Yan Fried Bee Hoon / Chicken Wings : Why did PM bother to queue?

It was slightly after 4 pm when i was there. There was already a short queue of about 4 people right in front of this stall and almost everyone ordered the signature fried chicken wings from this stall. I guess their chicken wings must be so good to even get the Prime Minister (PM) to queue for it. I was told if come during dinner, the waiting time could be as long as 30 minutes or even longer. 

I waited for a short 10 minutes before i got to order, some of their side dishes were not ready then still the choices were rather limited. I ordered a packet of bee hoon with fishcake to take away and requested for chilli to go along but it was overlooked, no chilli is added. I have also ordered for a plate of fried bee hoon and 4 pieces of chicken wings to be eaten there. 

Even before i tasted it, the dark color of fried chicken wings did not seem to be quite appealing. It looked slightly overcooked though the skin still retained its crispiness and not greasy. My first bite has confirmed my suspicious, the chicken wings tasted slightly burnt and a bit too dry. Though crispy but it did not have much taste within. I guess they must have deep fried those chicken wings over a rather high fire to achieve that crispiness but compromised its texture within. They did not season it long enough to allow the marinade to seep through it thus it tasted rather bland. 

A friend that tasted the fried chicken wings by my late Grandpa commented that those chicken wings were tastier as compared to these. I tasted it when the stall was still at the old Commonwealth Food Centre and it was quite good then. Now, there is a significant drop in comparison. I do not know whether is this an one time off or it is their usual standard. I seriously do not understand why did the PM even bothered to queue for such a standard fried chicken wings. There are definitely many more better fried chicken wings out there, like some of those found at the lesser known economic fried bee hoon stalls that without a queue. So, why even bother to queue?

Their fried bee hoon has left quite an impression though, a simple dish but they done it pretty well. It was lightly seasoned with soya sauce but stir-fried well to give it just the right texture and flavor. It tasted good even after it was left for a while.

YAN FRIED BEE HOON / CHICKEN WINGS

Block 85 Redhill Lane #01-19 Redhill Food Centre SINGAPORE 150085

Operating Hours: 4 pm to 10 pm (Closed on Monday)

Lai Heng Mushroom Minced Meat Noodle : What is Good?

This stall has been featured in one of the recent episodes of 'Makan Lost & Found' thus i expected them to be of certain standard. This stall is solely operated by an elderly Uncle. I remember it was the same Uncle that appeared in the TV show. 

I went with Mushroom Minced Meat Noodle ($3.30) and Fishball Noodle ($3.30). As i was the only customer then for an early dinner, the waiting time was a short one. 

I requested for an extra amount of chilli to be added to Mushroom Minced Meat Noodle, the level of spiciness was still rather mild but a little oily. A substantial portion of mee pok was served along with minced meat, slices of lean meat and liver with braised mushroom. The liver was in thick and big pieces and cooked pretty nicely to give it a just right texture with a desired softness, just exactly how i liked it. For that alone, i am likely to eat it again if i happen to be in the vicinity. 

The Fishball Noodle tasted quite ordinary. A same equally good portion of mee pok served with minced meat, slices of fishcake and a few pieces of fishball. Seemingly, the fishcake and fishball did not taste like handmade as it has little elasticity. 

If i have to choose between both, i would think that the Mushroom Minced Meat Noodle is of a better choice and value. 

LAI HENG MUSHROOM MINCED MEAT NOODLE

165 Bukit Merah Central #01-3683 SINGAPORE 150165

Operating Hours: 9 am to 9 pm (Monday to Friday) / 9 am to 3 pm (Sunday)

THE BAKERY CHEF : An afternoon of nothingness

It was raining very heavily on that day and i badly needed a place to wait for the rain to stop. And i happened to be in the vicinity of this one of the most talked about cafes in town and i thought of their beautiful rainbow cake from this cafe and decided to drop by. We were greeted upon entered then asked to take a seat. The order has to be made at the counter and i offered to pay after it was done but i was asked to do so later. Their attentive service has definitely left an impression. 

Their beautifully done Rainbow Cake ($5.80) is a must try. The taste aside, the prettiness of it has already brightened my gloomy day. I was really eager to have my first bite at that moment. The Red Velvet Cream Cheese Cake ($5.80) came next. It was another piece of really pretty cake. Then, came my Cuppuccino ($4.90). 

It was a squarish piece of cake in 6 different colors that is topped with a delicious layer of fresh cream and nicely decorated. I enjoyed what i tasted, the sponginess was pretty distinctive though i could not quite make a comparison with other rainbow cakes as this was my very first piece.

The Red Velvet Cream Cheese Cake is another excellent choice. The fresh cream did not taste really sweet but delightfully well-balanced.

This heartland cafe is definitely worth a revisit. I would even purposely make a trip to here for good cakes. It was such a perfect afternoon and i really could not ask for more.  

THE BAKERY CHEF

Block 161 Bukit Merah Central #01-3711 SINGAPORE 150161

Hours: 10.00 am to 9.00 pm (Friday to Monday ) 10.00 am to 7.00 pm (Tuesday to Thurday)