Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Earthworm Laksa @ Clementi West Street 2 - The Old School Taste of Cooking Laksa with Earthworm

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Recently, I chanced upon Earthworm Laksa near my neighbourhood and decided to give it a try. For those unfamiliar, this stall was previously located at Sim Lim and Sixth Avenue before relocating to its current home at Clementi West Street 2.

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Di Long Herb

Before you raise an eyebrow, the “earthworm” here does not refer to the wriggly creature. Instead, it points to a Chinese herb known as Di Long (地龙), traditionally used in Chinese medicine to treat joint inflammation, spasms, and convulsions. According to the stall owner, Zac Choi, this is actually his mother’s recipe. She infused the herb into the laksa broth, not only for its supposed health benefits but also to help preserve the coconut milk gravy, preventing it from curdling or spoiling.

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Fresh Cockles Laksa 3.8/5

The Fresh Cockles Laska ($6/ $7) is served in a nostalgic metal bowl, complete with tau pok, fish cake, hard-boiled egg, and cockles. While the broth was smooth, we found it leaning on the sweeter side, lacking the “lemak” richness and the punch of rempah that defines a memorable laksa.

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Chicken Shredded Laksa 3.8/5

The Chicken Shredded Laksa ($5/ $6) swaps cockles and egg for shredded chicken. A straightforward alternative for those who prefer poultry, though the broth character remained the same.

Earthworm Laksa delivers a bowl with an interesting backstory, but in terms of taste, it didn’t quite hit the robust, savoury depths we were hoping for. That said, it’s still a decent bowl for those in the Clementi West neighbourhood looking for a comforting laksa fix with a unique twist.


Earthworm Laksa
Blk 721 Clementi West Street 2
#01-100
Singapore 120721
Tel: +65 9187 7097
Nearest MRT: Clementi (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 7am - 6pm

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]

Tuesday, September 9, 2025

Dulukala Peranakan @ Silat Avenue - The Family-Run Eatery at Beauty World Makes A Comeback After 7 Years Hiatus

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Dulukala Peranakan is a family-run Peranakan eatery serving homecooked-style Nonya dishes, crafted from heirloom recipes passed down through generations. Having spent over 20 years at Beauty World since 1999, the eatery recently reopened at Silat Avenue after a 7-year hiatus. Deviating from its previous standalone restaurant format, Dulukala Peranakan now operates as a Cze Char stall at Kopi Haus, reaching a wider audience seeking authentic Nonya flavours.

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Nyonya Stewed Mix Vegetables 4/5

The Nyonya Stewed Mix Vegetables ($14.80) was a simple dish done right, flavoursome yet light enough for everyday enjoyment. The cabbage was well braised. It was tender but still retaining a pleasant bite. While satisfying in taste, the price point feels steep given the casual kopitiam setting.

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Ikan Assam Pedas 4.2/5

The Ikan Assam Pedas ($18.80) was a delight with its piquant, tangy Assam gravy. The fish was delightfully fresh, steamed perfectly to a moist texture, complemented by the robust spiced sauce.

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Ayam Buah Keluak 4.2/5

The Ayam Buah Keluak ($15.80) featured succulent chicken with a rich, bold, and savoury gravy. The keluak nuts were notably more bittersweet and nutty than versions I’ve tried before, giving the dish a pronounced intensity that made it memorable.

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Bakwan Kepeting Soup 3/5

The Bakwan Kepeting Soup ($13.80) offered a lighter option. The homemade crab and pork meatballs were soft and juicy, but lacked the desired springy texture. I also find the broth slightly watered down and somewhat salty.

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Sotong Hitam 3/5

The Sotong Hitam ($15.80) featured sliced squid in a squid ink sauce. The sotong itself was tender and chewy, but the expected flavours of umami, brininess, and subtle acidity were rather muted, leaving the dish less punchy than we hoped for.

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Just four months into settling at their new Silat Avenue space, regulars are already flocking in to savour the familiar, comforting flavours of their Peranakan dishes. Some of the beloved specialities require at least three days' advance notice, so be sure to reserve early to avoid disappointment.

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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.


Dulukala Peranakan
Kopi Haus Coffeeshop
Blk 148 Silat Avenue
Singapore 160148
Tel: +65 8119 5117
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Nearest MRT: Outram Park (EW, NE, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Outram MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to bus stop at Outram Park Station (Stop ID 05069). Take bus number 124 or 143. Alight at 3 stops later. Cross the road and walk to destination. [Map]

2) Alight at Outram MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to bus stop at Outram Park Station (Stop ID 05069). Take bus number 147 or 961. Alight at 3 stops later. Walk to destination. [Map]