Mellben Seafood

So famous that it needs no introduction, Mellben Seafood at Ang Mo Kio is well-known for its outstanding crab dishes. Despite intense competition from Uncle Leong Seafood located just diagonally opposite, Mellben always emerged the winner with its longer queues.

Having dinner with a friend there some Fridays ago, we ordered a chilli crab, a claypot crab beehoon and a plate of fried kang kong with abalone mushroom, which cost close to $100 inclusive of drinks.


Living up to every bit of its reputation, the claypot crab beehoon is undoubtedly one of the best in Singapore. Filled with the concentrated sweetness of crab and the delightful fragrance of milk and spices, the mouthwatering gravy is creamy and flavorful.


The irresistable chilli crab with its luscious spicy gravy, goes very well with the fried man tou (Chinese buns).


Having dined at both Mellben and Uncle Leong on several occasions, I still could not tell the difference between the quality of their crab dishes.


Although more people seem to like Mellben as evident by its longer queues, I prefer Uncle Leong simply because I find that its prices are less expensive and its service faster. Try the two and decide for yourself too.

7.5/10

Mellben Seafood
Blk 232 Ang Mo Kio Ave 3
#01-1222

Bao Ma Economic Rice

Frequently patronising Golden Mile Food Centre for dinner, I wondered how I could have missed this delicious economic rice located on its basement. With a wide variety of dishes including its famous curry fish head, I decided to try its fried brocolli, fried egg omelette and braised chicken after much hesitation.


Priced more reasonably than most economic rice, a plate of plain rice with the 3 dishes above cost only $2.50. Well-marinated with a subtle tinge of ginger spiciness, the braised chicken is remarkably tasty and succulent. The fried brocolli is fresh and crunchy while the egg omelette is fragrant and flavorful.

Having dishes with quality so close to home-cooked standard and yet prices so affordable, Bao Ma certainly has one of the best economic rice in Singapore.

8/10

Bao Ma Curry Fish Head
Golden Mile Food Centre
505 Beach Road
#B1-01/07
S199583

Hai Tang Lor Mee

I have read about this lor mee since 2 years ago but when I was there last year, Mei Chin Market and Food Centre was closed for renovation. After it had re-opened, I was hesitant to go down as I heard that many of the old stalls were no longer around. Until recently when I stumbled upon a thread on Hardwarezone forums did I remember that I have not tried Hai Tang Lor Mee yet.

When I went there this morning, the queue was relatively short and the service was fast, so I got my lor mee within five minutes. Hai Tang lor mee comes in 3 sizes: $2.20 for small, $2.50 for medium and $3 for large. I ordered the $3 lor mee and it came in such a huge serving with plenty of ingredients that I could hardly finish.


Just right in terms of thickness, the special gravy is delightfully savory and sweet with the subtle fragrance of spices. The outstanding lor mee comes with a generous variety of ingredients ranging from braised meat, fish nuggets, chicken, you tiao, ngor hiang, fish cake and braised egg.

Definitely comparable with famous lor mee like Lorong Ah Soo, Tiong Bahru etc, Hai Tang lor mee is not only delicious but value for money. It is certainly worthwhile making a trip down to Mei Chin Food Centre just to try this lor mee.

7.5/10

Hai Tang Lor Mee
Mei Chin Market and Food Centre
159 Mei Chin Road #02-14
Singapore 140159