On a hot late morning in July, I was hunting for brunch at Kovan Hougang Market and Food Centre. Attracted to this “Bak Chor Mee” (Minced Meat Noodle) stall due to the long queue, I decided to join in the queue of Fa Ji Minced Meat Fishball Noodle Stall.
As I moved closer, I was able to see that they offer Laksa and Curry Noodle in addition to the ever popular Bak Chor Mee. You can even purchase the handmade fish cake at a $1.50.
The main person of the stall is a handsome uncle, always smiling to each customer with two female assistants assisting in taking orders and food preparation. Perhaps the secrets to the long queue other than the tasty food could be the Uncle’s friendly attitude combined with good looks; plus if you noticed the “maneki-neko” (beckoning cat) statue at the top left of the picture pulling in the crowd and luck for them.
So what did I order? Bak Chor Mee of course. I was famished and decided to order a large bowl of Mee Kia (thin noodles as compared to the thicker Mee Pok) at $4.50 without liver (I do not eat liver). The serving was huge with many slices of fish cake, minced meat, mushrooms and my favourite pork lard. The noodles was pretty al dente and I liked the overall taste. The vinegar was not overpowering at all; the sourness and spiciness blend beautifully.
Accompanying the noodle was an equally large bowl of soup which contained five “bolas” of three fishballs and two pork balls. I liked the flavourful soup and drank so much that I could not finish my noodles….to be honest the serving was too huge even for a big man like me.
The pork ball was pretty standard stuff whereas the fishball has chopped chilies and chives, chewy but easy to bite.
Lao Beng’s Verdict
I will definitely return to eat the Bak Chor Mee and also to try their other offerings of Laksa and Curry Noodle but I will definitely ask for the standard portion next time around. Take note that they are closed on Wednesdays.
Address
Fa Ji Minced Meat Fishball Noodle (Closed on Wednesdays)
Blk 209 Hougang Street 21
#01-05
Singapore 530209
(Kovan Hougang Market & Food Centre)