Wednesday, December 25, 2024

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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]

Tuesday, December 24, 2024

Alma by Juan Amador @ Goodwood Park Hotel - Festive Set Lunch by 1-Michelin-starred Restaurant at $78++

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This festive season, Alma by Juan Amador, a 1-Michelin-starred European restaurant at Goodwood Park Hotel, unveils its 4-course Festive Set Lunch ($78++), showcasing “affordable luxury” with a refined twist on Christmas classics.

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Festive Set Lunch 4.2/5

Chef Yew Eng Tong crafts an indulgent menu reinvented with Alma's signature finesse, featuring premium ingredients like turkey, beef, and lobster.

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Cauliflower Tartlet, Takoyaki Potato Gratin

The meal begins with a delightful duo of snacks: the Cauliflower Tartlet, which is both flavorful and intricately crafted, and the Takoyaki Potato Gratin, Chef Yew’s creamy, garlicky reinterpretation of the beloved Japanese snack.

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Tuna Tartare

The starter offers two options: the Tuna Tartare, served atop crispy rice paper layered with nori, smoked soy-infused mayo, and horseradish for a mild kick, or the Wagyu Beef Tartare, a rich and decadent alternative. Both starters are thoughtfully plated, delivering a harmonious balance of flavour and textures.

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Agnolotti of Lobster

Next comes the Agnolotti of Lobster, a pasta course filled with lobster meat. For added depth, it is served with a crustacean crème, bouillabaisse foam, and a hint of coriander. While flavourful, the filling edges slightly on the salty side for me.

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Crispy Skin Barramundi & US Scallop

For the main course, diners can choose fish, turkey or beef. For fish, it features Crispy Skin Barramundi with US Scallop paired with a smooth pumpkin purée, burnt butter, and saffron sauce.

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Drunken Stuffed Turkey Breast

The festive Drunken Stuffed Turkey Breast is elevated with pan-fried foie gras, daikon, and scallion. The turkey breast impressed with its tenderness, while the daikon absorbed the rich and buttery flavours of the foie gras.

For diners who are fans of beef, there is also an option to upgrade to the Yukimuro Snow-Aged A5 Wagyu (+$58).

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Rose Financier

Desserts began with the Rose Financiers, which carried subtle floral notes.

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Black Forest Chocolate Cake

Lastly, there was the Black Forest Chocolate Cake, accompanied by cherries, vanilla ice cream, and a dollop of chantilly. This reinvented rendition was a sweet treat to end the meal.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Alma by Juan Amador
Goodwood Park Hotel Singapore
22 Scotts Road
Singapore 228221
Tel: +65 6735 9937
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sat: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Sun & Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk down Scotts Road to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes.[Map]