Garden Street Kway Chap : it used to be better

It was started at the already demolished Blanco Court decades ago before moving to the current location. This is another stall in this food centre that has a constant long queue though not as long as Ah Seng Duck Rice and Seng Kee Mushroom Minced Meat Noodle. It started by the father but it has handed over to the son now and this is good as they are still going to be around for a while. 

When ordering, you just need to inform it is for how many people and also whether you want a bigger bowl of flat rice noodles is also known as Kway. And, if you do not want or want a particular item to be included then you will have to mention it when ordering. The basic set that includes braised pork, big intestine, small intestine, tau pok and braised egg with a small bowl of flat rice noodles is only $4

The flat rice noodles were good though not exceptionally outstanding but it is smooth and soft serving in the tasty braising sauce. All the braised items tasted just average though passable, I remember it used to be better when the father was still taking charge of the stall. Now, something is just missing there. Perhaps should give it a more time and it should get better in time to come. The chili sauce has a mild spiciness and it served well as a dipping sauce.

GARDEN STREET KWAY CHAP

49A Serangoon Garden Way #01-21 Serangoon Garden Food Centre SINGAPORE 555945

Operating Hours: 8.00 to 3.00 pm (Closed on Mondays)

Hock Kee Fried Oyster : Well, I Liked It

I went looking specifically for this stall when i was at the food centre for a late lunch. I remember seeing someone posted pictures of their Fried Oyster and it looked tempting.  I spotted Simon Poh, the owner, stood right outside his stall, chatting with some friends. I approached him to order a portion of Fried Oyster for $5.00. Then, i walked a little farther and brought out my camera to take a picture of their stall. I walked back to wait at the stall for my plate of Fried Oyster to be ready. Simon said, jokingly, 'Miss, if you want to take a picture then you have to take a picture with our boss.' He pointed to an elderly man that was seated at the table just in front of their stall. 

I said, "I just take the picture to keep for memories sake just in case i forget where i eat." I also mentioned that i ever came across pictures of Fried Oyster from their stall and it made me to travel here just to try it. His wife, Joey Lim, said, "You might want to take notice of our operating hours as we have break in between". She pointed to that part of their signboard which has their operating hours indicated. And, she said, "We have been operating in this food centre for 9 years". 

Other than the Fried Oyster at $5, $8 and $10, there is also a more traditional version known as Tang Shan Fried Oyster at $5, $8 and $10, the texture is slightly softer and more moist as compared to the usual Fried Oyster.  There is also Oyster Omelette for $6, $8 and $10. There is actually a difference between Fried Oyster and Oyster Omelette as the latter is served with purely egg, leaving out the tapioca starch. They do also serve Fried Carrot Cake (White and Black) at $3, $4 and $5, Fried Kway Teow at $3, $4 and $5.

When i shown this picture to a friend, he actually commented, "Are you sure that you get this portion for just $5?". I would have to agree that the portion is indeed quite generous. There were a few plump oysters in it with a really good portion of egg added. 

Its texture reminded me of the other Fried Oyster by Lim's Fried Oyster at Jalan Berseh Food Centre as i tasted certain similarities. It is slightly wet, a little gooey, served with a good amount of egg that retained its fluffiness and was slightly crisp at those edges. You could actually make a request if you like it crispier. Though this might not be the best Fried Oyster that i have ever eaten but it is definitely amongst the best so far. 

This will be amongst those places that i will be when i am wanting a plate of Fried Oyster next time.

HOCK KEE FRIED OYSTER

49A Serangoon Garden Way #01-19 Serangoon Garden Food Centre SINGAPORE 555945

Operating Hours: 7.15 am to 2.00 pm / 6.15 pm to 10.00 pm (Tuesday to Friday)

7.15 am to 3.00 pm (Sunday & Saturday) (Closed on Mondays)

Serangoon Garden Bakery & Confectionery : Old-school Buns and Cakes

Serangoon Garden Bakery & Confectionery has been around in Serangoon Garden for at least 30 years. I was told by a long time resident that they used to own a shop but closed down before moving to the current location. They serve those traditional and unpretentious buns like the classic luncheon meat buns, curry buns, ham & cheese buns, ikan belis buns, otah buns and many others. You could also find butter cake, banana cake and walnut cake right here. All of those are freshly baked at the spot and there used to be an interesting Uncle and he always said, '再来!' (which literally means come again or simply repeat) when taking the orders. This is a favourite breakfast spot where you could get some of those old school buns to have it with a cup of coffee. 

Their prices have been increasing, i remember it used to be as cheap as 0.60 cents for a piece but it is at $1.00 per piece now. Though it is still cheaper if compared to BreadTalk or other atas bakeries out there but if compared to Baker Talent where most of their buns are below $1.00, it is slightly steep. Perhaps that somewhat explained why the queue is so much shorter these days and there is even no queue at times. 

My favourite has always been the curry bun, ham & cheese bun and luncheon bun. The bread has a slightly sweet taste and rather airy, it still tasted good even it is kept for later or to have it for breakfast the next day.

SERANGOON GARDEN BAKERY & CONFECTIONERY

49A Serangoon Garden Way #01-45/46 Serangoon Garden Food Centre SINGAPORE

Operating Hours: 7.30 am till 5 pm or earlier if sold out (Closed on Mondays)

Lad & Dad : The Passion of a Father & Son

Keith Loh, the 'Lad' used to study then worked in London before coming back to Singapore and started this hawker stall with Desmond Koh, his dad, they aim to serve affordable British-inspired classics with a local twist as comfort food. I was there on a Sunday slightly after 12 pm. Keith was there, manning the stall all by himself. I was told that if i want to have the Yorkshire Pudding, i would have to come back at 12.30 pm as they were not ready yet. I was given the choice to have the other side dishes or come back much later which i did. 

Their menu is pretty limited, the main dish is the Lancashire Hotpot, you could choose between Beef and Mutton at $8 as a-la-crate dish or $12.00 as a set that is served with 3 side dishes. In total, there are 4 side dishes to choose from, mainly Hand-mashed Potato, Seasonal Salad, Fragrant Rice and Yorkshire Pudding baked from scratch, each serving is at $2. Their version of Lancashire Hotpot is slightly different from those that is done traditionally which is usually baked in the oven. Instead, they slow-cooked for hours in a metal pot added with celery, carrot and potato.

I ordered the Beef Stew set and i was asked to choose 3 side dishes. I asked for a recommendation and Keith suggested i should go with their Hand-mashed Potato, Fragrant Rice and their signature Yorkshire Pudding. After done with payment, i was asked to come back in 5 minutes to collect it. Before it was due, i spotted Keith waving at me from far. When collecting it, i asked him, 'How is the business so far?'. I asked as i realised i was their first customer at 12.30 pm on a Sunday. 

Keith said, "We have been around for almost a year and the business is picking up but is a bit quiet lately. It is even so for some of those popular stalls like Ah Seng Duck Rice, their queue is much shorter now."

They serve it using a metal tray with a oval baking dish to contain the Stew Beef that consists of chunky pieces of perfectly braised beef shin, celery, carrot and potato, it was served pipping hot. It has been slow-cooked for 8 hours till it is fork-tender and with a rather thick and strong-flavored gravy. This is no doubt one of the better Beef Stews that i have eaten in Singapore so far.

The Yorkshire Pudding is a traditional English dish that is made from batter consisting of eggs, flour with milk or water and it is usually served with beef and gravy, or served as a dessert. The one served here has puffed up beautifully, not too greasy but with a crusty outer layer and is still moist and light right within. 

The texture of Hand-mashed Potato is smooth and slightly coarsened and garnished with a dash of black pepper to enhance its flavor and it makes a perfect pair with the gravy from the Beef Stew.

The Fragrant Rice has somewhat reminded me of the indian style rice that is cooked for their biryani which i did not quite enjoy but my lunch companion thought it was good.

There are 2 desserts on the menu, the butter poundcake with custard or pudding with ice-cream and maple syrup at $3 each.

LAD & DAD

49A Serangoon Garden Way #01-32 Serangoon Garden Food Centre SINGAPORE 555945

Operating Hours: 12.00 pm to 8.00 pm (Wednesday to Sunday)

[UPDATE: Moved to 1 Kadayanallur Street #01-79 Maxwell Food Centre SINGAPORE 069184]

Grazie : Hawker Italian Food made fresh

'Grazie' which means 'Thank You' in Italian is the name of this unassuming hawker stall at Serangoon Garden Food Centre. This stall has been serving Italian food using the fresh ingredients with no MSG and preservative added as indicated and they have been around since April 2012.

Though they are supposedly famous for their pasta dishes but i decided to go with Pork Chop with apple sauce for $8.80. This dish is created to commemorate SG 50 and have been on their menu on a permanent basis since August 2015. I made an order and paid, i was asked to come back in 8 minutes to collect it. When i went back at 7 minutes, it was already done and left waiting at the counter. 

That 2 slices of thinly sliced Pork Chop were nicely marinated and cooked well to a desired tenderness. It was served with apple sauce though i felt the sweetness of the apple sauce did not do much to enhance its flavor. It came along with a portion of fries and garden salads that included a handful of chickpeas which is not quite common. The overall standard is pretty good and i would think it is definitely value for money as i could taste the freshness of those ingredients used.

Perhaps i would come back for their pasta dishes next time since this is supposedly their signature dishes.

GRAZIE

49A Serangoon Garden Way #01-01 Serangoon Garden Food Centre SINGAPORE 555945

Operating Hours: 12.00 pm to 8.00 pm (Closed on Mondays)

Soh Eng Siong Coffee Stall : 0.90 cents for Iced Coffee

This is the only coffee stall in this food centre that has got a short queue, i decided to join and ordered a iced coffee. I was told it is only 0.90 cents when i asked how much is it as i was digging my coin purse for loose change. I could not help but asked, 'Why is it so cheap?' and i continued asking, "Most of the coffee stalls are already charging $1.00 or more for a cup of hot coffee and $1.20 to $1.50 for iced coffee."

The Uncle said, "We have different priorities in life." He then pointed at the Auntie and said, 'She does not drive Mercedes Benz but taking bus to work." He said, "I could not really answer this question and definitely not on behalf of other coffee stalls on why are they charging much more but it is really about what we perceive as important." He is so right. To get the priorities right and to live simply are keys to happiness. 

On a side note, i wonder why is there an additional of 20 cents to 50 cents charged for the cold version of coffee and tea which i think is not quite justifiable. The main difference between the cold and the hot version is none other than the amount of ice cubes added to cool it. 

It is heartwarming to know there is still such a hawker stall around that aims to bring down the costs to benefits their customers. In order to do so, this hawker stall is likely to be one of those pioneer hawker stalls that is given a heavily subsidised rent so they could afford to just earn enough. Apparently, not many of such stalls are around these days as most of these pioneer hawkers are getting old and retiring.

SOH ENG SIONG COFFEE STALL

49A Serangoon Garden Way #01-38 Serangoon Garden Food Centre SINGAPORE 555945

Lao Song Huat Fishball Noodle at Serangoon Gardens

Most of the stalls were closed on Monday and that including the famous Seng Kee Mushroom Minced Meat Noodles which is my regular option whenever i am at this food centre for lunch. I then decided to go with this noodle stall that relocated from the Taman Serasi Hawker Centre at Cluny Road, directly opposite Botanic Garden and was demolished in 2004. They have been around since 1966 as indicated on their signboard. 

You could choose between the smaller portion at $3.00 or the bigger portion at $4.00 for Fishball Noodle or Bak Chor Mee (Mushroom Minced Meat Noodle) which i ordered. They are supposed to be famous for their extremely huge fishcake and they even served it with Bak Chor Mee together with braised mushroom, minced meat and pork's liver. 

Though i requested to have an extra amount of chilli added but the level of spiciness was rather mild and i could hardly taste any vinegar in it. 

For the $4.00 portion, the soup is served with 3 pieces of 3 fishballs and 1 vegetable ball with some dried seaweed. The soup was quite bland though and the fishballs did not quite stand out but those slices of fishcake were quite nice.

Overall, it fared not too bad though not quite memorable and would not be in my list for one of the best around.

LAO SONG HUAT FISHBALL NOODLE

49A Serangoon Garden Way #01-Serangoon Garden Food Centre SINGAPORE 

Operating Hours: 8.00 am to 10.00 pm (Closed on Tuesdays)

Seng Kee Mushroom Minced Meat Noodle : A New Found Favourite

Though i have eaten this particular Bak Cho Mee for a few times but it has never been a favourite though it tasted above average. I used to really like the Bak Cho Mee from Joo Heng Mushroom Minced Meat Noodle but they have already ceased operation for a while. I have since went on a hunt for the next favourite. I have tried some of those familiar ones but did not particularly like it. 

I happened to be back for another 2 times to eat at this stall and i started to fall in love with the taste. It is nice, even nicer than the famous one at Crawford Lane. Taste aside, it is definitely more value for money with a shorter queue. 

There are the $4 and $5 portions for selection. The ingredients consist of braised mushroom, minced meat, slices of lean meat and pork's liver, fish dumpling and greens served along with perfectly cooked mee kia. Though requested for an extra amount of chilli to be added but the level of spiciness was rather mild. When mixed it well, the fragrance of the chilli blended well with the sauce and a tasty bowl of noodle awaits. 

This is the closer alternative to the version by Joo Heng Mushroom Mined Meat Noodle that i really liked. 

SENG KEE MUSHROOM MINCED MEAT NOODLE

49A Serangoon Garden Way Serangoon Garden Food Centre Singapore 555945

Operating Hours: 7.30 am to 2.00 pm (Closed on Mondays)

Good or average? You decide.

This is supposedly the famous bak chor mee stall that moved from their stall in Eunos to their shop at Upper Changi Road and finally to this stall in this location. I ever eaten once in their shop then but it did not leave an impression then. 

My favourite bak chor mee stall has recently closed as the owner is in ill health and so i decided to give this stall another go. This stall is manned by the owner and his wife now.

I was their only customer at 11.00 am. I decided to go with the dry version of bak chor mee at $5. I asked for mee kia with extra chilli added.

The portion given was quite substantial with fresh tasting ingredients like slices of lean meat and liver with minced meat and a piece of fish dumpling then topped with braised mushroom to serve. Their specially made chilli has got minimum level of spiciness and a tad oily too especially with an extra amount of it added. 

The mee kia has got a noticeably springiness and tasted good when tossed well with the chilli. The handful of beansprouts added was a good enhancement to its texture.

They are supposed to be famous for their soup noodle but that particular bowl of soup served along with the noodle tasted quite flat. It has got a distinctive taste of dried sole fish but lacking in level of sweetness and saltiness thus it tasted bland. It got me to wonder whether the same soup stock is used for their signature fish maw soup noodle that priced at $9 and a larger bowl at $12? I am still willing to give it a try when i come back next time.

I am still not impressed with this particular bak chor mee and i could not help but missing the already closed down regular stall a lot more. And, that was still the best bak chor mee that i ever tasted. This is concluded after eaten most of the famous ones out there. The taste is definitely subjective and whether this is a good or just average bak chor mee is for you to try it then decide. 

SENG KEE BAK MUSHROOM MINCED MEAT NOODLE

49A Serangoon Garden Way

Serangoon Garden Market

SINGAPORE 555945.