Guan’s Mee Pok – Heritage Noodle Stall Hidden in an Industrial Tanjong Pagar Complex

Guan’s Mee Pok has been around since 1995, with multiple outlets that have opened around the country that serve up its signature titular dish: mee pok. While the locations have come and gone, its latest opening finds the brand at a quiet corner hidden in Tanjong Pagar, amongst canteens and food centres along Keppel Road. It also has another outlet at 90 Boon Lay Place.

Their website claims that their version is “probably the best mee pok in town” – and this is something that Guan’s Mee Pok takes very seriously. Instead of mass-produced noodles, the brand works with a factory to churn out noodles based on a proprietary recipe – giving each mouthful more bounce and bite.

You cannot go wrong with the classic bowl of mee pok ($4.50). A standard order comes with the right touch of chilli and vinegar, resulting in a well-balanced concoction that coats each strand of glossy “QQ” noodles. The bowl is also accompanied by a dumpling, teochew fish dumpling, meatball, minced meat, and our favourite addition, a sliver of golden fried fish. It helps add a crispy texture, and plenty of umami.

Chef Guan is known for introducing modern elements into his cooking – each bowl of noodles comes with a side of soft-cooked egg; the Japanese-influenced cooking method puts a fun twist to the otherwise traditional bowl of hawker staple.

And here at the Keppel Road outpost, the menu still largely sticks to the classics. Besides the signature mee pok, the noodles can also come lavished with mini abalone ($10.50) or plump prawns ($8.50).

The lesser-seen her giao, or Teochew fish dumplings, are also recommended. Each meaty, slippery parcel is made using yellowtail fish, and served with watercress to make a belly-warming side of soup. The dumplings were smooth, chewy, and translucent, though we wished they were a tad bouncier (like the ones from Song Kee Eating House).

We also enjoyed the side of pig’s liver ($5/$8). Thick-cut pieces were first blanched in hot water, then finished with a drizzle of savoury-spicy sauce. Each piece tasted firm and al dente, and perfectly cooked till a faint tinge of pink remained.

The latest Guan’s Mee Pok outlet, tucked away in an industrial area, carries all of the greatest hits from the brand. It is easy to see why the brand has been around for so long – and for those who do not stay in the west, this hidden but centrally located outlet makes it much more convenient to satisfy your mee pok cravings.

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