Fishball Story @ NUS UTown

I first get to know Fishball Story when I worked with Douglas for the Ultimate Hawker Fest 2014. Located previously at Golden Mile Food Centre, Fishball Story has now moved into NUS UTown at Stephen Riady Center, Level 2 Foodclique. It is actually quite easy to spot the stall, just go to where the longest queue is.

Fishball Noodle 4.2/5

Many would ask what make the fishball noodle at Fishball Story so special? Douglas, 26 years old this year makes his fish balls and fish cakes from scratch using yellow tail fish only. His usual day starts from 4am to make the fish balls and fish cakes, even the sambal chilli and pork lard. I mean who at this age or his generation is willing to do this nowadays.

Fishball Noodle 4.2/5

The Fishball Noodle is priced at $3 for NUS student and $3.50 for Public. While the firm and bouncy fish balls and fish cakes are outstanding, I was hoping that the sambal chilli would have more kick to it.

Borrowing a paragraph from my previous post on Fishball Story. I continued to admire Douglas's hard work and dedication to provide the best quality in his fishball noodle. It is hard to find or even name such stalls nowadays with factory made fish balls readily availability and even at a lower cost. The fishball noodle at Fishball Story is definitely worthy for a visit and we have to give these young hawkers the due encouragement or we will slowly lose the hawker heritage in Singapore.


[CLOSED]
Fishball Story
NUS UTown
Stephen Riady Center
Level 2 Foodclique
2 College Avenue West
Singapore 138607
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Clementi (EW Line), Buona Vista (CC Line, EW Line), Kent Ridge (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 830am - 8pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Clementi MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Clementi MRT station (Stop ID 17179). Take bus number 183. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Clementi MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Clementi Bus Interchange (Stop ID 17009). Take bus number 96. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Buona Vista MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk to bus stop opposite Buona Vista MRT station (Stop ID 11369). Alight 6 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 20 minutes. [Map]

4) Alight at Kent Ridge MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Kent Ridge Station (Stop ID 18331). Take free NUS shuttle bus D2. Alight 5 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 20 minutes. [Map]

Soon Lee Fishball Noodle @ West Coast Market Square

West Coast Market Square is just a couple of bus stops away from where I stay. Occasionally I will go there for a quick meal. One stall that I frequent often is Soon Lee Fishball Noodle. It is also one of the few stalls at the food centre that has a queue.

Fishball Noodle 3/5

A bowl of Fishball Noodle ($2.50/$3) comes with some fish cake slices, fishball. meatball and a bit of minced meat. The noodle here is only decent with a rustic taste.

If I a not wrong, the fishball and meatball should be factory supplied. The fishball is indeed very springy and bouncy but I hardly tasted any fish flavour in it. It even comes with a bit of saltiness that seems quite common with factory made fishball. The meatball fares better with its taste and texture.

I am not sure why the stall usually has a queue. The fish ball noodle is really just average. I will assume of it strategic location facing the main road as well for the fact that there is no other fishball noodle stall at the food centre.


Soon Lee Fishball Noodle
West Coast Market Square
Blk 726 Clementi West Street 2
#01-184
Singapore 120726
Nearest MRT: Clementi (EW Line)

Direction:
1) Alight at Clementi MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Clementi MRT station. (Stop ID 17179). Take bus number 201. Alight 2 stops later. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Fishball Story @ Golden Mile Food Centre

I got to know Douglas, the young hawker that runs Fishball Story when he agreed to take part in the Ulitmate Hawker Fest 2014 curated by Maureen, Ian and me. Douglas who will be turning 24 years old this year, handmade the fishballs and fishcakes freshly at his stall starting as early as 4am. He even prepared the sambal chilli and pork lard at the stall all by himself. This is not an easy task. Who at his age will want to do it. Most of us will prefer to be in the comfort of an air conditioned office.

Fishball Noodle Dry 4.5/5

Douglas learnt the fishball recipe from his grandma using only pure yellow tail fish with no flour. The result is a firm texture with the natural sweetness of the fish. It may not be as bouncy compared to many other places but you are getting the real deal here.

Fishball Noodle Dry 4.5/5

What makes this bowl of Fishball Noodle ($3.50) so delicious is not just all about the fishball. The sambal, shallots and pork lard all plays a part in making in it. Douglas has stroke the right formula allowing all the ingredients to come together in harmony, making a simple dish extraordinary yummy.

Overall I have to admire Douglas hard work and dedication to provide the best quality in the fishball. It is hard to find or even name such stalls nowadays with factory made fishball readily availability and even at a lower cost. The fishball noodle at Fishball Story is definitely worthy for a visit and we have to give these young hawkers the due encouragement or we will slowly lose the hawker heritage in Singapore.


[MOVED]
Fishball Story
Golden Mile Food Centre
505 Beach Road
#01-85
Singapore 199583
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fishballstory
Nearest MRT: Nicoll Highway (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 9am - 5pm
Sat: 9am - 7pm
Sun: 9am - 3pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Nicoll Highway MRT station. Take Exit A. Take the overhead bridge and cross over to Beach Road. Walk down Beach Road along the flow of traffic. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Whitley Road Fish Ball Noodle (天桥下) @ Lavender Food Square

Some people may hesitate stepping into a food court because of the varieties of choices and could not decide what to eat. The easy way out is of course to go for the shortest queue but that usually ends up walking away not feeling satisfied because you did not enjoy what you have just eaten. If you ever visit Lavender Food Square, my personal choice will be Whitley Road Fish Ball Noodle, Albert Street Prawn Noodle, Kok Kee Wanton Mee, Old Bibik's Nasi Rendang and Eminent Frog Porridge.

Fish Ball Noodle Set 4/5

Today I am going to queue for Whitley Road Fish Ball Noodle (天桥下). In order to try everything, I ordered the Fish Ball Noodle Set ($4.30) that comes with homemade fish balls and fish cake. I have read from reviews mentioning that the standard has dropped. This is my first time trying it so I will be basing on my first experience having it.

Fish Ball Noodle Set 4/5

Overall, I did not think there is anything really special about the noodles. Gave it a good mix with the chilli sauce, pork lard, fried shallots and browned garlic, it still came across rather fragrant and springy. The star of the stall has to go to the homemade fish ball and fish cakes. The generous fish paste was firm and bouncy.


[CLOSED]
Whitley Road Fish Ball Noodle (天桥下)
Lavender Food Square
380 Jalan Besar
#01-12
Singapore 209000
Tel: +65 62960611
Nearest MRT: Lavender (EW Line), Boon Keng (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 9am - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Lavender MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Lavendar Station (Stop ID 01311). Take bus number 133 or 145. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Boon Keng MRT station. Take Exit B or C. Walk to bus stop at Blk 22 Boon Keng Road (Stop ID 60199). Take bus 21, 130 or 139. Alight 2 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Food Republic @ I12 Katong

Great news to the Easterners! For the first time ever, Food Republic brings the best of local fare to the eastern part of Singapore. The new Food Republic at level 4 of I12 Katong Mall comes with an unique integrated open dining food concept that allows patrons to see the chefs at work. What excites me more is neither the decor nor concept but a history journey of the Singapore food scene, housed under one roof at Food Republic I12 Katong.

Yong Soon You Tiao $0.90 pc 4.5/5

[Yong Soon You Tiao]. The You Tiao (Fried Dough Sticks, 油条) at Yong Soon is freshly fried at the stall daily. The tender and fluffy inner dough with its crispy crust is best eaten hot. In my own opinion, best eaten by dipping it into warm soya bean drink or coffee. Besides You Tiao, the stall also sells Butterfly fritters and Xian Jian Bing. The Xian Jian Bing comes with exciting flavours such as coffee, pandan, red and green bean. Muslim friends will be glad to know that these dough fritters are Halal certified.

History: Started by Mr Low's grandfather over 20 years ago, he continued the trade and picked up the skill of making these savoury treats.

Thye Hong Fried Hokkien Mee ($6.80) 4/5

[Thye Hong Fried Hokkien Mee]. The Fried Hokkien Mee at Thye Hong is the wet version served on Opel leaves specially imported from Malaysia and Indonesia. The silky rice noodles were further enhanced with the subtle woody fragrance from the leaf. You can also savour other local delicacies such as Char Kway Teow and Fried Oyster Omelette here.

History: With over 40 years of history, Thye Hong was hand-picked by Singapore Tourism Board to showcase his Char Kway Teow as one of our nation's most celebrated local specialties at the Culinary Institute of America in California.

Fu Lin Tofu Yuen - 7 pc set with noodle $6.80 4.5/5

[Fu Lin Tofu Yuen]. This is not your normal Yong Tau Fu stall. The traditional Hakka Yong Tau Fu is cooked crispy upon order and served with their specially made minced chicken mushroom sauce and chilli. Do order their speciality, the minced chicken mushroom gravy noodles to go with the delicious plate of Yong Tau Fu. This unique combination of eating noodles and Yong Tau Fu is something new to me that I have not experienced elsewhere.

History: With 18 years of history, Fu Lin Tofu Yuen started in 1994 in the East Coast area to provide a different kind of Hakka Yong Tau Fu experience.

Li Xin Teochew Fishball Noodle - Mee Pok Dry $4.50 4/5

[Li Xin Teochew Fishball Noodle]. The highlight of the Teochew Fishball Noodle definitely is the soft, bouncy ping pong ball sized yellowtail fishballs. The fishballs are made twice daily and kept chilled in cold water but never frozen.  Li Xin also make their own chilli sauce and crispy lard pieces. We had the dry mee pok noodles which came with a mix of tomatoey sweetness and spiciness.

History: Started in 1968, owner Eddie Lim, son of founder Lim Lee Seng has used the same recipe to make this traditional delicious fare.

Huat Huat BBQ Chicken Wings $1.30 min 3pc 4/5

Huat Huat BBQ Chicken Wing. The freshly barbecued golden brown Chicken Wings were succulent  and juicy. If you are a chilli lover, try the chicken wings with their chilli sauce. I guaranteed it will give you that extra kick.

History: Huat Huat BBQ Chicken Wing has over 20 years of history.

Cho Kee Noodle - Fried Dumpling Spinach Noodle $7 4.5/5

[Cho Kee Noodle]. Being a noodle lover, I gave my thumbs up for their springy handmade noodle. The thing that probably catch everyone's attention is the different colour of noodles offered by Cho Kee. To cater for modern tastes, these noodles have been specially and uniquely created from spinach, carrot and seaweed. Most of the ingredients such as noodles, char siew, dumplings and chilli are prepared at their central kitchen to ensure high level of quality.

History: Cho Kee Noodle started selling wanton noodles at Old Airport Road in 1965 to support the family. It started from a humble push cart to the present.

Ah Yip Herbal Soup - Herbal Duck Drumstick Soup Noodle $13.50 4/5

[Ah Yip Herbal Soup]. The Herbal Duck Drumstick Soup Noodle came with a generous piece of drumstick with the duck meat falling off the bone with ease. To my pleasant surprise, the more than 10 hours prepared herbal soup wasn't too overpowering with herbal taste. The herbal soup was light and tasty, sealed with the healthy benefits.

History: Established in 1993, Ah Yip Herbal Soup was set up because of a simple wish to help keep people healthy. The founder, Mr Cheng Keng Yip was a physician for more than 10 years and knows that drinking herbal soups is an effective and easy way to good health. Based on his expertise and knowledge in Chinese herbs, he specially created a range of herbal soups that capitalizes on the efficacy of herbs without comprising on the taste of the soups.

Indian Express - Butter Chicken with Garlic Naan $9 4/5

[Indian Express]. Even established Indian restaurant, The Song of India has ventured into the food court scene with the opening of India Express. The Butter Chicken has an unique tangy taste compared to others. Indian Express's version seems to use more tomato puree. Drown in the bowl of heavenly gravy, the Tandoori chicken was tender and flavourful.  Eaten with the soft and fluffy Garlic Naan, I can appreciate the mouth watering flavours from the used of authentic herbs and spices.

History: Established as one of the iconic restaurants of Singapore garnering numerous awards for innovative cuisine and exceptional ambience, The Song of India is now brought closer to the hearts of Indian food lovers with the opening of Indian Express at Food Republic I12 Katong.

Wee Nam Kee Hainanese Chicken Rice - Chicken Rice with Dumpling Set $6.50 4/5

[Wee Nam Kee Hainanese Chicken Rice]. Voted Best Hawker at AsiaOne People's Choice Awards 2010, the Wee Nam Kee is famed for its succulent steamed and roasted chicken rice. The jelly like skin, the tender meat with the nicely cooked rice together made it a delicious and hearty meal.

History: Wee Nam Kee has been a family owned business for two decades. Since 1989, two generations of Wees proudly preserved the heritage and recipes refined over the years. The restaurant was invited by the Prime Minister's Office to participate at its Singapore Day in Shanghai.

Pepper Lunch - Pepper Steak $15.90 3.5/5

[Pepper Lunch]. How cool is it to cook your own meal the way you like at Pepper Lunch? Not only that, Pepper Lunch at I12 Katong Food Republic offers the full restaurant menu!

History: Founded in Japan in 1994, Pepper Lunch has grown to more than 160 branches in Japan, Singpapore, Taiwan, Korea and Beijing.

Formosa Delights - Dao Xiao Mian (Beef) $6 4/5

Being a cosmopolitan country who enjoys the variety of food across different cultures and cuisines, patrons at I12 Katong Food Republic can also find a variety of popular international fare at the food court.

[Formosa Delights]. Da Xiao Mian directly translated is Knife Shaved Noodle. The noodles are handmade and cooked upon order. With the open concept kitchen, one can watch the chef prepared the dish with sliced white dough flying through the air into a boiling pot. I kinda like the texture of the noodle with its uneven surface giving it a chewy bite. Complementing the noodles is the tasty herbal soup

Bangkok Gem - Pad Thai with Prawns $6 3.5/5

[Bangkok Gem]. One needs not travel far abroad to savour on Thai food with a gem right at the heart of I12 Katong Food Republic. The stall woks up a variety of Thai cuisine that willl surely give you a lip smacking good time.

Ju Shin Jung Korean Cuisine - Mixed Vegetable Rice in Hot Stone $7.80 4/5

[Ju Shin Jung Korean Cuisine]. Started as a simple family business in Korea, Seoul, the owners chose Singapore as their first venture to bring authentic Korean food to the world. With 3 restaurants in Singapore, Ju Shin Jung at I12 Katong Food Republic is their first express counter. What more can I say, restaurant quality authentic Korean cuisine at affordable price available at food court.

Fragrant Hot Pot - Hot Pot $21.90 Triple Set 3.5/5

[Fragrant Hot Pot, 飘香麻辣香锅]. Originated from Beijing, this is probably the first at food court. Picked from a dazzling array of fresh meats, seafood and vegetables and the chef will stir-fried them in their special Ma La sauce made from over 20 different herbs and spices. Most of us at the table could not manage the level of numbness (麻) and spiciness (辣).

Dapur Padang - Nasi Kuning Set $6.90 4.2/5

[Dapur Padang]. Dapur Padang loosely translated as Padang Kitchen offers traditional Indonesian cusines. Standing tall and pround like the Nasi Kuning (yellow rice) in the picture, the authentic flavours and used of natural ingredients definitely stands out. I can taste the heart and dedication to serve the very best of Padang cuisine in the food they prepared.

Ice Shop - Chendol $2.40 4/5

[Ice Shop]. The drink stall at I12 Katong Food Republic comes in 3 section. Juice Bar, Hot & Cold and Ice Shop. The Ice Shop offers over 15 cold and 5 hot dessert selections. We tried the Chendol which is served in a tall glass. The balance of sweetness made this dessert the perfect ending for a wonderful feast.

I would like to thank Food Republic and OMY.SG for the invitation and hospitality.


Food Republic I12 Katong Mall
112 East Coast Road
#04-01
Singapore 428802
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/foodrepublicsingapore
Website: http://foodrepublic.com.sg/
Nearest MRT: Dakota (CC line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thurs & PH: 10am - 10pm
Fri-Sat & Eve of PH: 10am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Take exit A. Walk to bus stop at Blk 99 Old Airport Road (Stop ID 81181). Take Bus 16. Alight 5 stops later. Cross the road and walk to 112 Katong. Journey time about 10 minutes.

2) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Take exit A. Walk to bus stop at Blk 99 Old Airport Road (Stop ID 81181). Take Bus 10 or 32. Alight 6 stops later. Walk to 112 Katong. Journey time about 15 minutes.

Nan Yuan Fish ball Noodle @ Beo Crescent Food Centre

There is another stall at Beo Crescent food centre that seems to be quite popular judging from the queue. The stall only operates from 6am to 1pm and close on every Thursday and Friday except for public holidays. Written on the signboard - "since 1961". No wonder I can taste tradition in the fish ball noodle with a generous serving of fish cakes and fish balls.

Fish Ball Noodle 4/5

Nan Yuan Fish ball Noodle
Beo Crescent Food Centre
Blk 38A Beo Crescent
Stall #01-68
Nearest MRT: Tiong Bahru (EW Line)

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Teochew Bakso @ People's Park Cooked Food Centre

I was at Chinatown to change money for my Melbourne trip. After that I walked over to People's Park Cooked Food Centre to grab my lunch. This stall caught my attention with the use of a mixture of Teochew and Malay wordings for their menu such as "Mi Kia Bakso Kering" (thin noodle fishball).

I ordered the $4 Mi Kia Bakso Kering which came with 3 big slices of fishcakes of 2 different type and 5 huge fishballs. The fishballs were fresh, springy and crunchy. Very good indeed. For the fishcakes I find it so so only.

Mi Kia Bakso Kering 4.2/5

Teochew Bakso
People's Park Cooked Food Centre
#01-1088
Nearest MRT: Chinatown (NE Line, DT Line)