Yes, I am back to Amoy Street Food Centre (again) to search for new stalls.
Previously, I found Khao Bowl which served interesting Thai rice and noodle bowls.
This time, I spotted Hainan Beef Noodles at unit 01-52, with a bright red signboard which called out to me. Except that the name sounded too generic.
Just in case you are wondering: the MICHELIN Bib Gourmand Hong Kee Beef Noodle is just opposite.
I have a soft spot for Hainanese-style Beef Noodles. It is also getting harder to find around Singapore.
This style comes from Hainanese migrants who adapted beef noodle ideas from southern China and Southeast Asia.
They created a bowl known for its glossy dark gravy, warm spices, gentle sweetness and a deeper beef aroma. Compared with the more common Teochew clear soup style, the Hainanese version tends to be heavier and richer.
The menu at Hainan Beef Noodle is focused, with choices like Five Spice Mixed Beef Set ($8.80), Five Spice Beef Set ($7.80), Beef Noodle Dry or Soup ($7.00), Mixed Beef Noodle Dry or Soup ($7.00), and Mixed Beef or Beef Soup ($7.00).
There are add ons like extra noodles ($1.00), rice ($0.80), beef tendon ($3.00), beef brisket ($2.50), beef tripe ($2.50) and beef balls ($2.50).
I ordered the Five Spice Mixed Beef Set, and it arrived looking generous.
The assortment covered beef slices, brisket, tendon, tripe and beef balls (I counted and there were four).
Each piece carried its own texture. The slices were soft, the brisket rich, the tendon almost jelly-like, and the tripe springy.
The gravy was thick enough to cling to every strand of noodle.
I would think the saltiness might lean slightly high for the CBD folks, but not enough to distract.
The stall also offers a punchy tangy chilli sauce and chinchalok with sliced onions for those who enjoy a deeper savoury kick.
The Beef Ball Soup ($6.50) tasted light yet steady with a mild beef aroma.
The beef balls were springy and firm without feeling rubbery. Each one carried a clear beef flavour without overwhelming the broth. Worth an order to share.
Many older Hainanese Beef Noodle stall hawkers have retired, and newer ones may focus on other styles.
So each time I see a stall serving it, I feel a mix of excitement and mild fear that it might disappear if I do not support it. Do give this a try if you have a craving.
Hainan Beef Noodle
Amoy Street Food Centre #01-52, 7 Maxwell Road, Singapore 069111
Other Related Entries
Hong Kee Beef Noodle (Amoy Street Food Centre)
Swan City Noodle House (Amoy Street Food Centre)
Madam Leong Traditional Ban Mian (Amoy Street Food Centre)
Pepper Bowl (Amoy Street Food Centre)
Madam Leong Traditional Ban Mian (Amoy Street Food Centre)
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