Ah Tee Ko Ko Mee – Authentic Ko Ko Mee From Yesteryear!

Ko Ko Mee is similar to the fishball noodles today. However, it gets its characteristic name from the way the noodles were sold in the past.

Back in the day, when policemen wore shorts, many hawkers peddled their food from push carts. To inform customers that the noodle vendor had arrived, they would knock two bamboo sticks together, one larger than the other, to a rhythmic beat. The different types of noodles, such as fishball noodles and wanton mee, would have their own beats.  Customers would then run out of their homes onto the streets, shouting “Ah Tee”, which means brother in Teochew, to catch up with the pushcarts and order their noodles.

Although the tradition of knocking two bamboo sticks together to solicit business has come to a halt, we are still able to get a taste of yesteryear at Ah Tee Ko Ko Mee. The brand first started in 1965. Now, Ah Tee Ko Ko Noodles has two brick and mortar stalls — one in Jalan Berseh and the other in Amoy Street Food Centre.

Unlike many other fishball noodle stalls, Ah Tee Ko Ko Mee doesn’t have an extensive menu. There’s only Ko Ko Noodles ($3.50 / $4), and diners can have the dry or soup version. The stall offers sides, such as the Homemade Ngoh Hiang ($1.50) and Handmade Fishcake ($1) as well.

What I like most the ko ko mee here is the variety of ingredients added to the noodles. You get fishballs, fishcakes, minced meat and even char siew in just one bowl! Although the noodles are not made in-house, I enjoyed how the noodles had an oily finish that was very satisfying. If you’re a fan of chilli, you’ll be glad to know that the chilli served at Ah Tee Ko Ko Mee packs quite a punch!

My friends who worked around Amoy Street told me that the ngoh hiang at the stall is a must try. I did enjoy the ngoh hiang, which had a strong five spice fragrance. The meat was a little on the drier side, and I thought that it would be better if the ngoh hiang was more garlicky. However, $1.50 for a homemade ngoh hiang is quite a steal, so I’m not complaining!

During my visit, I noticed that many who patronised the stall were from the younger generation! It’s heartening to know that ko ko mee still lives on, and is still very loved by the masses.

MissTamChiak.com made anonymous visit and paid its own meal at the stall featured here.