Al Mahboob Rojak

I have been craving this popular rojak spot in Tampines for years, and finally we chanced upon it again. Luckily for us, we managed to get a seat rather quickly despite its usual crowd.

My last write-up on Al Mahboob Rojak was way back in 2013 when they were still at their previous location. 

More than a decade later, it felt a little nostalgic revisiting a place that had left such a strong impression on my taste buds. Known for their crispy fritters, fresh ingredients and that signature rojak sauce that ties everything together, it was about time I returned to see if the flavours I remembered were still as satisfying as before.

Al Mahboob Rojak

While waiting for the rojak to be freshly fried and served, I started with a cup of Bandung. The chilled drink was a refreshing mix of rose syrup and milk, lightly sweet with that familiar floral aroma. It was the perfect companion to cool down in the afternoon heat while patiently watching the kitchen prepare the rojak from scratch. Sometimes, the anticipation makes the first sip taste even better.

Bandung - $3.50

For the rojak, I went with my usual picks, cuttlefish, tau gua, fish fillet,  prawn fritters, potato etc. The platter arrived generously topped with sliced green chillies, crunchy cucumbers and fresh red onions, adding a refreshing contrast to the fried items. Despite the fast turnover at the stall, the ingredients tasted fresh and the fritters were nicely crisp without being overly greasy, making the whole plate very enjoyable.

My Rojak Selection - $16.90

For every piece of rojak on the plate, I made sure to dip it generously into the sweet red sauce that was served on the side. The sauce was thick, slightly tangy and nicely balanced with sweetness, coating each fritter and ingredient perfectly. After finishing the first bowl of sauce rather quickly, I asked for a refill and the staff were friendly enough to provide another serving without hesitation, which made the experience even more enjoyable.

Yummy

Even after all these years, I am still very fond of their Indian rojak. Whenever the craving for Indian rojak strikes, Al Mahboob Rojak is always one of the first places that comes to mind. There is just something comforting about their crispy fritters, fresh ingredients and that addictive sweet sauce that keeps me coming back.

Al Mahboob Rojak
Location: 300 Tampines Ave 5, #01-02, Singapore 529653

Chao Yuan Noodles - Clementi West

My colleague had been craving Bak Chor Mee, and we made our way to Chao Yuan Noodle at Clementi West to satisfy that craving. The stall offers both Fishball Noodles and Bak Chor Mee, with a variety of noodle options such as Mee Sua, Mee Pok and more, allowing diners to choose their preferred combination.

Chao Yuan Noodle 

She strongly advocated for the Yuan Yang Noodle, which is a specialty of the stall and something she highly recommended trying.

Yuan Yang Noodle - $6

The noodles carried a nostalgic chilli flavour that was both familiar and comforting, further enhanced by the generous addition of fragrant pork lard. Interestingly, the noodle itself appeared to be somewhere in between Mee Pok and You Mee, offering a slightly flatter yet springy texture that made it quite enjoyable.

Yuan Yang Noodle

My colleague also ordered the Signature Liver, and it turned out to be a pleasant surprise. The liver was cooked beautifully to a perfect texture, tender enough for the teeth to sink into, yet retaining a slight bounce that made it incredibly satisfying. Tossed with their savoury sauce and topped with fragrant pork lard, it was rich, flavourful and thoroughly enjoyable.

Signature Liver - $4

Overall, Chao Yuan Noodle at Clementi West delivered a satisfying bowl of Bak Chor Mee, especially with their unique Yuan Yang Noodle and well-executed Signature Liver. The nostalgic chilli flavour, springy noodles and generous pork lard made it an enjoyable meal, while the liver was a standout on its own. It is easy to see why the stall has its regular followers, and while it may require a special trip for some, it is certainly worth considering if you are in the Clementi area and craving a comforting bowl of BCM.

Our Orders

Chao Yuan Noodles - Clementi West
Location: 727 Clementi West Street 2, #01-232, Singapore 120727

Cecil Market Yu Tiao

Before leaving Cecil Market after breakfast, we walked past the fried fritters stall and were immediately drawn in by the irresistible aroma lingering in the air. Unable to resist, we picked up a Ham Chim Peng and a Huah Chee for a quick bite, planning to enjoy them along the way to our next stop.

Cecil Market Yu Tiao

The texture was delightful,  slightly crisp on the outside with a soft and fluffy interior. The fragrance was inviting, and the roasted sesame seeds on top added an extra layer of aroma and nuttiness, making each bite simple yet satisfying.

Ham Chim Peng - RM 1.40

The Huah Chee, also known as the “butterfly”, was enjoyable with its lightly crisp exterior and soft, fluffy centre. It carried a gentle sweetness and fragrance, making it a comforting and satisfying traditional snack.

Huah Chee - RM 1.40

Overall, the Ham Chim Peng and Huah Chee made for a delightful little snack to end our visit to Cecil Market. Freshly fried and aromatic, they carried a comforting old-school charm that is becoming harder to find these days. Simple as they may be, these traditional fritters reminded me how something so humble can still be deeply satisfying, especially when enjoyed fresh and on the go.

Cecil Market Yu Tiao
Location: Lebuh Cecil Pulau Pinang, George Town, 10300, Malaysia

Dunman Road Char Siew Wanton Mee 德明叉烧云吞面

Dunman Food Centre is a familiar name among Wanton Mee lovers, known for its long-standing reputation and loyal following. What makes it even more interesting is the presence of two popular Wanton Mee stalls, one on the upper floor, Joo Chiat Ah Huat Wanton Noodle,  and another on the lower floor, each with its own fans and debate on which is better. Naturally, I had to start with the iconic Dunman Road Char Siew Wanton Mee.

Dunman Road Char Siew Wan Ton Mee

We ordered a large bowl of Wanton Mee to share. At first glance, it looked fairly standard, topped with slices of lean char siew, some vegetables, and served with a bowl of soup on the side. However, the noodles themselves appeared slightly different from the usual, which made it all the more intriguing.

Wanton Mee (Big)

We dug into the bottom of the bowl to retrieve the wantons that were hidden beneath the noodles. While they were decently sized, the texture and taste did not leave much of an impression on me. There wasn’t quite the wow factor I was hoping for, and perhaps it simply wasn’t the style that I was craving for.

Wantons

Overall, it was a decent plate of Wanton Mee that many would probably still enjoy, especially those who grew up eating this style. While it did not quite leave a strong impression for me personally, I can understand its long-standing popularity and loyal following. Taste is always subjective, and this might just appeal more to those who prefer a simpler, more traditional profile. As for me, it was a worthwhile try, but perhaps not one that I would specifically crave for.

Dunman Road Char Siew Wanton Mee 德明叉烧云吞面
Location: 271 Onan Rd, #02-19 Dunman Food Centre, Singapore 424768

Low You Soya Dessert

 After visiting Pasar Nearby for breakfast and while heading off to my next stop, I noticed Low You Soya Dessert Shop just across the street. With a little extra time on hand, I decided to grab something for a quick refreshment.

Low You Soya Dessert

Menu

Their menu was pleasantly straightforward yet offered a good variety, featuring both Hot and Cold Soy Milk Series, as well as Hot and Cold Bean Curd Series. What made it even more interesting was the range of toppings and sugar syrups available. From the usual white and brown sugar to more distinctive options like ginger and black sesame sugar, it added a layer of customisation that made the simple soy-based dessert feel more special.

It was a humble stop, but one that showcased how traditional desserts can still feel enjoyable with a touch of variety.

Menu

I eventually got myself a cup of their Classic Soya Milk, opting for the normal sugar level at 50% sweetness. Holding the chilled cup in my hand while standing along the busy street, it felt especially inviting under the humid weather.

Taking my first sip, the soya milk was smooth and light, with a gentle sweetness that did not overwhelm the natural soybean fragrance. The 50% sweetness turned out to be a good choice, allowing the drink to remain refreshing and easy on the palate.

Class Soy Milk - RM 3.50

It was incredibly cooling and satisfying, especially in the warm and slightly stuffy weather. Sometimes, it is these simple and familiar drinks that provide the most comfort during a short travel break.

Low You Soya Dessert
Location: 202, Lebuh Mcnair, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

2nd Tiger Char Koay Teow (OO White Coffee Carnarvon Street)

After the disappointment with Barefoot Char Koay Teow, I was still “bu gan yuan” (unwilling to give up) and decided to try Penang CKT once more. This time, we headed to Tiger Char Koay Teow. The original stall address given to me was no longer in operation, so we went to the one next door, now housed inside OO White Coffee at Carnarvon Street.

2nd Tiger Char Koay Teow (OO White Coffee Carnarvon Street)

While watching the staff prepare our plate of Char Koay Teow, my heart sank a little. He was intermittently watching videos on his phone while waiting for the noodles to cook, which didn’t inspire much confidence.

Stall of 2nd Tiger Char Koay Teow

Nonetheless, our order came with a 20-minute wait. Despite the breakfast we had earlier at Pasar Lebuh Cecil, we ordered a cup of traditional Milk Tea each while waiting.

Milk Tea

Soon, the plate of Char Koay Teow was ready and placed right before our eyes. Served on a simple white porcelain plate, the portion appeared modest and neatly gathered in the centre. The flat rice noodles were evenly coated in a light orange-brown sauce, intertwined with strands of bean sprouts and bits of egg that clung onto the folds of the noodles. Small touches of chopped greens added a gentle contrast to the overall warm tones of the dish.

Tiger Char Koay Teow

As I took a few bites, I found myself reflecting quietly on the experience. The flavours leaned towards a gentler and simpler profile, presenting the noodles in a way that might appeal to those who enjoy a lighter interpretation of Char Koay Teow.

Does it look appealing to you?

However, it did not quite align with my personal preference of what I usually look forward to in a plate of this Penang classic. While I appreciate the effort and the different approach taken, it turned out to be another experience that did not resonate as strongly with me as I had hoped. 

Another Disappointment

Nonetheless, it became part of my continuing journey of exploring and understanding the many variations of Char Koay Teow that Penang has to offer.

Tiger Char Koay Teow
Location: 262-264, Lebuh Carnarvon, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Katong Laksa (George's)

It took me many years to finally make my way back here. My first attempt ended in disappointment when I arrived too late and they were already sold out for the day. Katong Laksa may sound familiar to many, but how many versions are there really? I was told there are three well-known ones, 328 Katong Laksa, Janggut Laksa, and George’s Laksa.

Katong Laksa Since 1955

From what I know, not only does my friend swear by it, but my sibling does too. George’s Laksa is housed in a shophouse, occupying a humble little stall serving their comforting bowls of laksa, priced affordably at $6, $7, and $8 for small to big portions.

Stall of Katong Laksa (George's)

The larger portions came in bigger bowls and were topped with extra hum (cockles), making it even more satisfying. The bowl itself was wider than usual and generously filled with rich coconut broth, thick white vermicelli, prawns, cockles and all the familiar essentials that make up a comforting bowl of Katong laksa.

Laksa (Big) add Hum - $8 +$1

The gravy was complex, balanced and incredibly tasty. It carried a rich depth of flavour without being overly heavy on the coconut, striking all the right notes and making each mouthful deeply satisfying.

A dollop of sambal added a gentle kick, enhancing the overall flavour without overpowering the natural richness of the broth.

Laksa (Medium) - $7

If you asked whether the journey was worthwhile, I would say without hesitation, yes. This was exactly the bowl of laksa I had been craving for all this time.

Katong Laksa (George's)
Location: 307 Changi Rd, Singapore 419785