Soon Heng Fishball Noodle (顺兴鱼圆面) @ West Coast Market Square - Bouncy Fishballs Amidst Mixed Noodle Experience

I finally decided to brave the snaking queue at West Coast Market Square to try out the renowned Soon Heng Fishball Noodle (顺兴鱼圆面). Despite living in the neighbourhood for over 8 years, the popularity of this stall has always kept me away. This time, I managed to arrive early enough and got my hands on the $4 portion of their famed fishball noodle.

One of this dish's standout features is the handmade fishballs' peculiar shape. These bouncy delights immediately caught my attention. Unlike the commercial variants, Soon Heng's fishballs retain a pronounced fish flavour, proving that no shortcuts were taken in their preparation.

Fish Ball Noodle 3/5

For my noodle choice, I opted for mee kia. However, I found myself disappointed with the noodles, as they had a lingering alkaline taste that didn't quite sit well with me. The chilli sauce tossed with the noodle didn't complement the noodle's taste profile, making the overall combination less appealing.

Despite the noodle's shortcomings, I cannot deny the allure of Soon Heng's fishballs. Their authentic taste and springy texture showcase the artistry of their handmade creation, setting them apart from the mass-produced alternatives.

Though my experience with the noodle may have been less satisfying, I've heard their soup version is worth trying. Perhaps my next visit will be dedicated to exploring this aspect of their menu, hoping to find a better balance that complements the star attraction - the scrumptious fishballs.


Soon Heng Fishball Noodle (顺兴鱼圆面)
West Coast Market Square
Blk 726 Clementi West Street 2
#01-152
Singapore 120726
Nearest MRT: Clementi (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 5am - 930am
(Closed on Mon)

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]

SG Food on Foot - Best Eats In 2021

I didn't put together a list for 2020 as we were hit by the Covid restriction and was not able to dine-in most of the calendar year. Since the restriction has been somewhat relaxed for 2020, I was able to check out a number of places. With that, I will bring back the annual tradition to recap my food journey for the past one year. Here is my best eats for 2021.

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Ah Five Hainanese Chicken Rice

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One of my best discovery for 2021 is Ah Five Hainanese Chicken Rice near Mayflower MRT station exit 3. What caught my attention was a petite young lady behind the chopping board. It is a rare sight in the hawker scene. The stall, run by a sister and brother team, is inside a coffeeshop at block 158 Ang Mo Kio Ave 4. They are the children of Mr Lee Tai Keng, the founder of Five Star Chicken Rice.

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Firangi Superstar

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Firangi Superstar at Craig Road is born out of love and memories of the country India. Stepping into the restaurant is a cinematic journey, transporting diners to an Officer's Club, Old Railway Room, Elephant Palace and Jungle Lodge. Here, the food takes classic Indian cuisine in unexpected forms in Head Chef Thiru Gunasakaran's hand, giving it a modern approach.

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Joo Chiat Place Fried Kway Teow

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All of us probably has our own favourite char kway teow stall, and mine is Outram Park Fried Kway Teow Mee at Hong Lim Food Centre. I am glad to discover an underrated Char Kway Teow stall at Joo Chiat Place Fried Kway Teow. It is located in a corner coffeeshop along Joo Chiat Place. In my opinion, it is comparable to Outram Park Fried Kway Teow.

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Ju95

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JU95 is a modern izakaya restaurant located at Boat Quay opened for about 3 months. From what I understand, the kitchen is helmed by Chef Louis who supposed to follow a 2 Michelin starred chef to Belgium which was put off due to the pandemic. I am impressed with the food at Ju95. The dishes I tried are creative and tasty with touches of finesse, giving a modern take of traditional izakaya. Ju95 is one of the best restaurants I have eaten this year, and I recommend you check it out.

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Rempapa

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I have been following Chef Damian D'Silva heritage cooking when he had a stall at Timbre+ Ayer Rajah, followed by Folklore and Restaurant Kin. But, unfortunately, he didn't stay long at any one place. Hence I was glad to hear he is making a come back with a new restaurant - Rempapa at Park Place Residences at PLQ. Rempapa offers an all-day dining concept where the eclectic menu caters for different times of day - Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner.

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Revolver

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Revolver is the latest and hottest restaurant to be opened at the bustling Tras Street. The restaurant embraces the fire of Indian cooking sensibilities, world-class premium produce and carefully selected global spices to create a progressive and exciting dining experience. There is three tasting menus - Discovery Menu ($139++), Experience Menu ($179++) and Vegetarian Menu ($129++).

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Ristorante Pietrasanta

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I could not believe this was my first time visiting Ristorante Pietrasanta until it recently relocated to Connexis Tower, Fusionpolis. It moved from Portsdown Road to the current location, which is more accessible. It is so much accessible now located just beside the One-North MRT station. A must-have is the pasta dishes at Ristorante Pietrasanta. They handmade all their pasta daily.

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Tai Er Chinese Sauerkraut Fish

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Popular Tai Er Chinese Sauerkraut Fish, with nearly 300 stores in China, has opened its first outlet in Singapore at Changi Jewel Singapore. The restaurant is known for its Chinese Sauerkraut Fish seeing daily queues at the stores to savour the fish fillets in a spicy and sour broth. A must have is the Chinese Sauerkraut Fish ($48/$68/$88) that comes in a huge plate with the tender fish slices swimming in a pool of soup, brimming with red chillis, Sichuan peppercorn and pickled cabbage. If I am not wrong, they use tilapia fish for the dish. The combination of mala, spicy and sour flavours is super shiok. I can understand why it is so popular in China now.

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Teochew Fish Ball Noodle

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I have heard about an excellent Teochew fishball noodle stall at Crawford Lane. Still, I always end up going to the one Michelin-starred Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodles. So finally, I got a chance to visit the area and took the opportunity to check out Teochew Fish Ball Noodle, located inside a coffeeshop at block 462 Crawford Lane. Between the mee pok and mee kia, we find the mee kia goes better with the concoction of sambal chilli and vinegar. Though the vinegar is not as punchy compared to Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodles, you still get that sourish kick balanced with the sambal for that slurping goodness. Overall, Teochew Fish Ball Noodle offers a good bowl of fishball noodles. However, if you find the queue at Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodles is too long, you may consider making a slight detour to try the fishball noodle just a few blocks away.

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Yang Ming Seafood

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Having seen a lot of postings from my foodie friends, I have to make my way to Yang Ming Seafood (扬名海鲜) at Bishan Street 11. The zichar place is located in a coffeeshop among the HDB estate. You will notice we ordered mostly seafood dishes because this is their forte. The highlight for the night has to be the Lobster Chee Cheong Fan ($88). It is a dish my friend shared with the owner what he had in Hong Kong, and after much R&D, the chef created this dish which becomes a hit with a lot of foodies. The highlight is the silky chee cheong fan accentuated by the fried shallot, fried garlic and premium soya sauce.

With this, I present to you my Best Eat In 2021. I also like to take this opportunity to thank all my readers and followers for the supports all these years. After two years of Covid, I hope things will get better and we can resume things back to norm. Last but at least, wishing everyone a safe, healthy and wonderful 2022.

Chao Yang Fishball Noodle (潮阳手工鱼丸粿条面汤) @ Eunos Food Centre - Huge And Slippery Her Kiao

If you have been to Eunos Food Centre, you will notice the ever snaking queue at Chao Yang Fishball Noodles (潮阳手工鱼丸粿条面汤). Together with my friends, we reached the stall at 9am and queued for an hour for our food.

Fishball Noodle 4/5

Do note that if you order the smallest portion at $3, it does not come with the Her Kiao (fish dumpling). However, you will still be satisfied with the well-cooked noodle tossed in a concoction of sambal, vinegar and seasoning. Though there is no fish dumpling, you always get slices of fishcakes and fishballs.

We have heard so much about the fish dumpling here, so we order a bowl of Fish Dumpling Soup to make our trip worthwhile. Great that we did. The fish dumpling is huge and slippery. You can tell it is handmade, not those doughy type from the factory.

I would highly recommend trying the Her Kiao here. If you order the small portion, then you should add a bowl of fish dumpling soup. If not, you can order the bigger bowl that comes with fish dumpling.


Chao Yang Fishball Noodle
Eunos Food Centre
4A Eunos Crescent
Stall #01-24
Singapore 402004
Nearest MRT: Eunos (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Tue, Fri-Sun: 530am - 1230pm
(Closed on Wed-Thu)

Direction:
1) Alight at Eunos MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Ah Hua Teochew Fishball Noodle @ Pandan Gardens - Best Fishball Noodle In The West

I have known about Ah Hua Teochew Fishball Noodle at Pandan Gardens for a while, but I simply can't find the time to visit it even though it is quite near my home. Excuses aside I finally made my way to the quiet neighbourhood to check out the hidden gem that has received raving reviews even from fellow hawkers, chefs and influencers. The more reason I have to check it out myself.

Mee Pok Dry 4.2/5

I have the Fishball Mee Pok Dry ($3). The noodle was cooked to a delightful al dente bite complemented by the excellent chilli sauce which has been made in-house. I had the small bowl, which also comes with three fishballs and some slices of fish cakes.

Mixed Soup 4.5/5

Meatball 4.5/5, Fish Dumpling 4.8/5

Knowing that the stall handmade most of the ingredients, I could not resist ordering a bowl of Mixed Soup ($5/$6) that comes with all these handmade goodness. Besides the bouncy handmade fishballs, the highlight has to be their Fish Dumpling. Unlike those doughy, factory-made type, the fish dumpling here has a silky texture with a crunchy bite. It is like wrapping it with real fish skin. The handmade meatball here is as good too. I was surprised by its soft texture with the aroma of dried sole fish.

Yong Tau Foo 4.2/5

If you don't feel like have fishball noodle, you can also go for the Yong Tau Foo ($4). For the price, the portion is really decent with stuffed beancurd, beancurd skin, fish cake, fish dumpling and meatball. You can choose to have it together with noodle or rice.

I am really great that I have finally tried Ah Hua Teochew Fishball Noodle and now I understand why it has been getting good reviews from fellow foodies. The best part it is near my home. In fact, I have already gone back a couple of times already.


Ah Hua Teochew Fishball Noodle
Blk 415 Pandan Gardens
#01-117
Singapore 600415
Tel: 65 90027330
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Jurong East (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 7am - 3pm
Sun: 7am - 2pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Jurong East MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Jurong East Bus Interchange (Stop ID 28009). Take bus number 51. Alight 7 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 25 minutes. [Map]

Quan Fa Mookata @ Jurong East - A Farm To Table Mookata Concept By Local & Regional Farmers

Mookata made healthy by Quan Fa Organic - right at Quan Fa Mookata located deep inside a neighborhood coffee shop at Jurong East. An initiative by Quan Fa Organic, this farm to table concept is an collaboration with our local and regional farmers, serving you only chilled meats, not frozen ones, organic vegetables, kampong eggs and homemade dipping sauces. You will see no store-bought processed foods on your table.

Set for 2

Our Set for 2 ($38) includes choice of 2 chilled marinated meat (small) from the selection of chicken, pork, beef and lamb, 2 prawns and frog legs, fish paste and a basket of seasonal vegetables. You can also choose to add on extra meat, vegetables and rice.

When our tray of meats was being served, for a moment, I felt I was having a Japanese hotpot in an upmarket restaurant - such exquisite plating for a Mookata in a coffeeshop! The Chicken Thigh is marinated with chili & tamarind, Pork Collar with basil and lemongrass and the Frog Legs are also marinated beforehand with Huadiao Jiu and wolfberries. These chilled meats are supplied by Toh Thye San Farm, Fresh Fish Paste from Ha Li Fa (Bobo Fishball) and frog legs from Jurong Frog Farm.

Fish Paste, Meats

Commercial fish paste or fishballs to me are like mock meats, made with lots of flour and flavour masked by seasonings. However this Fish Paste is clean tasting using fresh fish flesh and natural seasoning from herbs and spices, including dills! As for the chicken and pork, even though the meats were being cut a tad too small, they tasted pretty good in terms of flavour and texture. The shredded cabbage underneath the meats, they are salvaged from the unused exterior layer and are natural sweetener for your broth. So do throw them all into your broth once the meats are gone!

One thing to highlight is that greasing your skillet is not your usual lard chunks, but a premium imported A2 milk Desi Ghee, which many may not know has medicinal properties as per ayurveda. Its high smoking point makes it even more apt for barbeque.

The stars on the table, I feel are the broth and the basket of fresh greens. Both leafy and root vegetables simmered together with 2 whole freshly chicken daily, resulting in a very light but flavourful broth. The sweet corns were bursting with sweetness even after being in the boiling broth for a while. The egg is from Uncle William’s Lian Wah Hang Quail & Poultry Farm which is so fresh that you can have it raw too or as an egg dip like that of sukiyaki.

Beware of this harmless looking bowl of homemade Suki sauce, it whets appetite really well. Concocted with a blend of fresh organic birdseye chilli, garlic, Thai miso paste and apple cider, it lifts the flavour of the meat with a bright acidity, along with just a bit of fiery kick.

Heartier options for meat would be Smoky & Spicy Beef Striploin and Cumin & Rosemary Lamb (each $12 for 130g) which you can sear them to the degree of doneness desired. Though they are quality meats, I find them too overly seasoned, especially for the beef.

Farm to table experiences in Singapore are more often than not glorified and sit in the Lifestyle category. To find one in heartland is indeed rare and more so when Quan Fa Mookata is in the most western region! To be honest, the portions are too dainty for Mookata but what I appreciate is the kampong spirit embedded in the concept. This kampong spirit if not preserved and passed on in various ways, will soon be lost in our little island as more and more farms are being bulldozed for the name of developments.

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.


Quan Fa Mookata
PDSS 318 FOOD CAFETERIA
Blk 318 Jurong East Street 31
Singapore 600318
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Chinese Garden (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon, Wed-Sun: 6pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Tue)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Chinese Garden MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to traffic junction of Boon Lay Way and Jurong East Street 31. Cross the road. Walk down Jurong East Street 31. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Ho Jia Bo? Fishball Minced Meat Noodle @ Circuit Road Food Centre

The first thing I noticed of Ho Jia Bo? Fishball Minced Meat Noodle at Circuit Road Food Centre is its interesting name. It is like asking their customer, is our noodles good? During my visit, the stall is man by a friendly middle aged lady. She is both the cook and cashier. Hence be prepared to wait for your bowl of noodle.

Fishball Minced Meat Noodle Dry 3.8/5

I really appreciate the stall for separating the ingredients from the noodle. The Fishball Minced Meat Noodle Dry ($3) comes with fishcakes, fishballs and minced pork. The mee pok was cooked to al dente with a springy bite to it. The chilli sauce was tossed with the mee pok unfortunately lacked depth and it probably requires vinegar to boast the whole dimension of the bowl of noodle.

Mushroom Minced Meat Dry 4/5

Like the fishball minced meat noodle dry, the Mushroom Minced Meat Noodle Dry ($3.50) comes with the ingredients and noodle served separately. The noodle is topped with minced pork and mushroom while the soup comes with lean pork slices, pig liver and meatballs. I personally preferred this over the fishball minced meat noodle because of the addition of mushroom. Even the soup seemed to taste more delicious, flavoured by the ingredients in it.

While I felt that the noodles here probably needed the addition of vinegar to give the bowl of noodle a lift in flavour, I do applaud the generous serving of ingredients that comes with the comforting bowl of noodle for a mere $3-$3.50.


Ghim Guan Fried Oyster
Circuit Road Food Centre
Blk 79 Circuit Road
#01-59
Singapore 370079
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Mattar (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon, Wed-Sun: 815am - 11pm
(Closed on Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at Mattar MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk straight to towards the canal. Cross the canal. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 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
Facebook
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]

Guan's Mee Pok @ Clementi West Street 2 - Another Mee Pok Master Has Moved Into The West

With Ah Hoe Mee Pok which is run by Mr Naoji's son at block 713 Clementi West Street 2 moving to Cantonment Road, another mee pok stall has moved in. It is non other than Guan's Mee Pok, who used to partner with Ah Hoe Mee Pok's founder, Eric Chia who is the is the master of Mr Naoji, the Japanese Mee Pok man that you probably have seen in different media platforms.

Guan's Mee Pok with Yakitori 4.2/5

A basic bowl at Guan's Mee Pok starts from Guan's Mee Pok with Yakitori ($5). The bowl of noodle comprises of chicken yakitori, minced pork, fried fish ball, tamago egg, fish maw and the al dentle noodle which was cooked to precision using a timer.

Meat Platties with Chicken Soup 3.5/5

Unfortunately the Fish Maw Soup was sold out so I decided to go for the Meat Platties with Chicken Soup ($4.50) instead. The clear soup was light and refreshing with crunchy greens. The meat patties was enjoyable but nothing much to shout about.

Guan's Mee Pork with Squid 4.5/5

For a more premium enjoyable, I had the Guan's Mee Pork with Squid ($9). Like the basic bowl, it comes with chicken yakitori, minced pork, fried fish ball, tamago egg, fish maw with the addition of poached squid. Besides the springy noodle texture, the chilli-vinegar sauce perfumed by the used of dried sole fish and pork lard, gives the noodle a coat of slurping goodness. You are also free to add more vinegar if you prefer a more acidic sharpness.

[CLOSED]
Guan's Mee Pok
Blk 713 Clementi West Street 2
#01-115
Singapore 120713
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Clementi (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 7am to 230pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Clementi MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Clementi Bus Interchange (Stop ID 17009). Take bus number 282. Alight 4 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]