Some folks say, that this is bar none, the best Hakka Beef Ball noodles in Singapore.
Personally, I think one of the best things about Singapore is that you can get “the best X” without paying like a duke for it. Each bowl of yummyliciousness costs a mere $4!
It doesn’t quite have a signboard, so most people know it as the Hakka Yong Tau Foo/Beef Ball stall opposite the Workers Party Headquarters. It’s really just across the road (photo below).
The number of yellowed newspaper cuttings raving about its food has grown so much it covers almost the entire front of the stall, taking precedence over photos of its dishes (spot the plate outlines beneath).
The beef balls are one of the best I’ve ever had – handmade and thus really springy! 口感实在太棒了。Because it is Hakka style, the dry noodles are served separately with no sauce, just minced meat.
The yong tau foo is a fixed set (i.e. cannot choose items) – wolfed it all down so no photos oops – but a $4 set comprises 6-7 items. It serves “abacus seeds” 算盘子 (saun pan zi in Hakka) that my dearest late grandma used to make, so I think I must remember to order it the next time I visit.
The hawker assistant taking orders is rude gruff (i.e. she might scream at you for no reason) but I put it down to the tiring work, difficult customers at times, and the overall stress of being on your feet in a warm coffeeshop dealing with hungry people all the time. Being a hawker is hard, hard work, so I really don’t expect them to be friendly, or speak to you with a smile, etc.
It’s really tough work, guys! I don’t think I’d last an afternoon, doing the back-breaking work that they do. So to me, anything beyond the usual business-like exchange is a bonus. And on my part I’m always deferentially polite and patient, cos I’m nice scared of getting scolded.
Gar Lok Eating House
217 Syed Alwi Road
Opening Hours: 9am – 6pm (Closed on Fri)
You’re so sweet! I think the hawkers will smile at you and be nice since you’ll be one of the few customers who won’t be grouchy towards them.
imp recently posted…《死亡纪事》
Haha, I dare not hope for that. But sometimes if they look like they are in the mood, I chat them up heh heh. One Hakka yong tau foo seller at Amoy was quite impressed with my Hakka *beam*.
Lyn Lee recently posted…Hakka Beef Ball noodles at Syed Alwi Road
Good on you! Dialects are quite the lost art nowadays.