Lau Jiang Fishball Laksa Noodles was initially simply Lau Jiang Fishball Noodles, a reputation that older Singaporeans could keep in mind from the unique stall at Alexandra.
That stall was arrange in 1971 and moved to its present location at Happy Hawkers coffeeshop, which is lower than a minute’s stroll from Exit A of Tiong Bahru MRT Station (EW17). It is operated by the unique hawker’s daughter, Alexandrea Eng.
She was obscured by steam, whipping up a storm with gusto once I arrived final week. The steam apparently didn’t obscure her imaginative and prescient— her smiling face cheerily referred to as out, “Hello! Laksa Noodles for you?” once I had simply reached the primary desk.
“Early bird catches the worm”, I assumed, however that would simply as simply be in reference to the stall’s 5am opening time.
What I attempted at Lau Jiang Fishball Laksa Noodles
Fishball noodles are what launched this stall though the laksa appears to be their trending dish these days. You have 2 choices for Laksa (S$5.50 for small, S$6.50 for giant).
“How do you want it,” requested the girl hawker, “I can do it any way you like. If you want more ingredients and less noodles, can. The other way around, also can!” Deciding to belief her model, I replied, “Give me how you eat it yourself.”
She laughed and obtained proper to work, tossing noodles and elements about with aplomb. Within a couple of minutes, I had a steaming bowl of scrumptious laksa at my desk. Oh, man, it smelled good!
Then, there was the great thing about the sight. Rich, yellow laksa gravy speckled with orange, brown-yellow tau pok, a glimpse of white shredded rooster, and a fried dumpling doing its finest imitation of an iceberg. Bright crimson sliced chilli, deeper red-brown sambal and a bathe of inexperienced from chopped laksa leaf accomplished the scene.
Somewhere beneath the wealth of elements lay some yellow noodles, I used to be positive. When I went exploring with my chopsticks, I uncovered the noodles in addition to taugeh, half a boiled egg and fish cake.
There have been additionally about ten shucked hum (cockles). I even by chance ate one later (not a fan).
My consideration was drawn to the semi-submerged dumpling. It was a fried dumpling, positive, besides it was flat and the pores and skin was darkish brown, not like something I had seen in laksa earlier than. “Were they burnt?” I assumed, cringing on the considered bringing it up with the pleasant Alexandrea. I constructed up the braveness to take a chunk.
Wow. Never decide a e-book by its cowl, guys. This easy little factor was a masterpiece in disguise.
I sat down with Alexandrea after I ate as a result of I needed to find out about these dumplings. She revealed that every one is created with a layer of fish paste, adopted by a layer of minced meat, after which a string of secret elements.
That scrumptious style was partly additionally because of the scrumptious triangular delights absorbing the fantastic laksa soup. The soup was particularly beautiful for the tau pok (which I like anyway) as a result of they’re so absorbent and soaked up all of the creamy goodness.
There was a twist to the fish cake, which Alexandrea revealed was attributable to her re-frying them after they’re delivered contemporary each morning. This provides a brand new dimension to each the feel and the flavour, each in a great way.
I cherished the creaminess of the soup. Usually once I’m accomplished with the noodles and elements, I abandon the remaining soup. This day, I sat down and took spoonful after spoonful. It simply may be that the laksa soup absorbed the essence of all of the elements and grew extra scrumptious as I ate.
Note, this laksa is spicy, even with out the chilli on the aspect. It’s an indication of how tasty I discovered it that I saved slurping the soup down regardless of my tongue calling out for mercy.
Final ideas
It’s arduous to be stunned by laksa after you’ve had so many bowls through the years. Alexandrea’s spin on the basic native dish didn’t utterly blow me away however her particular rendition of fried dumplings definitely made me sit up and take note of laksa after a very long time.
Given how nicely the whole lot was put collectively, I requested her how she got here up with so many alternative facets of the dish that labored so nicely. She defined that her household is deeply linked to cooking, with Heman Tan, the Iron Man Chef and GraspChef Singapore 2022 winner, Johnathan Chew each a part of the prolonged clan.
Wow, now that’s pedigree. Alexandrea is content material in her area of interest, although, and continues to take recommendation and inspiration from the individuals round her.
She additionally wished to stress that she shares the stall with one other hawker, who takes over after 1pm, and that their meals is totally different.
Expected injury: $4.50 – $7.50 per pax
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Price: $
Our Rating: 4 / 5
Lau Jiang Fishball Laksa Noodles
18 Jalan Membina, Happy Hawkers Coffeeshop, Singapore 164018
Price
Our Rating 4/5
Lau Jiang Fishball Laksa Noodles
18 Jalan Membina, Happy Hawkers Coffeeshop, Singapore 164018
Telephone: +65 9328 4568
Operating Hours: 5am – 1pm (Mon to Sat), Closed on Sun