One of the city-state’s most popular food blogs, TheRantingPanda, shares tips on top hawker fare
The writers at TheRantingPanda love their food. Founded by a pair of friends – who only want to be known as Desmond and Kelvin – as a passion project, they have been eating, and writing their thoughts about the food they ate, since 2012 despite juggling full time jobs. Being avid foodies, they started out just checking out new restaurants as a hobby, but decided in August 2012 – over a dinner, naturally – to chronicle their adventures online.
Since then, the blog has garnered a strong following, with an excess of 100,000 monthly page views on their website and more than 37,000 followers on Instagram – even as they are still pursuing their careers in banking and in the oil and gas sector, respectively. Naturally if you’re looking for hawker gems, they know the ins and outs of the best ones to frequent.
Here, they let in on three of their favourite hawker food stalls in Singapore.
1. Seng Kee Mushroom Minced Meat Noodle
“While it has the usual bak chor mee (minced meat noodles) in dry and soup variations, this store is most famous for its fish maw noodles, which sees each bowl of minced meat noodles (comprising meat, braised noodles and liver) luxed up with the addition of quality fish maw. We say go for the soup version — it’s thoroughly enjoyable for its robust flavour, slightly al dente texture of the noodles, and a cloudy, flavourful broth.”
Add: 49A Serangoon Garden Way, #01-36, Singapore 555945
2. Chuan Kee Boneless Braised Duck
“We love a good plate of braised duck rice, and the Michelin Bib Gourmand Chuan Kee Boneless Braised Duck located in Ghim Moh Market & Food Centre is one of our go-to spots for a fix. The braised duck meat served here is buttery, flavourful and beyond tender, and the secret dark, luscious sauce plays a big part in delivering the punch. For rice, go for the fragrant yam rice, which is such a delight to have along with the piquant sauce.”
Add: 20 Ghim Moh Road, #01-04, Singapore 270020
3. Song Kee Fishball Noodle
“For a good bowl of fishball noodle, we turn to Song Kee Fishball Noodle for its delicious springy noodles as well as the ingredient which makes us return for more – its famous handmade herh keow (fish dumplings). Made with fish skin, the texture is smooth and soft with a slightly chewy bite, and comes with a moist and generous minced pork filling that hits the spot.”
Add: 100 Yio Chu Kang, Singapore 545576
All photos courtesy of TheRantingPanda.
Please check the establishments’ respective websites for opening hours before visiting, and remember to adhere to safe-distancing measures while out and about.
SEE ALSO: 4 authentic Singaporean hawker stalls as recommended by the country’s best chefs and critics
