Boat Quay (Original) Mushroom Noodle @ Punggol - Finally A Good Bak Chor Mee Stall In Punggol

Too many times I have heard from my friends that there is no good food in Punggol. I was quite excited when my foodie friends asked me to check out Boat Quay (Original) Mushroom Noodle at Sumang Link, Punggol which has moved from its previous location in Bukit Batok to the current location at G7 coffeeshop.

Signature Noodle 4.2/5

We tried the Signature Noodle ($5) which consists of fishball, meatball, pork slices, mushroom and teochew dumpling. Both the fishball and meatball were huge and bouncy. The noodle is on the softer side which still retained a good bite to it. Unfortunately I felt that the chilli sauce still lack a bit of punch to it. If not it would be perfect.

Teochew Dumpling 4.5/5

The highlight at Boat Quay (Original) Mushroom Noodle is the homemade Teochew dumpling which is bursting with flavours accentuated by the tee poh in the minced meat stuffing wrapped in a soft dumpling skin. A must try here.

Fishball Noodle Soup  4/5

For something light you can go for the Fishball Noodle Soup ($3/$4/$5) which comes in a light but flavourful broth with a huge bouncy fishballs made from yellowtail fish.

From our brief conversation with Uncle Lim, I gathered the reason for the stall's name because his grandfather used to sell the dish in Boat Quay. Back then it was operated from a push cart. Uncle Lim learnt the skills from his grandfather and opened his first stall at Ang Mo Kio in 1984. After operating in Ang Mo Kio for 10 years, he moved to Defu, Chevron House, Singapore Shopping Centre and Bukit Batok before settling at the current location.

Boat Quay (Original) Mushroom Noodle
Blk 312A Sumang Link
Singapore 822312
Nearest MRT: Punggol (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 630am - 7pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Punggol MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to traffic light junction of Punggol Central and Punggol Walk. Cross the road and turn right onto Punggol Walk. Walk down Punggol Walk. Turn left onto Sumang Link. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Punggol MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to Punggol Bus Interchange (Stop ID 65009) Take bus number 382. Alight 3 stops later. Cross the road Walk to destination. Journey time 12 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Punggol MRT station. Go to LRT platform. Take LRT to NIBONG station (PW5). Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Ah Ter Teochew Fish Ball Noodles @ Amoy Food Centre - Voted Most Handsome Hawker

I was told that there is a handsome hawker at Ah Ter Teochew Fish Ball Noodles at Amoy Food Centre, so I made my way down hoping to meet him. Haha the part on the handsome hawker is true because Gilbert an ex-trader was the winner of the Straits Times's Most Handsome Hawker in 2005. However I am not there to see him but to try the fish ball noodles.

Fish Ball Noodle

During my visit, Gilbert's father was manning the stall and he was at the back prepping for the day's ingredients, back facing me all the time when I waited for his dad to cook my noodle. I had the Fish Ball Noodle ($3.50 small) which comes with 2 fishballs, slices of fishcake, fish dumpling, pork lard, minced meat and beans sprout.

Although the fishballs are from supplier, it was soft and bouncy. What I like most is the chilli sauce mixture that paired excellently with the noodles. It has that nostalgic taste with the sweetness of the tomato sauce providing a balance to the spicy kick.

I heard that the stall is very popular with the office crowd and there is always a long queue during lunch hour. I was lucky to visit at around 11am avoiding the lunch crowd. My advice is to visit before 12pm or after 2pm.


Ah Ter Teochew Fish Ball Noodles
Amoy Food Centre
7 Maxwell Road
#01-14
Singapore 069111
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 7am - 4pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Turn left and walk to Amoy Street Food Centre. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Song Kee Kway Teow Noodle Soup @ Toa Payoh Lorong 5 - Bouncy Fishball & Delicious Fish Dumpling

For some mysterious reason, it took me until now to visit Song Kee Kway Teow Noodle Soup at block 75 Toa Payoh Lorong 5. The stall is known for its fishball and fish dumpling. It is known to be related to the popular Song Kee in Serangoon Road before it pulled down its shutter and reopens in Tembeling Road.

Kway Teow Noodle Soup 3.8/5

The Kway Teow Noodle Soup comes with 5 fish balls made from yellow tail fish. The fresh fishball has a subtle fish flavour with a delectable springy texture. The bowl of noodle is further perfumed by the aromatic pork lard. Unfortunately the rice noodle's texture was on the thick side.

Mee Pok Dry 4/5

Not to be missed is the Mee Pok Dry tossed in a mix of chilli and tomato sauce. The noodle was cooked to a nice bite complemented by the sauce and topped with fried shallots and spring onions. It also comes with 6 delectable fish balls. I thought the chilli can be more spicy. Guess I have to ask the stall to add extra chilli sauce in my next visit.

Unfortunately during my visit, I was not able to savour their signature fish dumpling. If I am not wrong, they only served it in the evening due to a lack of manpower in making them.




Song Kee Kway Teow Noodle Soup
Blk 75 Toa Payoh Lorong 5
#01-20
Singapore 310075
Nearest MRT: Braddell (NS Line), Toa Payoh (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1030am - 12midnight
(Closed on Alt Wed)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Braddell MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at block 111 (Stop ID 52161), Take bus number 235. Alight 3 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Braddell MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at block 111 (Stop ID 52161), Take bus number 231. Alight 6 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Toa Payoh MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Toa Payoh Bus Interchange (Stop ID 52009). Take bus number 235. Alight 6 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

San Yuan Fishball Meatball Noodles @ Albert Centre Food Centre - Fishball Noodle At Only $2

It is not hard to notice San Yuan Fishball Meatball Noodles at Albert Centre Food Centre with its bright red colour sign board which stands out among the stalls in the hawker centre. San Yuan has several outlets around the island selling fishball noodle, minced meat noodle and laksa.

Fishball Noodle 4/5

A bowl of Fishball Noodle at San Yuan costs only $2. In this era, such pricing is almost non existence. The bowl of noodle comes with six bouncy and springy fish ball. Although not huge but it was enjoyable. While its only $2, it did not compromise in taste. The noodle was also cooked to an enjoyable al dente bite.

The other reason why I think San Yuan has its own fan base is not just because of its pricing but the chilli sauce too. The sauce carries a savoury and robust flavour that complemented the noodles excellently.


San Yuan Fishball Meatball Noodles
Albert Centre Food Centre
270 Queen Street
#01-61
Singapore 180270
Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 730am - 930pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to Victoria Street. Cross the road. Cut across Bugis Village to Queen Street. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

JH Fishball Noodle @ Teban Garden Food Centre - One Of The Cheapest Fishball Noodle At $2

JH Fishball Noodle located at Teban Garden Food Centre is run by Mr Chua Boon Haw who is 67 years old. Mr Chua has been hawkering at Teban Garden Food Centre for the past 38 years. At his stall, he sells only 3 items, fishball noodle soup, fishball noodle dry and fishball soup.

Fishball Noodle Soup 3.5/5

I order a bowl of the Fishball Noodle Soup which is only $2. Over the years the price has increased from 70 cents to $2. However the price has remained at $2 for the past 16 years. What a blessing for the neighbourhood. There is also option for $2.50 and $3 if you prefer a bigger bowl.

Fishball Noodle Soup 3.5/5

For the price, I was surprised at how generous is the serving. In the bowl of piping hot soup, there are 2 huge fishballs, slices of fishcake and minced meat. What Mr Chua serves at his stall has the nostalgic flavour without anything fancy. It was just a hearty and comforting bowl of noodle.

What I like about the bowl of fishball noodle is the smooth texture of the rice noodle and the bouncy texture of the huge fishballs.

Although food price has increased over the years, Mr Chua has not increased his bowl of $2 fishball noodle (dry and soup) for the past 16 years on the reason that he rather sell more and earn less.


JH Fishball Noodle
Teban Garden Food Centre
Blk 37A Teban Garden Road
#01-07
Singapore 601037
Nearest MRT: Jurong East (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 5am - 2pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Jurong East MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Jurong East Bus Interchange (Stop ID 28009). Take bus number 143. Alight 6 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 18 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Jurong East MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Jurong East Bus Interchange (Stop ID 28009). Take bus number 79. Alight 7 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 18 minutes. [Map]

Chao Zhou Fishball Noodle @ Kim Keat Palm Food Centre - Old School Fishball Noodle

I used to go Kim Keat Palm Food Centre for my mutton soup fix until Ivy's Hainanese Herbal Mutton Soup pull down its shutter. Recently I went back to the food centre again and decided to give Chao Zhou Fishball Noodle a try since its one of the few stalls at the food centre that always have a long queue. Moreover, it opens only 4 times a week.

Fishball Noodle 

I ordered the Fishball Noodle Dry ($3) which comes with 5 huge golf size fishball. The bowl of mee pok noodle is also drenched in a mixture of ketchup and chilli sauce.

The noodle is cooked to a nice al dente bite. It shows the skill of the hawker behind the noodle ladle. The ketchup sauce gave the bowl of noodle a nostalgic flavour but I thought there was too much of it, throwing the balance off. The bowl of noodle was too sweet for me.

The highlight actually is not the noodle but the fishball. For a mere three dollars, customers get to enjoy these huge and bouncy, handmade fishballs. It is definitely value for money.

It was understand that the stall used to be run by an old couple but when I was there, a young man is helping out in the stall, cooking the noodle while the old uncle is in charge of the fishballs. Looks like the old couple has found someone that is willing to learn the trade and continue the legacy since 1968.


Chao Zhou Fishball Noodle
Kim Keat Palm Food Centre
Blk 22 Toa Payoh Lorong 7
#01-20
Singapore 310022
Nearest MRT: Braddell (NS Line), Toa Payoh (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed-Thu, Sat-Sun: 8am - 1pm
(Closed on Mon, Tue and Fri)

Direction:
1) Alight at Braddell MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to bus stop opposite Braddell MRT station (Stop ID 52171). Take bus number 232. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Toa Payoh MRT station. Take Exit A or B. Walk to Toa Payoh Bus Interchange (Stop ID 52009). Take bus number 238. Alight 4 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Chow Fun Restaurant & Bar @ The Grandstand (Turf City) - Modern NoodleSmall Plates Bar with 18 Asian and Western Noodle Dishes

Another new restaurant and concept has recently opened at The Grandstand which is just diagonally opposite Omakase Burger. Chow Fun Restaurant & Bar is a modern noodle small plates bar that offers over 18 Asian and Western inspired noodle small plates, moreish snacks and all day happy hour. I was pleasantly surprised by the variety of noodles on the menu, it is like a mini Noodle Olympic where noodle dishes inspired from various countries and cuisines are gathered together.

Fish Roe Fishball 3/5

We started our dinner at Chow Fun with some snacks. The Fish Roe Fishball ($6.90) comes with a fish roes and mayo stuffing in it. Do be careful while having it as the mixture may oozed out. I won't really call it a fishball as the flour ratio is way more than the fish meat. Nevertheless, many will enjoy the popping surprises of the fish roes in it.

Mom's White Radish Cake 3/5

The Mom's White Radish Cake ($5.90) did not taste as good as it looks. The pan fried radish cake was rather light on the palate. It lacked the depth and fragrant from the Chinese sausages, dried shrimp and shallots. Even the dried shrimp sambal was rather mild, lacking the knockout punch.

Salted Egg Yolk Chicken Skin 3.5/5

It was rather interesting to find the Salted Egg Yolk Chicken Skin on the menu. Love the salted egg yolk sauce. If the chicken skin could be crispier than that will be perfect.

Potato, Bonito and Cheese Pancake 4/5

The Potato, Bonito and Cheese Pancake ($5.90) is a rather interesting dish which resembles a cross between a Swiss rosti and Japanese Okonomiyaki. A layer of thinly sliced potato rest beneath the pile of melted cheeses (Mozzarela, mature Cheddar and Granna Padano), topped with bonito flakes and spring onions. This is addictive combination that will be enjoyed by both young and old.

Ginger and Scallion Noodle 3.8/5

The noodle small plates concept is sort of like Thai boat noodles but at Chow Fun you get to have a choice between hot and chilled noodles dishes with a gamut of different types of noodles and cooking styles. We started with the Ginger and Scallion Noodle ($2.90) which is served chilled. The cold noodles are tossed in a mixture of spring onions, ginger, vinegar, sesame oil and mirin. A very refreshing and healthy dish.

Kung Fu Dashi Broth Noodle 4.2/5 and Tom Yum Cream Noodle 3/5

One of my favourite noodle dishes is the Kung Fu Dashi Broth Noodle ($2.90) which reminds me of a tasty bowl of home cooked fried vermicelli. It may looked simple but the fried vermicelli cloaked in a savoury dashi broth is packed full of flavours.

The Tom Yum Cream Udon ($2.90) is cooked in a spicy tom yum paste with sauteed mushrooms, tart cherry tomatoes, prawns and topped with crispy chicken skin. A modern fusion of Thai flavour and Japanese noodle. The spicy and sour combination on top of the chewy bite of the udon would be well received if not for the fact that the kitchen is a bit heavy on the salt.

Wagyu Bolognese Pasta 3.5/5 and Pork Belly Bibim Guksu 4.5/5

Another homely and comforting noodle dish on the menu is the Wagyu Bolognese Pasta ($2.90). The ground wagyu beef is slowed cooked for 12 hours together in a hearty tomato sauce that complement the perfectly cooked spaghetti.

The traditional Korean bibim guksu is a cold noodle dish but Chow Fun's piquant rendition of Pork Belly Bibum Guksu ($2.90) is served warm with gochujang stirred into the rice noodles with house made pickled radish with coriander seeds, and crowned with unctuous silvers of sateed soy ginger glazed pork belly. This is the other favourite of mine.

Pineapple Fried Noodle 2.8/5

Bak Kut Teh Noodle 3/5

The Pineapple Noodle ($2.90) is akin to the Malaysian Hokkien Mee. While the dark sweet sauce and mirin is quite delectable, the texture of the noodle was kind of rubbery which I did not enjoy.

The only soup dish we tried is the Bak Kut Teh Noodle ($2.90). Flavourful broth but once again on the salty side.

Pink Shrimp Pasta 4.5/5 and Wild Mushroom & Truffle Pasta 4.2/5

If you have limited stomach space to try all the 18 Asian and Western inspired noodle dishes, then I would recommend spending your dollar on the Pink Shrimp Pasta ($2.90) and Wild Mushroom & Truffle Pasta ($2.90). The sauce of the pink shrimp pasta stood out for me. It is prepared by cooking shrimp in white wine and tomato and then blended with cream, resulting in a robust and briny seafood flavour that goes very well with the penne pasta.

Lychee Granita and Crystal Jelly 3/5

Besides the snacks and noodles, Chow Fun also offers a decent mix of Asian and Western desserts on the menu. The Lychee Granita And Crystal Jelly ($4.90) is a light and refreshing dessert to wrap up the meal. I thought the granita was a rather bland, it needed a bit more zest to it.

Deep Fried Caramelized Banana Fritter 4/5

I am surprised to find Goreng Pisang at Chow Fun. Oh! I meant Deep Fried Caramelized Banana Fritter ($6.90). Crispy batter coupled with the sweet banana, this is just too addictive to stop at one.

Red Bean, Peanut and Sesame Homemade Tang Yuan 4.2/5

Homemade Tang Yuan ($6.90) in ginger soup is another tradition dessert in the menu. It comes with a trio of Tang Yuan with red bean, peanut and sesame filling. I was actually taken aback that the sesame tang yuan is actually salted. It did bring a little different twist and surprise to the table.

Salted Egg and Chocolate Lava Cake 4/5

How to resist the lava flowing Salted Egg and Chocolate Lava Cake ($8.90). It is a combination that satisfied by internal craving. The cake was rich and moist. Unfortunately I could not really taste the salted egg. This is my second time to come across this combination and in both occasions the chocolate is too overpowering for the presence of the salted egg.

While the concept is try the different Asian and Western noodle dishes, for those that prefer to have a bigger bowl, they are also available in upsized portions from $15.90. However I would encourage you to be adventurous and order a few noodle dishes to try. I would recommend having the Ginger and Scallion Noodle, Kung Fu Dashi Broth Noodle, Pork Belly Bibum Guksu,  Pink Shrimp Pasta and Wild Mushroom & Truffle Pasta


Chow Fun Restaurant & Bar
The Grandstand
200 Turf Club Road
#01-08
Singapore 287994
Tel: +65 64646900
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Sixth Avenue (DT Line)

Opening Hours
Daily: 11am - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Sixth Avenue MRT station. Take Exit A. Use the overhead bridge to exit B. Walk to Turf Club Road. Continue on Turf Club Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 20 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Sixth Avenue MRT station. Take Exit A. Use the overhead bridge to exit B. Walk down Dunearn Road towards Turf Club Road, to bus stop opposite Sixth Avenue Centre (Stop ID 42019). Wait for The Grandstand Shuttle Bus. 15 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Sixth Avenue MRT  station. Take Exit A. Walk down Bukit Timah Road. Walk to bus stop at Sixth Avenue Centre (Stop ID 42011). Wait for The Grandstand Shuttle Bus. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Chai Chee Teochew Bak Chor Mee @ 7 Starts Coffeeshop (Dover Crescent)

During my visit to Grill Werkz at Dover Crescent, I noticed Chai Chee Teochew Bak Chor Mee has also opened in the same coffeeshop. I was told that at its peak, there were around 20 stalls around Singapore. After disappearing from the scene for a while, it seems like it is making another come back with a few stalls already springing out at various part of Singapore.

Bak Chor Mee 3/5

I was lucky to spot the owner at the new stall at dover crescent, hence we requested him to cook our bowl of noodle because we heard about the inconsistency if it is cooked by his staff. The noodles indeed was nicely cooked to an al dente texture, with an enjoyable bite to it.

While the noodles are perfectly executed and also comes with generous toppings such as fishball, fish dumpling, fish cake, mushroom and minced meat, the bowl of noodles lacked depth and missing the vinegar punch I like for my bak chor mee.

Chai Chee Teochew Bak Chor Mee
7 Stars Coffeeshop
Blk 28 Dover Crescent
Singapore 130028
Nearest MRT: Buona Vista (CC Line, EW Line), Dover (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 11pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Buona Vista MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk to bus stop opposite Buona Vista MRT station (Stop ID 11369). Take bus number 74 or 196. Alight 3 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Dover MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Dover MRT station (Stop ID 19039). Take bus number 14, 74 and 166. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

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]