L32 Geylang Handmade Noodles @ Geylang Road - Probably The Best Ban Mian In The East

After reading and hearing good reviews of L32 Geylang Handmade Noodles's Ban Mian, I decided to visit the coffeeshop in which it is located at the junction of Geylang Road and Geylang Lorong 32. My attention is drawn to the variety of ban mian such as chicken, fishball, meatball, sliced fish, clam and fish head besides the normal pork one.

Prawn Ban Mian Soup 4.5/5

The Prawn Ban Mian Soup ($5) comes with 2 big fresh prawns, egg, minced pork, vegetables and topped with ikan bilis that sweeten the already flavourful soup. The star has to be the texture of the noodles that is cooked to al dente. I can understand why many have given good reviews of their ban mian now. I am glad that I take the time to check it out.

Pork Ban Mian Dry 4.5/5

For the dry version, I gone for the Pork Ban Mian Dry ($4.30) which is the cheapest of all the selection. Compared to the soup version, the dry version allows you to appreciate the texture of the handmade noodles even more. The enjoyable bite of the noodle is complemented by the robust and fragrant chilli sauce, elevated by the ikan bilis. The accompany soup even comes with a whole egg drop.

After trying L32 Geylang Handmade Noodles myself, I have to agree that the ban mian here is top notch. There is nothing to fault the texture of the handmade noodle. The chilli is spicy and fragrant. The soup is robust and flavourful. It is like the whole package for a good bowl of ban mian.


L32 Geylang Handmade Noodles
558 Geylang Road
(corner of Geylang Lorong 32)
Singapore 389509
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Nearest MRT: Paya Lebar (CC Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 1130am - 930pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Paya Lebar MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk to Geylang Road. Turn right onto Geylang Road. Walk down Geylang Road. Walk to junction of Geylang Road and Geylang Lorong 32. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Tian Tian Xiang Claypot Rice (天天香砂煲饭) @ Aljunied Ave 2 - The Claypot Rice Comes With Salted Egg Yolk

Recently I came across Tian Tian Xiang Claypot Rice (天天香砂煲饭), located inside a coffeeshop at Aljunied Ave 2. I was there during dinner time and basically every table at the coffeeshop is having the claypot rice. It aroused my interests when I see so many people ordering the same thing. The next moment I am at the table waiting for my claypot rice to be served.

Claypot Rice 4/5

The Claypot Rice comes in 4 pricing - $6 (1 pax), $12 (2 pax), $16 (3 pax) and $22 (4 pax or more). The different pricing caters for different dining group. Besides the tender chicken pieces, slices of Chinese sausages and crunchy vegetables, I was surprised to find salted egg yolk among the fluffy rice. I have never seen it elsewhere. Do note, there is no salted egg yolk for individual portion.

Usually when I have claypot rice, I would like to separate the chicken pieces before pouring the dark sauce into the rice and mixed everything up, so that each grain is coated with the dark sauce. During the mixing process, I also like to scrape the base of the claypot to mix the charred rice with the fluffy rice. This ensures each mouthful comes with the charred crispiness.

Another star at Tian Tian Xiang Claypot Rice is their Sambal Chilli. The sambal chilli is really spicy and will send you breathing fire. It really has that fiery kick but its damn shiok.

Chicken Feet and Peanut Soup 4/5

Besides the claypot rice, you can also order a bowl of soup to go with the rice. I had the Chicken Feet and Peanut Soup. A sip of the soup and  you can taste that it has been boiled of hours, extracting the goodness of the ingredients, flavouring the delicious soup.

Tian Tian Xiang Claypot Rice (天天香砂煲饭)
Blk 119 Aljunied Ave 2
#01-54
Singapore 380119
Tel: +65 67440158
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Nearest MRT:

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sat-Sun: 10am - 10pm
(Closed on Fri)

Direction:
1) Alight at Aljunied MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk towards Aljunied Road. Take the overhead bridge. Cross the road and walk to bus stop opposite Aljunied MRT station (Stop ID 81081). Take bus number 80. Alight 2 stops later. Cut through the housing estate and walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

 2) Alight at Aljunied MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn right and walk to Geylang East Ave 1. On Geylang East Ave 1, turn left and continue to the end of the road. Cross the road and continue on Aljunied Crescent. Walk down Aljunied Crescent and turn right onto Aljunied Ave 2. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Paya Lebar MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to bus stop at Paya Lebar MRT station (Stop ID 81119). Take bus number 134 or 155. Alight 2 stops later. Cross the road. Cut through the housing estate and walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Original (正宗) @ Geylang East Centre Food Centre - Old School Claypot Delights

My recent visit to Geylang East Centre Food Centre introduces me to Original (正宗) which sells claypot delights such as Laksa, Pork Ribs Noodle Soup, Pig Tail Prawn Noodle, Prawn Noodle and Curry Chicken, all serve in claypot.

Claypot Prawn Noodle 2.8/5

The Claypot Prawn Noodle ($3) comes with fresh peeled prawns, bean sprouts and pork slices. For the price, the portion is quite reasonable, served piping hot in a claypot. The old school style prawn noodle lacked the rich crustacean flavour in the soup. Hence it did not quite manage to win over my palate. It was decent but not wow.

Claypot Laksa 3/5

Like the prawn noodle, the Claypot Laksa ($3) is served piping hot in a claypot. The laksa comes with cockles, fishcake and prawn. The laksa broth has a light creamy consistency. However I felt it lacked the depth of a good laksa broth to complement the rice noodle. It is missing the richness of the coconut milk as well as the aroma of the dried shrimps.

Although I felt the food is rather average here, I did observe that the stall had a constant stream of customers during my visit. I will assume either the customers are attracted by the reasonable pricing or the old school taste of their claypot dishes.


Original (正宗)
Geylang East Centre Food Centre
Blk 117 Aljunied Ave 2
#01-02
Singapore 380117
Nearest MRT: Aljunied (EW Line), Paya Lebar (CC Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
TBA

Direction:
1) Alight at Aljunied MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk towards Aljunied Road. Take the overhead bridge. Cross the road and walk to bus stop opposite Aljunied MRT station (Stop ID 81081). Take bus number 80. Alight 2 stops later. Cut through the housing estate. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

 2) Alight at Aljunied MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn right and walk to Geylang East Ave 1. On Geylang East Ave 1, turn left and continue to the end of the road. Cross the road and continue on Aljunied Crescent. Walk down Aljunied Crescent and turn right onto Aljunied Ave 2. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Paya Lebar MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to bus stop at Paya Lebar MRT station (Stop ID 81119). Take bus number 134 or 155. Alight 2 stops later. Cross the road. Cut through the housing estate and walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Ming Yun Famous Fried Hokkien Prawn Noodle @ Geylang East Centre Food Centre - A Surprisingly Good Plate Of Fried Hokkien Mee

This is my first time visiting Geylang East Centre Food Centre and I chanced upon Ming Yun Famous Fried Hokkien Prawn Noodle which serves a decently good plate of fried hokkien mee. During my visit, the stall is run by an uncle alone who is probably is around 50-60 years old. Apparently the stall has been around for some time but has relocated several times. As far as I know, it used to be in Redhill, Bedok 85 and Tampines before settling down at its current location.

Fried Hokkien Mee 4.2/5

I ordered a pate of the Fried Hokkien Mee ($4/$5/$6) which comes with 3 peeled prawns, squid, egg, pork belly and pork lard. The first thing I noticed is the used of thin beehoon noodle instead of those thicker type used my most fried hokkien mee stalls.I actually like used of the thin beehoon which seems to be a better absorbent of the stock. In addition, the wok frying probably have given it a drier texture providing a contrast to the wetter yellow noodle.

I ordered the smallest plate at $4, For the pricing, I think the stall is quite generous with the ingredients (prawn, squid and pork belly). What I enjoyed most is the burst of unami from the crispy pork lards, capping the whole enjoyment. I read some reviews that they find the stock too sweet, I actually thought otherwise, which is rather balanced. However I have to agree about the chilli, it does not go well with the hokkien mee.

Surprisingly, the stall also sells mee siam on the menu. However, everyone in the queue ordered only the hokkien mee. I guess we have to trust the crowd and stick to the fried hokkien mee and give the mee siam a miss.


Ming Yun Famous Fried Hokkien Prawn Noodle
Geylang East Centre Food Centre
Blk 117 Aljunied Ave 2
#01-12
Singapore 380117
Nearest MRT: Aljunied (EW Line), Paya Lebar (CC Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Thu-Sun: 6am - 2pm
(Closed Mon to Wed)

Direction:
1) Alight at Aljunied MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk towards Aljunied Road. Take the overhead bridge. Cross the road and walk to bus stop opposite Aljunied MRT station (Stop ID 81081). Take bus number 80. Alight 2 stops later. Cut through the housing estate and walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

 2) Alight at Aljunied MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn right and walk to Geylang East Ave 1. On Geylang East Ave 1, turn left and continue to the end of the road. Cross the road and continue on Aljunied Crescent. Walk down Aljunied Crescent and turn right onto Aljunied Ave 2. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Paya Lebar MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to bus stop at Paya Lebar MRT station (Stop ID 81119). Take bus number 134 or 155. Alight 2 stops later. Cross the road. Cut through the housing estate and walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Fishball Story @ Hungry Bee Coffeeshop (Geylang Lorong 28) - New Supper Spot In Geylang

It is a sad news for me to know that Fishball Story has moved out of NUS UTown which is near my home and embarked on a new challenge in Geylang. However I am happy for Douglas and Fishball Story as it is bringing its delicious bowl of fishball noodle to the East. Together with Char Grill Bar and 818 Seafood, they have partnered to open a new coffeeshop called Hungry Bee at Geylang Lorong 28.

Even greater news for fishball story fans and supper seeker, Fishball Story at Hungry Bee Coffeeshop is opened until 2am!

Premium Fishball Noodle 4.5/5

The Premium Fishball Noodle ($6) comprises of fishballs, fishcakes, fried fish skin, fish dumpling and fried bean curd skin with fish paste. Douglas continues to make the firm and bouncy fishballs using his grandmother's recipe, using 100% yellowtail fish meat. Instead of making the fishballs and fishcakes at the stall itself now, Douglas made them from his new central kitchen and deliver them to the stalls.

Not only does Douglas handmade his fishballs and fishcakes, he also prepared the sambal and pork lard for the stalls. It has been a while since I last had his noodle and I thought the sambal has improved. The marriage of the spiciness with the noodle has a better kick, layered by the pork lard aroma.

If noodle is too heavy for you, you can also opt for the Fishball Soup ($4.50) or Mix Soup ($4.50) with fishballs and fishcakes in a flavourful and sweet soup. Go for the mix soup if you prefer varieties, especially the fish cakes which is speckled with chilli and scallions.

Fishball Story
Hungry Bee Coffeeshop
(Geylang Lorong 28)
512 Geylang Road
Singapore 389468
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Nearest MRT: Aljunied (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 2am

Direction: 
1) Alight at Aljunied MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight to Sims Ave. Cross the road. Continue on Geylang 25. Walk to the end and to Geylang Road. Cross the road. Turn left and walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Sheng Kee Cooked Food @ Geylang Bahru - The Soya Sauce Chicken Was A Disappointment

I have known about Sheng Kee Cooked Food at Geylang Bahru Food Centre before it moves to the nearby coffeeshop at block 66 when the food centre is closed for renovation. In fact, I have asked my wife who works in the area about the stall but she has told me not to waste my calories. Hence I have never bother to check it out until recently when a group of foodie friends visited the stall. They seemed to have different opinions about the soya sauce chicken.

Soya Sauce Chicken Noodle 2.8/5

I took the opportunity on a weekend to visit the stall at around 3pm. There was no queue at the stall. I ordered a plate of the Soya Sauce Chicken Noodle ($3/$4). I observed how the stall prepared my bowl of noodles and I was disappointed. The stall actually pre-chopped the chicken into many different portions and let it rest on a tray (don't know for how long). The stall owner then took a piece of it and chopped it up into smaller pieces for my bowl of noodles.

Soya Sauce Chicken Noodle 2.8/5

I am not sure whether is it because my chicken has been resting for too long on the tray, it was rather dry. Compared to other soya sauce chicken I tried, this is also bland. Even the noodle was over cooked and soaky. I actually left half the bowl untouched.

Maybe taste is really subjective. Maybe I visited the place on a bad day. Maybe I did not get to eat their freshly cooked chicken. Maybe I should trust my wife's opinion. Be it what is the reason, my visit was a disappointing one.


Sheng Kee Cooked Food
Pin Yu Xuan Pavillion
Blk 66 Kallang Bahru
#01-473
Singapore 330066
Nearest MRT: Geylang Bahru (DT Line), Potong Pasir (NE Line), Lavender (EW Line), Kallang (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 10am - 5pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Geylang Bahru MRT station. Take Exit. Walk to junction of Kallang Bahru and Geylang Bahru. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Potong Pasir MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Potong Pasir MRT station (Stop ID 60269). Take bus number 107 or 853. Alight 3 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about. 12 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Lavender MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Lavender MRT station (Stop ID 01311). Take bus number  61, 107 or 175. Alight 4 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

4) Alight at Kallang MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop opposite block 2C along Lorong 1 Geylang (Stop ID 80101). Take bus number 26. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]