Lao Jiang Kou Putian Restaurant

Throwback. We tried this because we usually give Henghua food a chance. Unfortunately it was mediocre.

Ordered the medium sized Lor Mee which was more than enough for 2 pax but sadly the ingredients were very little and it was mostly noodles inside

Always interested in eateries that serves up Heng Hwa / Putian dishes — there is no doubt an increase in the number of establishments serving up such cuisine over the years, with Xing Hua that seems to be one of the newer brands that have given Heng Hwa / Putian cuisine a wider footprint as it expanded into several outlets within shopping centres around the island. Having spotted 老江口 Putian Restaurant on a separate occasion when we were passing through Serangoon, we thought it would be a great idea to check it out — occupying a shop unit at the void deck of the HDB flat at Blk 304 Serangoon Avenue 2, it is the turquoise colour scheme of the establishment that grabbed on our attention. The shop unit is of a size that is typical of most F&B establishments of its type — pretty well-sized with plenty of tables to cater for bigger groups; the interior also being rather well-decorated to feature marble-esque finishings, wooden tables and blue plastic chairs, while the walls are adorned with small Chinese-style paintings that keeps the walls from looking too plain. Serving up both Putian-specialty dishes and typical zichar dishes, it is interesting to see how the dishes served at 老江口 Putian Restaurant does seem to only come in a single size. Beverages available at 老江口 Putian Restaurant includes canned drinks, as well as Iced Lemon Tea, Honey Yuzu and a home-cooked Aloe Vera Barley drink.

Being one of the must-order dishes for us whenever we visit an establishment that serves up Putian cuisine, the Stir-Fried Yam is a dish that we constantly look forward to when visiting such places. Coming to table only after some of the other dishes which we have ordered had showed up at the table, one could easily notice how the Stir-Fried Yam here features chunks of Yam of irregular sizes — some sliced chunkier than others, though most chunks are sized larger than what we would have expected from some other establishments. Sinking our teeth into a piece of the yam, we absolutely liked how the the sugary caramelised exterior coating each toothsome morsel of yam comes all sticky and with a good bite. Whilst some of the Stir-Fried Yam dishes may often feature chunks of yam that is still considerable dense and carries a bite of bite within, the reason why the rendition of the dish at 老江口 Putian Restaurant was so good was because of how soft the chunks of yam is — almost akin to a mash and doesn’t require too much effort to chew through; all that whilst being sufficiently savoury to create that sweet-savoury flavour contrast that makes it really addictive. Popping one chunk of yam after another, it is needless to say how this dish just got wiped out in no time.

Having tried a variety of dishes at 老江口 Putian Restaurant during our visit, we did find most dishes to be pretty decently executed; the standouts for us was undeniably the Stir-Fried Yam and the Putian Fried Oysters — the latter being yet another must-order dish for us at any establishment that serves up authentic Putian / Heng Hwa fare. While the Putian Fried Oysters here are less spectacular than that we have had at Putian Flavour Food at Hougang Avenue 1 several years ago as it lacks that crispy, browned edges that make an omelette so good, we really liked how the briny minced oysters in the middle are laced together with all that starch for a gooey texture — goes exceptionally well with the zippy chilli sauce provided on the side at each table that also gives a good fiery kick that would tingle the taste buds of those who are tolerable to moderate levels of spiciness. That being said, the Xing Hua White Bee Hoon and the Putian Fried Pork (i.e. Sweet & Sour Pork with Lychee) were a little bit more pedestrian. Overall though, 老江口 Putian Restaurant does serve up some pretty authentic and homely Putian / Heng Hua cuisine in the neighbourhood in air-conditioned comfort — one that is relatively accessible for families to enjoy. We still probably have our favourite spots when it comes to Putian / Heng Hua cuisine around the island; that being said, 老江口 Putian Restaurant is definitely one spot we would not mind dining at when around Serangoon.