Red Hornbill @ Bedok – Coffeeshop Stall Sells Sarawak Laksa and Kolo Mee

Just opposite my in-law’s house, the husband told me there is a food stall selling Sarawak laksa and kolo mee at the coffeeshop beside Bedok Library. We finally get to try it out one weekend. They only serve three dishes – Kolo Mee, Sarawak Laksa and Soya Sauce Noodle.

The owner Mr Then Hua San is from Sarawak and he wanted to create the flavours that are familiar to Sarawakians living in Singapore. Unfortunately, he was too busy on my day of visit for me to probe more. But good thing is, he brought in the laksa paste from his hometown.

Let’s start with the bowl of kolo mee which he got a factory to make the egg noodles. It was the highlight because they are really QQ and served with minced pork. Tossed with shallot oil and char siew, there is no alkaline taste in the noodles! For $4, the portion is really generous and I had a hard time finishing it.

I have tried Sarawak laksa twice. First, it was in Laksania where the strong aroma of spices tickle the nostrils. The second time, it was when our dear friend Jackson, who is a true blue Sarawakian, specially prepared Sarawak laksa dinner for us. That was really memorable because he specially use the laksa sauce which he got from Sarawak and it was strong but has a more balanced flavours.

It’s probably not easy to replicate the dish because of the ingredients used in the laksa sauce. Plus, it is a tedious chore because you need to soak the vermicelli, cook the spice paste, shred the chicken, peel the prawns etc. That is really hard work.

Red Hornbill’s Sarawak Laksa ($5) is the lightest Sarawak laksa I have tried. It’s easier to eat, and probably works well for first timers who would like to try this dish. Mr Then brings in the laksa spices from Sarawak. Bean sprouts, sliced prawns, shredded chicken are served in the soup, while lime and belachan chili are served on the side. I suggest you squeeze lots of lime and for better enjoyment. They are too generous with the bee hoon, I was hoping it’s relative to the ingredients added.

It’s quite crowded on the weekends. On our day of visit (Sunday), we got to wait for about 45 minutes.

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