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]

Prego @ Fairmont Hotel Singapore - A Refreshed Italian Affair At Prego

Prego at Fairmont Singapore has made quite a name for itself in the last two decades as an authentic Italian restaurant with Chef de Cuisine Antonio Facchinetti at helm. His creative takes on traditional Italian fare has created quite a number of favourites adored by regulars and new diners alike. Once again, Chef Antonio took a number of familiar flavours and churned them into new signatures with a fresh look.

Char-grilled Octopus 3.5/5

We started off with Ligurian antipasti Polpo alla Griglia ($28). Nicely charred, the octopus was firm with a nice bite. The potatoes could be softer to complement the octopus better. I like the Italian salsa verde which added vibrancy and zest to the plate.

Wagyu Carpaccio 4.5/5

Carpaccio di Wagyu ($28) is like a plate of rose petals which had fallen neatly on a plate. Its soft paper thin body allows each piece to melt in my mouth readily, releasing its flavours. The earthy truffle dressing and savourypParmesan lifted that delicate sweetness gently before settling on my taste buds.

Sardinian Fregola, Baby Clams, Tomato and Saffron Broth 4/5/5

Zuppa Di Vongole con Fregola ($24) is a very soothing soup, flavoured with just tomato and saffron together with sweetness from the baby clams. A traditional dish that was cooked beautifully and I especially enjoyed chewing on the spherical pellets.

Cavatelli with Nduja Sausage, Red Onion, Pomodoro Fresco and Pecorino Cheese 3.8/5

Cappellacci in Butternut Pumpkin and White Bolognese Sauce 4/5

Moving on to pastas, we had Cavatelli con Nduja ($34) and Cappellacci di Zucca con Ragu Bianco ($36). The former felt like summer - intense, spicy and stimulating with Nduja sausage while the latter spelt Autumn- warm, sweet and comforting with butternut pumpkin. The Cappellacci is slightly on the thicker and firmer side but the mashed pumpkin filling was compact enough to balance it.

Roasted Pork Chop 3.8/5

Our main is a hearty Braciola di Maiale ($42). The pork was lean, yet it was tender and moist with a thin crisp skin. Stewed with white white, the red cabbage at the side acquired a piquant taste which accompanied the pork chop really well. It was almost like having a Christmas roast!

Ricotta and Wheat Soft cake 3.5/5

For desserts, we had Pastiera Napoletana ($12) and Baba al Limoncello ($14). I very much preferred the spongy yeast cake. I could imagine myself having it at an Italian's home. It is fully soaked in Limoncello syrup, yet it retains its crusty interior. The fluffy whipped cream is like how your whipped cream works on Frappachino for that extra oomph. It looked really simple but it is a complex dish to make.

Basil Whipped Cream 4.2/5

Some regulars lament that they lost favourites each time when there's a new menu but I guess Prego will continue creating new favourites with each and every inspiration that comes along the way.

Words and photos 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.


Prego
Fairmont Hotel Singapore
Level 1
80 Bras Basah Road
Singapore 189560
Tel:+65 64316156
Website
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 6am - 10am (breakfast), 630am - 1030am (deli)
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 230pm (lunch)
Sun: 1200pm - 3pm (brunch)
Daily: 6pm - 1030pm (dinner)

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