-month-old pop-up stall by the cafe Sunday Market wants to focus on duck as its owner-chef Dot Bandi feels the protein has much creative potential and has not been given enough credit.

With that in mind, The Ugly Duckling has been pushing out dishes such as duck leg confit burger and duck fat cheese fries — first created for its debut event at Keong Saik Carnival in May.

The burger, with shredded duck leg meat in kecap manis glaze, orange cheddar and caramelised pineapple held by two brioche buns, has become its signature item. At the recent Eunos Ramadan Bazaar, up to 400 burgers were sold on a good day, according to Sharizan Masduqi, who oversees business development and planning for Sunday Market and The Ugly Duckling. “Just as how Arnold’s is known for their fried chicken, The Ugly Duckling would like to also be known for our duck creations,” added Masduqi.

The Ugly Duckling will be popping up again this weekend and the next at the Singapore Night Festival with a new creation called The Ugly Duck Wings — confit then fried and served with Phad-Thai sauce, grated peanuts, crispy garlic confit and coriander.

Masduqi revealed there are challenges working with duck, especially in a mobile food setting. “It takes a lot of time and patience (to perfect the dish) so the quality of meat is maintained and cooked according to its deserved standard before the customers get to eat it,” shared Masduqi. “Our favourite part about working with duck is that we get to educate our community and customers about how we can do more with it than just preparing the meat conventionally.”

The Ugly Duckling does venture out of its favoured poultry with other items on the menu, such as beef rendang burger and mixed grilled sausages with melted chedder and caramelised onion to add more variety. Ultimately, the pop-up stall aims to keep offering “honest good quality food at an honest price” said Masduqi.

And despite its popularity, The Ugly Duckling has no intention of settling down in one pond. Instead, it is going to get wheels — the outfit has plans to get a food truck. Quipped Masduqi: “With support from the community, The Ugly Duckling can grow and turn into a beautiful swan!”

The Ugly Duckling is popping up at the Singapore Night Festivalat Stall 8, Singapore Management University, Li Ka Shing Library.