For all the quirks in its name, My Father’s Minced Meat Noodle means serious business – for noodles, that is. Helmed by a father-and-son team whose hawker heritage goes back at least three generations, this humble stall operates out of N4 Neighbourhood Centre in Tampines.
Known as Chai Chee Minced Meat Noodle before son Aaron Lim took over, the stall specialises in the ever ubiquitous bak chor mee in dry and soup versions. Try to spot him in his signature blue shirt!
The Bak Chor Mee Soup ($3.50 – $5.50) is available in three sizes – regular, medium, and large. Purveyors of this relatively lesser-served rendition will no doubt compare it to notable stalwarts like the iconic rivals of the Bedok 85 Market.
My Father’s Minced Meat Noodle’s signature dish serves up comforting flavours from simple ingredients. The notably briny mouthfeel of the dumplings can be traced to the use of dried flatfish with fatty pork, encased in a silky smooth skin that gives way to each bite. While the meatballs are consistent in texture and satisfyingly “qq”.
What ties it all together is the broth – springy and light, with richnesses added by the minced pork and noodles.
Bak Chor Mee Soup ($3.50 for Regular, $4.50 for Medium, $5.50 for Large)
The Bak Chor Mee Dry ($4 – $5) is notably spicier, with a take-no-prisoner level of heat from a generous layer of sambal. The vinegar and pork lard lend some fragrance to the noodles, which are cooked al dente.
Bak Chor Mee Dry ($4 for Regular, $5 for Medium)
Between the two, my vote goes to the soup version. There is something about slurping up them noodles from a flavour-filled broth that just hits differently on the taste buds. The lightness of the soup is what helps all the ingredients to come together. All in all, a decent alternative if you’re looking for something more accessible in the east!
Address: N4 Neighbourhood Centre, Tampines St 43 Block 477 S(520477)
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Nearest MRT: Tampines East DT 33
Opening Hours: 6am – 8.45pm daily
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