JB Ah Meng – Hearty Malaysian Zi Char in Geylang, Their San Lou Bee Hoon No Horse Run!

My last visit to JB Ah Meng was 2011 when they were still at the back alley. This time round, I re-visited one week after Singapore Michelin Guide 2017. Sadly, they didn’t get the stars this year but that doesn’t really matter because there is still a snaking queue and it is still a supper spot for many chefs. That speaks a lot about the food.

Not the most photogenic shot but definitely the tastiest. Looking like a rosti, JB San Lou Mee Hoon ($7/$11/$14) is a dish that almost every table will order. The vermicelli is stir fried with squid and prawns till it looks just like a pancake. The bee hoon is crispy on the outside yet moist to the bite. Every strand has soaked up a rich stock and smoky aroma. To be honest, I haven’t tried it in San Low Seafood Restaurant in Johor but this is good enough for me. Conclusion is, don’t read the book by its cover.

Everyone has a favourite in JB Ah Meng. For me, it was the San Lou Mee Hoon. But my makan kaki went for the Fried Garlic Chilli Clams ($16). The plump and juicy clams were well coated with garlic and chilli. It has that pleasant balance between sweet and savoury.

Another star in JB Ah Meng is the White Pepper Crab. If it’s not the star dish, I probably would have give it a miss because I am plain lazy. Don’t expect bui bui crabs as the size of the crabs is much smaller. But the sauce, which was made up of Sarawak white pepper, ginger and spring onions, gave a good kick which complements the crab perfectly without overwhelming the taste.

Crispy pork belly ($12) had a crispy outer with fatty and juicy layers. Some greens are required to balance out (or pherhaps make ourself feel better?) the carbs and seafood: a quick stir-fry of crunchy Cameron Highland Dragon Vegetables ($18) does the trick.

They have recently moved to a newer and more comfortable location. Honestly, I kinda miss the old charm when we were eating crabs at the old location. But well, it’s definitely more comfortable here. Because of the crowd, it’s better to call and make reservation early. Or you may have to wait for a long time (unless you visit before 5.30pm). Note that they only accept cash.

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