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Traditional Ta Mee ( Minced Meat Noodles )

Honestly, how difficult is it to settle for one meal?

I arranged to meet my Kakis ( not the colour Khaki ) at 1230 to go for lunch, and we ended up circling almost all the shopping centres in the whole of the Sembawang/ Yishun district. I wanted cheap and good food, in an air-conditioned place, the other friend Kermy (that’s not his real name as it has been stripped to protect his identity) wanted just cheap food. The other other friend, Xiao Ma Yi (its a guy) already had his lunch and was simply distracted by the inflow of messages from his beloved – so he didn’t matter.

After almost settling for Aston’s Specialties, Nasi Biryani, we left almost immediately for Chong Pang. Don’t ask me why, but that’s what you get with a bunch of indecisive guys plonked together. And as any fairy tale would go. Lo and Behold, we found the perfect source infront of us at Chong Pang – Minced Meat Noodles, found almost anywhere in a Singaporean food court. How ironic….

However, what really attracted us was the certificate from Makansutra’s K.F. Seetoh (the premier Singapore food critic) which rated this Noodle Stall a shocking 2.5/3 chopsticks (that’s his grading style, mine are simply ticks). Well it had to be good.

True enough, and based on impartial decisions, the taste test passed well for this stall and its Ta Mee. Simply,

  • The noodles were an easy bite away (you didn’t have to struggle while trying to look elegant)
  • There was a decent amount of liao for an order of $3
  • For the traditionalists, there is also Fried Lard (mmmm…)
  • Finally, there was the hint of vinegar in the dish, which gave that extra kick to the savoury feel of the noodles and meat.

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I believe the only confusing thing for any would be visitor is the coffeeshop sign which proudly blares “BRAS BASAH FOOD COURT” – Now what would that be doing in Yishun? A franchise maybe?

Price for Traditional Ta Mee : $3/4 tickticktick tick tick1
Shop is near 7-Eleven  

 

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Malaysia’s Pontian Wanton Noodles

Now as if the Mee Pok wasn’t enough, I had to drag the guys along to go settle for the Pontian Wanton Noodles located at Chong Pang Market. They have never eaten this even though this stall has been here for some time. I too discovered this little gem only last year. Its as though we were trapped in some force field to only patronise the other side of the Market.

The first distinctive factor of the Pontian Wanton Noodles is the Noodles itself. Noticeably, the noodles are broader and they have a firmer texture. There is also a use of a thicker sauce for the dish whereas the more popular Cantonese version would be light sauce. Naturally, with thicker noodles, there would be more bite in each chopstick full and it may not be something all would enjoy. Still, it is delicious and a unique difference from your normal Wanton Noodles. 

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These are the go getters! Extremely CRISPY Fried Wantons.

Ah, but it is actually the Fried Wantons that leave diners satisfied and left with the want for more. Once again, its not your normal fried wanton, as the shocking difference is the Wanton Skin used. I suspect its Filo pastry, but who knows? Once deep fried, that crunch is a real CRUNCH. Not the ones you usually encounter that leave a soggy aftertaste. Deep it with the mayonnaise provided and mmm, you got yourself addicted. Obviously, pair the wanton with the noodles, you will get Wanton Noodles. And for $2.50 per bowl of standard serving, I say why not? It will leave your eyes wide open on the first bite and hungry for more.

Price for Malaysia Pontian Wanton Noodles : $2.50/3 tickticktick tick tick1
Price for A Dozen Fried Wantons : $2.50 tickticktickticktick
Located in Chong Pang Market  

 

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Just within one meal, I had two main courses. I believe I am going to turn myself into a food craze personality. But then again, I am hungry… Till then, with the Next Post about the Popular Peranakan Inn at Katong!

Map picture

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Nasi Biryani Dum Mutton

My venture into the Biryani territory has never been adventurous. So far, my most distinct memory of a good biryani would be the one at Shami Banana Leaf Delights located at Northpoint, Yishun. Now, what would Biryani Dum Mutton mean? I hardly think its your typical biryani found at the local coffeeshop, but from what I discovered, it is actually biryani with the mutton meat cooked inside. Just imagine, the flavoursome juices of the meat flowing through the fragrant basmanti rice. Mmmmm!

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Generous portions of surprisingly soft mutton pieces!

Lovingly, the mutton meat in the Biryani was tender, leaving a wonderful hearty feeling in each bite. If you prefer chicken over mutton, there is always the Nasi Biryani Dum Ayam, although they don’t cook it together with the rice. The biryani was not overly laden with spices and herbs. Instead, each spoonful of the rice was just right with a hint of saffron in it. The generous Achar (pickled vegetables) was also an ideal compliment to the meal.

Still, where are my papadums and cashew nuts (more often than accompanied in the rice)?

Price for Nasi Biryani Dum Mutton - $5.00 tickticktickticktick1

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Turtle Eggs – That’s a lot of yolk.

Honestly, I can’t comprehend the fact that in the past 2 months, my family has visited the same restaurant/shop/little shop/cafe for at 3 times just to savour the house’s Herbal Turtle Soup. And what’s more convenient is that the shop is just a stone’s throw away from my house in little Singapore.

The little abode of Wild Turtle Soup strikes anyone looking across the street with its obvious red signage and it is hard to miss. Just situated across Sembawang Shopping Centre, I believe anyone would find it easily.

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Herbal Turtle Soup – Herby, Nourishing, Soft, Tender, Delicious.

These days, its getting harder and tougher to find Turtle Soup in Singapore. And that’s not to mention good quality Turtle Soup. So I must say that this shop serves up one of the best so far. If I am not wrong, my distant memory recalls another shop somewhere in Hong Lim Complex Hawker Centre but that is so long ago (precisely proving my point of this particular scarcity in the nation)

DSCF5485Straight to the point, the Herbal Turtle Soup is savoury with a decent amount of turtle pieces served. There is a strong herbal flavour and it could do with a dash of pepper. The meat is not overcooked and the best parts come from the jelly like cartilages, so grab them when no one is looking. What’s best is that once you run out of soup, you can ask for refills (though I never ask more than once, don’t want anyone to think I am a glutton, even though my stomach longs for it so)

Price for Herbal Turtle Soup (Medium) - $24.00   Rating – 4/5

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Turtle Eggs – the ones in the shell and cost $1 per piece!

My family was lucky today as the almost invaluable turtle eggs were being sold today. A somewhat rare commodity as not every turtle bears the “gold”. However, today’s serving was rather disappointing as the egg yolk was hard and tough on the inside. A too obvious sign that they were overcooked. Feedback was duly given of course but it will still be a good idea to remind them again if you visit. No point wasting such jewels.

Price for Yellow Eggs (Medium Serving) - $6.00

Price for White Eggs - $1.00 per piece

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Traditional Yam Rice

Ok, for gosh’s sake if you really want to enjoy the Turtle Soup meal, order the Yam Rice. Unless you are

  1. On a diet
  2. Unable to consume yams, prawns or garlic
  3. Really a lover of white rice and cannot live a day without a grain of it in the mouth.

If you think you can eat 2 bowls, ask for 2 bowls in advance. I had a little trouble the other day when they ran out of Yam rice and had to struggle incoherently with my chopsticks to dip into the plain old white rice. 

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Ngoh Hiang – Deep fried stuffed beancurd skins – Now these are GOOD!

Ok Ok, I discovered another gem amongst the rocks for this dish. The Ngoh Hiang served here are handmade, crisply fried and served excellent with a saucer of plum sweet sauce. These are the true go-getters and bound to vanish almost instantly. Crispy on the outside, soft and juicy on the inside. Yummy!

Price for Ngoh Hiang (Small) - $6.90    Rating - 4.5/5

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I seriously don’t need to explain this to you, do I?

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King of Chilli Chop Fish Head – Do not ask me why this is the name.

Last but not least item on review today is the KING OF CHILLI CHOP FISH HEAD. A peculiar name, yet strangely suiting towards the dish. Song He Fish Head is served up in a wild mix of chilli, olives, salted soy beans, herbs and more stuff which I cannot name. The fish is steamed without it being too soft nor too tough and the savoury sauce gives that wonderful kick to each taste.

If you think you would enjoy this, go ahead and get one. I know I loved it.

Price of King of Chilli Chop Fish Head - $10.00    Rating – 3.5/5  

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Another random flower I took a shot of.

Well to sum things up, for a family of 3, we spent an amount of $72.44 but that’s also considering the fact that we are big eaters. So be prepared to shell out (no pun intended on the tortoise) a bit of cash, but hey it should definitely be cheaper than visiting some high end cantonese restaurant down orchard road.

A lovely place for some good ol’ home cooked food and turtle soup. Now where else can I find Turtle Soup in Singapore?

Wild Turtle Soup , Opposite Sembawang Shopping Centre. Address : 20 Jalan Tampang