CK Cuisine – Former Hotel Executive Chef Sells Thai Pork Noodle Soup & Nanyang Pork Rice in Waterloo Centre Coffeeshop!

When I think of Thai cuisine, it’s usually tom-yum soup, Thai basil chicken and boat noodles that come to mind. As a huge fan of the boat noodles, I was pleased with today’s food adventure which took me to a quaint stall called CK Cuisine in a brightly-lit coffee shop on Waterloo Street that has just boat noodles, along with traditional Nanyang Soy Pork Rice, on the menu.

Run single-handedly by Chef Calvin Koh, who’s had years of experience working as an executive chef in a few hotels. Unfortunately, he was one of those affected by COVID-19 and made a brief switch to a FoodPanda delivery rider at the beginning of the pandemic. Despite that, the jovial man decided to focus on his love for, and experience in working with, Thai food and venture into the hawker industry. 

The main stars on the menu are the Nanyang Soy Pork Rice ($5/7) and Thai Pork Soup Noodle ($5/7). You’ll also see familiar side dishes such as Thai Style Marinated Top Shell ($10/12), Thai Grilled Pork ($5/7) and Homemade Thai Fish Cake ($5/7). 

The Thai Pork Soup Noodle came with an ensemble of rice noodles, pork balls, sliced pork, bean sprouts and cilantro in a heady soup base. 

I loved how the broth, while on the slightly thicker side, wasn’t too gao to the point where it would easily dry up over time. There was a prominent peanut taste and slight notes of sweetness. The kicker, interestingly, is the unassuming little packet of chilli flakes that comes with the noodles. Talk about a spicy punch! 

While on the smaller side, the meatballs were seasoned well enough to still allow the porkiness to shine through. As the pork slices were rather thick, it took a bit of effort to bite through them, but they went great with the tangy chilli on the side! 

The Nanyang Soy Pork Rice was love at first bite and I definitely regret not going for the $7 portion. Made according to a family recipe, the Heng-Hwa-style dish sees a slight twist; it features quail eggs along indulgent pieces of pork belly and crisp lettuce in a thick, savoury soy sauce.

I have nothing but praise for the pork belly. There was a good ratio of meat to fat that will absolutely melt in your mouth. Gobble it up with the rice and it’s close to perfection; I just wish there was a more generous serving of the sauce but it could be due to the fact that this was only the $5 portion. 

At CK Cuisine, size is key so I highly recommend going for bigger portions here so you can fully appreciate the goodness of the food Chef Calvin has to offer!

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

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