The length of the queue usually can provide some indication whether the food is good or not. However, it does not mean if the queue is long, the food must be good. Many times, the long queue is a result of convenience. For example, if a place has very few eating options nearby and many people happen to be there for some other reason (e.g. exhibition, theme park), I will not be surprised that the queue is long, even the food is subpar. On the other hand, if it is a place of inconvenience and people are willing to travel and queue, this speaks a lot about the quality of the food.
This is the case for Sembawang White Bee Hoon, which is located in the relatively quiet Northern part of Singapore. But not so quiet for the restaurant itself. Despite arriving before 6pm, I still need to queue up for close to an hour.
The attraction of the dinner was of course the White Bee Hoon itself, a dish being ordered at every table. Frankly speaking, I have never heard of White Bee Hoon before this meal. I am not a big fan of bee hoon and usually find it too plain. But in this case, I was totally wrong. Wow! This was the feeling when I took the first mouthful of the bee hoon. It was so flavouful, a contrast from its white colour. The White Bee Hoon is simmered in the tasty stock and comes with wok hei flavour. The large serving is good for 4 people, if you order some other dishes as well. Definitely a
Must-try dish here.
I found the chilli sauce to be very nice too, spicy enough and more sour than the typical. Really stimulate one's appetite.
Another very popular dish here. The crispy beancurd skin of the Meat & Prawn Roll (Ngor Hiong) has a lighter shade of brown and has a clean fresh taste, probably they change the cooking oil very frequently. The filling includes fish paste, in addition to the usual minced pork and prawns. Cannot really say it is among the best, but is another
Must-try. Comes with the sweet chilli dip, instead of the typical sweet brown sauce.
I love Stir Fry Fish Head here. The chopped fish head chunks are cooked with mildly spicy flavoured chilli paste, which balances the sweetness of the fish meat.
Should try.
Originally intended to order the wet version of Bittergourd Omelette and forgot to specific clearly when I ordered, I did not have any feeling of regret after tasting the dry version. The omelette is fragrantly fried, producing a layer of crispy surface. The sliced bittergourd will start to reveal when you tear open the omelette and is a nice pairing with the egg.
Should try. But I probably will get wet version for comparison when I return again.
The Fried Chicken Wings served here is Indo-Style like those in some Nasi Lemak stalls, instead of the Prawn Paste flavour that you would find in most of the Cze Char places. Though recommended by the restaurant, it is just decent and some will find it too dry and not breaded enough.
Can try.
Nice and not-so-filling Ice Jelly dessert to complement the hearty dinner.
Can try.
Here is the menu with the prices and restaurant recommendations.
Will I come back again? Yes. Is it worth the wait? Yes.
I will probably try Homemade Fried Bean Curd, Sambal Kang Kong and Sambal Lala the next time round
Budget: $ $
Rating: 8.5 / 10
