The Beef House – Lip-Smacking Hakka Food!

Tucked along Syed Alwi Road, Gar Lok Eating House only houses two stalls. One of them is The Beef House, which has been serving Hakka dishes for 25 years. I headed there at around 11am on a weekday morning, as I’ve read reviews saying that they sell out as early as 1pm, even though they are supposed to close only at 5pm. I was very relieved that the dishes I wanted to try were still available.

Suan pan zi (abacus seeds) is possibly my favourite Hakka dish. First of all, I absolutely adore yam (or taro). Yam bun, yam mooncake, orh-nee, you name it. Second of all, I love the chewiness of suan pan zi. It really is comfort food for me. I ordered a plate of Suan Pan Zi ($3) and dug into it ravenously. Abacus seeds usually sport a slight dent in the middle, but not the ones here. While it was a tad unusual, it’s not a big deal at all. As I bit into spoonful of the abacus seeds, my eyes lit up. I was very amazed by how chewy it was! I have never tried one as chewy as this. Tastewise, spot on!  This impeccable dish had my sister and I fighting, quite literally, over the last few pieces!

We also ordered the Beef Ball Bee Hoon Soup ($3/$4/$5). I’m not kidding when I say that these are the best beef balls I’ve EVER tried in Singapore. The firm and tasty beef balls are made by hand daily. Boiled for long hours with beef and pork ribs, the soup carried a lovely fragrance that whetted our appetite and made our mouth water, even before we tried it. The soup was light, but extremely flavourful. The excellent chilli sauce was bold, spicy, and aromatic, and complemented the beef balls perfectly. What a satisfying bowl of noodles!

The Beef House also serves Hakka Yong Tau Foo ($3/$4). You won’t be able to choose the ingredients as they are fixed. The handmade yong tau foo pieces are prepared daily, and the freshness is evident in every bite. The filling for each item was very well seasoned. I especially enjoyed the mushroom and bittergourd. The soup, which is made with soy beans, was so comforting. It was not at all oily despite the fried pieces swimming in it. This dish is perfect for those craving for something light, yet delicious.

I really enjoyed every dish and I can’t wait to be back!

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

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