I was never a fan of pastries. I didn’t enjoy the sweetness of the dessert and especially the crust where if I had to eat it, I would only finish the filling. While at Katong Shopping Centre, a strong aroma eluded the entire basement level. It was those fragrances that once you smell it, you know you want it. It was a pleasant surprise that it was actually the baking of Fresh Banana Pies in the oven of Dona Manis Cake Shop.

It was temptation without words and the fact that there were people buying boxes of the pies led me to tell myself that I must buy a slice.

My first bite – a sudden tug at my heart. The delicate sweetness of the banana and the gritty coconut dusted crust contrasted each other.

My second bite – I just felt like crying.

Somehow, the pie reminded me of the very scene where our forefathers worked through sweat and tears to bring us to what we are today. Somehow, each bite simply brought back the memories of home.

There was a certain tenderness, and yet at the same time you could feel the loving work placed in by the old bakers. It was a pastry like I never had before.

Sadly, the shopping centre is already old. And I do not know how long it can last for. It does not seem like this homely tradition will carry on, once the leaves of time fade away.

Price per slice of Banana Pie : $2.00

Dona Manis Cake Shop

Katong Shopping Centre, 865 Mountbatten Road #B1-93

Tel : 6440 7688. Closed on Sundays.

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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.

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
Shop is near 7-Eleven

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. 

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
Price for A Dozen Fried Wantons : $2.50
Located in Chong Pang Market

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!