Lao Gai Mee: Hidden kolo mee gem run by youngsters in Beauty World
Lao Gai Mee, hidden on the top floor of the usually quiet Beauty World Centre, stands out as a secret addition to Singapore’s diverse hawker scene.
Originally operating from a modest coffeeshop at Blk 128 Lorong 1 Toa Payoh, Lao Gai Mee has expanded its presence with 2 strategic locations, the other being at Blk 136 Potong Pasir Avenue 3. The Beauty World Centre outlet is positioned among other renowned old-school stalls.
Run by 3 Malaysian youngsters, the menu at Lao Gai Mee is deliberately concise, featuring 4 to 5 main dishes that highlight the stall’s dedication to quality and flavour. These dishes include Fish Ball Bak Chor Mee (S$4.50), Char Siu Mee (S$5.50), Sarawak Laksa (S$6.50), and the star of the show, Kolo Mee (S$4.50).
The streamlined menu allows the stall to focus on delivering consistently excellent dishes, each prepared promptly to meet the demands of its hungry patrons.
What I tried at Lao Gai Mee
Starting off with the star of the show, the Kolo Mee. Each bowl features a generous topping of minced pork, char siu and fresh spring onions.
Patrons can choose between a spicy or non-spicy version, with the spicy variant adding a fiery kick that enhances the overall flavour profile. Being a standout offering, it is celebrated for its perfectly springy, wavy noodles that boast a satisfying chewiness.
This texture is a hallmark of authentic Kolo Mee. Seasoned and tossed in the fragrant shallot oil, this made each mouth especially umami and made me want more. I also enjoyed the fact that the chilli was not super overpowering and just the right amount to give a kick of spice.
The char siu was not your typical cardboard char siu. Though not the fattiest, it still provides a robust meaty bite, with enough fat-to-meat ratio. Well seasoned, these char siu nuggets add a sweet profile to the overall bowl of noodles.
The minced pork, with its meaty and savoury flavours, clings beautifully to the noodles, ensuring that each bite is packed with a different flavour profile. This careful combination of ingredients results in a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that is both comforting and exciting.
Besides kolo mee, Lao Gai Mee also sells their signature Sarawak Laksa originating from the Malaysian state of Sarawak. From its appearance, it has a deep maroon broth that looks quite menacing topped with egg floss.
The heart of the laksa is this red and rich, aromatic broth, crafted from a complex spice paste that includes ingredients such as galangal, lemongrass, turmeric, and various herbs and spices.
This supposed flavourful base however was quite a letdown. Although the first taste I got was a complex assam and satay sauce taste, it was quickly overwhelmed by a spice that masked any other depth of flavour. I would say this was quite disappointing as I was expecting much more depth and complex flavours that could potentially blow my mind.
The noodles used in the Sarawak Laksa were bee hoon, which was thin and effectively absorbed the broth’s flavours. The dish is generously topped with shredded chicken and peeled prawns. The chicken added a meaty bite to the otherwise soupy dish.
Bean sprouts, fresh coriander, and lime slices are also added, providing a fresh contrast to the rich, and spicy broth. I liked the addition of lime which adds a kick of tanginess which cuts through the otherwise one-dimensional soup base.
Also, usually topped with egg omelette strips, Lao Gai Mee puts a twist on it with its egg floss. The egg floss acts like a sponge soaking up all that spicy broth while adding a fragrant eggy taste.
Final Thoughts
Despite its high quality, the prices at Lao Gai Mee remain affordable, starting at S$4.50. This pricing makes it an excellent choice for anyone seeking a satisfying and authentic noodle experience without breaking the bank. The reasonable prices, coupled with the consistent quality of the dishes, make Lao Gai Mee a favourite among locals and visitors alike.
In conclusion, Lao Gai Mee excels in delivering authentic and delicious noodle dishes, particularly the kolo mee, which stands out for its excellent texture and flavour. The stall’s dedication to quality, combined with its affordable pricing, ensures that it remains a must-visit destination for anyone craving a true taste of Kuching-style noodles in Singapore. While there isn’t published opening hours, it it noticed that they are opened will late afternoon
Whether you’re a noodle enthusiast or simply looking for a comforting meal, Lao Gai Mee promises a satisfying culinary experience that will leave you coming back for more.
Expected damage: S$4.50 – S$6.50 per pax
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