Jiak Song Mee Hoon Kway @ Bukit Batok - Ex Master Chef Finalist Opens Latest Stall In The West

Jiak Song Mee Hoon Kway is opened by ex-Master Chef finalist Aaron Wong. I first went to queue at his first stall when it opened at Telok Blangah Crescent Food Centre, but it was sold out by the time I reached there. Since then, I have been procrastinating to check out the stall as I heard the queue can be up to an hour. So this time round, I decided to drop by his latest stall at block 177 Bukit Batok West Avenue 8 with a few of my friends.

Signature All-In-One Combo 4.2/5

I decided to have the Signature All-In-One Combo ($5.50), which comes with the handmade mee hoon kway, minced pork, pork slices, pork ball, shrimp ball and ikan bilis. It also comes with a bowl of soup with an egg.

Give the bowl of noodles a good toss to get the black sauce to coat the chewy dough. The first thing I notice is the amount of black sauce. It is not a lot. I would say it is just sufficient. The dough also has a more delectable chewy bite which I enjoyed. It is almost like having gnocchi. What surprises us is that there was a smoky flavour. I didn't see any stir-frying of the noodle; hence I suspect it is from the black sauce.

Overall, I like the delicious bowl of mee hoon kway. There was a lot of textures at play complemented by the smoky flavour. I should try the soup version on the next visit to find out the difference.


Jiak Song
Get Together Coffeeship
Blk 177 Bukit Batok West Ave 8
Singapore 650177
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Nearest MRT: Bukit Batok (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 8am - 8pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bukit Batok MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Bukit Batok Bus Interchange (Stop ID 43009). Take bus number 941. Alight 6 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Tasty Thai @ Bukit Batok Street 11 - Phuket-style Thai Kway Chap

Thai-style kway chap is not common in Singapore, not to mention Phuket-style Thai Kway Chap. However, there is a stall, Tasty Thai, at Bukit Batok Street 11 that offers such a style of kway chap. I understand that the stall is opened by an ex-restaurant manager and his two partners.

Thai-style Kway Chap 4/5

Unlike the Bangko-style kway chap, which comes in a clear peppery soup and crispy roasted pork, the Phuket-style Kway Chap ($4.90) comes in a dark herbal soup. Prowling through the bowl of kway chap, I can find Thai sausage, meatball, pig's skin, pork belly, egg and rolled up rice sheet.

I also noticed that the rolled rice sheet used by Tasty Thai is much thicker than the type used in our local kway chap and Yaowarat Thai Kway Chap, which I didn't enjoy. However, I like the herb-based soup compared to the peppery type. To heat up the taste profile, I would recommend adding some Thai chilli flakes to the soup.

Thai Pork Trotter Rice 3/5

Besides the Thai-style kway chap, the stall also offers Thai Pork Trotter Rice ($4.90) on the menu. I was excited to see the item on the menu, but it fell short of my expectation. The meat was on the tough side, and the rice was a bit hard for me. Even the chilli sauce lacked the tanginess to whet up the enjoyment. In conclusion, it didn't manage to reignite my fond memories for one of my favourite Thai street food.

Tasty Thai
Blk 150 Bukit Batok Street 11
#01-246
Singapore 650150
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Nearest MRT: Bukit Batok MRT (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 8am - 8pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bukit Batok MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Bukit Batok Bus Interchange (Stop ID 43009). Take bus number 991. Alight 4 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Laifaba @ Prestige Centre - New Location, Expanded Menu With Even Tastier Wanton Mee

Laifaba first opened its door at Scarlet hotel and has made a name for itself in offering superb Wanton Mee. It has now relocated to Prestige Centre at Bukit Batok with an expanded menu that comprises rice and other roast meats.

Though located in an industrial area, the interior was made very charming, adorned with retro homewares, posters, a table fan and a radio that work!

Signature Char Siew Wanton Mee 4.5/5

When I first tried Laifaba last year, its Char Siew and Crispy Pork left a deep impression. I have a newfound liking for its Signature Char Siew Wanton Mee ($5.00 Small) this time round. Working closely with suppliers, both the wanton skin and noodle are made with improved recipes. One very noticeable difference is the reduction in alkaline, and I very much prefer this lighter and tastier version. Even the wanton seemed much juicer. I recommend topping up $2 to upgrade the regular char siew to its signature Bu Jian Tian Char Siew. Given the amount of fats in there, I felt the meat had been roasted with much precision to attain the beautiful caramelisation on the exterior and rendering just enough fats for flavours while keeping the meat portion tender.

Meat Platter 4/5

Adding two more roast meats into their menu, we had a platter of Soy Sauce Chicken, Roast Duck and Crispy Roasted Pork ($16 Small). The Soy Sauce Chicken was commendable. The meat was very tender, and the skin was flavourful without being too sweet. The pork was still as good as I remember how it was to be with its succulent meat and crackling skin. The Roast Duck paled a little in comparison but was decent. This portion is good for two people as rice or noodles are available as add-ons.

Shrimp Dumpling Soup (tasting portion) 4.5/5

I like the soup as well. The dry wanton mee does come with a small bowl of soup but try the Shrimp Dumpling Soup ($8) that comes with four large and juicy shrimp dumplings. The soup had a good depth of sweetness and umami flavour, which surpassed most that I had tried so far. I had a go at its Fried Shrimp Dumplings ($8) too, but they weren't as impressive. The skin turned quite soggy and greasy after a while.

Other elements that might draw you back to Laifaba are perhaps the various chilli concoction for the different dishes. There is a special orangey chilli sauce that is very fiery, a red sauce for a regular spicy dry noodle dish, and a refreshing and tangy chilli paste for the roast meats.

Photos and words by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Laifaba
Prestige Centre
71 Bukit Batok Crescent
#02-02
Singapore 658071
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Website
Nearest MRT: Clementi (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon- Sun: 8am - 330pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Clementi MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Clementi MRT station (Stop ID 17171). Take bus number 106. Alight 5 stops later. Walk to Bukit Batok Crescent. Walk to destination. Journey time about 20 minutes. [Map]

Baba Steven's Private Dining - Our Cheapest Private Dining Experience

Our next private dining adventure brought us to the humble home of Baba Steven's Private Dining at Bukit Batok. The chef is Mr Steven Quak who is in his 70s and used to work in a Peranakan Restaurant. We are hosted by his wife while he sweated it out in the kitchen preparing our Peranakan feast. We paid $480 for a table of 8 pax which works out to be $60 per pax.

Pineapple Tarts 3.5/5

While we waited for the rest of the group to turn up, we were offered some home-baked Pineapple Tarts to snack on. They also made these for sales too. The pineapple jam is not too sweet and it is complemented by the buttery pastry.

Bakwan Kepiting Soup 3.8/5

Having tried a number of Bakwan Kepiting Soup, I find the version here is much cleaner and lighter in taste. While the meatball was a bit firm, it stood out for the addition of the bamboo shoot for that extra crunch.

Sambal Lady Finger 4/5

The Sambal Lady Finger is simple but it shone through that simplicity with the beautifully blanched and crunchy lady fingers paired excellently with the homemade sambal. Though the sambal can be more spicy.

Chilli Sotong 4/5

Another homely and simple dish is the Chilli Sotong. Fresh bouncy sotong cooked with chilli, allowing the ingredients to speak of themselves.

Tulang Babi Sio 4.2/5

Well braised prime rib with fall of the bone meat is the Tulang Babi Sio. Besides the tender meat, I really enjoyed the tanginess in the sauce, so much that I was drenching my plate of rice with them.

Ayam Buah Keluak 3.8/5

Most of time when I have Ayam Buah Keluak, the chicken turned out rather dry. I am glad that uncle Steven manage to keep them juicy and tender, with the nuttiness of the acquire fruit shining through.

Nonya Chap Chye 3.8/5

I like the Nonya Chap Chye for the fact that it is cooked to a delectable crunchy bite. I only wish that the fermented beancurd flavour can come across stronger.

Beef Rendang 3.5/5

Unlike the saucy version which I usually have, the Beef Rendang is like a dry version with a thick coat of rempah blanketing the tender beef.

Ikam Kuah Lada 4.5/5

Last but not least we have the Ikam Kuah Lada. This is a dish that I have not eaten before. In the orangey curry-like gravy it comes with chunky stingray and eggplant. The gravy is quite unique with a peppery kick to it. I am glad to discover a new dish for my food journal.

Besides opening his house for private dining, Uncle Steven also do a bit of takeaway catering too. All you need to contact him. Psst...besides Peranakan food, he can cook Thai food too.


Baba Steven Private Dining
Blk 204 Bukit Batok Street 21
Singapore 650204
Tel: +65 97506564
Nearest MRT: Bukit Batok

Ah Lipp Famous Penang Prawn Noodles @ Bukit Batok Street 11 - A Slurping Good Bowl Of Penang Prawn Noodle

Ah Lipp is a new stall that has recently opened at Bukit Batok Street 11, selling Penang hawker fare such as Penang Prawn Noodles, Assam Laksa and White Curry Mee. The stall adopts a queue system whereby customers place their orders, pay up and wait for their queue number to be displayed. A similar concept like clinic or hospital.

Prawn Noodles 4.5/5

Initially I wanted to order the big prawn noodle but it was not available. Hence I settled on the normal size prawn, Prawn Noodle ($6). The bowl of noodle comes with 3 pieces of prawn, tender pork ribs, pork slices and slices of fish cake, topped with fried shallots. The noodle is held together by a rich and robustly prawn shell flavoured soup base, which also has a hint of spiciness.

Assam Laksa 2.8/5

While I applaud the used of the thick beehoon for the Assam Laksa ($3.50) with cucumber and pineapple, I felt that the assam broth lacked of depth and it tasted rather diluted. While I understand the part on cost saving but it felt it is not assam laksa if I could not really find mackerel in the bowl of noodle.

White Curry Noodle 4.2/5

The other noodle dish on the menu is the White Curry Noodle ($4.20) which comes with sotong, fish cake, cockles, chicken and tau pok. I was excited to find cockles in the noodle. Just like how I enjoy my bowl of laksa. The broth is not as lemak as our nyonya but it is packed with robustness. Add the chilli sauce into the soup for the extra oomph.

Overall I am quite impressed with the prawn noodle and white curry noodle. It is worth the calories. However, the assam laksa still has rooms for improvement.


Ah Lipp Famous Penang Prawn Noodles
Yong Xing Mian Jia Coffeeshop
Blk 155 Bukit Batok Street 11
Singapore 650155
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Nearest MRT: Bukit Batok (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 730am - 8pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Bukit Batok MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Bukit Batok Bus Interchange (Stop ID 43009). Take bus number 941. Alight 4 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Soon Kee Fried Hokkien Prawn Noodle @ Bukit Batok Street 11 - The Hokkien Mee Comes with Sio Bak

After writing about Fried Baby Squid Prawn Mee at Bukit Batok Street 11, I was told that there was another Hokkien Mee stall located at the other coffeeshop around the back of the same block. Hence I made my way down to Bukit Batok Street 11 on a Saturday to check out for myself.

Fried Hokkien Mee 3/5

I had the Fried Hokkien Mee with Sio Bak ($5/$7/$10). The normal one without the sio bak is priced at $3.50, $5 and $8. Surprisingly the sio bak is pretty good. It did give the plate of noodle an extra element of enjoyment

The version of hokkien mee at Soon Kee is the wet version. Compared to Fried Baby Squid Prawn Mee, I preferred the texture of the noodles here more. It is not as gooey with the noodles retaining a good bite to it. Unfortunately things went downhill from here. The prawn stock to cook the noodles was not robust enough and the noodles failed to absorb the flavour of the stock. It also lacked the wok hei. On top of that, I dislike the chilli sauce, it did not go well with the noodles at all.

Overall I think it was a decent plate of fried hokkien mee but not one of the best I have eaten. I do like the idea of having sio bak together with the hokkien mee if only if the noodle itself can match up to it.


Soon Kee Fried Hokkien Prawn Noodle
Blk 155 Bukit Batok Street 11
#01-322
Singapore 650155
Nearest MRT: Bukit Batok (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 8am - 9pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Bukit Batok MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Bukit Batok Bus Interchange (Stop ID 43009). Take bus number 941. Alight 4 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Fried Baby Squid Prawn Mee @ Bukit Batok Street 11 - A Gooey Plate Of Goodness With Generous Serving Of Pork Lard

If you are looking for a good Fried Hokkien Mee in the West, you would probably enjoy Fried Baby Squid Prawn Mee located at Yong Xing Mian Jia Coffeeshop in Bukit Batok Street 11. When I was there during my visit, there was already a queue patiently waiting for the stall owner to fried their orders.

Fried Hokkien Mee 3.5/5

A plate of Fried Hokkien Mee ($3.50/$5/$8) comes with prawn, squid, egg and pork lard in a sweet and flavourful stock. The version here is wet and gooey, with the noodles soaking up the robust stock.

Different stalls use different ratio of noodles for the hokkien mee. At Fried Baby Squid Prawn Mee, it uses more bee hoon than yellow noodle for the plate of goodness.

I am not a fan of their chilli sauce. I always feel fried hokkien mee goes better with those chilli sauce that has a tangy. Saying that, the stall is generous with their pork lard which boosts more flavour into the plate of gooey goodness.

This stall serves a good plate of hokkien mee and I can tell from the endless queue during my lunch there. However, I think this is good but not the best. I have had better ones elsewhere. Unfortunately if its in the West, this is one of the better one I have come across so far. Do let me know if you are aware of any other good fried hokkien mee stalls in the West?


Fried Baby Squid Prawn Mee
Yong Xing Mian Jia Coffeeshop
Blk 155 Bukit Batok Street 11
Singapore 650155
Nearest MRT: Bukit Batok (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 930am - 930pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Bukit Batok MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Bukit Batok Bus Interchange (Stop ID 43009). Take bus number 941. Alight 4 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]