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2009-08-22
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I'm in a pickle. I am a Singaporean. But I am also a huge advocate regarding the variety and quality of dining that can be found in Hong Kong. Therefore I cannot express how disappointed I remain with the fact that I simply cannot find a store that sells authentic, tasty Singaporean / Malaysian food. There are plenty of pretenders that line the streets and malls in our humble city, yet none of them can compare to a SG$2.00 bowl / plate of noodles found at random hawker centers in Singapore.So ne
Therefore I cannot express how disappointed I remain with the fact that I simply cannot find a store that sells authentic, tasty Singaporean / Malaysian food. There are plenty of pretenders that line the streets and malls in our humble city, yet none of them can compare to a SG$2.00 bowl / plate of noodles found at random hawker centers in Singapore.
So needless to say, when my friend decided to take me to this "Laksa place" for lunch, I was understandably skeptical. This restaurant is tucked into a small street close to Sheung Wan MTR, and boasts several tasty-looking neighbours as well. Note: this place fills up in a hurry during lunch hour. Although the place was empty when we arrived, within three minutes (no exaggeration), it was completely packed, and a line formed outside. Popularity test: check.
Two of us ordered the Laksa Supreme - with tofu, cockles, fish cakes, eggs and sliced prawn. The remaining oddity ordered the Prawn Mee - noodles in a prawn broth with prawn, tofu and kang kong (通菜). Between us we ordered one more bowl of soupy vegetables.
The Laksa was decent. While not anything to brag about, its taste was half-authentic. Singaporeans would definitely lament its lack of chili and its mild taste (for me it was too watered down), but its ingredients were ample and noodles' texture was good. However, I have to lament the fact that despite the store's name, the bowl of noodles served was definitely NOT "Katong Laksa". Katong Laksa is famous for its rich, prawn paste filled soup, and and the fact that it can be eaten purely with spoons. The noodles are usually cut up, meaning that chopsticks are redundant. The lack of these characteristics mean that while the dish is definitely Laksa, labeling it 'Katong' should be considered a travesty.
My friend's Prawn Mee, which she devoured enthusiastically (not really giving me a chance to really try it), seemed alright. The yellow noodles (粗面) were of the right texture and taste, but while my friend enjoyed it, the soup did not pass muster with me. Being spoiled by Singapore / Johor Bahru's delicious broth, the soup tasted bland and unimpressive.
While not overtly rude, the staff definitely dropped hints that we were taking too long. But since we did take close to 45 minutes during a business lunch hour rush, I sort of understand (though still disagree with) their actions.
If you haven't tried a bowl of Laksa before, this is a half-decent place to come and get your feet (or tongue) wet. Out of the few places I've tried so far, this would top the list. Don't expect to be blown away though - your best bet would be to hop on a plane and head south.
張貼