Ocean Economic Rice

When I was having dinner with my friends at the Toa Payoh branch of Mellben Seafood some weeks ago, I noticed a long queue in front of this economic rice stall named Ocean Curry Fishhead. Curious to find out what is so special about this economic rice, I returned on another day to try it for myself.


I ordered a plate of rice with curry vegetables, curry chicken and fried omelette which costs $3.30. Richly scented with a distinctive lemon grass fragrance, the curry gravy is spicy and savory. I was most impressed with the fried omelette which came with fresh shrimps.

Yet to try its other signature dishes such as curry fishhead, sambal prawn, mutton rendang, sambal cockles, oyster sotong etc, I would certainly bring my family down to Ocean Curry Fishhead for dinner soon.

7/10

Ocean Curry Fishhead
Blk 212 Toa Payoh Lorong 8

Tan Soon Mui Soya Beancurd

At only 50 cents a bowl, Tan Soon Mui soya beancurd at Serangoon Gardens Food Centre must be the cheapest in Singapore. Unless you can still find those soya beancurd in some primary school canteens, which if I remembered correctly, used to cost only 20 cents.


Served in a porcelain bowl, the soya beancurd is soft and smooth with a traditional flavour.

Although it says offer on its signboard, I have not seen a price increase, at least for the past 2 years. If you patronise Serangoon Garden Food Centre for dinner, do complete your meal with a bowl of sweet soya beancurd from Tan Soon Mui.

7/10

Tan Soon Mui Soya Beancurd
Serangoon Garden Food Centre
49A Serangoon Garden Way
Stall 41

Ishi Mura House Special Ramen

This Japanese-themed foodcourt on the level 3 extension of Northpoint Shopping Centre looks more like a restaurant on the outside. Which is why even though I have been working in Yishun, I never knew that Ishi Mura is a foodcourt until recently.

An interesting concept of food stalls with an impressive variety of delicious Japanese food ranging from ramen to baked rice and omelette rice, pizza and pasta, okonomiyaki, bento and burger, sushi and sashimi etc, I decided to have the house special ramen after much hesitation.


Reasonably priced at $6.90, the house special ramen comes with a prawn, two scallops, a piece of char siew (braised meat) and half a braised egg. Filled with delightful seafood essence and a slight milky tinge, the special soup is sweet and flavorful and goes very well with the springy ramen. The authentic homemade chilli paste is remarkably spicy and savory. The fresh scallops and prawn are also juicy and tasty.

Delicious yet affordably priced, Ishi Mura ramen will certainly give Ajisen ramen a run for its money.

7.5/10

Ishi Mura (Northpoint)
Northpoint Shopping Centre
930 Yishun Avenue 2
#03-47/50

Blanco Prawn Noodle House

When I passed by Jalan Kayu last weekend, I was delighted to see a new addition to its stretch of delicious eating places - Blanco Prawn Noodle House.


I ordered the $5 bowl of pork rib prawn mee which comes with 4 pieces of pork ribs and 3 pieces of halved prawns. What immediately impressed me was how the thick and mouthwatering soup, which was concentrated with the flavours of prawn and pork rib, complemented the noodles so well. The halved prawns are sweet and the pork ribs are fleshy and tasty.

Though similar in names, I do not know if Blanco Prawn Noodle House is related to the famous Blanco Court Prawn Noodle at Beach Road. Nevertheless its pork rib prawn mee is certainly fantastic enough to keep me coming back to Jalan Kayu for more.

7.5/10

Blanco Prawn Noodle House
Jalan Kayu
Closed on Tuesdays

Leung Sang Egg Tart

Located in the heart of Chinatown, the delicious egg tarts from Leung Sang Hong Kong Pastries go for only $0.70 instead of the usual $0.90 after 6pm. Compared with the pricey $1.30 egg tarts from the famous Tong Heng Confectionery across the road, one may think that the Leung Sang egg tarts are inferior in quality but I beg to differ. After trying the egg tarts from both Leung Sang and Tong Heng on several occasions, I still feel that Leung Sang's egg tarts taste much better.


The special crust of Leung Sang's egg tart is thick and crispy and exudes a delightful butter fragrance with every bite. The flavorful egg custard is soft and smooth and just right in terms of sweetness.

An egg tart from Leung Sang, together with a cup of hot Lipton tea, makes the ideal afternoon tea that I would crave for. Come down and try it for yourself if you haven't.

8/10

Leung Sang Hong Kong Pastries
18 Sago Street

Bishan Malacca Claypot Chicken Mee Sua

While searching for something different to try for dinner at Bishan, I found this stall located above Bishan interchange which sells claypot mee sua (fine vermicelli).


I ordered a bowl of claypot chicken mee sua which costs $4. Served bubbling hot in a claypot, the delicate mee sua is coated with thick soya sauce gravy that is delightfully sweet and savory. The fleshy chunks of chicken are tender and well-marinated and go very well with the spicy chilli sauce with a sourish tinge.

If you are a fan of claypot braised chicken, Bishan Malacca claypot chicken mee sua is something new and delicious that you wouldn't want to miss.

7/10

Bishan Malacca Claypot Chicken Mee Sua
Bishan Bus Interchange Food Court
Level 2
514 Bishan Street 13

Queensway Famous Curry Chicken

When I was at Queensway Shopping Centre a few months ago, I couldn't help being attracted to the irresistable aroma of Nyonya curry which came from this stall on the ground floor. Named Queensway Famous Curry Chicken, this stall has both curry chicken and Katong laksa.


I ordered a bowl of curry chicken and a plate of plain rice which cost only $3. Concentrated with the delightful fragrance of coconut milk, the exceptionally thick gravy is remarkably sweet and spicy, reminiscent of the delicious homemade curry which I used to savour when I was a kid. Although so good that you can have it on its own, the mouthwatering curry comes with 3 pieces of chicken and 2 pieces of potato.

During my subsequent visits there, Queensway Famous Curry Chicken has never failed to consistently impress me as one of the best in Singapore. Besides being famous for soccer jerseys and running shoes, Queensway Shopping Centre has a famous curry chicken which indeed lives up to its name.

8/10

Queensway Famous Curry Chicken
Queensway Shopping Centre
Level 1
1 Queensway
Singapore 149053

Wow Wow West Chicken Chop

Behind this Western food stall in ABC Brickworks Food Centre is a heartwarming story of how the owner, who spent part of his childhood in Boys' Town, decided to give ex-convicts a second chance by hiring them to run his stall. However this is not the reason why Wow Wow West is so popular. Instead it is well-known for its Western food that is not only very delicious but comes in super generous portions.


I ordered the chicken chop which costs $5. Although it was a crowded Friday evening, the service was efficient and I was served within 15 minutes of ordering. Indeed living up to its reputation, the generous portion of chicken chop is the largest that I have seen so far. Perfectly grilled with a delightful charred aroma, the tender chicken chop is topped with savory black pepper sauce that accentuates its distinctive flavour. The complementary coleslaw is also plentiful and tasty.

Enough said, the chicken chop is one of the best that I have tasted in Singapore. While a heartwarming story may entice customers to try the food, it is the outstanding culinary standard that will keep them coming back for more. Wow Wow West has both.

8/10

Wow Wow West
ABC Brickworks Food Centre
#01-133
Closed on Sundays

Ajisen Ramen Hokkaido Seafood Ramen Lunch Special

I was never a fan of ramen (Japanese handmade noodle) because I used to think that ramen tastes the same as instant noodle. Only after my friend brought me to Ajisen Ramen for lunch did I realise my misconception. From then on, I became a big fan of Ajisen's $10.90 ramen lunch special which comes with a bowl of ramen, a plate of side dish and a drink ($12.83 with service charge and GST).

My favorite lunch special combination is the Hokkaido seafood ramen and white fish with hot green tea.


Topped with scallop, sotong and crabmeat slices, the Hokkaido seafood ramen is popular for its special soup base that is slightly milky in consistency and filled with the irresistable essence of seafood. The tasty soup goes very well with the ramen which has a smooth and flour-like texture. I like to add dried chilli flakes because they make the soup spicy yet do not alter its authentic flavour.


The white fish, which is actually fried crispy nuggets stuffed with fresh fish meat, tastes great with the savory chilli sauce. The hot green tea helps to quench every bit of thirst at the end of the sumptuous meal.

For an affordable yet satisfying ramen set lunch, I strongly recommend Ajisen Ramen. With 17 outlets scattered all over the island, there is almost certainly one that is near to you. Come down and try it for yourself today.

7.5/10

Ajisen Ramen
http://www.ajisen.com.sg/contact.htm

Mohamed Sultan Road Cheng Tng

The standard of a cheng tng depends on two things: the flavour of the soup and the variety of the ingredients. The best cheng tng that I have tasted in Singapore so far is Ye Lai Xiang at Bedok Corner Food Centre. Coming close in second place would be Mohamed Sultan Road cheng tng at Zion Riverside Food Centre.


A bowl of cold cheng tng which costs $1.50 comes with a wide range of ingredients eg dried longan, fresh longan, lychee, gingko nut, sweet potato and sago seed. Delightfully sweet and highly addictive, the refreshing soup has a special flavour that distinguishes it from other cheng tng.

If you frequent Zion Riverside Food Centre for lunch or dinner, do remember to try Mohamed Sultan Road cheng tng if you haven't.

7.5/10

Mohamed Sultan Road Hot & Cold Cheng Tng
Zion Riverside Food Centre
No 32

Western Chow Hainanese Beef Stew

After trying the delicious beef stew from Jacob's Cafe, I decided to embark on a journey to try the other beef stews in Singapore. My next stop is Western Chow at Bishan Central.


A plate of Hainanese beef stew, which costs only $6.50, comes in a generous portion that is certainly worthwhile for its price. Served with carrot and potato, I was delighted to find huge chunks of beef inside the stew. Creamy and peppery, the savory stew goes very well with the rice. While extremely tenderised, the beef seems to have lost its natural beefy flavour which is something very essential in a dish like beef stew.

Although Western Chow's Hainanese beef stew is cheaper and comes in a larger portion, I still prefer the beef stew from Jacob's Cafe. Nevertheless if you crave for beef stew but do not wish to travel all the way down to Changi Village, Western Chow at Bishan Central is certainly worth trying.

7/10

Western Chow
Blk 504 Bishan Street 11
S-11 Coffee Shop
#01-444 S(570504)

Million Fishball Noodle

I vaguely recalled having this fishball noodle a few years ago but it did not leave a lasting impression. Nevertheless when I was at Bishan Central for dinner last week, I decided to try Million fishball noodle for a second time.


I ordered a bowl of fishball dry mee pok which costs $3. Upon taking my first bite, I was impressed with the springy consistency of the dry mee pok and how well it blended with the spicy chilli sauce. It was a long time since I last had mee pok so well-cooked that it tasted so springy. With a distinctive fishy aroma, the tasty fishballs are reasonably bouncy in consistency and go very well with the noodles.

Even though I am not a fan of fishball noodle, I thoroughly enjoyed Million fishball dry mee pok. Come down to Bishan and try it for yourself today.

7.5/10

Million Fishball Noodle
Kim San Leng Food Centre
Blk 511 Bishan St 13 #01-522

Rochor Original Soya Beancurd

Of the many soya bean stalls and franchises in Singapore eg Selegie, Mr Bean, Jollibean etc, my vote for the best soya beancurd still goes to Rochor original soya beancurd.


Located opposite Peace Centre in Selegie, a bowl of Rochor original soya beancurd costs only $1. Silky smooth in texture, the flavorful beancurd disintegrates effortlessly with every bite, exuding a distinctive soya bean aroma that is simply irresistable.

Rochor original soya beancurd is definitely outstanding for its extraordinary smoothness and amazing soya bean fragrance. After trying it, you wouldn't want to settle for other soya beancurd anymore.

8/10

Rochor Original Beancurd
2 Short Street

Ming Ji Clam Prawn Mee

While most traditional prawn noodles come with prawn, pork rib and pig's tail, I was excited to find a prawn noodle at Sembawang Hill Food Centre which comes with clam.


A bowl of Ming Ji clam prawn mee which costs $3 comes with several slices of fresh clams and halved prawns. Although sprinkled with fragrant pork lard, the soup could have been thicker and more flavorful. Nevertheless I enjoyed the juicy clams.

I must agree that Ming Ji clam prawn mee is certainly value for money in terms of its ingredients. If you have not tried prawn noodle with clam, come down to Sembawang Hill Food Centre and try it for yourself.

7/10

Ming Ji Clam Prawn Mee
Sembawang Hill Food Centre
590 Upper Thomson Road
Singapore 574419

Yong He Taiwan Beef Noodle

Located at Geylang Lorong 27A, Yong He Eating House is famous for its dou jiang (soya bean milk) and you tiao (chinese fried breadstick). Today I decided to try its Taiwan beef noodle instead.


A bowl of Taiwan beef noodle which costs $4, comes with handmade noodle (la mian) served with generous chunks of beef. When I saw the reddish colour of the soup, I was immediately reminded of the super spicy la mian from Crystal Jade but I was wrong. The chilli-flavoured soup of Yong He Taiwan beef noodle is fortunately less spicy and more pleasing to my taste buds. I was impressed by the remarkable tenderness of the tasty beef chunks.

If you have the craving for delicious beef la mian at coffeeshop prices, do come down to Yong He and try its Taiwan beef noodle today.

7/10

Yong He Eating House
517 Geylang Road
(Near Geylang Lor 27A)

Jason Penang Pork Rib Prawn Noodle

I only found out recently that ABC Brickworks Food Centre at Bukit Merah has plenty of delicious food ranging from fried hokkien mee, handmade fishball noodle, top grade char siew, Western food etc. If Hong Lim Food Centre is known as a food paradise, then I feel that ABC Brickworks Food Centre deserves the same title.


When I was there for dinner last weekend, I decided to try the Penang pork rib prawn noodle from Jason Penang Cuisine. Certainly value for money, a bowl of Penang pork rib prawn noodle which costs $4 comes with 3 big deshelled prawns and 5 pieces of pork ribs. Filled with the concentrated essence of prawns and pork ribs and the distinctive flavour of spices, the unique soup of Penang prawn noodle is more salty than sweet as compared to the traditional prawn noodle. I was initially skeptical when the stallholder suggested that I add the special chilli paste, instead of the usual sliced chilli, into the soup but after doing so, I was impressed by how the spicy chilli paste enhances the authentic flavour of the soup. The prawns are fresh and sweet and the pork ribs are meaty and tasty.

Whether you are a fan of Penang cuisine or not, if you like the traditional Hokkien prawn noodle soup, you must not miss Jason Penang pork rib prawn noodle. I will certainly return to try its other signature dishes eg fried kway teow.

7.5/10

Jason Penang Cuisine
ABC Brickworks Food Centre
Blk 6 Jalan Bukit Merah
#01-112

Fu Lu Shou Curry Yong Tau Foo

I used to patronise Geylang East Food Centre for lunch when I was working around there two years ago but one stall that I never tried was the yong tao foo with the long queue. Perhaps I was not a fan of yong tao foo then but today I decided to try the curry yong tao foo to find out how good it is.


Reasonably priced at only $0.30 per piece, Fu Lu Shou Yong Tau Foo comes with an impressive variety of dishes ranging from fishball, meatball, fishcake, crab meat, wanton, ngor hiang, dried beancurd, cuttlefish, mushroom and vegetables etc. With the delightful sweetness of coconut milk and the subtle fragrance of lemon grass, the mouthwatering curry gravy is the best that I have tasted so far, just of the right thickness and spiciness and not oily at all.

Besides noodles, you can also choose to have Fu Lu Shou yong tau foo with the special yam rice. If you are a fan of curry yong tau foo like me, come down to Geylang East Food Centre and try it for yourself today.

7.5/10

Fu Lu Shou Niang Tou Fu
Geylang East Food Centre
Blk 117 Aljunied Ave 2 #01-33

Nan Sun Horlicks Soya Bean Milk

As a fan of soya bean milk, the two which I love most are Rochor and Selegie. When I was at Maxwell Food Centre for breakfast last weekend, I jumped at the opportunity to try the special Nan Sun Horlicks soya bean milk.


I ordered a cup of hot Horlicks soya bean milk which costs only $1.30. Concentrated with the natural fragrance of soya beans and the distinctive flavour of Horlicks, the soya milk is delightfully creamy and sweet.

Thicker in consistency than the conventional soya bean milk, Nan Sun Horlicks soya bean milk is certainly worthwhile trying if you are looking for something different.

7/10

Nan Sun Horlicks High Calcium Soya Bean Milk
Maxwell Food Centre
12 Murray Street #01-04

Holy Grill Teriyaki Chicken

There are at least 3 Western Food stalls in Old Airport Road Food Centre but the one that caught my attention was Holy Grill Authentic Western Cuisine. From the menu displayed on its brightly-colored signboard, I decided to order the teriyaki chicken which costs $5.50, with coleslaw and tasty rice as my two complementary side dishes.


Having waited for 30 minutes, I was famished when my dinner was finally served. Topped with thick teriyaki sauce, the grilled chicken chop comes in a very satisfactory portion that is indeed worthwhile for the price and the wait. Expertly grilled with an outer layer that is delightfully charred and crispy, the delicious chicken chop is tender, fleshy and flavorful. Together with coleslaw and tasty rice, it was a very sumptuous dinner.

With competition from neighbouring Western food stalls, Holy Grill certainly has an outstanding grilled chicken chop. I have yet to try its other signature dishes eg grilled salmon and prime ribeye but from the long waiting time, I can guess that they must be as good, if not better.

7.5/10

Holy Grill Authentic Western Cuisine
Old Airport Road Food Centre
51 Old Airport Road #01-27

Hock Choon Lor Mee

I heard about this lor mee stall at Eunos Market which has long queues during weekends and decided to try it for myself.


Although Hock Choon sells both lor mee and laksa, I noticed most of its customers having lor mee instead.

I ordered a $3 bowl of lor mee which comes with braised meat, braised egg and fried fish nuggets. Sufficiently thick and not overly sticky, the savory gravy coats the noodles very well. The delightful combination of braised meat and braised egg with deep fried fish nuggets gives the lor mee a semi-traditional flavour.

Overall, Hock Choon lor mee is one of the more delicious lor mee in the heartlands of Singapore. If there is anything lacking, it would be fried fish which I believe would greatly improve its rating and popularity.

7.5/10

Hock Choon Lor Mee
Eunos Market And Food Centre
4A Eunos Crescent
#01-25

Shanghai Char Siew Chee Cheong Fun

Located in Chinatown Complex Food Centre, Shanghai Chee Cheong Fen has a variety of special chee cheong fun (steamed rice noodle roll) at very affordable prices.


I especially love its char siew chee cheong fun which costs only $1.20. Served with sweet black sauce, chilli and sesame seeds, the appetizing chee cheong fun is stuffed with abundant servings of fresh and tasty char siew (Chinese roasted pork).

Certainly value for money and comparable with the standards of famous dim sum restaurants, Shanghai char siew chee cheong fun is definitely one of the best that I have tasted in Singapore.

8/10

Shanghai Chee Cheong Fen
Chinatown Complex Food Centre
#02-174
335 Smith Street Singapore 050335

Jacob's Cafe Beef Stew

After I read the book Tell It @ Jacob's Cafe written by Towsoon Lim, the founder of Jacob's Cafe, I was curious about its famous beef stew, so I went down to the restaurant at Changi Village on a Friday evening to try it for myself.

Seated at the alfresco section of Jacob's Cafe, I enjoyed the cosy and soothing ambience and almost did not realise that I was actually on the void deck of a HDB flat. I ordered a bowl of beef stew and a plate of rice which cost $10.20. With no service charge and no GST, the prices on the menu are exactly what you pay on the bill.


Indeed value for money, the delicious beef stew comes in a satisfactory portion served with generous chunks of beef and pieces of carrot and potato. Concentrated with the sweet essence of beef, the mouthwatering soup is delightfully thick and irresistably flavorful. The beef chunks, though tasty and fleshy, could have been less tough and more marinated.

Overall it was a sumptuous dinner at Jacob's Cafe. I absolutely loved the special ambience of the place and would certainly bring my family and friends down to try its other recommended dishes eg Hainanese mutton stew and chicken curry.

7.5/10

Jacob's Cafe
Blk 5 Changi Village Road
#01-2049 Singapore 500005
Closed on Sundays

Uncle Sim Home Cooked Nyonya Economic Rice

I walked past this economic rice stall in Whampoa Food Centre and was immediately attracted by its colourful signboard. On it featured the signature Nyonya dishes such as curry fish head, curry chicken, special omelette, sambal sotong, fried chicken etc.


I ordered a plate of plain rice with sambal long beans, fried omelette and curry chicken, which cost only $2.50. Concentrated with the distinctive aroma of coconut milk, the mouthwatering curry gravy is thick and flavorful with the right mix of sweetness and spiciness. Besides the outstanding curry, the crunchy sambal long beans and the tasty egg omelette also complement the rice very well.

Uncle Sim home-cooked Nyonya economic rice is certainly one of best that I have tasted in Singapore. More importantly, its delicious dishes are very affordably priced despite its superior culinary standards. Bring your family down to Whampoa Food Centre and try it for yourself today.

8/10

Uncle Sim Home Cooked Nyonya Food
Blk 90 Whampoa Food Centre
#01-63
Closed on Tuesdays

Teck Kee Cheng Tng

Whenever I visit Adam Road Food Centre for dinner, I never fail to complete my meal with a bowl of refreshing cheng tng from Teck Kee.


Reasonably priced at $1.50, the cheng tng comes with a wide variety of ingredients such as sweet potato, dried longan, fresh longan, white fungus, gingko nut, jelly etc. The saccharine sweetness and soothing coolness of the cheng tng readily quench one's thirst after a sumptuous dinner.

Besides cheng tng, Teck Kee also has other hot and cold desserts eg ice kachang, bubur hitam, tau suan etc. Do try it when you are having lunch or dinner at Adam Road Food Centre.

7/10

Teck Kee Hot and Cold Dessert
Adam Road Food Centre
Closed on Mondays

Kwai Luck Mee Siam

According to wikipedia, mee siam is a Siamese dish of thin rice noodles (vermicelli) in sweet, sour and spicy gravy. Thus the quality of the gravy plays a very important role in determining whether a mee siam is impressive or mediocre.


Located in Chong Boon Market in Ang Mo Kio, Kwai Luck is well-liked for its cheap and delicious mee siam. A plate of mee siam which costs only $2 comes with egg and fried beancurd. You can top up 50 cents for extra egg or bee hoon. The mouthwatering gravy, which goes very well with the bee hoon, has a kaleidoscope of flavours, ranging from the sweetness and spiciness of sambal tumis to the sourness of tamarind (assam).

Kwai Luck mee siam, which opens only in the morning, is certainly one of the best mee siam in Singapore. Come down to Ang Mo Kio and try it for yourself.

7.5/10

Kwai Luck Mee Siam
Blk 453A
Ang Mo Kio Avenue 10
#01-96
Singapore 561453
Closed on Mondays

Amoy Street Fried Kway Teow

Located at the corner of the ground floor of Amoy Street Food Centre, this fried kway teow stall was one of the very few stalls that were open when I was there on a Sunday afternoon. Unable to resist the sinful fragrance of the fried kway teow, I decided to give it a try.


A plate of Amoy Street fried kway teow, which costs only $2.50, comes in a satisfactory portion topped with egg, sausage, cockles and pork lard. Sweet and savory, the kway teow is well-fried with a distinctive charred flavour that is further enhanced by the delightful aroma of pork lard. The fresh cockles, though small, are plentiful and tasty.

If you are passing by Shenton Way and craving for some delicious fried kway teow, come down to Amoy Street Food Centre and try it for yourself.

7.5/10

Amoy Street Fried Kway Teow
Amoy Street Food Centre
7 Maxwell Road
#01-01

Soon Lee Fire-Pot Stew Beef Noodle

There are times when I wished I have taken a better picture of the food I recommend. But I was too hungry to resist the temptation of this fire-pot stew beef noodle, so I just snapped a random shot and started to eat. Believe me, this fire-pot stew beef noodle tastes a thousand times better than it looks in the photo.


Run by two ladies in their sixties, Soon Lee at Alexandra Village Food Centre has a variety of stew beef dishes. I ordered the fire-pot stew beef with a plate of noodles which cost $6. Served piping hot in a fire-pot with carrot and potato, the tender and fleshy chunks of well-marinated stew beef are coated with thick flavorful gravy that is irresistably sweet and savory. The mouthwatering gravy, together with the special chilli paste, complement the thin noodles (mee kia) very well. The delicious noodles also come with a bowl of soup that is concentrated with delightful beef essence.

Soon Lee fire-pot stew beef noodle is certainly the best that I have tasted in Singapore. If you are a beef lover like me, come down to Alexandra Village Food Centre and experience it for yourself.

8/10

Soon Lee Beef Soup
Alexandra Village Food Centre
#01-16

Da Lu Prawn Noodle

When I was taking photos at China Square last weekend, I walked past this air-conditioned eatery named Da Lu Xia Mian and was tempted by the irresistable aroma of prawn mee soup.


I ordered a bowl of prawn noodle soup which costs $5. Concentrated with the delightful sweetness of prawns and pork ribs, the flavorful soup complements the noodles very well. Although the halved prawns are nicely deshelled, they could have been more fresh and tasty.

With competition from two other famous prawn noodle stalls (The Old Stall Famous Hokkien Prawn Mee and Ah Hui Famous Hokkien Big Prawn Mee) located at Hong Lim Food Centre nearby, it is still worthwhile to pay $5 for Da Lu prawn noodle for its delicious soup and dining in an air-conditioned environment.

7/10

Da Lu Prawn Noodle
22 Cross Street
China Square Central
#01-54/55
Singapore 048421

Fatty Weng Seafood Hor Fun

I recently read about this cze char stall opposite Singapore Badminton Hall at Guillemard Road that has been discussed on local food forums for its impressive but expensive hor fun. Being a hor fun lover, I could not resist the temptation and decided to try it for myself.


A plate of seafood hor fun which costs $5 comes with fish cake, lean meat, pig's liver, pig's intestine and prawns. Instead of being deep fried with light soya sauce to a rich wok hei flavour like other famous hor fun, the thin kway teow is lightly fried with dark soya sauce to give it a dark colour and a savory taste. The delicious gravy is sweet and salty and coats the kway teow very well.

Compared with other famous hor fun, Fatty Weng seafood hor fun is certainly not over-priced in terms of the quality of its hor fun and the variety of its ingredients. Come down and try it to decide for yourself.

7/10

Fatty Weng Restaurant
94, Guillemard Road S399717

Wan Li Xiang Economic Rice

There is something special about Wan Li Xiang economic rice at Seah Im Food Centre that keeps me coming back for more. It's not the wide variety nor the cheap prices of the cooked dishes. It's the way the dishes are cooked such that they taste really healthy, not oily or sticky at all.


A plate of rice with curry vegetables, fried egg omelette, curry potato and Kung Pao diced chicken cost only $3. I especially love the curry vegetables because the curry gravy is spicy and savory and just right in consistency, not too thick and not too watery. The egg omelette which is fried with onions, is delightfully sweet and tasty. The Kung Pao diced chicken is well-marinated with the flattering flavours of soya sauce, chilli, pepper and other spices.

This is one of the cheapest and most delicious economic rice that I have tasted in Singapore. Be sure to come down to Seah Im Food Centre early in the evening before the tasty dishes are all snapped up.

7.5/10

Wan Li Xiang Economic Rice
Seah Im Food Centre
2 Seah Im Road #01-51

Whampoa Best Lu Mian In Town Lor Mee

A boastful name like "Best Lu Mian In Town" is a double edged sword. On one hand, it can arouse sufficient curiosity in customers to give it a try. But on the other, it will raise the expectations of customers, which if not met, will ensure that they will never return again. I decided to try this lor mee at Whampoa Market to see if it can live up to its name.


I ordered a $3 bowl of lor mee which comes with braised meat, chicken nuggets, you tiao and fried fish. Savory with a mild tinge of spices, the flavorful gravy coats the noodles very well. I especially enjoyed the special chilli paste that is spicy, sweet and fragrant, as well as the tasty chicken nuggets and the fresh fried fish.

Whampoa Best Lu Mian In Town lor mee is certainly outstanding in terms of its novel ingredients. While I agree that it is one of the more delicious lor mee in Singapore, it has to work harder to become the best.

7.5/10

Whampoa Best Lu Mian In Town Lor Mee
Blk 91 Whampoa Dr
#01-19

Fatty Cheong Char Siew Wanton Mee

Located at ABC Brickworks Food Centre in Bukit Merah, Fatty Cheong is famous for its top grade char siew. Even though I have read its raving reviews on local food blogs, I have yet to try it until today.


I ordered a plate of char siew wanton mee which costs $3. Living up to its reputation, the well-marinated char siew is extraordinarily fleshy and tasty, certainly one of the best in Singapore. The savory light sauce and the spicy chilli paste complement the springy noodles very well, making every mouthful seem really irresistable.

If you are a fan of wanton noodle, you must not miss Fatty Cheong char siew wanton mee. It is not only impressive for its fantastic char siew but its delicious noodles as well.

7.5/10

Fatty Cheong Char Siew Wanton Mee
ABC Brickworks Food Centre
6 Jalan Bukit Merah
#01-120
Closed on Thursdays

Jian Bo Shui Kueh

Chwee kueh is a local breakfast snack of steamed rice cake topped with diced preserved radish (chye poh). Although it is commonly found in coffee shops all over the island, the best still comes from Jian Bo Shui Kueh in Tiong Bahru Market.


For only $1, you get 4 chwee kueh sprinkled with generous servings of chye poh. What is extraordinary about this chwee kueh is its soft yet firm consistency, its super smooth texture and its distinctive rice flavour that makes it so delicious, it can be eaten even on its own. The sweet and salty chye poh, with the fragrance of sesame seeds, further enhances the flavour of Jian Bo chwee kueh, making it the most outstanding in Singapore.

I have to admit that I am not a fan of chwee kueh but after trying Jian Bo's, I was truly impressed. Come down to Tiong Bahru and try it for yourself.

8/10

Jian Bo Shui Kueh
Tiong Bahru Market
#02-05

Inspirasi Mee Soto

Open only after 11am daily, Inspirasi Stall at Bedok Interchange Food Centre has one of the best mee soto in Singapore. Even before the shutters are drawn, there is already a queue in front of the stall.


I ordered a bowl of mee soto which costs $2.50. The magic of Inspirasi mee soto lies in the special gravy which is irresistably savory and spicy. Some people have commented that the gravy is too sweet for their liking but I feel that, together with the fantastic sambal chilli, the gravy is certainly the best that I have tasted so far.

If you are a fan of mee soto, you must not miss Inspirasi mee soto that is not only outstanding but value for money.

8/10

Inspirasi Stall
Bedok Interchange Food Centre
#01-11

Chuan Bee Lor Mee

With famous food like Outram Park fried kway teow, Tuck Kee crayfish hor fun, Ah Heng and Heng Kee curry noodles which have been featured on local food blogs and forums, Hong Lim Market is certainly a food paradise in Singapore. Today I decided to try Chuan Bee lor mee which was recommended by some food lovers.


I ordered a $3 bowl of lor mee which comes with braised meat, fish cake, fried fish, fish nuggets and fried yam balls. Though thick and savory with a herbal tinge, the gravy seems to be lacking in flavour and does not complement the noodles well enough. I especially like the special fried yam balls that are sweet and crunchy and the fried fish that is fresh and tasty.

While the lunch time crowd at Hong Lim feel that Chuan Bee lor mee is one of the best, it certainly did not live up to my expectations. As taste is subjective, do come down and try it for yourself.

6.5/10

Chuan Bee Lor Mee
Hong Lim Food Centre
Blk 531A Upper Cross Street #02-55

Xing Ji Curry Pork Rib Noodle

During my teenage years, my father used to buy this curry pork rib noodle from Tampines Round Market for my breakfast every Sunday morning. I have been wanting to blog about it but it was either sold out or closed for holiday during the last two times when I was there.

Last weekend, I deliberately woke up early to make sure that I get to taste Xing Ji curry pork rib noodle. When I was there at 830am, there was already a long queue and I had to wait for around half an hour to get my noodles.


A bowl of curry pork rib noodle which costs $3 comes with several pieces of pork rib and potato. Soupy in consistency, the curry gravy is filled with the delightful aroma of coconut milk and a special flavour that blends very well with the ee mee (thin egg noodle). The pork ribs are remarkably fleshy, tender and tasty.

As featured on Where The Queue Starts 2, Xing Ji also has wanton noodle. But the curry pork rib noodle is one dish that is almost unique to Xing Ji and certainly worthwhile queuing up for. Be sure to go there early before it gets sold out.

7.5/10

Xing Ji Curry Pork Rib Noodle
Tampines Round Market & Food Centre
Blk 137 Tampines Street 11 #01-35
Closed on Wednesdays

Tian Tian Dao Fried Hokkien Prawn Noodle

Recently I found out about two neighborhood fried hokkien mee stalls with similar names: Tian Tian Dao at Ang Mo Kio and Tian Tian Lai at Toa Payoh. I decided to start by trying Tian Tian Dao first.

Open only after 3pm, this stall is well-known for its long queues during dinner time. When I was there at 6pm, I was lucky to find no queue but soon as I placed my order, the queue started forming.


A plate of Tian Tian Dao fried hokkien prawn noodle which costs $3, is served with prawns, sotong and fatty meat. The noodles are well-fried with a delightful charred aroma and topped with sambal belacan chilli.

Overall Tian Tian Dao impresses with its special sambal belacan that is extremely spicy and savory. It is one of the more delicious neighborhood fried hokkien mee that is certainly worth trying.

7/10

Tian Tian Dao Fried Hokkien Prawn Noodle
Chong Boon Market & Food Centre
Blk 453A
Ang Mo Kio Avenue 10 #01-219
Singapore 561453

Tiong Bahru Fried Kway Teow

After a while, all good fried kway teow seem to taste the same, except for Tiong Bahru fried kway teow that keeps me coming back for more. This is the third time I have tried this fried kway teow in Tiong Bahru Market and it has been consistently outstanding so far.


For only $2, you get a satisfactory plate of fried kway teow topped with fish cake and fresh cockles. Impressively fried to a semi-wet consistency, the mouthwatering kway teow is coated with a thin layer of sweet and savory gravy with a distinctive charred fragrance and a subtle tinge of garlic.

A fantastic fried kway teow is one that makes you want to have it mouthful after mouthful without asking why. Tiong Bahru fried kway teow is just that. Reasonably priced at $2, this is certainly the cheapest and most delicious fried kway teow that I have tasted in Singapore.

7.5/10

Tiong Bahru Fried Kway Teow
Tiong Bahru Market & Food Centre
30 Seng Poh Road
#02-11

Heng Heng Prawn Mee Soup

When I visited Dunman Food Centre last weekend, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that the famous Eng's Wanton Mee which had disappeared recently, had not closed down after all. Instead it was relocated to the basement of Dunman Food Centre. Although I was very tempted to try its super spicy wanton mee again, I reminded myself that I was there to try Heng Heng prawn mee soup.


I ordered a bowl of pork rib prawn noodle which costs only $3. Topped with several pieces of pork ribs and sliced prawns, this prawn noodle is certainly value for money. When I tasted the soup, I was immediately reminded of Joo Chiat prawn mee. Considering the close proximity of the two prawn noodle stalls, I really doubt if the similarity is merely coincidental. The mouthwatering soup, which is concentrated with the delightful sweetness of prawns and the subtle fragrance of fried onion and pork lard, really brings out the "old school" flavour that is missing in most prawn mee nowadays.

Regardless of whether it is related to Joo Chiat prawn mee or not, Heng Heng prawn mee soup is certainly worthwhile trying. If you are a prawn noodle lover like me, do not miss this delicious prawn mee with a traditional flavour.

7.5/10

Heng Heng Prawn Mee Soup
Dunman Food Centre
#02-12
Onan Road
Singapore 424768

Xin Mei Xiang Lor Mee

When I went to Old Airport Road Food Centre for breakfast last week, I was surprised to see a very long queue in front of Xin Mei Xiang lor mee when there is hardly any queue for the other stalls. There must be something special about this lor mee that keeps its customers wanting to queue for it.


I ordered a $4 bowl of lor mee which was topped with such generous servings of fried fish (take a look at the photo) that I could hardly contain my delight. The thick and mouthwatering gravy complements the noodles really well, giving every strand a thorough coat of irresistable flavour. Besides my favorite fried fish, this fantastic lor mee also comes with ngor hiang, braised meat and braised egg.

The winning factor of Xin Mei Xiang lor mee has to be its special fried fish. Like the rest of the customers, I certainly don't mind queuing up for half an hour just to have a taste of it.

7.5/10

Xin Mei Xiang Lor Mee
Old Airport Road Food Centre
Blk 51 #01-116
Closed on Thursdays

Sembawang White Bee Hoon

Located opposite Sembawang Shopping Centre, the speciality dish of this cze char stall, as its name suggests, is 'white bee hoon'. Fried in a similar way as fried hokkien prawn mee, 'white bee hoon' is coated with tasty white gravy and topped with fried egg, prawns and sotong.

I was initially skeptical when my friend told me about this fantastic white bee hoon but after trying it, I have to agree that this is the BEST seafood fried bee hoon in Singapore.


A plate of Sembawang white bee hoon, which costs $4, comes in a serving that is very satisfactory for one person. Impressively fried with a rich wok hei flavour, the bee hoon is coated with thick mouthwatering gravy and served with generous toppings of fried egg. I especially enjoyed the special sambal chilli sauce that is spicy and sour and complements the fried bee hoon really well. Forget about the prawns and sotong as the bee hoon is already so delicious, you can eat it on its own.

Besides having the best seafood fried bee hoon in Singapore, Sembawang White Bee Hoon also has other cze char dishes. After trying it for the first time last month, I began to have repeated cravings for the white bee hoon and certainly didn't mind travelling all the way to Sembawang to have it. Come down and try it for yourself too.

8.5/10

Sembawang White Bee Hoon
2 Jalan Tampang
Singapore 758946
Closed on Wednesdays

Chi Hao Liao Signature Hor Fun

Being a big fan of seafood hor fun, nothing excites me more than a plate of SPECIAL seafood hor fun eg the $10 signature hor fun from Chi Hao Liao in Toa Payoh.


Certainly worthwhile for its price of $10, the signature hor fun is served on an opeh leaf and comes in a portion that is satisfactory for two persons. Topped with a wide range of fresh ingredients eg mushrooms, sea cucumber, prawns and scallop cake, the hor fun is expertly fried to a delightful wok-hei flavour. The mouthwatering gravy is concentrated with savory stock and complements the tasty hor fun really well.

I must admit that Chi Hao Liao signature hor fun is certainly value for money in terms of the outstanding quality of hor fun as well as the generous variety of ingredients. However, as I am not a fan of sea cucumber, I would have given it a higher rating if it had come with other ingredients such as sotong, fish, chicken, lean meat and pig's liver. Nevertheless having this sumptuous signature hor fun is indeed a wholesome dining experience. Come down to Toa Payoh and try it for yourself.

7.5/10

Chi Hao Liao Signature Hor Fun
Blk 94 Toa Payoh Lor 4

Guan Kee Fried Kway Teow

It has been a long time since I saw a queue as long as the one in front of Guan Kee Fried Kway Teow when I was at Ghim Moh Market for lunch last week. With every passing minute, I got hungrier and hungrier but my turn never seemed to come.


I finally got my plate of Guan Kee fried kway teow which cost $3. Well-fried to a semi-wet consistency, the fragrant kway teow is coated with savory sauce and sprinkled with generous servings of pork lard which accentuate its flavour. If you are a shellfish lover, you will be delighted to know that this fried kway teow comes with several juicy cockles to satisfy your craving.

In my opinion, Guan Kee is one of the more delicious fried kway teow in Singapore but certainly not the best. Although I agree that pork lard enhances the aroma of fried kway teow, I prefer mine to be more healthy and less oily. If you are a fried kway teow lover, come down to Ghim Moh Market and decide for yourself.

7.5/10

Guan Kee Fried Kway Teow
Ghim Moh Market And Food Centre
Blk 20 Ghim Moh Road #01-12
Closed on Wednesdays and Fridays

Ji Ji Wanton Noodle Specialist

Winning the highest number of votes in the Straits Times Readers' Choice Favorite Hawkers Poll, Ji Ji Wanton Noodle Specialist at Hong Lim Food Centre must be one of the most delicious wanton mee in Singapore. When I was there for dinner on Friday at 6pm, there was already a relatively long queue.


I ordered a plate of $3 wanton noodle and a bowl of $2 dumpling soup. Topped with fresh cai sim, mushrooms and char siew, the mee pok is springy in consistency and served with sweet and savory dark sauce and chilli paste. The huge prawn dumplings, filled with generous servings of minced meat and prawns, are extremely fleshy and tasty.

Ji Ji Wanton Noodle Specialist is certainly impressive for its fabulous prawn dumplings. I will definitely return for more dumpling soup.

7/10

Ji Ji Wanton Noodle Specialist
Hong Lim Food Centre
Blk 531A Upper Cross Street
#02-49

Wei Nan Wang Hock Kian Lor Mee

Run by an elderly couple in their seventies, Wei Nan Wang Hock Kian Lor Mee at Golden Shoe Food Centre is well-known for its long queues during lunch time because of its cheap lor mee. So in order to avoid the crowd, I went there at 11am today.


Instead of the $2 lor mee, I ordered the $3 bowl which came with fried fish, ngor hiang and braised meat. More watery and soupy in consistency as compared with the usual thick and sticky gravy of other lor mee, the special gravy is flavorful and goes very well with the noodles.

When translated into English, "Wei Nan Wang" means memorable. Although not the best in Singapore, Wei Nan Wang Hock Kian lor mee certainly leaves a memorable impression with its cheap and simple lor mee with a nostalgic flavour.

7/10

Wei Nan Wang Hock Kian Lor Mee
Golden Shoe Food Centre
50 Market Street
#03-03

Teck Bee Curry Chicken Noodle

Teck Bee curry chicken noodle is always one of my favorite food whenever I have lunch at Zion Riverside Food Centre. Unlike the usual curry chicken noodle that is served with soupy curry gravy and in a bowl, Teck Bee curry chicken noodle is served with thick curry gravy and on a plate.


I ordered a plate of curry mee kia (fine noodle) which costs $3. Coated with thick savory curry gravy which is concentrated with the sweetness of coconut milk and the fragrance of lemon grass, the tasty noodles go very well with the curry chicken and potato. The serving is also very generous as a $3 plate of noodles comes with two chicken drumsticks, one chicken wing and two pieces of potato.

Besides delicious curry chicken noodle, Teck Bee also has satay bee hoon and prawn noodle soup. Come down to Zion Riverside Food Centre and try it for yourself.

7.5/10

Teck Bee Curry Chicken Noodle
Zion Riverside Food Centre
86 Zion Road

Heng Ji Chicken Rice

Out of the several chicken rice stalls in Chinatown Food Centre, Heng Ji has the longest queue. I have read that it is because of their special chilli sauce and I decided to try it for myself.


I ordered a plate of Heng Ji chicken rice which costs $2.50. The sweet-and-spicy chilli sauce was indeed unique but failed to leave a lasting impression as I would prefer my chicken rice to go with the usual spicy garlic-flavored chilli sauce. What impressed me most was instead the unmatched aroma of the chicken rice. Coated with the desirable essence of chicken broth, every golden grain of rice is distinctively fragrant and flavorful. The steamed white chicken is tender and tasty and sprinkled with light soya sauce.

This is a traditional chicken rice which is outstanding in terms of the quality and fragrance of its rice. This explains why in spite of so many other delicious food at Chinatown Food Centre, people still return for more of Heng Ji chicken rice.

7.5/10

Heng Ji Chicken Rice
Chinatown Complex Market & Food Centre
Blk 335 Smith Street
#02-131

Japanese Cuisine Salmon Teriyaki Set

Where can you find a salmon teriyaki set which consists of pearl rice, salad, miso soup and two pieces of salmon for only $5.50?


Japanese Cuisine, a stall in Tanjong Pagar Food Centre, serves restaurant style Japanese set meals at affordable coffee shop prices.


Lightly fried with a crispy outer covering and coated with sweet teriyaki sauce, the impressive salmon is irresistably fragrant and flavorful and is certainly the best I have tasted in a coffee shop. Savory but not too salty, the miso soup goes well with the tasty pearl rice and salad.

For only $5.50, you get a sumptuous salmon teriyaki set meal that will satisfy the craving of every Japanese food fan. Come down to Tanjong Pagar Food Centre and experience it for yourself.

7.5/10

Japanese Cuisine
Tanjong Pagar Food Centre
Blk 6 Tanjong Pagar
#02-16
Closed on Saturdays

Joo Hing Seafood Hor Fun

A friend recommended me to the seafood hor fun from Joo Hing, a restaurant in Joo Chiat which is famous for its cze char (Chinese cooked dishes).


Reasonably priced for an air-conditioned restaurant, a plate of seafood hor fun which costs $5 is served with a wide variety of ingredients such as prawns, sotong, fish, chicken, lean meat and fish cake. Well-fried with a delightful wok hei flavour, the delicious hor fun is coated with thick savory gravy. I was impressed by the freshness of the fish, sotong and prawn which makes the hor fun even more value for money.

If you prefer dining in an air-conditioned environment, Joo Hing is the one restaurant which I will certainly recommend for its impressive hor fun and cze char.

7.5/10

Joo Hing Restaurant
360 Joo Chiat Road
Closed on Mondays

Joo Chiat Place Fried Kway Teow

Having spent a significant portion of my childhood at Joo Chiat Place, I could remember that my favorite food then was prawn noodle soup, followed by wanton mee and fried kway teow. It must be during that time when I first developed my love for good food.

Recently reopened after it was closed for renovation last year, I finally had the opportunity to revisit Joo Chiat Place Fried Kway Teow.


Marvellously fried to a dry consistency, the delicious kway teow is remarkably fragrant and flavorful with a distinctive charred aroma. A plate of fried kway teow which costs $3, comes in a satisfactory portion with egg, sausage and cockles.

More than just a nostalgic flavour, the quality of Joo Chiat Place fried kway teow has remained outstanding over the years. It is certainly one of the most impressive fried kway teow in Singapore.

7.5/10

Joo Chiat Place Fried Kway Teow
No 59
Joo Chiat Place