I have always believed that only Mee Hoon Kway that is hand torn, comes with Sayur Manis and chilli sauce can pass muster. Today I was proven there are exceptions.

This stall is located in Telok Blangah Drive market, an old HDB town. I ordered their basic Mee Hoon Kway in soup and added an egg ($4.10). I got a bowl of mee hoon kway cut in squares. But yet the dough did not clump together in an indistinguishable mass. The dough was a little chewy which is nice when consumed hot. The soup was light and clear with the hint of pepper added at the end, coming through. Instead of sayur manis, the thin strips of cabbage added sweetness to the broth.

Inside were three things that went well. The meat balls (about 4 pieces) were elliptical rather than round. They were well marinated and you could eat them without condiments like chilli sauce. The ikan bilis was crispy and fresh. And the shallot and garlic oil added to the bowl just before serving, gave extra dimensions in flavours of the sweet umami broth.

So for the first time I am finding myself gravitating to a second visit to this stall, one that does not conform to my norms of a good mee hoon kway, in order to try their dry version. By the way they also serve dumplings, fried and blanched versions, with different fillings. So yes, a second and maybe even third visit is required.