Tuesday, March 16, 2021

Lao Gu Ban : the old-fashioned noodles

My friend told me about this stall in an old coffee shop near Tanjong Pagar MRT. He mentioned that he ever spotted Eric, the owner of Ah Hoe Mee Pok was there manning the stall. This is his new venture. 


The coffee shop was unusually quiet when we came on the fourth day of Lunar New Year, but there was a short queue. We decided to go with Handmade Mushroom Fish Maw Noodle and Handmade Prawn Paste Noodle. There is the $6 and $8 portion and we decided to go with the $8 portion for both. We were asked whether we want to have extra noodles which we declined but later, my dining companion said, "We should have wanted the extra noodles as the portion is actually quite little and is not filling."


My dining companion asked, "How is the soup comparable to the fish maw soup by Ding Ji Mushroom Minced Meat Noodles in Bishan?" I said, "The soup here is rather tasty with a slight sweetness probably derived from the rich flavor of the broth. 


I do not find the handmade prawn paste to be particularly memorable though." I used to really like the prawn paste from Ban Niang Yong Tau Foo but I heard there is a drop in standard. 


The texture of the handmade noodle was nicely firm, thick, and slightly chewy tossed in savory sauce. You would not get to choose the type of noodles as this is the only type that they serve. 


My dining companion said, "I would just go for the $6 portion next time. I think it is more justifiable at that price and I do not find those slices of canned shellfish adding value to the noodle as I rather have it with just braised mushroom."


There was also a piece of fish dumpling in the soup, the handmade fish dumpling is nicely seasoned with dried sole fish added for more flavor. 


Having tried Ah Hoe Mee Pok, it actually tasted similar with not much surprise. It is good overall though but I do not think I will come purposely just for it. 


LAO GU BAN 老古板
243 Cantonment Road #01-01 SINGAPORE 089770
Operating Hours: 10.30 am to 9.30 pm (Closed on Saturdays)

150 Kampong Ampat #02-01 KA Centre SINGAPORE 368324
Operating Hours: 8.00 am to 3.00 pm (Closed on weekends)