Macpherson Minced Meat Noodles @ Tai Thong Crescent - Stall Opened by Famous Bak Chor Mee Stall's Apprentice

The legendary Macpherson Minced Meat Noodles, helmed by Uncle Yap and renowned for its iconic flavours, has traversed several locations over the years. Today, its legacy lives on at Tai Seng, while his apprentice, Ho Qiu Yong, carries the torch at a stall in Tai Thong Crescent. Fondly reminiscing about my last visit to Uncle Yap's stall in 2020 at Marsiling Mall Food Centre, I was eager to stop by this latest outlet to see how the tradition thrives under his apprentice's stewardship.

Despite the weekend lunchtime rush, the queue was surprisingly manageable. I waited around 10–15 minutes before placing my order. Opting for two dishes, the Bak Chor Mee Dry and the Kway Teow Soup, I was eager to see how the apprentice had carried on Uncle Yap's renowned flavours.

Bak Chor Mee Dry 4.2/5

The Bak Chor Mee Dry came with all the quintessential components: minced pork, pork slices, pig's liver, fish cakes, and braised mushrooms. Tossed in a vinegary, savoury sauce, the noodles were cooked to a perfect bite, providing a delightful slurp with every bite. The braised mushrooms were rich and tender, soaking up the sauce's umami flavours, while the pig's liver was cooked just right — silky with a slight chew. Overall, it's a nostalgic rendition of Bak Chor Mee that satisfies without overwhelming, proving that the apprentice has done justice to Uncle Yap's recipe.

Kway Teow Soup 4.5/5

The standout of my visit, however, was the Kway Teow Soup. I initially ordered it impulsively after seeing another customer's bowl — it looked too tempting to resist — and it turned out to be the meal's highlight. The broth was a revelation, boasting a sweetness with a robust depth of flavour. A piece of pig's trotter was included in the dish, lending a rich, gelatinous texture to the soup that likely contributed to its full-bodied taste. The silky-smooth kway teow paired perfectly with the comforting, flavourful broth, making it an underrated gem on the menu.

The Tai Chong Crescent outlet of Macpherson Minced Meat Noodles offers a worthy continuation of Uncle Yap's iconic legacy. While the Bak Chor Mee Dry hits all the right nostalgic notes, the Kway Teow Soup steals the show with its flavourful, hearty broth. For fans of traditional hawker delights, this is a stall worth queuing for. Whether you're craving a bowl of vinegary noodles or looking to try something different, like the Kway Teow Soup, you'll leave with a satisfied stomach and a taste of authentic craftsmanship.


Macpherson Minced Meat Noodles
Yong Xin Coffee Shop
47 Tai Thong Crescent
Singapore 347867
Tel: +65 9152 4414
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Nearest MRT: Potong Pasir (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon, Thu-Sun: 630am - 130pm
(Closed on Tue)

Direction:
Alight at Potong Pasir MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk straight down Upper Serangoon Road to Tai Thong Crescent. Turn left onto Tai Thong Crescent. Walk down Tai Thong Crescent. Walk to the end of Tai Thong Crescent. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Town Restaurant @ The Fullerton Hotel Singapore - "Heritage Hawker Stories: Reunion Feast" in Collaboration with Six Local Hawkers

In celebration of National Day, Town Restaurant at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore presents the "Heritage Hawker Stories: Reunion Feast", a collaboration with six esteemed local hawkers: Ah Hui Prawn Noodle, Good Chance Popiah, Ministry of Rojak, To-Ricos Kway Chap, Warong Serembat Satay, and 146 Famous Bukit Merah Ang Ku Kueh. This special event, running throughout August, offers diners a chance to savour iconic Singaporean hawker dishes in a luxurious setting.

Ah Hui Prawn Noodle

I made a beeline for Ah Hui Prawn Noodle, one of my all-time favourite stalls. This nostalgic dish is a rare treat since the owner has retired, coming out of retirement specifically for this event. The umami-packed broth, rich with the flavours of prawn and pork, brought back fond memories and nearly brought tears to my eyes.

To-Rico Kway Chap

Next, I indulged in the famous To-Ricos Kway Chap from Old Airport Road Food Centre. As soon as I entered Town Restaurant, the herbal aroma from the boiling broth filled the air. The generous portion included braised pork trotter, pig skin, braised pork belly, tau pok, braised egg, and big and small intestines. The rich, savoury broth and tender meats were a true delight.

Warong Serembat Satay

Warong Serembat Satay from Upper Boon Keng Food Centre was another highlight. The beef and chicken satay, grilled over a charcoal fire, filled the air with a beautiful aroma. The satay was plump and juicy, perfectly complemented by a deliciously nutty satay sauce.

Good Chance Popiah

Good Chance Popiah, established in 1977, is another heritage guest hawker at the buffet. The popiah was freshly wrapped on the spot, packed with turnips, prawns, sliced omelette, lettuce, beansprouts, sweet sauce, chilli, garlic, peanuts, and coriander. Each bite was a burst of flavours and textures.

Ministry of Rojak

Ministry of Rojak, by the popular Adhus Salam Rojak from Ayer Rajah Food Centre, was also featured. The wide variety of deep-fried ingredients were placed in a big basket, allowing diners to pick their favourites — the assortment of flavours and textures made for a satisfying and delicious experience.

146 Famous Bukit Merah Ang Ku Kueh

Lastly, I tried 146 Famous Bukit Merah Ang Ku Kueh for the first time. Available in five flavours — Peanut, Bean, Corn, Coconut, and Durian — I found the skin a bit thick and the filling too sparse, resulting in a less-than-ideal bite.

Laksa

Rojak

Durian Chendol

In addition to these featured hawkers, the buffet also included local favourites such as Laksa, Rojak, and Durian Chendol. Stepping into Town Restaurant in August felt like entering a hawker centre, where you can indulge in a variety of iconic Singaporean dishes in one sitting.

Beyond the hawker cuisine, diners can also look forward to an eclectic spread of Chinese and Indian cuisine, as well as the ever-popular Sushi and Sashimi station and the Seafood on Ice station.

Sashimi

Seafood on Ice

Heritage Hawker Stories: Reunion Feast
1 to 31 August 2024
Tuesday to Saturday, 6.30 p.m. to 10.00 p.m.
S$88* per adult, S$44* per child (six to 11 years old) from Tuesday to Thursday
S$98* per adult, S$49* per child (six to 11 years old) from Friday and Saturday To-Ricos Kway Chap will be available from Wednesday to Saturday exclusively.

For dining reservations, visit www.fullertonhotels.com/dining or email dining-rsvp@fullertonhotels.com.
*Prices are subject to service charge and prevailing government taxes.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Town Restaurant
The Fullerton Hotel Singapore
1 Fullerton Square
Singapore 049178
Tel: +65 68778188
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Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 630pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT Station. Take Exit H. Turn right and walk towards the river. At the river, turn right again and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Edge @ Pan Pacific Singapore - Flavours of the Lion City: A Culinary Expedition Through Singapore

To celebrate Singapore's National Day month, Edge at Pan Pacific Singapore is running a special buffet theme titled "Flavours of the Lion City: A Culinary Expedition Through Singapore" until 9 August 2024. Paying homage to the melting pot of cultures that define Singapore, Executive Chef Andy Oh and his team have curated a line-up of creations and live-action stations. It features not only signature local delicacies but also dishes reflecting our diverse cultural influences, including Singaporean, Chinese, Malay, Indian, Japanese, Thai, and Western specialities, as well as an extensive selection of fresh seafood offerings.

Braised Soya Duck and Peanut with Yam Rice, Nyonya Chap Chye

The array of local gems is extensive. One highlight that I kept returning to was the Braised Soya Duck and Peanut with Yam Rice. The braised duck was succulent, accompanied by the most delicious yam rice I have ever had. The yam cubes in the rice provided a wonderful flavour and texture, while the umami-packed rice was generous with bits and pieces of mushrooms and dried shrimp. The braised peanuts and tau kwa (firm tofu) didn't disappoint either. The Nyonya Chap Chye was another delight, being deliciously soft and flavourful.

Peppery Teochew Bak Kut Teh

Another standout was the Peppery Teochew Bak Kut Teh. The robust peppery soup paired perfectly with tender pork ribs, and the crispy youtiao (fried dough sticks) added a satisfying crunch. I enjoyed it with the yam rice for an even more satisfying experience.

Bak Chor Mee

It has been a while since I last had good Bak Chor Mee, but this one sealed the deal with its springy noodles, doused in a mouthwatering, vinegary, and tomatoey sauce, loaded with minced meat, tender pork slices, and mushroom.

Wok Fried Hokkien Mee

Pan Fried Oyster Omelette

The Pan Fried Oyster Omelette and Wok Fried Hokkien Mee were skillfully executed. The oyster omelette was indulgent with plump oysters and crispy edges, while the Hokkien mee was loaded with succulent seafood and pork belly, all infused with a flavorful stock. If you are lucky, you might even catch the chef in action.

Teochew Steamed Local-farmed Golden Pomfret

Rarely available in buffets, the Teochew Steamed Local-Farmed Golden Pomfret was a notable item. The fish was incredibly fresh, and the mouthwatering piquant broth set my appetite up for more.

Braised Kurobuta Pork Belly with Lotus Bun

The daily pork belly bun has also been amped up with Braised Kurobuta Pork Belly, served with a Lotus Bun. It is another special treat not to be missed.

Singapore Laksa with Baby Lobster

And, of course, not to forget the quintessential Singapore Laksa, jazzed up with Baby Lobster. While the lobster was too tiny to provide much meat, the laksa itself was tasty on its own.

Salt Baked Fresh Mud Crab

Salt Baked Fresh Mud Crab is apparently pretty popular among diners. It is served with fried mantou and a robust Chili Crab Sauce, as well as Creamy Salted Egg Yolk gravy.

Jeera Rice

Marinated Chicken Satay, Mutton Satay, Beef Satay

Other local delicacies include a colourful spread of Indian cuisine, offering Jeera Rice, Butter Chicken, Naan, etc., and Malay cuisine, featuring our favourite Satays.

Satisfying meat lovers is the Churrasco Craving station that offers Roasted US Beef Tomahawk alongside other roasts.

The Fresh Seafood station beams with Boston Lobster, Tiger Prawn, White Clam, Half Shell Scallop, Sea Conch, Black Mussel, Crawfish and Freshly Shucked Seasonal Oysters.

Chempedak Cake

Deep-fried Chempedak Ball

The dessert station is also specially decorated. It includes golden Deep-fried Durian, Banana, and Chempedak Balls, as well as the National Day signature Chempedak Cake, Durian Pengat, Milo Dinosaur Panna Cotta, Lychee Bandung Compote Trifle, Kopi O Cake, Onde Lamington, Pulut Hitam Soup, and much more.

Teh Tarik

For some old school delights, in addition to an assortment of charming Rainbow Roti Ice Cream Sandwiches, there is even a cute Old School Pop-up Drinks Stall with drinks such as Teh Tarik (a must-try!!), Iced Limeau, Soya Chin Chow, and the famous "Singapore Sling" served as a mocktail.

The "Flavours of the Lion City: A Culinary Expedition Through Singapore" at Edge is available for dinner from 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm from 9 July until 8 August 2024, and is priced at $108++ per adult and $54 per child (6 – 12 years old) from Thursdays to Saturdays, and $92++ per adult and $46 per child (6 – 12 years old) from Sundays to Wednesdays. Prices include complimentary coffee, tea, teh tarik, iced limau, and soya chin chow.

The "Flavours of the Lion City: A Culinary Expedition Through Singapore" will also be available for lunch from 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm and dinner from 6:00 pm – 10:00pm on Singapore’s National Day on 9 August 2024. Priced at $128++ per adult and $64 per child (6 – 12 years old), the offer includes complimentary coffee, tea, teh tarik, iced limau, and soya chin chow. In celebration of Singapore's National Day month, Edge is offering Singaporean citizens born in the year 1965 a special price of $88++ per person.

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.


Edge
Pan Pacific Singapore
7 Raffles Boulevard
Level 3
Singapore 039595
Tel: +65 68268240
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Nearest MRT: Promenade (CC, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm
Sun: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Lai Yuan Gourmet @ Clementi Ave 3 - Discovering a New and Quality Bowl of Bak Chor Mee in the West

Recently, a new noodle stall, Lai Yuan Gourmet, opened at the coffeeshop in Blk 442 Clementi Ave 3 (facing the hawker centre), replacing the previous noodle stall. Intrigued by the change, I decided to check out the new establishment.

Opting for the Bak Chor Mee ($4.80), I was pleasantly surprised to find that the noodles and ingredients were served separately. The mee pok noodles were perfectly cooked, boasting a delightful al dente texture and tossed in a well-balanced mix of chilli and vinegar.

Bak Chor Mee 4.2/5

In addition to the delicious noodles, the ingredients included thickly cut pork liver, pork slices, minced pork, and pork balls in a flavourful soup. The standout element was undoubtedly the tender and well-marinated pork balls, which were elevated by adding sole fish.

Overall, Lai Yuan Gourmet serves up a commendable bowl of noodles that is definitely worth a visit. I'm pleased to have discovered a quality Bak Chor Mee stall in the West, providing a go-to option whenever the craving strikes.


Lai Yuan Gourmet
Blk 442 Clementi Ave 3
#01-121
Singapore 120442
Nearest MRT: Clementi (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: TBC

Direction:
1) Alight at Clementi MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]