Authentic Sarawakian stall hidden in Bedok serves addictive Mee Kampua & Sarawak Laksa

I used to be confused. Looking at on-line footage of kolo mee and kampua noodles, the one distinction I may see was that the primary used curly noodles and the second, straight noodles. Yet, the decision from their shared place of birth, Sarawak was loud and clear: much less well-known, sure, however kampua was its personal factor.

A Sarawakian investigation was so as and it seemed like a job for SuperTaster Girl aka me, Pavin!

My first step was deciding the place I might discover the very best examples of each dishes collectively. Several names have been thought-about however, ultimately, I settled on Sarawak Delicacy Laksa & Kolo Mee in Bedok North.

It’s a reputation that has been on my radar for a while now however I’ve by no means had the possibility to go to. The apparent attraction is its genuine North Borneo flavours— the Sarawakian proprietor imports substances from her house state for a style that can not be replicated.

I made my approach down there final week. Trying kampua for the primary time was positively the attraction however I hoped so as to add to my checklist of my favorite kolo mee locations, too.

When I arrived, it was apparent that Sarawak Delicacy Laksa & Kolo Mee isn’t your typical hawker stall. 

Firstly, the trio behind the counter have been of their twenties, fresh-faced and quick. They bustled about within the matching uniforms beneath a large flat display screen displaying the menu in addition to media mentions.

Gently illuminating the scene have been 2 neon indicators, ‘Order’ in pink and ‘Collect’ in blue.

What I attempted at Sarawak Delicacy Laksa & Kolo Mee

There are simply 9 gadgets on their menu, with their signature dish, Laksa Beehoon (S$6.30/S$8) most prominently displayed. What alternative did I’ve however so as to add it to my order? Joining it at my desk have been the two dishes that had drawn me there: Kolo Mee (S$5.50) and Kampua Noodles (S$4.50).

I dove proper into the mysterious (to me) Kampua Noodles, which you’ll be able to establish the dish by the straight noodles. There have been 6 slim items of char siew on the noodles in addition to a beneficiant serving to of shallots and fried onions. It additionally got here with a bowl of clear hen soup.

It was a bit troublesome to select up the noodles as a result of they have been all properly meshed collectively. A little bit of shaking and I freed a pleasant little portion for my first style. Covered in a light-weight sheen of oil, the noodles are saltier than the norm. However, the flippantly sweetish char siew makes it an ideal combo.

Oh, it was so good!

I took a sip of the soup and that simply made it good. It was simply peppery sufficient to offer me that heat, homely really feel with out being too overwhelming.

The Kampua Noodles had introduced their ‘A’ sport. How would the Kolo Mee evaluate? 

In their deeper bowl sat the curly noodles, topped by about 10 items of char siew, a complete lot of minced pork, shallots and fried onions. It is served with chilli slices in vinegar and you’re purported to throw all of it within the combine. I didn’t try this instantly as a result of I wished a ‘pure’ style first.

The char siew was the identical as that within the Kampua Noodles, which is sweet! I’d say the minced pork was one step forward— it shared an analogous sweetness however some further secret substances made it distinctly higher. Add that to the flavourful crunch of the fried onions and shallots and this was probably the greatest bowls of kolo mee I’ve had in a very long time.

And that was earlier than I added the chilli and vinegar. Guys, this Sarawak Delicacy Laksa & Kolo Mee is an effective way to spend S$5.50.

So, it was a extremely troublesome determination however I feel the Kampua Noodles nonetheless win. It was on razor’s edge however I don’t need to take the weak route and name it a draw. Perhaps it’s as a result of kampua was completely new to me and blew me away with that burst of assorted flavours. Either approach, there’s your winner!

My eating companion and I moved on to the signature Laksa Beehoon subsequent. 

This is a loaded bowl, I need to say. Filled with shredded hen and egg, taugeh, prawns, and a sprinkling of coriander, this was positively well worth the S$6.30 price ticket.

The soup was a a lot deeper brown, apparently because of the secret combination of spices that they use. It turned out to be one of many lightest laksas I’ve ever tasted, and spicy, too. There’s much less coconut milk on this model and that makes for a thinner, extra fluid laksa that’s simple on you.

A pleasing dish however nothing too particular after the great cousins, kampua and kolo mee.

Final ideas

I used to be blown away. This is the closest I’ve ever come to awarding a hawker stall 5 stars and all of the heavy lifting was executed by the kampua and kolo mee. It was additionally good to see that it is a youthful era of hawkers who’re holding their culinary traditions alive in such an thrilling and scrumptious approach!

Now, go eat the Kampua Noodle.

Expected injury: S$4.50 – S$8.50 per pax

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