While researching about Seah Im Food Centre, I learned about this notorious Hokkien mee stall who had, for reasons unknown, set some weird rules for its customers.
According to the accounts of several past customers, the owners do not allow them to take more than one pair of chopsticks. Those unaware of the 'law' ended up being chided for doing so. This has caused much distress among the 'victims' but the owners seem adamant about it.
This really piqued my interest hence I decided to pay this stall a visit. However, I have no plans to use myself as a bait to prove if the rumor is indeed true!
The stall in question is called Cheng Ji Chao Xia Mian Hao Jian and located just a few units away from Shi Ji Noodle Stall.
Cheng Ji sells mainly chao xia mian (fried prawn noodle aka Hokkien mee) and hao jian (oyster omelette).
When I finally make my way to the stall, it was already past the lunch hour. The owners seemed to be in a jovial mood as they were sharing a good laugh with a lady standing in front of their stall who make a move as soon as she saw me coming up behind her. She does not seem like a customer as she left empty-handed.
The happy smiles that were on the owners' faces just moments ago disappeared without a trace as the lady boss went back to work at the back of the stall while the boss took my order.
As I waited for my order, I noticed this piece of A4 paper clipped at the front of the stall.
What exactly does the "one plate for one person" mean? Does it mean that one person can only buy one plate? Or two persons cannot share one plate? If everyone in my family wants to have their Hokkien mee, the whole clan must turn up to order for themselves? But what if I wanted to have both Hokkien mee and oyster omelette? I can only choose one between the two to have?
Anyway, my order was ready in less than two minutes (I timed on my watch). It seemed a little quick to fry a plate of Hokkien mee if you ask me. I felt Hokkien mee is a dish that needs to be simmered to taste good and simmering takes time. I doubt that is something that can be achieved within two minutes.
Or perhaps it has been pre-cooked so all uncle did was to reheat? I did not pay much attention when uncle is cooking because I was reading that piece of paper.
As I was reaching for the chopsticks, I took a quick glance at the owners but no, I did not receive the death stare from them.
Phew.
Or perhaps it has been pre-cooked so all uncle did was to reheat? I did not pay much attention when uncle is cooking because I was reading that piece of paper.
As I was reaching for the chopsticks, I took a quick glance at the owners but no, I did not receive the death stare from them.
Phew.
The stall uses thick bee hoon (rice vermicelli) and round yellow noodles. I wished the noodles were simmered for a little longer though as they still have not fully absorbed the flavors of the broth but it tasted alright, I guess. However, all is good with their sambal mixed in. No wonder they charge 50¢ if you wanted more.
I counted five pieces of small prawns, bits of squid, chives and eggs. Unfortunately, the seafood were overcooked and the texture is "rubbery".
Although I did not have any unpleasant encounter with either of the owners, I still hope they can try to be a bit more cordial. I know it's a backbreaking job being a hawker but it does not hurt your business to build rapport with your customers. After all, customers are more likely to return if they receive a good service from you.
Does anyone know the story behind this stall? Did something happened before that make the stall owners come up with the "one plate for one person" and no extra chopsticks/plate rule?
I counted five pieces of small prawns, bits of squid, chives and eggs. Unfortunately, the seafood were overcooked and the texture is "rubbery".
Although I did not have any unpleasant encounter with either of the owners, I still hope they can try to be a bit more cordial. I know it's a backbreaking job being a hawker but it does not hurt your business to build rapport with your customers. After all, customers are more likely to return if they receive a good service from you.
Does anyone know the story behind this stall? Did something happened before that make the stall owners come up with the "one plate for one person" and no extra chopsticks/plate rule?
Seah
Im Food Centre is opposite Habourfront Centre and the nearest MRT
Station is Habourfront. Just follow the signs to Exit A and walk about 2
minutes to the food centre.
CHENG JI CHAO XIA MIAN HAO JIAN 成記炒蝦麺蠔煎
CHENG JI CHAO XIA MIAN HAO JIAN 成記炒蝦麺蠔煎
Seah Im Food Centre
2 Seah Im Road
#01-59
Singapore 099114
Business Hours
Mon - Sun: 8am - 10pm
Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/x8EzYP4NBU92
GPS Coordinates: 1.2666157,103.8169546